Show Prices
The Staerkel Planetarium is open August through May on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:30 PM (barring college closure for holidays). We reduce our schedule in June and July. A variety of show types are presented. Check the calendar to find out our current schedule of offerings. Please take a look at our pricing. If you go to a "double-header" of two regular public shows, you get half off the price of the second show. You may be interested in our FOSP Membership. Though there are no advance ticket sales, we do offer group rates for 15 or more people at $3 per person; click here to see how to book a special tour for your group.
* Double header discounts only apply to the first two programs of the evening (no light shows).
Public Show Pricing Costs
| 1 Regular Show | 2 Regular Shows | Light Show | Lecture | Adults | 4.00 | 6.00 | 5.00 | 1.00 | Children, Seniors, Students* | 3.00 | 4.50 | 5.00 | 1.00 | FOSP Members | FREE | FREE | 2.50 | FREE |
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All tickets can be purchased in the planetarium lobby prior to the shows.
Cash and checks (made out to "Parkland College") are accepted.
We're sorry, but we cannot accept credit or debit cards.
The Staerkel Planetarium is also available for rentals outside of normal public hours! In the past we have done private parties, business meetings, watched basketball games on the dome, and even had two weddings! All rentals are subject to availability of the dome and a staff member. A staff member or a person designated by the staff must be present at all events.
Rental rates:
| Parkland credit classes: | free! |
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| Parkland College groups: | $15 per hour flat user's fee (lobby use is free) |
| External groups: | $200 per hour flat for one show ( <144 people) includes one show operator |
| $400 per hour if the show desired is a light show | |
| $100 per hour for any additional shows | |
| $80 per hour for lobby use*** | |
| $40 per hour for an additional technician (if needed on-site) | |
| $100 per hour for production services | |
| $6 an hour if an additional student worker is needed. |
* - Children under 2-years who sit on a parent's lap may be admitted free of charge.
** - Anyone who must leave the theater is not guaranteed re-admittance for safety reasons.
*** - The planetarium may provide tables (round or rectangular) and chairs if they are available and when requested in advance. There will be an additional $25 set-up/take-down/cleaning fee. The planetarium is not responsible for any catering (including beverages) or tablecloths. Charges for the lobby are in force both for daytime and nighttime use.
The following items are prohibited in the dome: food, drinks, smoking, laser pointers, cell phones not deactivated, or pagers.