2026 International Day of Light Celebration

2026 International Day of Light Celebration

Join us Sunday, May 17 at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium for free planetarium programs for all ages! First come, first seated!

No Registration Required!

Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used by everyone, everywhere, every day.

This free, family-friendly STEM event, presented by Optics Valley, offers a captivating experience for all ages. Mark your calendars and get ready to explore the wonders of light with us!

Attention Teachers and Students: This event is a great learning opportunity! 

Program:

• 10:00am – 5:00pm:  Fun with Optics!

Explore basic optics principles with local experts and enthusiasts at the free, hands-on activity tables inside Flandrau. Plus venture through the new exhibit set to open May 1 at Flandrau! More to come…

• 11:00am – 4:00pm:  Three Full-Dome Shows – To Be Announced

Seating is limited to first come, first seated.

Location:
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium, 1601 E University Blvd, Tucson

Parking:
CLICK HERE for Flandrau weekend parking info. On street parking is free. Closest garage is the Cherry Garage, south of Flandrau, which has minimal cost.

Cost:
The planetarium shows and hands-on activities are free to the public.

Registration:
None!  The planetarium shows are free and first come, first seated.

Sponsors:
Sponsorship opportunities available now! Click HERE to download for more details.

Questions?
Contact us at [email protected].

About the International Day of Light

The International Day of Light is a UNESCO global initiative to celebrate light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, astronomy, and clean energy. May 16 marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman.