Paint & Sip: Meteor Magic - Spray Paint the Perseids
2025-08-14 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles)
Buy Tickets

$45 Adults 21+
This unique Paint & Sip event invites guests to step outdoors and embrace the beauty of the August night sky through the art of spray painting. Under the guidance of our instructors, guests will create cosmic scenes inspired by shooting stars and celestial wonders.

Paint Workshop: Spray Paint the Perseids
In this unique, hands-on outdoor experience, guests will create their own cosmic art using spray paint. The design will focus on learning about the Perseid Meteor Shower with celestial streaks of light across a night sky.

Astronomy Presentation: Perseid Meteor Shower and Cosmic Wonders
Learn about the Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year, and discover how to spot meteors in the night sky. Explore the mythology of Perseus, the hero whose name the Perseid Shower takes after, and the connection between stars and storytelling. Dive into fun facts about constellations visible in August, such as Perseus, Aquarius, and Sagittarius.

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate August 16th
2025-08-16 17:00 - 20:30
Tickets – Easy Hike 5 PM
Tickets – Moderate Hike 6:30 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature, history, and stargazing with Hike & Sip, a program designed for adults 21 and over. Explore the majestic Redwood forest, guided by Chabot’s knowledgeable outdoor educators, and learn about the ecosystem, the cultural heritage of the Ohlone peoples, and Oakland’s rich history.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset hike with two options to suit your pace:
Easy Hike: 5:00 PM, approximately 1.5 miles, ±150 ft gain, 60-75 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 4:40 PM for check in.
Moderate Hike: 6:30 PM, approximately 2-3 miles, ±230-410 ft gain, 90-120 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 6:10 PM for check in.
After your hike, unwind on Chabot’s Observation Deck with drinks and charcuterie. End the night with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting) and star stories brought to life under the night skies.
Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages) and refreshments. This program is for adults 21+.
For a comfortable experience, we recommend wearing layers, sturdy shoes, and bringing a water bottle, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight for evening hikes.
Additional Information
Hikes may be canceled due to severe weather or low enrollment. In such cases, tickets will be refunded or rescheduled. Tickets may also be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Animals are not permitted on hikes.
To participate, complete our Hiking Waiver & Consent Form prior to arrival, and bring your ticket(s) for easy check-in.
Group Hikes
Private group hikes can be arranged by contacting groupsales@chabotspace.org.
Join us for a unique adventure combining scenic trails, fascinating stories, and a starry evening you won’t forget!

Advanced reservations are encouraged as our hikes sell out quickly.
In the event of severe weather or other natural conditions that prevent access, reservations will be rescheduled.
Chabot reserves the right to cancel hikes due to low enrollment.
There are no refunds or cancellations for those who are unable to attend. Tickets may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours advance notice providing there is still ample available on a future date.

The Sun: Our Living Star
2025-08-17 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-22 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-24 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-08-31 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-05 12:00 - 13:00 and 8 more dates
25 min
Ages 6 and up, Adults
The Sun has shone on our world for four and a half billion years. The light that warms our skin today has been felt by every person who has ever lived. It is our nearest star and our planet’s powerhouse, the source of the energy that drives our winds, our weather and all life.
The passage of the Sun’s fiery disc across the sky — day by day, month by month — was the only way to keep track of time for countless past civilizations. Don’t be fooled by the terminology; although it is a typical dwarf star, the Sun consumes 600 million tons of hydrogen each second and is 500 times as massive as all the planets combined.
Discover the secrets of our star in this planetarium show and experience never-before-seen images of the Sun’s violent surface in immersive fulldome format. Our team has worked with some of the most talented planetarium producers to bring you this visually striking planetarium show about the most important star in our lives.

Mexica Archeoastronomy
2025-08-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-24 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-08-31 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-07 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-14 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-21 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-28 15:00 - 16:00
20 min, 8 and up
Through impressive scenarios, “Mexica Archaeoastronomy: between space and time” illustrates the important role played by astronomical observation for the evolution of pre-Hispanic cultures in central Mexico.

