SHERIDAN, WYOMING – April 14, 2026 – Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona is inviting visitors to a Star Wars: Return of the Jedi movie night on April 28 at 5:30 p.m., giving families and space enthusiasts a pop-culture entry point into a destination where real science still happens every day. Tickets for the event are on sale now, and the observatory encourages guests to plan their visit carefully — its all-day access model means there is considerably more to do than catch a single screening. From working telescopes and exhibits to guided tours, camps, and a dedicated dark skies program, Lowell packs a full visitor experience into one hilltop site. For anyone within driving distance of northern Arizona, this spring event is a practical reason to finally make the trip.
Star Wars Night on April 28
The Return of the Jedi screening is described by the observatory as an "out-of-this-galaxy movie night," scheduled for April 28 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available directly through the Lowell Observatory website, and with the event just two weeks away, booking in advance is the sensible approach. Visitors who want to go beyond the film can add an immersive short film experience to their visit — the observatory offers this as an optional enhancement that pairs naturally with the evening's space theme. It is a low-barrier way to turn a movie night into something more substantive.
What Your Ticket Gets You
Every ticket to Lowell Observatory comes with all-day access to the site, so visitors are not confined to a single time slot or scheduled program. The observatory features telescopes and exhibits that guests can explore throughout the day, and structured tour groups are available for those who prefer a guided experience. A Starry Skies Shop is also on-site for those looking for a memento. Beyond standard admission, the facility accommodates venue rentals for private occasions including weddings, along with events, camps, and additional programming that extend across the calendar year. Membership is available for regular visitors, and volunteer opportunities exist for those who want to support the observatory's work more directly.
Why It Matters
Lowell Observatory is not simply a tourist attraction — it is an active research institution with a formal commitment to dark sky preservation. That context adds real weight to a visit: the telescopes on-site are working instruments, and the observatory's research programs sit alongside its public-facing exhibits rather than behind them. For families with children curious about space, educators scouting field trip destinations, and travelers looking for experiences with genuine scientific grounding, Lowell delivers something beyond the typical day-out. The observatory also extends its reach through the Star Stuff Podcast and a regularly updated blog, bringing astronomy content to audiences who cannot visit in person.
Plan Before You Go
Lowell Observatory is located at 1400 West Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, and can be reached by phone at 928-774-3358 or by email at info@lowell.edu. The observatory publishes its hours online and specifically advises visitors to check ahead of time, as hours may shift around upcoming holidays. For the April 28 Star Wars event, tickets and general admission can be purchased through the official website, which also lists the full calendar of upcoming events and additional programming options. Checking the FAQs page before arriving is another step the observatory recommends to help guests make the most of their day.
Lowell Observatory combines a genuine scientific mission with a visitor experience that works for a wide range of ages and interests — making it a destination worth putting on the calendar well before the stars come out.