Join the celebration and learn the science of the solstice! The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum will be honoring the summer solstice with a day and night of activities at both of our locations on June 23.
At the Museum in Washington, DC
Daytime Programs (10:30 am to 4:00 pm)
Explore the science of the solstice with activities for all ages:
- Learn how the solstice works at a free planetarium show at 10:30 am.
- Use our solar telescopes to observe the Sun if the sky is clear.
- Discover more about our star during story time at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm
- Participate in a hands-on activity about the seasons.
Open Late and Game Night at the Museum in DC (7:00 pm to midnight)
To celebrate the summer solstice, the Museum on the National Mall, along with many other Smithsonian museums, is staying open until midnight! Stop by for late-night exploring of America's favorite museum.
What are seasons like on other worlds? What happens at Chichén Itzá on the equinoxes? Join us for an evening of solstice- and solar system-themed trivia. Show off your knowledge of the movement of celestial worlds!
Catch a free "Science of the Solstice" planetarium show in the Albert Einstein Planetarium at 8 pm and 10 pm.
Solstice Star Party (7:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Cool off from the competition by stepping outside for stargazing at the Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory, weather permitting. Observe planets, the Moon, and other objects in space through our telescopes.
At the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Daytime Programs (10:30 am to 4:00 pm)
Explore the science of the solstice with activities for all ages:
- Learn how the solstice works at a free planetarium show.
- Use our solar telescopes to observe the Sun if the sky is clear (12:00 to 3:00 pm)
- Discover more about our star during story time.
- Participate in a hands-on activity about the seasons.
Reels on the Ramp -- Family Movie Night (Doors open at 8:00 pm; movie begins at 9:00 pm)
Enjoy a family movie night under the stars while watching a movie on the Udvar-Hazy Center's outdoor airplane ramp. This is the inaugural screening of our Reels on the Ramp series. Doors open at 8:00 pm and the movie will start at 9:00 pm. Bring chairs, blankets, and insect repellant. Learn more.
*Please note that the Udvar-Hazy Center will close at normal time (5:30 pm) and visitors will not have access to the inside of the museum during Reels on the Ramp.