Advertisement
Join us for a magical evening under the stars celebrating science and art! Experience the wonders of the night sky with telescopes guided by local astronomers, enjoy captivating space-themed presentations from leading experts, awesome hands-on activities, animals, connect with NASA ambassador, and more.⏰ SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ⏰
-- Oval Lawn --
11am to 4pm
Solar Scopes on The Oval Lawn
-- The Singing Tower --
1pm and 3pm
Out-of-this-World Carillon Concerts with Geert D’hollander
-- Visitor Center Theater --
1:30pm: Speaker Session 1 with Dr. Mark J. Guillette, Valencia College and NASA Ambassador
2:30pm: Repeat of Speaker Session 1 presentation
3:30pm: Keynote Speaker Session 2 with Dr. Phillip Metzger, PhD, Director, Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education, Research Professor, Planetary Science, Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida
4:30pm: Repeat of Keynote Speaker Session 2 presentation
5:30pm: Speaker Session 3 with Derek Demeter, Astronomer, Seminole State College Planetarium Director
6:30pm: Repeat of Speaker Session 3 presentation
-- Alexander Discovery Center --
2pm to 3pm Raptors of Tampa Bay Presentation
3pm to 4pm Repeat of Raptors of Tampa Bay Presentation
5pm to 6pm Reptile Discovery Presentation with Bruce Shwedick
7pm to 8pm Owls Nest Presentation
-- Hammock Hollow --
3pm to 5pm
Orlando Science Center Family Science Fest featuring hands-on learning activities
-- Olmsted House --
3pm – 5pm
Orlando Science Center Mobile Planetarium
-- Out-of-this-World Roaming Characters --
4pm – 8pm
501st Legion
-- The Outdoor Kitchen --
6pm – 8pm
Art Display by the Homeschoolers Art Lab of Highlands and Polk Counties and Hand-On Art Activity by the Lake Wales Arts Council
-- El Retiro Astronomy Meadow featuring Telescopes --
6pm – 9pm
Central Florida Astronomy Groups and Local Astronomers
-- Blue Palmetto Café Terrace --
6:30pm – 8:30pm
Free Whisky Band
*Stop by the Visitor Center for an awesome space temporary tattoo while supplies last!
________________________________________________
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
• Light is not permitted in the Astronomy Meadow. Use a red flashlight or red headlamp while in the telescope viewing area (complimentary red cellophane flashlights will be available in limited quantities).
• Please dress in weather-appropriate clothing as most activities are outside.
• Gates will close for entry at 8:30 p.m.
________________________________________________
Event Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location: Bok Tower Gardens
Price: Free to members/ $20 for non-member adults, and $10 for non-member children ages 6 – 17, free for Children 5 and under (Includes Admission)
*No Registration required
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL, United States, Florida 33853
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
