Small Eyes Under the Skies
2026-07-31 20:00 - 21:30, 2026-08-07 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-14 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-08-28 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-09-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-09-11 19:30 - 21:00, 2026-09-18 18:30 - 20:00 (Asia/Karachi) | 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
2026-08-05 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-08-05 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-19 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-08-19 21:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-26 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-02 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-09 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-16 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Through the Lens
2026-08-06 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-08-13 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-08-20 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-08-27 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-03 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-10 20:30 - 22:30, 2026-09-17 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-09-24 19:30 - 21:30
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.

Perseid Peak Party I
2026-08-12 21:30 - 23:30
Join us at the Heide Observatory for Perseid Peak Party, a late-summer meteor event featuring one of the most active and visually impressive meteor showers of the year. The Perseid meteor shower is active from mid-July through late August and peaks around August 12–13, producing frequent bright meteors as Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. Perseid meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, though streaks can be seen across much of the sky, with activity often increasing as the night progresses. Tickets include the use of our anti-gravity chairs, providing a relaxed and comfortable way to enjoy extended viewing sessions. For best viewing, guests are encouraged to face away from artificial lights, allow time for their eyes to adjust to the darkness, and scan broad areas of the sky rather than focusing on a single point. Observatory staff will provide guidance on where to look, what to expect under current sky conditions, and why the Perseids are considered a favorite among meteor observers year after year. As with all meteor events, sightings depend on sky clarity and atmospheric conditions, but patience is often rewarded with memorable bursts of celestial activity.

Perseid Peak Party II
2026-08-12 23:45 - 2026-08-13 01:45

Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp
2026-08-15 19:00 - 22:00
Night at the Observatory: Adult Space Camp is a one-night astronomy experience at the Heide Observatory designed exclusively for adults who want to explore space science through hands-on demonstrations, exciting launches, and guided observing—without tests, equations, or homework. Participants will take part in rocket launches, air cannon demonstrations, and interactive activities that illustrate real space science concepts in an approachable and entertaining way. The evening also includes telescope viewing and a guided night sky lesson that connects what you see overhead to how scientists and engineers study the universe. Whether you are a longtime space enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a relaxed, engaging way to experience astronomy through action, exploration, and wonder.

Planets & Pancakes
2026-09-05 03:00 - 06:00
Join us at the Heide Observatory at Hawthorn Hollow for Planets & Pancakes, a pre-dawn astronomy experience that pairs planetary observing with a relaxed breakfast as the Sun begins to rise. Late August mornings offer excellent opportunities to spot planets climbing into the sky just before daylight, and guests may observe Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, Mars, and — low in the east as dawn breaks — Jupiter, depending on conditions. Observatory staff will guide guests through telescope viewing and naked-eye identification of the morning planets while explaining how and why planetary visibility changes throughout the year. As dawn approaches, we’ll gather for a pancake and sausage breakfast, with coffee and juice available, and enjoy the quiet beauty of Hawthorn Hollow in the early morning hours. Please note that any images used for promotion may not accurately represent the pancakes served, but we promise to make every effort to deliver a satisfying and well-earned breakfast after a morning under the planets.

Hawthorn Hollow Art Fair
2026-09-12 10:00 - 14:00

Gala Under the Stars
2026-09-26 18:00 - 22:00
The Heide Observatory Gala is an unforgettable evening of celebration, curiosity, and cosmic connection held under the stars at Hawthorn Hollow’s Charles and Kathryn Heide Schoolyard Observatory. This annual fundraising event supports the observatory’s mission to spark wonder and deepen understanding of the universe through hands-on astronomy education and public outreach. As twilight fades, guests will enjoy locally crafted elegant small plates, refreshing drinks, and live music while exploring interactive science demonstrations, engaging hands-on experiments, and exciting rocket activities throughout the evening. Weather permitting, guests will also take part in guided telescope viewing, exploring distant planets, nebulae, and galaxies through the observatory’s instruments. The gala offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow supporters, celebrate the impact of community-funded science education, and help support the next phase of the observatory’s growth, including future equipment and program expansion. Tickets are available as individual seats or reserved tables, with limited availability to ensure an intimate and meaningful experience.
