Public Programming: Weekends / Stars Tonight / Sundays for Scouts Program

APS Weekends will be updated here each month.

The next APS Weekend of the school year will be Saturday evening, January 10th, and Sunday afternoon, January 11th.

Saturday evening programs are at 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee programs are generally for children, occurring at 1:30 and 3:00 pm.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and seniors. Please note, at this time we can only accept cash ($20 bills and smaller) or checks and admission is first-come, first-served at the door. There are no advance reservations available at this time. Doors open 20 minutes prior to showtime.

Saturday, January 10th

Please join us at 6:00 pm to enjoy

Imagine the Moon– The Moon has been a source of wonder for all of human history. Each discovery has brought new opportunities to contemplate and imagine, until, driven by dreams, we left Earth and went there in the amazing journeys that culminated in astronauts walking on the Moon. People have imagined the Moon as a glowing disk in the sky, a destination in space, and a world that shares its origin with the Earth. The power of human imagination continues to inspire our relationship with the Moon as our partner in space and companion in our sky. CC available upon request.

After the show, join us for a look at the night sky from Arlington projected onto the dome.

Or, please join us at 7:30 pm for Legends of the Starry Realm.

Enjoy some of the most famous sky legends of old brought to life with new artwork. Ride through the clouds to the rescue of the beautiful Princess Andromeda. Stalk the evil Minotaur in the bewildering twists and turns of King Minos’ terrifying Labyrinth. Travel with Orpheus and his magical harp through the heat and sulfurous fumes of Hades in search of his beloved Euridice. Sail in an ancient ship beneath a sky filled with Legends that have transcended time.

After the show, join us for a look at the night sky from Arlington projected onto the dome.

Sunday, January 11th

Please join us at 1:30 pm for 

Magic Tree House Space Mission – Travel with the brother-sister duo, Jack and Annie, in their Magic Tree House as they discover a note that asks them to answer a series of six questions about space. With the help of the astronomer, the Internet, an astronaut, books and the writer of the mysterious note, Jack and Annie are taken on a wondrous journey of adventure and learning.  (This program is an option for APS 2nd students.) CC available upon request. 

After the show, join us for a look at the night sky from Arlington projected onto the dome.

Or, please join us at 3:00 pm for 

Imagine the Moon– The Moon has been a source of wonder for all of human history. Each discovery has brought new opportunities to contemplate and imagine, until, driven by dreams, we left Earth and went there in the amazing journeys that culminated in astronauts walking on the Moon. People have imagined the Moon as a glowing disk in the sky, a destination in space, and a world that shares its origin with the Earth. The power of human imagination continues to inspire our relationship with the Moon as our partner in space and companion in our sky. CC available upon request.

After the show, join us for a look at the night sky from Arlington projected onto the dome.

Information about the 2025-2026 FOAP Schedule can also be found on their website and FaceBook page.  FOAP events are open to the public. You do not need to be a member to attend.

The next Friends Weekend is December 13th & 14th, 2025.

Saturday evening programs are at 6:00 and 7:30 pm. Sunday matinee programs are generally for children, occurring at 1:30 and 3:00 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and seniors. Doors open 20 minutes prior to showtime. Tickets for the Friends of the Planetarium programs can be purchased 1-2 weeks ahead of time through the Friends. This link will be updated when tickets are available. If purchasing online, tickets for children and seniors are $3.50 to defray ticketing fees.

The next Stars Tonight will be Monday, January 5, 2026.

Stars Tonight will occur on the first Monday (holidays excluded) of the month at 7:30 pm and lasts about 90 minutes.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12* and seniors. Due to the length of the program and time, Stars Tonight is not recommended for young children. Please note, at this time we can only accept cash or checks and admission is first-come, first-served at the door. There are no advance reservations available at this time. Doors open 20 minutes prior to the show and are locked at showtime.

During the 2025-2026 School Year, APS and the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium will offer a Scouts Program twice a month after the Sunday matinees at 4:30. Please use this link to request a Scout Show.

Thank you!