Through the Lens
2026-02-19 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-26 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-05 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-12 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-19 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-26 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-02 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-09 20:00 - 22:00 (Asia/Karachi) and 1 more date | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Experience the awe-inspiring Through the Lens event at The Heide Observatory, where celestial wonders come to life as you peer through our powerful 17-inch telescope to observe binary stars, distant planets, and shimmering galaxies. While awaiting your turn inside the dome, join our knowledgeable guides outdoors for a laser-assisted sky tour, connecting what you see through the lens with the vast panorama of the night sky. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Small Eyes Under the Skies
2026-02-20 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-02-27 16:30 - 18:00, 2026-03-06 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-13 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-10 18:30 - 20:00 and 1 more date | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us for Small Eyes Under the Skies at The Heide Observatory, a family-friendly astronomy adventure that begins with an interactive walk through a scale model of our solar system across the meadow and concludes with a telescope viewing of planets and other celestial wonders. Events are weather permitting and will be rescheduled if cloud cover exceeds 40%; look for a confirmation email at least 24 hours before the event. For group or family rate discounts, contact observatory@hawthornhollow.org, and please dress appropriately for an outdoor trek through the “solar system” field.

Wednesday Under the Stars
2026-02-25 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-04 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-11 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-18 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-25 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-08 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-04-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Enjoy a relaxing evening at Wednesday Under the Stars, hosted at the picturesque Heide Observatory. Settle into a zero-gravity chair with your favorite beverage and embark on an unforgettable journey through the night sky as our expert guides use laser pointers to highlight stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies above. Listen to the captivating stories behind these celestial wonders while you unwind beneath the vast, glittering cosmos. Events are weather-dependent and will be rescheduled by email 24 hours in advance if cloud cover exceeds 40%, and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for nighttime outdoor weather.

Messier Marathon
2026-03-20 20:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a Messier Marathon, a classic deep-sky observing challenge focused on locating objects from the Messier Catalog during the prime spring observing season. From 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, we will guide guests through a curated selection of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that are best positioned in the sky during this time of year. Using our 17-inch telescope, participants will take turns observing some of the most iconic deep-sky objects visible from Earth while learning how astronomers locate faint objects using star patterns, sky motion, and observing strategy. Between telescope views, staff will provide context on what each object is, why it was cataloged, and what makes spring such a powerful season for galaxy observing. Whether you are new to deep-sky astronomy or looking to experience a classic observing tradition, this program offers a focused and immersive look at the universe beyond our solar system.

Daffodil Felting Workshop
2026-04-08 17:30 - 20:00 | Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Celebrate spring at Hawthorn Hollow’s first Needle Felting class of 2026 and create your own “Daphne the Daffodil”.

Join Diana as she guides you from start to finish. By using wool along with special felting needles and a few other materials, you will learn the art of needle felting and go home with your completed project.

Ages 13 plus
All materials included and no previous skills required!

What to expect: We will go over the basics of needle felting, with explanation of different wools, how the felting needles work, and safety. You will learn the fundamental techniques of shaping your wool along with a few tricks and time saving tips. Take pictures because you will be amazed at what you can create with wool!!

Cost is $45 a person
Program date: Wednesday, April 8th-5:30 pm-8:30 pm

For more info or to register:

Comet Watch: C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS)
2026-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Join us at the Heide Observatory for a Comet Watch as we observe Comet C/2025 R3 (PANSTARRS), a distant icy visitor from the outer solar system making a rare pass through the inner night sky. During this guided observing session, guests will learn what comets are made of, where they come from, and why their brightness and visibility can change rapidly from night to night.
To maximize our viewing opportunity, we will take a short guided walk to the upper prairie, where we will watch for the comet low in the western sky shortly after sunset as it sets. This portion of the event will focus on naked-eye and binocular-style observing, as the comet’s low altitude and wide field make it better suited to broad sky viewing rather than high-magnification telescope use. Binoculars will be available to help improve our chances of spotting the comet, and we will guide guests on exactly where to look along the horizon.
After the comet sets, guests will return to the observatory for views through our 17-inch telescope, exploring some of the best deep-sky objects visible that evening and enjoying a guided tour of the stars overhead.
Because comets are dynamic and unpredictable, the exact appearance of C/2025 R3 may evolve leading up to the event, making each viewing a unique snapshot in time of an object billions of years old.

🔔 Important Event Information — Evening Event (Spring/Fall Seasons)
Weather-Dependent Event: This program requires clear skies. If cloud cover greater than 40% is forecast, the event will be canceled or rescheduled. Notification will be sent by email no later than 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
Email Communication Is Critical: All event updates, including weather cancellations or schedule changes are sent to the email address used at ticket checkout. Please ensure your email is entered correctly and check spam or promotions folders. If tickets were purchased using an email you do not regularly monitor, you may miss important updates.
Comfort Reminder: This is an outdoor observing event, and guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and/or warm clothing for comfort during viewing.
Questions? Contact us at observatory@hawthornhollow.org.

Lyrid Lightshow I
2026-04-22 20:00 - 22:00 | Heide Observatory, 880 Green Bay Rd, Kenosha, WI, 53144, United States
Wednesday, April 22 (8:00 pm – 10:00 pm)
Join us at the Heide Observatory for the Lyrid Lightshow, a classic spring meteor shower known for fast-moving meteors and the occasional bright fireball. The Lyrids originate from debris left behind by Comet C/1861 G1 (Thatcher), which Earth passes through each April as it orbits the Sun. While the Lyrids do not produce the high hourly rates of some summer meteor showers, they reward patient observers with quick, sharp streaks that can appear anywhere across the sky, often flashing suddenly rather than leaving long trails. Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, allowing guests to relax comfortably while observing. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow their eyes time to adjust to the darkness, and scan large areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will share tips on where to look, explain why meteor activity can vary throughout the night, and discuss how comet debris creates these fleeting streaks of light. Meteors are unpredictable by nature, and viewing success depends on sky darkness and atmospheric conditions, but even a handful of sightings can make for a memorable experience under the stars.
