OCC Planetarium Public Shows Calendar
Saturday, February 22
We Are Aliens
1:00
Are we alone in the universe? It's one of the oldest questions in astronomy, whether there is life elsewhere in the universe. In this presentation, join narrator Rupert Grint on an exploration of the possibility of life in our solar system and beyond. Learn how what we're discovering about life on our own planet is changing our perceptions regarding the search for life in the universe. From robotic explorers of the Red Planet to the realization that our galaxy is home to potentially millions of Earth-like worlds, this planetarium show will inspire and educate.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
2:00
Explore the night sky with your favorite friends from Sesame Street in Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky. Follow along with Big Bird, Elmo, and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, as they take you on a journey of discovery to learn about the Big Dipper, the North Star, the Sun, and the Moon.
Recommended ages: 3-6
Birth of Planet Earth
3:00
Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to a billion planets roughly the size of our own. The film employs advanced, data-driven, cinematic-quality visualizations to explore some of the greatest questions in science today: How did Earth become a living planet in the wake of our solar system’s violent birth? What does its history tell us about our chances of finding other worlds that are truly Earth-like?
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Get Tickets
Skywatchers LIVE!
4:00
Join one of our planetarium experts on a live guided tour of the stories, sights, and other wonders in the night sky. The constellations, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies found overhead have been part of human consciousness for millennia, and today we have the knowledge and technology to explore all of them in great detail.
Stick around after the show for a live Q&A with our presenter! This show is updated almost weekly!
Recommended Ages: 10 and up
Get TicketsTuesday, 2/25 & Wednesday, 2/26
Earth, Moon & Sun
2/25 @ 4:00 pm
Earth, Moon & Sun is a fun and exciting full dome exploration of a huge range of heavenly phenomena. Lunar phases, eclipses, day and night, the sun and seasons are all explained with the help of a very confused and troublesome coyote, straight from Native American folklore. Through correcting Coyote's many misunderstandings, we can begin to unfold what's really going on in the sky.
Recommended ages: 6-12
Dynamic Earth
2/25 @ 5:00 pm
Dynamic Earth explores the inner workings of Earth’s great life support system: the global climate. With visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations, this cutting-edge production follows a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere.
Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales, and fly into roiling volcanoes.
Recommended ages: 10 and up
Get Tickets
Magic Tree House: Space Mission
2/26 @ 5:00 pm
Travel with the brother-sister duo Jack and Annie in their Magic Treehouse as they learn about how scientists uncover the mysteries of the universe. With the help of a real astronomer, astronaut, and of course, a pile of books, Jack and Annie are take non a wondrous journey of adventure and learning to the edges of the universe.
Based on the popular book series by Mary Pope Osborne.
Recommended ages: 5-10
Get Tickets
To Worlds Beyond
2/26 @ 6:00 pm
Eight other worlds share our solar system, each one stranger and more interesting than the last. Travel from the surface of the sun all the way to the icy realm of comets. Volcanos the size of France, storms bigger than the Earth, and clouds that rain acid are just some of the incredible things to discover on worlds both big and small as you make your journey through the Solar System.
Recommended ages: 8 and up
Parking Fee
Parking on-campus is $5 for the day, 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. The fee can only be paid through the Passport Parking phone app or website and the parking permit is linked to your car's license plate number. We highly recommend parking in Lot E off of Merrimac Way (Google Maps "OCC Lot E").
Public Star Shows!
Public programs are a cornerstone of the Planetarium's mission. Regular showings are offered on weekends so anyone can come enjoy a rotating schedule of breathtaking full-dome experiences.
For all public shows, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled show begins. There will be no late admittance due to safety concerns.
We advise against bringing children younger than 5 years old to planetarium programs. The planetarium theater gets very dark and the visuals can be alarming to young children. However, bringing young children for One World, One Sky Big Bird's Adventure is strongly encouraged!
All programs are approximately 45 minutes long.
Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
**The Planetarium adheres to a strict No Late Admittance policy. Once the doors have closed, the show is underway and must not be interrupted due to safety concerns.**
Planet Parade Star Party
February 28, 6-8:30pm
Join us for a special star party as we gather under the night sky for the final opportunity to witness the planet parade before the planets begin to set beyond the horizon. Arrive early to catch a glimpse of these celestial wonders before they disappear from view. This event will take the place of our usual Skylark Speaker Series, offering an evening of guided stargazing and telescope viewing led by our knowledgeable astronomy team. Explore the beauty of the night sky, learn about the planets and deep sky objects above, and enjoy a night of discovery at the Planetarium.
