Los Angeles
Saturday, April 11th 2026Griffith Observatory
The world’s ultimate space celebration returns to one of the most iconic science landmarks on Earth. Join astronauts, scientists, artists, and fellow space enthusiasts for a full day of inspiration, interactive experiences, and unforgettable views—free and open to the public.
A Triple Human Spaceflight Anniversary Celebration
This year celebrates the 25th anniversary of Yuri’s Night, the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic first human spaceflight, and the 45th anniversary of the Space Shuttle program. Together, these moments tell a powerful story of how far humanity has come—and invite us to gather in celebration of the future we’re building together.
Programming Highlights
Free Afternoon Talks and Ticketed Evening Program
Yuri’s Night will feature a dynamic lineup of talks and keynote presentations downstairs in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater, with sessions taking place at the top of every hour from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM PT. The Feature Program (with NASA Astronaut Ron Garan and other special guests) will go from 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM and is open to VIP ticket holders with overflow viewing in the Gunther Deep Space Gallery and via the livestream link (accessible on-site via Griffith Wi-fi).
Programming will include:
- Keynote talks from leading voices in the space community
- Featured presentations designed to inspire, educate, and entertain
- Special musical performances and creative moments
Seating for talks is first come, first served for the public.
Jannicke Mikkelsen
Featured Keynotes by...
Jannicke Mikkelsen
Ron Garan
Ron Garan
Space Activations & Exhibits
We’ll be joined by several favorite space-focused nonprofit organizations—each doing incredible work to advance science, education, exploration, and access to space.
These groups will host interactive activations on the lawn outside the Observatory, where guests can:
- Meet the teams behind the missions
- Learn about current projects and initiatives
- Engage through hands-on experiences, demos, and conversations
Come ready to explore, ask questions, and play.
North Steps Sessions
A series of talks and educational and musical presentations will also take place on the North Steps in the front of the Observatory.
These outdoor sessions are open to the public and offer an opportunity to experience engaging conversations and performances in an iconic setting overlooking Los Angeles.
Space Ambassadors
Meet The Ambassadors
We will be joined by a group of inspiring ambassadors who are helping make space exciting and accessible. These individuals are leaders and changemakers in the space industry and will be on site to engage with guests, share what they’re working on, and answer questions about space and exploration.
Yuri’s Night Ambassadors will be identifiable by a red sash, introduced during the keynote presentation, and available throughout the event to connect with attendees and take photos.
Special Award Presentations
Yuri’s Night LA will include two special awards that recognize extraordinary contributors to space culture and community:
Spirit of Yuri’s Night Award 🏆
A prestigious award given each year to an individual or team that uses music and art to make space cool and accessible—celebrating those who inspire the world to look up and dream big.
The JEDI Space Award
Created by Dr. Sian Proctor, the first African-American woman to pilot a spaceship, the JEDI Space Award is an annual honor recognizing a space community member, organization, or company actively working to create a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive space future—on Earth and beyond.
The VIP Experience
Rise Above The Observatory
For guests who want to go deeper, linger longer, and experience Yuri’s Night from the inside, Yuri’s Night LA VIP offers an elevated journey woven throughout the entire event – set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. From priority access and reserved seating during the day to intimate moments with the people shaping our spacefaring future, the VIP experience culminates after hours with exclusive access to the Observatory, its telescopes, and a private gathering of astronauts, speakers, artists, and ambassadors under the night sky.
What Makes VIP Special
Our Feature Presentation @ 7:00 PM in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater
Come listen to NASA Long Duration ISS Astronaut Ron Garan share about being on the International Space Station for the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s Historic flight. Watch Norwegian cinematographer Jannicke Mikkelsen share about the footage she shot being the first crew to orbit over the earth’s north and south poles last April! All this plus other amazing guests. Don’t miss this year’s Feature Presentation!
Reserved & Early Theatre Access
Enjoy priority entry and reserved seating for Yuri’s Night keynotes and featured talks in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater—no waiting, no lines.
Private VIP Reception
Join an intimate evening reception featuring:
- Hosted wine and beer bar
- Passed appetizers by Wolfgang Puck
- A relaxed, social atmosphere with speakers, ambassadors, and fellow VIP guests
Meaningful Connections
VIP guests have dedicated time and space to:
- Meet astronauts, scientists, and space leaders
- Connect with Yuri’s Night ambassadors
- Network with creatives, professionals, and community members passionate about space
After-Hours Observatory Access
Experience Griffith Observatory after closing:
- VIP-only access to the 12-inch Zeiss telescope from 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Museum galleries and exhibits without the crowds
- Extended activations and programming into the late evening
Availability for this ticket is extremely limited this year as space is limited for the VIP reception.
Tickets
Rise Above The Observatory
For guests who want to go deeper, linger longer, and experience Yuri’s Night from the inside, Yuri’s Night LA VIP offers an elevated journey woven throughout the entire event – set against one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. From priority access and reserved seating during the day to intimate moments with the people shaping our spacefaring future, the VIP experience culminates after hours with exclusive access to the Observatory, its telescopes, and a private gathering of astronauts, speakers, artists, and ambassadors under the night sky.
General Admission
Access to the observatory and more!-
Observatory galleries & exhibits
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Exterior Exhibits
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Gunther Depths of Space Gallery & Edge of Space
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Ahmanson Hall of the Sky
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Wilder Hall of the Eye
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Public Telescopes
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Select Keynotes in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater
Yuri’s Night LA is free and open to the public during regular observatory hours—no ticket required. Keynote presentations are first come, first served as space is limited.
VIP Experience
Elevate your Yuri's Night!-
All General Admission Access
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Reserved Seating & Early Access to Keynote Presentations
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Admission to VIP Reception
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After-Hours Access to Telescope and Museum
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Networking w/ VIP Guests, Speakers, and Ambassadors
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Extended Programming Through 11:00 PM
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Reserved Parking Included (Starting at 5:00 PM)
Program Only
Enjoy the show!-
All General Admission Access
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Reserved Seating & Early Access to Keynote Presentations
-
Reserved Parking Included (Starting at 5:00 PM)
In Partnership With...