Electrolaze: Beatles Laser Show
2025-08-17 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-08-24 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-08-31 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-07 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-14 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-21 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-28 15:45 - 16:45
30 minutes
Enjoy a laser show filled with stunning visual art! Different themes include Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Holiday and more!

Worlds of Curiosity
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-06 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-13 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-19 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-20 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-26 13:00 - 14:00 and 7 more dates
(15 min) Worlds of Curiosity dives into the questions of “What it would be like to live on an Earth with no Moon?” or “What if the Earth was tilted on its side, like the planet Uranus?”

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate August 23rd
2025-08-23 17:00 - 20:30

5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
2025-08-31 12:00 - 13:00
(30 min) 5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI is a full dome film about the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) which is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe using a unique instrument which can measure the spectra of many galaxies at once. Experience the largest structures in the universe as never seen before by flying through a portion of DESI’s initial data. Dive into modern cosmology, plus the scientific background and motivation for building a Fiske Planetarium large map of galaxies. And, take a trip to Kitt Peak to see footage of the telescope in action while getting to know the amazing people from all over the world making this research possible

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate August 31st
2025-08-31 17:00 - 20:30
Tickets – Easy Hike 5 PM
Tickets – Moderate Hike 6:30 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature and history with Hike & Sip, a program designed for adults 21 and over. Explore the majestic Redwood forest, guided by Chabot’s knowledgeable outdoor educators, and learn about the ecosystem, the cultural heritage of the Ohlone peoples, and Oakland’s rich history.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset hike with two options to suit your pace:
Easy Hike: 5:00 PM, approximately 1.5 miles, ±150 ft gain, 60-75 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 4:40 PM for check in.
Moderate Hike: 6:30 PM, approximately 2-3 miles, ±230-410 ft gain, 90-120 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 6:10 PM for check in.
Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages) and refreshments. This program is for adults 21+.
For a comfortable experience, we recommend wearing layers, sturdy shoes, and bringing a water bottle, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight for evening hikes.
Additional Information
Hikes may be canceled due to severe weather or low enrollment. In such cases, tickets will be refunded or rescheduled. Tickets may also be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Animals are not permitted on hikes.
To participate, complete our Hiking Waiver & Consent Form prior to arrival, and bring your ticket(s) for easy check-in.
Group Hikes
Private group hikes can be arranged by contacting groupsales@chabotspace.org.
Join us for a unique adventure combining scenic trails, fascinating stories, and a starry evening you won’t forget!

Advanced reservations are encouraged as our hikes sell out quickly.
In the event of severe weather or other natural conditions that prevent access, reservations will be rescheduled.
Chabot reserves the right to cancel hikes due to low enrollment.
There are no refunds or cancellations for those who are unable to attend. Tickets may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours advance notice providing there is still ample available on a future date.

First Friday: Close Encounters
2025-09-05 18:00 - 22:00
Buy Tickets

$10 adults, $5 kids and seniors, and FREE for Members
All-ages, family-friendly

Are we alone in the universe? Or could there be other forms of life out there, waiting far away in the vast expanse of space? Hear from researchers, astrobiologists and astronomers on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and distant exoplanets that could sustain it. Show off your best out-of-this-world attire by wearing your best alien-themed costume, engage in hands-on alien crafts then take a trip across the universe in our Planetarium – who knows what could be lurking among the stars?

