Discover the Wonders of the Night Sky at SCI Star Parties
There’s something timeless about gathering under a dark sky and looking up in wonder. Long before smartphones, streaming services, and city lights filled our evenings, people turned their eyes toward the stars to explore, imagine and better understand the universe around them.
This year, the Science Center of Iowa (SCI) invites the community to continue that tradition through SCI Star Parties — free, family-friendly events that bring astronomy to life at locations across Greater Des Moines (DSM).
From glowing planets and dazzling star clusters to meteor showers streaking across the sky, SCI Star Parties offer unforgettable opportunities to experience the beauty and science of space firsthand. Whether you’re a dedicated astronomy enthusiast or someone simply looking for a unique evening outdoors, these events are designed to engage and inspire guests of all ages.
A Front-Row Seat to the Universe
At each SCI Star Party, visitors can observe celestial objects through high-powered telescopes alongside SCI staff and passionate volunteer astronomers. Depending on the evening and viewing conditions, guests may spot craters on the Moon, bright planets like Jupiter and Saturn, colorful double stars, distant galaxies and even seasonal meteor showers.
But SCI Star Parties involve more than just looking through a telescope. Throughout the evening, stargazing guides help visitors navigate the night sky while sharing fascinating facts about astronomy, our solar system and the science behind the objects overhead. For many guests, it’s their first opportunity to see space in such vivid detail — and the experience often leaves a lasting impression.
There’s a special kind of excitement that comes with seeing Saturn’s rings for the first time or watching a meteor flash across the sky. These moments offer a powerful reminder of just how vast and remarkable our universe truly is.
A Different Experience Every Time
One of the things that makes SCI Star Parties so unique is that each event has its own theme. Throughout the season, different astronomical events and seasonal phenomena take center stage, creating fresh experiences for returning visitors.
This year’s schedule includes themes such as Summer Solstice, Midsummer Moon, Harvest Moon and The Perseids, giving guests opportunities to explore everything from lunar viewing to one of the most famous meteor showers of the year.
SCI Star Parties take place at several locations throughout DSM, including the Science Center of Iowa, Drake Municipal Observatory and Ashton Observatory. Hosting events at different locations provides a variety of viewing experiences while connecting the community with local resources dedicated to astronomy and science education.
The 2026 SCI Star Party schedule includes:
- Friday, June 26, 2026 from 9–11 p.m.: Summer Solstice at Drake Observatory in Des Moines
- Friday, July 24, 2026 from 9–11 p.m.: Midsummer Moon at Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines
- Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 from 9–11 p.m.: The Perseids at Ashton Observatory in Mingo
- Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 18 from 8–10 p.m.: Harvest Moon at Drake Observatory in Des Moines
- Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 from 8–10 p.m.: Autumn Skies at Drake Observatory in Des Moines
Each Star Party offers something a little different, making it easy to attend multiple events throughout the season and discover something new each time.
Astronomy for Everyone
At SCI, we believe science should be accessible, engaging, and inspiring for all ages.
SCI Star Parties help make astronomy approachable by bringing telescopes, knowledgeable guides and hands-on science experiences directly into the community. By removing barriers to participation and offering these events free of charge, SCI creates opportunities for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to explore the wonders of the night sky.
Whether you’re seeing Saturn’s rings for the first time, learning to identify constellations or observing a meteor shower overhead, each event offers an opportunity to engage with science in a meaningful and memorable way. These moments of discovery can spark curiosity, inspire new interests and create lasting memories for families, friends and lifelong learners alike.
SCI Star Parties are also one of the many ways SCI extends science learning beyond museum walls, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the natural world and better understand the universe around them.
More Than a Night of Stargazing
Beyond the telescopes and astronomical phenomena, SCI Star Parties encourage us to slow down and reconnect with the world around us. In today’s fast-paced environment, taking a moment to step outside, look up and experience the vastness of space can feel surprisingly powerful.
Astronomy has a way of inspiring wonder while also helping us better understand our place in the universe. Every bright star, visible planet and meteor shower tells part of a much larger story — one that humans have been exploring for centuries.
SCI Star Parties help make that story accessible right here in Central Iowa.
Plan Your Visit
SCI Star Parties are free to attend and open to all ages. No tickets or registration are required.
Guests are encouraged to check the Science Center of Iowa website for weather updates, event details and additional programming information throughout the season.
Whether you’re hoping to catch a meteor shower, explore the surface of the Moon or simply spend an evening under the stars, SCI Star Parties offer an unforgettable way to experience the wonder of astronomy close to home.
So grab a blanket, bring your curiosity and join SCI for a night of exploration. The universe is waiting.
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