Experience a night to remember at Lick Observatory!
Our Evenings with the Stars programs are held annually as part of our Summer Series. Each year we bring world-renowned astronomers to the summit of Mount Hamilton for a night with the “stars” you won’t forget!
The 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
We wholeheartedly embrace the curiosity of children in astronomy and strive to foster their interest. However, due to the nature of our events, we advise that children be at least 8 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
Lick Observatory Evening with the Stars 2024 public event dates
Doors open 1 hour before the event begins. Numbered telescope viewing passes will be distributed in the order that guests come through the door.
Tickets
General Admission: $29 with fees you pay $32.78 per person (8 years and older)
Preferred Admission (June 14 & 28, July 12, August 9 & 23): $39 with fees you pay $43.45 per person (8 years and older)
- Preferred ticket holders enjoy the general admission events plus:
- Preferred viewing through the 36″ Great Refractor.
- Preferred viewing through the Nickel Telescope.
VIP (June 15, July 26, and August 24 only): $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 17, 2024 at noon on Eventbrite.
There is a limit of 4 tickets per customer.
- COVID-19 safety protocols may change according to the conditions in Santa Clara County and the University of California Santa Cruz policies to ensure the safety of visitors, staff and volunteers. Ticket purchasers will be notified of the current safety protocols and masking rules shortly before the event.
- By purchasing a ticket, you agree to abide by the COVID policies in place at the time of the event.
Important 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.
All events take place at the Main Building visitor center. Directions and parking
