Free public event marking the 65th anniversary of human spaceflight lands at LA’s iconic Griffith Observatory 

Los Angeles, CA,  February 18, 2026 — Yuri’s Night, the global celebration of human spaceflight, returns to the legendary Griffith Observatory on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This year’s event commemorates the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic 1961 spaceflight, the 45th anniversary of the first Space Shuttle launch, and the 25th anniversary of Yuri’s Night.

Presented in partnership with Griffith Observatory Foundation, Yuri’s Night Los Angeles 2026 will be an all-day public celebration (10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. PDT) featuring astronaut talks, interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and presentations. General admission is free and open to all ages. A limited-capacity VIP experience extends until 11:00 p.m. and offers exclusive perks for ticket holders.

For its 25th anniversary, Yuri’s Night invites participants around the world to “look up, lift off, and rise above what divides us.” It draws inspiration from the Overview Effect, the profound shift in perspective experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space.

Hourly keynote presentations will take place in the Observatory’s Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater from 12:00 noon through 6:00 p.m.. Astronauts, scientists, and visionary leaders in the space industry will be featured. Simultaneously, guests may enjoy additional talks and presentations on the Observatory’s north steps. 

Throughout the day, the Observatory lawn will be activated with activities and exhibits. Public telescope viewing will be available during the day and in the evening. 

What to Do

Hold a real meteorite. Take photos in a NASA EVA spacesuit. Create a postcard that will be sent to space and mailed back. Look through a telescope at planets and moons. Whether you’re a lifelong space enthusiast or a curious first-timer, there will be something for everyone.

In keeping with Yuri’s Night tradition, the celebration blends space science, education, and culture to create an unforgettable experience. A select group of Yuri’s Night ‘Space Ambassadors’—prominent figures in the space community—will be in attendance and engage with guests and share their passion for exploration.

The special 25th Anniversary Yuri’s Night featured program will take place in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater at 7:00 p.m. The program will include a keynote talk by Ron Garan, a NASA ISS astronaut, and Jannicke Mikkelsen, a polar cinematographer and astronaut on the SpaceX orbital mission Fram2, which completed the first human spaceflight over Earth’s polar regions in 2024.

The featured program will also include presentations of the Spirit of Yuri’s Night Award and the JEDI Space Award, and appearances by additional special guests, including Frank White, author of The Overview Effect.

Tickets for this featured program start at $275 for the show only (limited availability). A VIP package will be available with the purchase of a $500 ticket and includes the featured program plus access to an after-hours cocktail reception with private 12-inch Zeiss telescope viewing and complimentary reserved parking at Griffith Observatory. 

“My family and I have been attending Yuri’s Night events for years, usually while wearing space-themed costumes,” said Elizabeth Greenway, Executive Director of Griffith Observatory Foundation. “I am overjoyed to welcome our friends in the Yuri’s Night community back to Griffith Observatory for this stellar anniversary celebration of our shared mission: To inspire everyone to keep looking up.”

Previous Yuri’s Night events at Griffith Observatory in 2007, 2011, and 2016 have featured science-fiction author Ray Bradbury, Star Trek icon George Takei, and ESA ISS astronaut Samantha Cristoforett. For many years, Yuri’s Night Los Angeles was held under the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center and is returning to Griffith Observatory while Endeavour’s permanent home is under construction in downtown Los Angeles.

“Since 2001, Yuri’s Night has celebrated the power of space to bring the world together. This year’s theme, Rise Above, is an invitation to people everywhere to celebrate what we are capable of when we work together,” said Yuri’s Night Co-founder Loretta Hidalgo Whitesides. “We hope you will join us.”

---

Event Details

Event: Yuri’s Night Los Angeles 25th Anniversary — Rise Above

Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. PDT

(Ticketed VIP reception until 11:00 p.m.)

Location: Griffith Observatory, 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

(Free parking at the Greek Theatre with walk-up access or take the $0.50 DASH bus.)

Admission & Ticket Information: Free general admission.
Tickets to the 7:00 p.m. featured program are available for $275 per person through https://griffithobservatory.org/event/yurisnight2026/. These tickets include complimentary reserved parking at Griffith Observatory.

VIP packages are also available for $500 per person through https://griffithobservatory.org/event/yurisnight2026/. These packages include access to the featured program, an after-hours cocktail reception, an exclusive experience with Griffith Observatory’s iconic 12-inch Zeiss telescope, and complimentary reserved parking at Griffith Observatory.

Highlights: Hourly keynote presentations by astronauts and industry leaders, outdoor stage talks and performances, interactive science exhibits, Spirit of Yuri’s Night Award and JEDI Space Award presentations, and more. Costumes encouraged.

Program Information: Visit la.yurisnight.net for up-to-date program announcements and the full schedule of activities for Yuri’s Night Los Angeles.

---

About Yuri’s Night

Yuri’s Night is an international celebration of human spaceflight held annually around April 12 to commemorate Yuri Gagarin’s first human spaceflight in 1961 and the inaugural Space Shuttle launch in 1981. Dubbed the “World Space Party,” it was founded in 2001 and has grown into a global movement with events in more than 50 countries.

The Los Angeles Yuri’s Night event, produced by The SpaceKind Foundation, is the organization’s flagship celebration. It brings together public audiences with astronauts, artists, and scientists to honor the past and inspire the future of space exploration. From museum gatherings to dance parties beneath spacecraft, Yuri’s Night events fuse education and entertainment to spark enthusiasm for STEM, space, and a hopeful future. Learn more at yurisnight.net.

Past celebrations have been held at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.; under the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center in Los Angeles; at the Museum of Flight in Seattle; under the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center in Florida; at the South Pole Research Station; and aboard the International Space Station.

About Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is owned and operated as a public service by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. The Observatory is located on the south slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. The building is open to the public six days a week (Tuesday – Sunday), with free admission. Free public telescope viewing is available every evening the Observatory is open and the sky is clear.The Observatory may be found online at www.GriffithObservatory.org.

About Griffith Observatory Foundation

Griffith Observatory Foundation is the exclusive non-profit partner of Griffith Observatory. To join in support of Griffith Observatory and be part of the community that brings people together like no other place on the planet, visit www.GriffithObservatoryFoundation.org.

---

Yuri’s Night Media Contact

James Chazin

[email protected]

+1 (763) 306-7537

Griffith Observatory Media Contact

Lisa Richardson

[email protected] 

+1 (323) 447-2421