Timed Activities
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Decoding Images from Space
Become a space detective and uncover the hidden stories in real astronomical images.
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Secret Signals
Try your hand at cracking mysterious codes, just like scientists searching the skies for messages from beyond.
6:00 – 9:00PM | Lab 1
Disappearing Messages
Write and reveal secret notes using light and science—perfect for a would-be alien.
6:30PM | Planetarium
Worlds Beyond Earth
(25m) What have 50 years of space exploration taught us about the planets and moons closest to us? With each probe and spacecraft launched into the unknown, scientists discover more about the surprisingly dynamic, active, and varied nature of the worlds that share our solar system, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique conditions that make life on our home planet possible.
6:30pm | Meet at Classroom 2
LifeQuest: Searching for Life in Chabot’s Backyard
What makes life…alive? Join Chabot educators on a short, guided walk as we scavenge for living (and non-living) things under the shade of Chabot’s majestic telescopes. Together, we will create a shared definition for life on Earth and dive into the search for extraterrestrial life in the cosmos.
6:30 – 8:30PM | Studio 3
Career Access Youth Showcase: Exploring the Sun with MUSE
Discover how science communicators are opening windows into the mysteries of our star! Join the Galaxy Explorers as they share hands-on demonstrations inspired by NASA’s upcoming MUSE (Multi-slit Solar Explorer) mission. Explore how astronomers use spectroscopy to decode sunlight, investigate the Sun’s magnetism and energy, and uncover the cutting-edge technologies that make solar research possible. Through interactive activities, these youth leaders will connect visitors to the real science behind space weather, solar flares, and the future of solar exploration.
6:30 – 9:30PM | Observation Deck
SIPREME Hot Chocolate
Stop by SIPREME Chocolate of Alameda for a steaming cup of out-of-this-world hot chocolate, right outside of Chabot’s historic telescopes! The perfect beverage for chilly nights staring up at the heavens! This is no ordinary hot chocolate — it’s made with shaved chocolate bar, giving it added richness and depth. Four fabulous flavors will be available in either 2% or oat milk. For more information about SIPREME, visit www.sipremechocolate.com.
7:00 & 8:00PM | Mezzanine
Interstellar Intruders with Astro Everywhere
Our Solar System is currently host to some interstellar visitors – not aliens, but comets from another star! Learn about our own cometary population and what makes these visitors different and scientifically fascinating in a 20-minute live planetarium show.
Astro Everywhere brings the astronomy to YOU! From breaking astronomy headlines to telescopes or a planetarium at events, Astro Everywhere tries to connect Bay Area audiences with the night sky and the universe beyond it.
7:30PM | Planetarium
The Sky Tonight: Live Zeiss Show with East Bay Astronomical Society
Explore the cosmos as a Chabot Astronomer leads you through the galaxy using a Zeiss Universarium Mark VIII Star Projector.
7:30 – 10:00PM | Lab 2
Telescope Makers Workshop with East Bay Astronomical Society
Open to all ages, the Telescope Makers’ Workshop is an all-volunteer group committed to helping people build their own telescopes. Drop in to see what they are up to.
7:30-10:30PM | Observation Deck
Telescopes/Domes Open*
*In case of bad weather, the domes will not be open for viewing
8:00PM | Theater
ARE WE ALONE? with Dr. Pascal Lee
Are we alone in the universe? In recent years, scientists have made amazing discoveries about distant planets, the origins of life on Earth, and the possibility of interstellar travel. These breakthroughs are helping researchers to reevaluate just how likely it is that humans will ever make contact with intelligent extraterrestrial lifeforms. Join Dr. Pascal Lee of the SETI Institute as he takes us on a journey through the cosmos to understand the likelihood of finding life out there, and why advanced civilizations like our own may be exceedingly rare.
8:30PM | Observation Deck
Star Stories*In addition to the Greek and Roman Classical Myths, you’ll hear Native American stories, as well as lore from India, Ancient Egypt, Viking Scandinavia, Ghana, Pacific Islands such as Hawaii, Kenya, and who knows where else?
*In case of bad weather, Star Stories will be moved inside.

9:00PM | Planetarium
5000 Eyes: Mapping the Universe with DESI
(30m) The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) is creating the most detailed map of our nearby universe. Installed on the Mayall telescope on Kitt Peak in Southern Arizona, DESI’s 5000 independently operated robots can measure the light from thousands of galaxies at once. Join us as we explore the science, instrument, and people behind this global endeavor.