Viewing may be canceled due to weather conditions. Check our calendar for last-minute updates.
LAZERDOME
Tuesday, February 25
Beyonce
As one of the most awarded and best-selling artists of all time, Beyoncé is acclaimed for her thrilling vocals, videos and live shows. Laser Beyoncé captures the fun and energy of a her concerts and brings it into the dome in beautiful laser light.
Wednesday, February 26
Laser EDM
Laser Fantasy has the perfect mix of electrolytes to help stimulate your brain. Laser EDM features music from various Electronic Dance Music artists such as Kaskade, Alesso, Tiesto, Avicii, and many others. You'll be surrounded in pounding digital audio on a rhythmic journey transcending electronica through imagery and lasers mixed live by our world class laser artists. Roll on down to the dome for one of our most requested shows.
Tuesday, March 4
The Beatles
From their beginnings revolutionizing rock n roll, to their psychedelic era, this show visualizes the Beatles’ music with energy and beauty.
Wednesday, March 5
Metallica
Experience one of the Planetarium’s most thrilling laser shows in this heavy metal hit, Laser Metallica.
Friday, March 7
Taylor Swift: Through the Eras
What's better than a Tay Swift playlist? A Tay Swift playlist set to laser lights! Enjoy unforgettable hits from all of her ten distinct eras. Sing along to all your favorites and let the show transport you through different stories as only laser light can.
Players gonna play, haters gonna hate, fakers gonna fake, so just shake it off!
Rush 2112
Over forty years ago the three prophets of Rush foretold an intergalactic war on their prog-rock album, 2112. They predicted that in the year 2062, the universe will finally find peace — and oppression — as the Solar Federation unifies warring planets and instates the music-hating Priests of the Temples of Syrinx as overlords. Everything will change, however, in 2112 when an optimistic free-thinker finds a “strange musical device” and martyrs himself while attempting to bring melody to the stars.
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon
2023 marked the 50th anniversary of the first time the album was released. Experience the psychedelic sounds paired with brilliant laser light imagery to transport yourself to the Dark Side of the Moon.
Tuesday, March 18
Mousical Movie Magic
Laser Movie Magic brings favorite songs from popular family films and reimagines them using vibrant laser light. Experience favorite hits in an entirely new way. Laser Movie Magic pulls from the soundtracks of The Lion King, Star Wars, Encanto, Frozen, Moana and many more.
Wednesday, March 19
U2
Laser U2 features the band's timeless classic and modern hits. This musical concert is set against a backdrop of the latest laser art. Your eyes and ears will guide you into an immersive journey through this politically-conscious Irish rock band's rise and success!
Friday, March 21
Taylor Swift: Party Playlist
Taylor Swift is one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. With over 200 million records sold, a shelf full of Grammys, and an army of fans, Taylor Swift is an inspiration for generations. Laser Taylor Swift takes her biggest hits and brings them to life in dazzling laser light. If you can’t score tickets to her concert, Laser Taylor Swift is the next best thing.
The Beatles
From their beginnings revolutionizing rock n roll, to their psychedelic era, this show visualizes the Beatles’ music with energy and beauty.
Queen
Come experience the groundbreaking music of Queen rendered in a spectacular laser light show!
Tuesday, March 25
Elton John: Rocket Man
Elton John has sold over 300 million records over 6 decades in show business, making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. Laser Elton John celebrates his larger than life persona, bringing the Rocket Man’s powerful music to life in gorgeous laser light. Featuring Benny and the Jets, Saturday Night, Rocket Man, and many other Elton John hits.
Wednesday, March 26
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson's amazing musical career is chronicled in this laser tribute the The King of Pop. His timeless hits live on in laser light.
Mesmerica
Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually-hypnotic, 3D animated art curated from artists around the world, creating an immersive experience designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and stimulate your mind and senses...
Please direct all questions and customer service inquiries to the Mesmerica Box Office Team. They can be contacted via boxoffice@mesmerica.com. Their Customer Service Team aims to reply within 24 hours.
Gift Certificates
Whether it's for an astronomy enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone eager to explore the mysteries of the cosmos, our gift certificates are a stellar choice. Grab yours now and let the journey into the stars begin!