2025 Summer Series Public Events are being planned! Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday April 16th 2025 at Noon!
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Evening with the Stars. Photo (c) Laurie Hatch.

Experience a night to remember at Lick Observatory!

Lick Observatory hosts world-renowned astronomers at the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the “stars” you won’t forget! Enjoy a fascinating astronomy lecture and experience breathtaking views through the historic 36-inch Great Lick and 40-inch Nickel telescopes.

The general event activities include:

  • Astronomy talk by “star” scientists
  • Viewing through the historic 36-inch Great Lick Refractor telescope
  • Viewing through the 40-inch Nickel Reflector telescope
  • Fascinating history talk about Lick Observatory
  • After-hours gift shop access
  • Astronomy discussions with amateur astronomers and viewing through small telescopes

See below for details on additional benefits for  Preferred and VIP ticket options

Lick Observatory Evening with the Stars 2025 Event Dates

Date

Ticket Types

Start Time
June 13, 2025 General & Preferred begins at 7:30 pm
June 14, 2025 General begins at 7:30 pm
June 14, 2025 VIP tickets available begins at 5:30 pm
July 11, 2025 General & Preferred begins at 7:30 pm
July 25, 2025 General & Preferred begins at 7:30 pm
August 8, 2025 General & Preferred begins at 7:30 pm
August 22, 2025 General & Preferred begins at 7:30 pm
August 23, 2025 General begins at 7:30 pm
August 23, 2025 VIP tickets available begins at 5:30 pm

Tickets

General Admission: $29 with fees you pay $32.78 per person

Preferred Admission: $39 with fees you pay $43.45 per person

  • Preferred ticket holders enjoy the general admission events plus:
  • Preferred viewing through the 36″ Great Refractor.
  • Preferred viewing through the Nickel Telescope.

VIP: $169 with fees you pay $182.17 per person

  • VIP ticket holders enjoy the general admission events plus:
  • Private group tour of the Shane Telescope starting 2.5 hours before the event.
  • Catered buffet dinner in our historic Dining Hall.
  • Priority seating at the Astronomy Lecture.
  • Priority viewing through the 36″ Great Refractor.
  • Priority viewing through the Nickel Telescope.
  • 20% Discount at our gift shop.

Tickets always sell out fast!

Tickets will be available to the general public starting Wednesday April 16, 2025 at noon on Eventbrite.
There is a limit of 4 tickets per customer.
EARLY TICKETS: Join our Friends of Lick Observatory (FoLO) membership program by March 1st, 2025. Members get special access to purchase tickets one week before the general public. Please email tickets@ucolick.org if you have any questions.
Due to the nature of our events, we advise that children be at least 12 years old to participate. We trust parents and caregivers to use their judgment in determining the suitability of purchasing a ticket for their child. Certain elements of the Evening with the Stars event may not be feasible due to the event’s duration, late hours, and safety regulations for the telescope. If you have any questions please contact us: tickets@ucolick.org

 

Ticket Information

Doors open 1 hour before the concert begins. Numbered telescope viewing passes will be distributed in the order that guests come through the door.

Due to the historic construction of the telescope domes and safety concerns, the 36-inch Great Refractor Telescope and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope are not wheelchair accessible at this time. Those who have difficulty navigating stairs may also find the telescopes inaccessible. Funds are being raised to repair the elevating floor of the Lick 36-inch telescope to re-enable handicap access. Please contact Natasha Pedroza at nbpedroza@ucolick.org if you would like more information about supporting these or any other fundraising efforts.

Tickets are refundable 48 hours prior to the event. Please be advised that unpredictable weather patterns may restrict telescope viewings, though lectures and other activities will still take place. Please email tickets@ucolick.org if you have any questions.
Driving to Lick Observatory

Please allow a one-hour drive from San Jose. The road is good, but windy. The event typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours; prepare to drive home late in the evening. Parking is limited at the Observatory, so we encourage carpooling. There are no automative services or gas stations for 20 miles, so please plan ahead. See more information on driving directions and parking here.

Recommended Attire

Casual, comfortable clothing and walking shoes.  It can get surprisingly cold and windy after dark, so a sweater or coat is recommended.

Safety

Please be careful when walking around in the dark outside; bringing a flashlight is recommended. Children under age 8 are not allowed at this event, and it may be unsuitable for children under the age of 12 due to late hours.

Telescopes

The large telescopes will be available for viewing as soon as the sky is dark. Telescopes will remain open until every guest has had an opportunity to see through both the 36-inch Great Refractor and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope.

In order to view through the telescopes, guests will receive a numbered pass at the door. Guests with the lowest telescope numbers are admitted to the telescopes first – so we recommend getting to the observatory early!

Please note: Due to the historic construction of the telescope domes, the 36-inch Refractor and the 40-inch Nickel Telescope are not wheelchair accessible at this time.

Volunteer amateur astronomers also set up small telescopes in the back parking so guests can view additional cosmic objects.

Gift Shop

Lick Observatory souvenirs and astronomy merchandise will be available for purchase between 7:30 to 11:30 p.m at the gift shop. You can also visit our gift shop online 24/7.

Refreshments

Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase at the refreshment table and gift shop. Vending machines and fountain water are also available.

Assistance

We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs) by emailing tickets@ucolick.org, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Venue Map

All events take place at the Main Building visitor center.  Directions and parking

Mailing List

Join the Summer Series mailing list to get updates on when events are scheduled, when tickets will go on sale, and announcements of new programs.