The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) Planetarium is set to captivate audiences this fall with a series of immersive events, combining live concerts with a unique astronomical experience. Known for its state-of-the-art 60-foot dome, the Planetarium will host a variety of events, including concerts by local artists and a free night dedicated to lunar exploration on International Observe the Moon Night.
As one of the largest planetariums in Texas, UTA’s facility offers an unparalleled entertainment experience with its surround sound and high-resolution, 360-degree visuals, all based on real astronomical data. This fall’s lineup promises to be a highlight for both music lovers and astronomy enthusiasts.
Blending Music and Astronomy
Recently, the UTA Planetarium was lauded by CultureMap Fort Worth as one of the coolest venues to “escape the heat,” while the Dallas Observer praised its unique concert experiences “under the atmosphere of space.” These accolades underscore the Planetarium’s commitment to delivering innovative and engaging events.
“We love getting super creative in the dome and finding new ways to blend education with supporting local artists,” said McKenna Dowd, UTA Planetarium coordinator. “We pride ourselves in delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. Our audiences love the immersive environments we create with our fully digital projection system and advanced Digistar 7 software.”
Fall Event Highlights
- Friday, Sept. 12: David Slowing Concert
- Friday, Sept. 26: Diana Rojas and Louise Fristensky Concert
- Friday, Oct. 3: Isaac Sloane and the Sound Brigade Concert
- Saturday, Oct. 4: International Observe the Moon Night
- Thursday, Nov. 20: Helium Queens Concert
Concert tickets are priced at $35 and include appetizers, with a cash bar available. Meanwhile, International Observe the Moon Night is free and open to the public, offering guests the opportunity to view the moon through a 16-inch scientific-grade telescope, engage with astronomy experts, and capture stunning photos.
Impact and Community Engagement
The Planetarium’s fall slate not only provides entertainment but also serves as an educational platform. The events are designed to engage the community and foster a deeper appreciation for the sciences and the arts. The Planetarium recently received a $10,000 grant to facilitate field trips for K-12 students, furthering its mission to make science accessible and exciting for young minds.
“Our goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists and artists,” Dowd emphasized. “By providing these unique experiences, we hope to ignite a passion for learning and creativity.”
About The University of Texas at Arlington
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a dynamic public research university located in the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With over 41,000 students, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA is among the top 5% of institutions nationwide for research activity. The University and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. UTA has been awarded the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and is celebrated for its focus on student access and success, key drivers of economic growth and social progress in North Texas and beyond.
For the complete fall schedule and more information, visit UTA.edu/Planetarium.