Ongoing Experiences
Berkeley Public Library… from Sighting to Encounter | Rotunda
Make contact with Berkeley Public Library! Get a library card! Discover library programs and materials, make astral-themed buttons and paper crafts, and take-home free BPL giveaways!
Ask-An-Alien Talkback Wall | Studio 3
If you came face-to-face with an alien from outer space, what would you want to know? Come leave a question for an extraterrestrial with this interactive exhibit!
Galaxy Photobooth | Astrolight – Studio 2
Capture a memory against the backdrop of a glowing galaxy! Pose with props & snap a picture for your socials. Don’t forget to tag @chabotspace on Instagram!
Concessions | Cafe
Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the Café, and a specialty cocktail and mocktail will be sold at the bar, along with beer and wine.

Sunstruck
2025-09-06 12:00 - 13:00
Sunstruck
21 minutes
All ages
Explore the sun in all its glory in this fulldome show. Sunstruck takes us on a journey to discover the wonders of our magnificent sun and investigate how our star has supported life on Earth for millennia. This program includes information on the structure of our sun, the source of its energy, and how solar activity impacts our world.
Michigan Science Center

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate September 6th
2025-09-06 17:00 - 20:30

Electrolaze: Laser Zeppelin
2025-09-07 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-14 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-21 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-09-28 15:45 - 16:45
30-45 minutes
Enjoy a laser show filled with stunning visual art! Different themes include Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Holiday and more!

Unveiling the Invisible Universe
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00
Unveiling the Invisible Universe
28 minutes
Ages 8 and up
For thousands of years humans observed the light coming from the night sky with their eyes. In the beginning of the 17th century, the invention of the telescope revolutionized our knowledge of the Universe. Finally, in the 20th century with the advent of rockets, it became possible to go above the Earth’s atmosphere and observe X-ray and gamma ray radiation which are the marks of the hot and violent Universe. But it is not only light that can give us information about the cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information. Finally, the detection by the LIGO experiment of gravitational waves from two merging black holes opened a new window in astrophysics. This fulldome show presents images of the cosmos as revealed by all these different messengers.

When Things Collide
2025-09-12 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-10 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-17 15:00 - 16:00
When Things Collide
31 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Movies, mythology, and popular culture paint many pictures of the ways that our world might end. How does science shed light on world-ending planetary disruptions past and future? We’ll fly to celestial sites of devastation and disaster, exploring how these events shape our Universe, and could even threaten life on Earth.

Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

Family Nature Adventures: Discover the Secrets of Local Owls!
2025-09-13 10:30 - 12:30
Buy Tickets

$25 Adult, $35 Youth 3-8, Members receive $10 off
Your tickets include admission to the Center for the day – a $19-24 value!

Step into the magical world of owls during this month’s adventure! Dive into the habits, calls, and diets of local owls. Experience hands-on science as you dissect owl pellets to uncover the mysteries of their meals. Bring your own binoculars or use our child-sized pairs as you join a guided stroll through the redwood forest to search for signs of these majestic birds in their natural habitat. Experience the wonder of the forest and leave with a newfound appreciation for these fascinating creatures. Adventure is calling—don’t miss out!

