What to KnowYuri’s Night Out Los AngelesGriffith ObservatoryApril 11, 2026Noon to 10 p.m.Free activities will pop up around the observatory’s grounds earlier in the day; a ticketed event begins at 7 p.m. with a talk, an award presentation, and more (tickets are $275 per person)Presented in partnership with the Griffith Observatory Foundation
Just as Artemis II captivates moon mavens and astronomy aficionados with its trip around our lunar neighbor, people on terra firm — so, most of us — can anticipate space-forward festivities honoring the history of space exploration.
One such thrilling event is setting down at Griffith Observatory on April 11 in honor of “the first human spaceflight”: It’s Yuri’s Night Out, a ten-hour to-do with a couple of different parts.
The first segment of the celebration is totally free: The public can enjoy “… astronaut talks, interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and presentations” during the daytime hours and space fans of all ages are welcome.
That starry, look-up-in-wonder goodness begins at noon April 11.
Later in the day, starting at 7 p.m., an evening program will begin, with reflections about Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 trip to space.
This portion of the celebration is ticketed, with a per-person price of $275.
NASA ISS astronaut Ron Garan and Astronaut Jannicke Mikkelsen will present the keynote talk, while other special guests are expected to appear. Ron Garan was aboard the space station in 2011, “during the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight.”
Jannicke Mikkelsen, an acclaimed filmmaker and Fram2 astronaut, will “… share and discuss the footage she shot from the first crewed mission to orbit over Earth’s North and South Poles.”
The Spirit of Yuri’s Night Award will also be presented at the astronomically awesome night.