Things to Do
McDonald Observatory is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 12-5 p.m. We are closed Sunday and Monday. All visitors must check in at the Frank N Bash Visitor Center.
Programs frequently sell out during busy periods like Spring Break and major holidays. To ensure your spot, make advance reservations.
Part of a group of 15 or more? See if you qualify for a group rate.
Change of plans? Read about our cancellation, rescheduling, and refund policy.
Daytime Programs
General Admission
Exhibits, Telescopes, and More
Duration: Self-paced When: Tuesday-Saturday 12-5 p.m. Price: $3 (Free for residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties) Members: Free Learn MoreSolar Viewing
Explore the Sun in the Visitors Center Theater
Includes General Admission
Duration: 45-50 minutes When: Tuesday-Saturday at 1 p.m. Price: $5 Members: $5 Learn MoreGuided Tour
Up-close look at our large research telescopes
Includes General Admission
Duration: 90-120 minutes When: Tuesday-Saturday at 2 p.m. Price: $5-$10 (Free for residents of Jeff Davis, Brewster, and Presidio counties) Members: $4-$8 Learn More82-inch Telescope Guided Tour
Travel back in time to see the first telescope built at McDonald Observatory.
Includes General Admission.
Duration: 60-75 minutes When: Select Saturdays Price: $5-10 Learn MoreEvening Programs
Star Party
Open-air constellation tour and live telescope views
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2 hours When: Varies by season Price: $5-$25 Members: Receive 1-6 complimentary passes/year, depending on membership level Learn More36-inch Special Viewing Night
View astronomical objects with a research-grade 36-inch telescope
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2.5 hours When: Select nights throughout the year Price: $100 Members: $80 Learn More82-inch Special Viewing Night
View astronomical objects with a research-grade 82-inch telescope
Includes General Admission
Duration: 2.5 hours When: Select nights throughout the year Price: $150 Members: $120 Learn MoreSpecial Programs & Events
Livestreams
Visit the Observatory from the comfort of your living room! Join us for live tours of the Moon, Sun, deep sky objects, current astronomical events, and more.
Duration: 1 hour When: Monthly Price: Free Learn MoreAstrophotography Workshop
Learn how to produce stunning photos under the dark skies at McDonald Observatory.
Duration: Two-day course When: Select dates throughout the year Price: $100 Learn MoreTelescopes 101 Workshop
Learn the basics of telescopes and how to use them.
Duration: 2 hours When: Select dates throughout the year Price: $30 Learn MoreHomeschool Days
Programs for homeschoolers and their families.
Duration: 2 hours When: Through the school year Price: Free Learn MoreEducator Nights
Throughout the month of August, McDonald Observatory offers Star Party passes for all Texas educators.
When: August 1-31 Price: Free for Educators Learn MoreOrion Festival
An annual event with tours, talks, dinner, and telescope viewings for Friends of McDonald at the Orion Circle membership levels. By invitation only.
Duration: 1-day event When: October 3, 2026 Become a MemberDark Skies Festival
Events throughout the Big Bend region showcase the beauty, science, and preservation of the night sky.
When: April 5-10, 2027 Price: Varies by event Learn More