The Cincinnati Observatory opens its grounds Saturday, Sept. 19, for Scope Out 2026, the annual telescope festival that draws regional stargazers and astrophotographers to 3489 Observatory Pl. in Hyde Park. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the event runs until 10 p.m.
Attendees can bring their own telescopes to share setups and swap stories, according to the Observatory's event listing. A telescope workshop staffed by the Observatory team will help newcomers pick a first scope and troubleshoot repairs for veterans. Weather permitting, visitors will get views of the Moon and Saturn.
The lineup also includes educational presentations, kids activities, a raffle for a Dwarf Mini Smart Telescope and food from Jenn's Hot Tamale. Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children and Observatory members. No experience is required.
The Observatory, the nation's first publicly funded scientific institution, is in the middle of a $3 million renovation of its Herget Building. Completion is expected by summer 2027.
Executive Director Anna Hehman said in a July statement reported by Ohio Magazine that the Observatory cannot currently accommodate growing demand for student visits and partner programs due to space and staffing limits. The renovation will expand capacity and add two educational program positions. The Mitchel Building is unaffected, and programs continue during construction.
The Observatory serves about 14,000 students and more than 35,000 visitors each year, according to Ohio Magazine.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, the Greater Cincinnati Rose Association holds its 12th annual rose show at Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Cir. in Mount Lookout. The show runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
Admission is free.
The show's theme is "A Nation in Bloom: Celebrating 250 Years," as listed in Cincinnati Magazine's weekend picks. Visitors can expect floral and garden exhibits, rose displays, music, live painting, kids activities, a cut flower sale, educational presentations and vendors.
Ault Park Pavilion, built in 1930, sits inside the 224-acre park in Mount Lookout.
Sept. 19–20 at a glance
- Saturday, Sept. 19, 6–10 p.m. — Scope Out 2026, Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Pl., Hyde Park. $12 adults / $7 kids and members.
- Sunday, Sept. 20, 1–4 p.m. — 12th Annual Rose Show, Ault Park Pavilion, 5090 Observatory Cir., Mount Lookout. Free.
