Ward Beecher Planetarium continues its 2025-26 season with real-time explorations of the universe and seasonal programs on the night sky.
Family-friendly holiday programs continue Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. “Rock the Dome Weekend” returns Jan. 16-17.
The Planetarium is located at 100 Lincoln Ave. on the campus of Youngstown State University. Programs occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. Admission is free.
For schedules and other information, visit www.wbplanetarium.org or call 330-941-1370. To request a schedule by mail, visit here. The Planetarium also maintains social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
DECEMBER
Let It Snow! Annual holiday music show celebrates winter with holiday music. The Planetarium’s dome comes to life in a seasonal program for families. 8 p.m., Dec. 12-13 and 19; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Dec. 20.
The Alien Who Stole Christmas. Features a tour of winter’s evening sky, followed by a space adventure with Saint Nick and Mr. Freep as they explore the solar system’s planets and meet the Christmas Eve needs of their fictitious inhabitants. 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13.
JANUARY
Rock The Dome Weekend. The Planetarium will present its annual rock and roll laser light shows Jan. 16-17. The 2026 schedule features several new shows and artists. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Friday’s lineup: “The Beatles,” 6 p.m.; “Taylor Swift,” 7 p.m.; “Rock Monsters,” 8 p.m.; “Queen,” 9 p.m.; and “Pink Floyd: Welcome to The Machine,” 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Free.
Rock The Dome Weekend. The Planetarium will present its annual rock and roll laser light shows Jan. 16-17. The 2026 schedule features several new shows and artists. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Saturday’s lineup: “Taylor Swift,” 2 p.m.; “The Beatles,” 3 p.m.; “Yes/Genesis,” 4 p.m.; “ABBA,” 5 p.m.; “The Beatles,” 6 p.m.; “Taylor Swift,” 7 p.m.; “Rock Monsters,” 8 p.m.; “Queen,” 9 p.m.; and “Pink Floyd: Welcome to The Machine,” 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Free.
Winter Skywatch. The night sky changes with the seasons and so does the Planetarium’s “Skywatch” program. This live traditional star talk covers the current night sky, constellation lore and current astronomical events. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23 and 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24.
Explore Our Universe. Starship Ward Beecher embarks on a grand tour of the universe in real time. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 and 8 p.m., Jan. 30-31.
Legends of the Night Sky: Orion. Aesop the Owl continues his journey in an adventure where viewers look at the Greek mythology associated with constellations. The program includes stories behind Orion the Hunter and Scorpio the Scorpion. Family-friendly. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. 2 p.m, Saturday, Jan. 24.
FEBRUARY
Passport to the Universe. This show takes audiences on a journey through the observable universe. Narrated by Tom Hanks, viewers can fly beneath the rings of Saturn, into the heart of the Orion Nebula, and out into the vastness of space to experience stunning cosmic destinations as never before possible. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open 30 minutes prior to shows. The Planetarium has a barrier-free entrance and accessible seating. Show occur on Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m., Feb. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 and 27; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Feb. 28.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Warren M. Young Lecture Series. Ward Beecher Planetarium will host programs on astronomy and space flight in March. For more information, visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter.
So You Want to Buy a Telescope. Experts from the Mahoning Valley Astronomical Society (MVAS) will offer help and advice to telescope owners. The public is invited to bring their new telescopes (and ones that have been gathering dust) for one-on-one time with the MVAS experts. Visit the Planetarium’s website and social media pages on Facebook and X/Twitter for dates, times and more information.
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