Phantom of the Universe
2025-09-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-09-27 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-04 15:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-11 15:00 - 16:00
Phantom of the Universe: The Hunt For Dark Matter
25 minutes
Ages 8 and up
An exciting exploration of dark matter, from the Big Bangto its anticipated discovery at the Large Hadron Collider. The show will reveal the first hints ofits existence through the eyes of Fritz Zwicky, the scientist who coined the term “dark matter”. This show is narrated by Tilda Swinton.
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate September 13th
2025-09-13 17:00 - 20:30
Tickets – Easy Hike 5 PM
Tickets – Moderate Hike 6:30 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature, history, and stargazing with Hike & Sip, a program designed for adults 21 and over. Explore the majestic Redwood forest, guided by Chabot’s knowledgeable outdoor educators, and learn about the ecosystem, the cultural heritage of the Ohlone peoples, and Oakland’s rich history.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset hike with two options to suit your pace:
Easy Hike: 5:00 PM, approximately 1.5 miles, ±150 ft gain, 60-75 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 4:40 PM for check in.
Moderate Hike: 6:30 PM, approximately 2-3 miles, ±230-410 ft gain, 90-120 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 6:10 PM for check in.
Join us for a special edition of 6:30PM Moderate Hike & Sip with special guest, Naturalist Michael Charnofsky.
Michael worked for 12 years as a Naturalist for the Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School, which included leading many night hikes. For the past 19 years he has worked as a Naturalist for the East Bay Regional Park District, and he loves collaborating with Chabot Space & Science Center.
After your hike, unwind on Chabot’s Observation Deck with drinks and charcuterie. End the night with stargazing through telescopes (weather permitting) and star stories brought to life under the night skies.
Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages) and refreshments. This program is for adults 21+.
For a comfortable experience, we recommend wearing layers, sturdy shoes, and bringing a water bottle, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight for evening hikes.
Additional Information
Hikes may be canceled due to severe weather or low enrollment. In such cases, tickets will be refunded or rescheduled. Tickets may also be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Animals are not permitted on hikes.
To participate, complete our Hiking Waiver & Consent Form prior to arrival, and bring your ticket(s) for easy check-in.
Group Hikes
Private group hikes can be arranged by contacting groupsales@chabotspace.org.
Join us for a unique adventure combining scenic trails, fascinating stories, and a starry evening you won’t forget!

Advanced reservations are encouraged as our hikes sell out quickly.
In the event of severe weather or other natural conditions that prevent access, reservations will be rescheduled.
Chabot reserves the right to cancel hikes due to low enrollment.
There are no refunds or cancellations for those who are unable to attend. Tickets may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours advance notice providing there is still ample available on a future date.

Mars: The Ultimate Voyage
2025-09-14 11:00 - 12:00
(25 min) Ever wondered what it will take for astronauts to travel to the Moon, Mars and beyond? On this long journey, what challenges will astronauts face? How will they stay motivated and healthy on their spacecraft so far away from Earth? The new, Bell original planetarium show Mars: The Ultimate Voyage, explores these questions and more. Ages 8 and up.
The work for the original planetarium production was funded by a NASA Teams Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) Award 80NSSC20M0028 to the Bell Museum through the Regents of the University of Minnesota.

Ohlone Skies (mur taaraxtak)
2025-09-26 15:00 - 16:00
(40 Min) Developed in partnership and solidarity with Cafe Ohlone, mur taaraxtak, or Ohlone Skies, weaves science and storytelling into a rich tapestry of Indigenous Ohlone knowledge, heritage, and history deeply rooted right here in the Oakland hills.

Hike & Sip: Easy & Moderate September 28th
2025-09-28 17:00 - 20:30
Tickets – Easy Hike 5 PM
Tickets – Moderate Hike 6:30 PM

Experience an unforgettable evening of nature, history, and stargazing with Hike & Sip, a program designed for adults 21 and over. Explore the majestic Redwood forest, guided by Chabot’s knowledgeable outdoor educators, and learn about the ecosystem, the cultural heritage of the Ohlone peoples, and Oakland’s rich history.
Enjoy a beautiful sunset hike with two options to suit your pace:
Easy Hike: 5:00 PM, approximately 1.5 miles, ±150 ft gain, 60-75 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 4:40 PM for check in.
Moderate Hike: 6:30 PM, approximately 2-3 miles, ±230-410 ft gain, 90-120 minutes. Please plan to arrive at 6:10 PM for check in.
Tickets are $40 per person and include two drink tickets (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverages) and refreshments. This program is for adults 21+.
For a comfortable experience, we recommend wearing layers, sturdy shoes, and bringing a water bottle, mosquito repellent, and a flashlight for evening hikes.
Additional Information
Hikes may be canceled due to severe weather or low enrollment. In such cases, tickets will be refunded or rescheduled. Tickets may also be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice, subject to availability. Animals are not permitted on hikes.
To participate, complete our Hiking Waiver & Consent Form prior to arrival, and bring your ticket(s) for easy check-in.
Group Hikes
Private group hikes can be arranged by contacting groupsales@chabotspace.org.
Join us for a unique adventure combining scenic trails, fascinating stories, and a starry evening you won’t forget!

