yorku.ca
Allan I Carswell Observatory Astro Fair - 2026
Have you ever wanted to watch sunspots go across the sun in real time? Or build your own astronomically accurate fortune teller? Join in as we celebrate astronomy at the AICO and beyond! This special observatory fundraiser event will be fun for the whole family and features science, astronomy viewing, and activities!
🎟️ **Ticket Info**
* Buy Tickets Now!
* Includes **unlimited access** to all activities, booths, and planetarium shows
* Valid for both Life Sciences Building and Observatory locations
* **Non-refundable** — proceeds support summer observatory operations
🗓️ **Event Date**
This event is on Aug 29, 2026. **From 6pm - 11pm!**
(Please note that the outdoor telescopes will be moved to our main indoor area in case of rain)
🕔 **Time**
From**6:00 PM – 11:00 PM**
📍 **Location**
Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors if clear and indoors if rainy/cloudy
at the **Life Sciences Building, Sundial and Observatory areas** (York University Keele Campus). The main entrance is via the Life Sciences Building lobby (LSB) on the ground floor. For more, see the Event map in Quick links.
🚗 **Getting There**
* Parking available on campus (paid). Several covered and uncovered parking options are available (see our map in Quick links).
Parking Options can be seen here
* Arrive easily by TTC subway:
* York University Station (closest to the Observatory)
* Pioneer Village Station (also within walking distance)
* The event map with walking paths is shown in Quick links.
## Quick Links
* Tickets
* Event Location Map/ Directions
* Astro Fair Stations Map (coming soon)
* Frequently Asked Questions
* Partners for Astro Fair
* AstroFair Astro Coffee: A short meetup from 10am - noon on Aug 29th for science educators and professionals. Apply Here!
2024 Sunspots as viewed through a solar filter. _Image credit: AICO/Paul Mackin_
Star Trails taken from AICO summer AIR Program at Killarney PP. _Credit: AICO_
The Astronomy in Action Planetarium from the 2025 Astro Fair. _Image credit: Astronomy in Action, AICO_
The moon and craters as seen through Bushnell telescope at the AICO atrium area. _Image credit: AICO_
Learn all about Sundials at the AICO with foldable games and more. _Image credit: AICO_
The AICO domes at YorkU Keele Campus. _Credit: AICO_
## **Indoor Planetarium**
Planetarium shows from Astronomy in Action are included in the ticket price. Run by Ryan Marciniak, Astronomy in Action can also be booked for private events. During the fair your ticket will allow you into the planetarium for one of their famous shows. The Planetarium is located inside the LSB lobby area.
## **Telescopes** and Activities
Telescopes and viewing will abound at the fair, we will have several telescopes from Allan I Carswell Observatory, as well as stations allowing for solar viewing while the sun is up, and night sky views (including crater spotting on the moon) after the sun sets. Your ticket will allow you to visit all booths and telescopes. If cloudy, telescopes will be set up indoors on distant targets.
## **Our Areas** /Partners
With so many wonderful areas and activities to explore we've created a grid showing all of our partners and areas here:
## Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the weather is bad on the event day?
If the weather is bad/cloudy/rainy we will be primarily INSIDE in the LSB lobby with all small telescopes moved indoors. All displays, games and activities are designed to work regardless of weather. Please ensure that if you would like to go up into the optional area of the AICO domes as well as through the main event area that you wear practical shoes and be prepared to climb unavoidable stairs, this will ensure the best experience for our all!
What is Astro Fair AstroCoffee?
The Astro Coffee will be a short, focused meetup for science communicators, and professionals. The meeting will take place the morning of the astro fair on York University Campus. This meeting will run before Astro Fair setup and requires registration. To register see the form here.
Can I bring my own telescope or binoculars?
You are NOT required to bring any telescopes or equipment to the fair as we will have several stations open with telescopes for public viewing. If you would like to assist/volunteer for the fair and bring a telescope for viewing please email the observatory director Dr. Hyde at eahyde@yorku.ca
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
Since the event is a fundraiser event the tickets are not refundable. However, any unused tickets can be redeemed for a free astrophotography poster at our weekly Allan I Carswell Observatory free public viewing nights (every Wednesday).
Why are the tickets 30$?
The Astro Fair is designed to help support the Allan I Carswell Observatory repairs and student hours. As such, we have set our ticket price so that $10 will go to pay for the Astronomy in Action Planetarium, $10 will go to pay for costs and fees associated with the event, and $10 will go back to the observatory to help us reach some of our fundraising goals. To see the full list of goals (and observatory swag for sale) you can see the observatory fundraising area here.
Young Children Tickets
Please not that the Astro Fair is designed for ages 5 and up. Tickets are for ages 5 and up, children being carried or younger children are not charged admission but please note that there are **NO baby/enfant-safe rated activities.** Interactive activities include walk-throughs, colouring, puzzles and games. The planetarium experience is also recommended for ages 5 and up. There is no separate childcare area at Astro Fair so all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Tickets will be available for purchase **online** through the day of the event! If you would like to buy your tickets on the same day as the event happens they will be available at the same link for purchase.
What about Handicap Accessibility?
The main level of the Life Sciences Building (LSB) is handicap accessible and has accessible entries on the ground level. The patio area level has a slight bump and may not be suitable for all wheelchair types. All stations of AstroFair will be inside or near to LSB except the observatory domes (which are next door in the Petrie building). The domes are of an old construction and unfortunately do NOT have a wheelchair entry, however there will be live imaging if the weather is clear in LSB as well as a video portal for those who would like to watch the large telescopes while avoiding any stairs. The AstroFair has been designed to allow as much participation as possible but your understanding is appreciated.
