Local Planetarium Programs & Stargazing Events

There are some great local resources for stargazing and learning more about astronomy through local planetarium programs in Hampton Roads. This post includes local upcoming events in Hampton Roads where you can learn about and view the stars! 

Program Additions can be submitted HERE and Event Additions can be submitted to the Calendar HERE, this post will be updated accordingly!

Scroll down past the upcoming events for information on planetarium programs with free programs, planetarium programs with paid programming, and a link to the local Amateur Astronomers Group!

Upcoming Planetarium Programs and Stargazing Opportunities!

11 Sep

6:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Planetarium Double Feature at TCC: “Birth of Planet Earth” and “Distant Words-Alien Life” (Virginia Beach)

Free

Find out more

11 Sep

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Planetarium Rock Music Laser Light Show at TCC: The Beatles (Virginia Beach)

Free

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18 Sep

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Star Party at Fort Monroe (Hampton)

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19 Sep

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

International Astronomy Day at Portsmouth Main Library (Portsmouth)

Find out more

19 Sep

7:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Stargazing Camp Out at Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)

Find out more

23 Sep

7:30 pm - 8:45 pm

ASTRONOMY 101 – Autumn Stars at Kempsville Recreation Center (Virginia Beach)

Find out more

26 Sep

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday “Sun” Day at Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park (Chesapeake)

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26 Sep

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Little Major Tom: Into the Unknown at Chesapeake Planetarium, in Municipal Center (Chesapeake)

Find out more

02 Oct

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

First Fridays: Discover Olde Towne (Portsmouth)

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03 Oct

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Skywatch at Northwest River Park (Chesapeake)

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16 Oct

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Star Party at Fort Monroe (Hampton)

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21 Oct

7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

ASTRONOMY 101 – Animals in the Sky at Kempsville Recreation Center (Virginia Beach)

Find out more

24 Oct

10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Saturday “Sun” Day at Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park (Chesapeake)

Find out more

18 Nov

7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

ASTRONOMY 101 – A Telescope for Christmas? at Kempsville Recreation Center (Virginia Beach)

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Chesapeake – Chesapeake Planetarium (Free)

Dates: The Chesapeake Planetarium is open for programs, there is limited seating and reservations are required. Reopening in 2026!
More Information and schedule: Chesapeake Planetarium

Hampton – Jones Magnet Middle School Planetarium (Free)

Dates: There are no current dates listed at this time.
More Information: Jones Magnet Middle School Planetarium 

Norfolk – Norfolk State University Planetarium (Free)

Upcoming Shows: There is no current schedule of programming on the website – Call for current schedule (757) 823-8240

TCC Virginia Beach Planetarium (Free)

Upcoming Shows: To reserve a seat for the free show, please call the TCC Information Center at 757-822-1122 or CLICK HERE
More Information: TCC Virginia Beach Planetarium

Hampton Roads Planetariums Offering Paid Public Programs

• Beazley Planetarium at The Children’s Museum of VA – Cost is included with museum admission
• Michael and Kimthanh Lê Planetarium at ODU – Wednesday nights at 7:00pm. Shows $5 each. Regular post-holiday schedule returning in mid-January 2026.
• Virginia Living Museum – Daytime programs: VLM members FREE (but must reserve seat), non-members $6 add-on with paid general admission to the museum. Stargazing is held on the second Saturday evening of every month and is free.

BONUS INFO: Local Astronomy Groups