Advanced reservations are encouraged as our hikes sell out quickly.
In the event of severe weather or other natural conditions that prevent access, reservations will be rescheduled.
Chabot reserves the right to cancel hikes due to low enrollment.
There are no refunds or cancellations for those who are unable to attend. Tickets may be rescheduled with at least 48 hours advance notice providing there is still ample available on a future date.

Members Only Telescope Viewing
2025-09-28 20:00 - 22:00
Get a Closer Look at the Stars!
2025 First Glance Series
Members Only Telescope Viewing on the Observation Deck
Free admission – Members only
Unlock the mysteries of the universe at these quarterly Members Only stargazing events. Don’t miss this cozy cosmic experience with telescopes and hot chocolate. Members of all ages will observe the wonders of the cosmos through our historical telescopes, offering a rare chance to see celestial sights with expert guidance from members of the Eastbay Astronomical Society.

Featured Talk
Exploding Stars, Dark Energy, and the Runaway Universe by Jeffrey Silverman
Some of the most energetic and fascinating objects in the Universe are exploding stars known as supernova. These huge outbursts come from the violent deaths of stars and can become brighter than the entire galaxy in which they’re found. Observations of distant supernova were the first evidence that the expansion of the Universe is speeding up with time, instead of slowing down. This totally unexpected behavior is likely due to “dark energy”, which is one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in modern science.

Become a Member
Want in on the stargazing? Become a Chabot Member and enjoy exclusive perks like our First Glance telescope viewings, free admission, and unique experiences throughout the year.
Join Today

Universal
2025-10-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-17 13:00 - 14:00
Universal
12 minutes
All ages
Fly through the heart of an ancient cluster of stars, and take a swing around the luminous remains of a dying star. Cruise by alien planets that orbit a nearby star, surf past the brilliant rings of Saturn, and more. ‘Universal’ is a quick un-narrated voyage through the universe that carries the viewer from the vast realm of intergalactic space to several stellar wonders of the Milky Way Galaxy through an intriguing and nearby extraterrestrial planetary system, and onward to home, to Earth. This show’s dialogue is all textual and is preferred for those hard of hearing.
Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

Aurora Storm
2025-10-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-18 12:00 - 13:00
Aurora Storm
11 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Aurora Storm explores the captivating northern lights and how different cultures and explorers have experienced them. Produced by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The show teaches about the causes of the aurorae and how humans who live beneath their shimmering light are inspired by what they see. Quotes from the written journals of past Arctic explorers and indigenous people share stories of how they regarded the aurorae.

ElectroLaze: Holiday
2025-10-05 08:00
These bright lights and infectious beats give new meaning to the old holiday light shows on the lawn!

FrightLight Halloween Laser Show
2025-10-05 15:45 - 16:45, 2025-10-12 15:45 - 16:45

Lunaverse
2025-10-09 00:00
16 minutes
All ages
“Lunaverse” explores the nature of Earth’s moon: its motion and phases, lunar and solar eclipses, tides, and the Moon’s origin. The story unfolds as a conversation between a curious young child and the Moon—Luna—over the course of a night, from moonrise to moonset.
Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

c360: Cosmic Dance
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00
35 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Got restless feet? You’re in good company: the Sun, Moon, planets and stars also have those ants in their pants and can’t keep their feet moving to the beat of their ageless cosmic dance. Two-step, tango, break dance, and dosey-doe your way across the solar system in this live immersive show! We’ll cover a few basics of the dance of the planets, whose motions across the sky puzzled and bewildered Earthly onlookers for millennia.
Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

Einstein's Gravity Playlist
2025-10-09 08:00 - 17:00
23 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Einstein’s Gravity Playlist is an original planetarium show that explores the ripples in space-time known as gravitational waves. Albert Einstein first predicted the existence of gravitational waves in 1916, and a century later, scientists detected these waves using incredibly precise laser technology here on Earth. In this show, viewers follow Lucia, a PhD student in physics, on an exploration of how gravitational waves are formed, how they move through the universe, and how scientists like her work to hear them.
Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

Family Nature Adventures: Spidey Spectacular – Adventures with Arachnids!
2025-10-11 10:30 - 12:30
Buy Tickets

$25 Adult, $35 Youth 3-8, Members receive $10 off
Your tickets include admission to the Center for the day – a $19-24 value!

