Public Shows for All!
Explore the universe weekly at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium!
General Show Schedule
- Wonderstruck Wednesdays at 7p - FREE shows for all
- Fridays at 7p - Live guided tours of the universe (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
- Saturdays at 2p - Family Show! Pre-recorded shows that are ideal for families (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
- Saturdays at 7p - General Public Show! Pre-recorded shows for all ages (includes a tour of Tonight's Sky)
- Sensory Friendly Shows - the 2nd Saturday of the month at 4p
Ticket Prices and Information
- $8 - Adults (age 13-59)
- $5 - Children (age 3-12), Seniors (age 60+), UMD Students (must show student ID)
- Free - Children age 2 and under
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, use the link below.
Upcoming Show Schedule
Shows are scheduled a month at a time. The next months schedule will be posted about a week before the start of the month. Tickets for the next month's shows will also go live a week prior to the start of the month. You can find show descriptions below the calendar.
Show Descriptions
Wonderstruck Wednesdays at 7p - FREE Shows
Shows last about 30 minutes. Seats are first come, first served and may fill up fast. Doors open at 6:30p.
- Aug 26th: Minnesota Water Stories: What does water mean to you? What do you know about the issues facing water in Minnesota? What can you do to help keep Minnesota waters safe and clean? Minnesota Water Stories transports you around the state to see the beautiful views of rivers and lakes in Minnesota, watch scientists in action, and explore opportunities to help protect our most precious resource.
- Sept 2nd: Exploring the August Sky: I wonder...what we can see in the night sky this month? Explore this months sky with us as we go through the planets and constellations visible as well as discussing upcoming astronomical events like meteor showers or eclipses.
- Sept 9th: Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society: I wonder...what the Arrowhead Astronomical Society is up to? Enjoy a presentation from a member of our local amateur astronomy group - the Arrowhead Astronomical Society. If you are interested in joining, the monthly club meeting will take place right after the show.
- Sept 16th: Mythbusters: Astronomy: I wonder...are seasons caused by our distance from the Sun? Can you really only balance an egg on the Spring Equinox? What about the Moon, is there a dark side? Join us as we bust some astronomy myths in this fun trivia show for all ages!
- Sept 23rd: Mission to Mars: I wonder...how have we explored Mars? What does it take to get to and land on the red planet? And what have we learned from these expeditions? Join us as we take a look at the history of missions to Mars!
- Sept 30th: Exploring Dark Skies: I wonder...what we can see in our dark MN skies? Exploring Dark Skies is a live, interactive show and full-dome theater presentation! Learn about traditional star gazing and the cultural context behind the cosmos. This custom show will feature some interesting connections between the stars we see and light pollution. This show has something for curious stargazers of all ages. This show is part of Duluth Celebrate the Night Sky Week organized by Starry Skies North.
Fridays at 7p - Live Guided Tours of the Universe
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30p.
Every Friday in September except 9/18: Expedition: Moons: Our solar system has over 150 moons! Hop in the MWAP spaceship and we’ll explore some of the most interesting moons our solar system has to offer. There’s a moon full of volcanoes, another with a giant ocean, and so much more! Join us as we set out on Expedition: Moons.
Saturdays at 2p - Family Program
These shows are perfect for families with kids, but can be enjoyed by all ages!
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 1:30p.
Every Saturday in September: Two Small Pieces of Glass: Join two students as they explore with a female astronomer at a local star party. Along the way, the students learn the history of the telescope from Galileo’s modifications to a child’s spyglass — using two small pieces of glass — to the launch of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the future of astronomy. Aiming to engage and appeal to audiences of all ages, the show explores the wonder and discovery made by astronomers throughout the last 400 years. Closed captions available upon request.
Enjoy a sensory friendly showing on September 12th at 4p.
Saturdays at 7p - Feature Program
Shows last about an hour and include a tour of Tonight's Sky. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Doors open at 6:30p.
Every Saturday in September: Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity: No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson. Closed captions available upon request.
Show Information
- Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.
- There is no food or drinks allowed in the planetarium.
- Please have proof of purchase (email confirmation) ready to show at the door. UMD students will also be required to show their Student ID.
- Parking information here
Gift Certificates
You can now purchase gift certificates! These can be used towards admission to Friday and Saturday shows or for items in our gift shop.