Celebrate National Astronomy Day with Hands-On Activities, Dome Shows, and Community Fun on Saturday, April 25
MENASHA, Wis. (April 22, 2026) — Winnebago County’s Barlow Planetarium, Wisconsin’s first major planetarium dedicated to sharing the wonders of the universe, will host its largest event of the year, National Astronomy Day, on Saturday, April 25.
This free, family-friendly celebration invites the Fox Cities community to explore space through interactive science activities, special planetarium shows and public voting in an astrophotography contest.
Guests can enjoy a wide range of hands-on educational activities, including a dedicated children’s activity area, a life-size model Mercury rocket, an egg drop contest, stomp rockets and interactive lunar and Martian crater-making stations. In partnership with NEWSTAR, telescope displays and solar scopes will also be available for public viewing, weather permitting.
National Astronomy Day schedule of immersive shows:
- 1 p.m. I The Great Space Chase (children’s show)
- 2:30 p.m. I Laser Pop (children’s show)
- 4 p.m. I Cosmic Colors (feature astronomy show)
- 6 p.m. I The Great Space Chase (children’s show)
- 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Free Telescope Viewing (Moon and planets with NEWSTAR, weather permitting)
- 7:30 p.m. I Cosmic Colors (feature astronomy show)
- 9 p.m. I Pink Floyd Double Feature (Fan-Favorite laser show)
“Our National Astronomy Day event is more than just a celebration of science; it’s an opportunity to spark curiosity and bring our community together,” said Teri Gee, PhD, planetarium manager at Barlow Planetarium. “National Astronomy Day was established to unite astronomy lovers and curious minds of all ages, offering everyone a chance to experience the universe together. We’re passionate about making astronomy accessible and creating experiences that inspire wonder for guests of all ages.”
Ticket information:
All activities are free. Tickets for planetarium shows are available now. Visit the Barlow Planetarium’s website at barlow.winnebagocountywi.gov/show-schedule for details on pricing and showtimes.
As one of the busiest stand-alone planetariums in the Midwest, Winnebago County’s Barlow Planetarium has been a cornerstone of immersive, astronomical education and entertainment in the region for over two decades. For more information, visit: https://barlow.winnebagocountywi.gov/.
