Public Programs at Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory's grounds, exhibits, and telescopes are open and free to the public each day the building is open. The Observatory also offers programs, special events, and public star parties.

Click on each of the titles below for more details on the public programs offered by the Observatory.

Calendar

For a listing of upcoming special activities and events, just click on the word "Calendar" above.
The Observatory is open six days a week:

Weekdays (Tuesday-Friday)
Open Noon - 10:00 p.m.

Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)
Open 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Mondays
Closed

NOTE: The Observatory will be OPEN on Friday, July 3 (Independence Day Holiday), Wednesday, November 11 (Veteran's Day), and Friday, November 27 (Day after Thanksgiving).

NOTE: The Observatory will be CLOSED on all Monday holidays (Cesar Chavez Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day), as well as on Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) and Friday, December 25 (Christmas Day).

Samuel Oschin Planetarium

Griffith Observatory offers three planetarium shows each day the Observatory is open:

Centered in the Universe
Water Is Life
First Light: The Telescope Changed Everything

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and $3 for children between 5 - 12 years old. Children under 5 are admitted to the first show of the day, only, and must sit on an adult’s lap. FOTO members receive a discounted rate of $5. Tickets may only be purchased at the Observatory on the day of the show. Hearing assist devices are available upon request.

Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon

Each day the Observatory is open, free programs are offered hourly in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. The 27-minute film, The Once and Future Griffith Observatory.

Every month on the first Friday, the live update program, All Space Considered, is offered free to the public at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: Admission is FREE for these programs. Seating is provided on a walk-in, first come, first served basis. Hearing assist devices and/or open captioning are available upon request.

Special Events

The Observatory periodically hosts special events associated with celestial events, space program milestones (launches and landings), important anniversaries, and visits by distinguished scientists.

Public Star Parties

The Los Angeles Astronomical Society (LAAS) and the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers bring their telescopes to the great lawn and sidewalks of Griffith Observatory each month for a public star party. The event runs from 2:00 p.m. until closing one Saturday a month, and is free and open to the public.