Spin your way into the fascinating world of spiders and arachnids! This month’s adventure is packed with discovery and excitement: Learn all about native spiders, their incredible adaptations, and even how they behave in space. Grab a magnifying glass and set off into the redwood forest to find hidden spiders, marvel at their intricate webs, and explore their natural habitat. By the end of this adventure, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for these misunderstood eight-legged creatures and their vital role in the ecosystem. Adventure awaits—don’t miss out!

Waiting Far Away
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
10 minutes
All ages
An explorer of the cosmos has traveled too far…and can’t find home. Become lost on a journey through the majestic, humbling, and solitary beauty of space and time reimagined.
Charles Hayden Planetarium

World's Beyond Earth
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
25 minutes
Ages 6 and up
What have 50 years of space exploration taught us about the planets and moons closest to us? With each probe and spacecraft launched into the unknown, scientists discover more about the surprisingly dynamic, active, and varied nature of the worlds that share our solar system, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique conditions that make life on our home planet possible.
Based on authentic scientific data from groundbreaking space missions, Worlds Beyond Earth takes viewers on an exhilarating adventure through our cosmic neighborhood. Immersive visualizations showcase the solar system with unprecedented accuracy, including a landing on the cratered surface of our own Moon, a dramatic flight through the swirling rings of Saturn, and soaring encounters with distant worlds of active volcanoes and buried oceans. This film is narrated by Lupita Nyong’o.

Zodiac Tours
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
38 minutes
All ages
Come on a tour of the Zodiac, the group of ancient constellations visited by the Sun and planets as they wander along their roadway in the sky. Be dazzled by fabulous facts and fantastic fables of these notable star patterns, and discover what hidden celestial treasures they hold.

Chabot Space & Science Center in-house production

Maya Archeoastronomy
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
20 minutes
Ages 8 and up
In a feast of colors and sounds, Maya Archaeoastronomy: Observers of the Universe makes a tour of six Mayan temples: San Gervasio, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Edzná, Palenque and Bonampak where the spectator dives into a Mayan world of knowledge about the importance of the orientations of its temples in relation to the movement of some stars like the Sun, the Moon and Venus.

Big Astronomy
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
26 minutes
Ages 8 and up
Big Astronomy explores three observatories located in Chile, at extreme and remote places. It gives examples of the multitude of STEM careers needed to keep the great observatories working. The show is narrated by Barbara Rojas-Ayala, a Chilean astronomer.
California Academy of Sciences

Paint & Sip: Cosmic Hauntings
2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:30
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$45 Adults 21+
Celebrate the spooky season with a celestial twist at Chabot Space & Science Center’s “Cosmic Hauntings.” Guests will channel the eerie beauty of a Halloween night sky, painting ghostly nebulae, glowing moons, and shadowy silhouettes of cosmic phenomena. Enjoy Halloween-inspired cocktails, light snacks, and fascinating tales of spooky celestial myths and phenomena.
Paint Workshop: Ethereal Nebulae
Using glow in the dark paint, create swirling ghostly nebulae in eerie greens, purples, and blacks with glowing stars and shadowy edges.
Astronomy Presentation: Spooky Skies and Astronomical Myths
Listen to tales of ghost stars and eerie supernova remnants like the legend of the “Witch Head Nebula” and other celestial objects with spooky names. Learn about the Halloween Blue Moon phenomenon and its connection to folklore. Explore myths about constellations like Draco (the Dragon) and Perseus, tied to eerie tales.
