United States Air Force Academy

Bluebards Theatre Troupe: Fiddler on the Roof
2026-05-21 18:30 - 21:05 (America/Denver) | Arnold Hall, 2308 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Come see our Bluebards Theatre Troupe perform the hit musical, “Fiddler on the Roof.”
The musical follows Tevye, a Jewish milkman in 1905 Czarist Russia, who strives to maintain his cultural identity and family unity amid changing social times. He struggles to adapt as his three strong-willed daughters marry for love rather than tradition.
This musical is free and open to the public; however, members of the public who do not already have base access must pre-register in order to enter the installation.

Base Access Information

Open seating (no ticket required). Seats fill fast, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime.
For more information, contact Dr. Marc Napolitano: (914) 400-4852
Directions to Arnold Hall
Entering the base through the North Gate
Continue driving straight on Academy Drive for 4 miles and then turn left on Cadet Drive to park in the visitor lot for Arnold Hall.
Entering the base through the South Gate
Continue driving straight on Stadium for 4 miles, turn left on Academy Drive for 4 miles, and turn right on Cadet Drive to park in the visitor lot for Arnold Hall.

Mothers Watch Over Us: A Special Mother's Day Show at 1 p.m.
2026-05-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Mothers Watch Over Us
A special Mother’s Day Show in the USAFA Planetarium
Sunday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m.
Mothers are special, so bring the Mothers in your life to this Free Mother’s Day show at the USAFA Planetarium
Mothers Watch Over Us: A story of motherhood told through space, time, and the stars. Our Planetarium Director, Mr. Jeff, will share the magic of motherhood through the wonder of the night sky.
Run time: ~40 min
With our limited seating, please only reserve seats if you know you will be attending. If you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats.
UPDATED BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

Free Planetarium Show: Mothers Watch Over Us
2026-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Join us as we celebrate mothers with a special planetarium show.
Mothers Watch Over Us is a special planetarium show that tells a beautiful story of motherhood through the magic of the night sky, presented by our planetarium director.
All attendees must RSVP online to reserve their spot for the movie.
An RSVP is required for either show you wish to attend.

11 a.m. Showing
1 p.m. Showing

With limited seating, please reserve only if you know you will attend. If your plans change, please email the Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so your seats can be released.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the planetarium.
This movie is free and open to the public.
Everyone who RSVPs for this event must request base access, selecting the week of May 10.

Base Access Information

Mothers Watch Over Us: A Special Mother's Day Show at 11 a.m.
2026-05-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Mothers Watch Over Us
A special Mother’s Day Show in the USAFA Planetarium
Sunday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m.
Mothers are special, so bring the Mothers in your life to this Free Mother’s Day show at the USAFA Planetarium
Mothers Watch Over Us: A story of motherhood told through space, time, and the stars. Our Planetarium Director, Mr. Jeff, will share the magic of motherhood through the wonder of the night sky.
Run time: ~40 min
With our limited seating, please only reserve seats if you know you will be attending. If you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats.
UPDATED BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

Homeschool Program: Big Planets and Moons = Big Science! on Fri, May 8 @ 10:30 a.m.
2026-05-08 10:30 - 12:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Homeschool Program: Big Planets and Moon = Big Science! on Fri, May 8 @ 10:30 a.m.
Friday, May 8 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Big planets and moons of our solar system are a treasure trove of science, information, and wonder – from planets that rain diamonds, to 1,000 mile per hour winds, to a moon that has the most active volcanoes that humans have ever discovered!
Join Dr. Dan Polsgrove, Astronomer, Planetarium educator and former Astronomy professor here at the Academy, for an in-depth show which will serve as a microcosm of all science standards talking about the macro worlds of the outer solar system. From planets that have hundreds of moons, moons that are larger than planets, and the robotic explorers which have visited them, some of which are still orbiting to this day – to solids, liquids and gases, this show will be a wealth of space & science data!
In addition to the Live portion, this program will also include the film, In Saturn’s Rings, a film made completely of REAL images from the Cassini spacecraft mission to the ringed planet.
With our limited seating, please only reserve seats if you know you will be attending. If you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats.
UPDATED BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.
Related NGSS Science Standards:

MS-ESS1-2: Solar System Formation

Description: Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.
Application to Gas Giants: Students explain how the solar system formed from a disk of gas and dust drawn together by gravity, including the development of the large outer planets.

MS-ESS1-3: Scale Properties

Description: Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar system.
Application to Gas Giants: Students compare the size, composition, and distance of gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) relative to terrestrial planets.

MS-ESS1-1: Orbital Mechanics

Description: Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.
Application to Gas Giants: While focused on Earth, this standard often involves comparing Earth’s tilt and orbit with those of outer planets to discuss atmospheric characteristics and solar intensity.

Armed Forces Week Concert
2026-05-04 19:00 - 22:00 | Pikes Peak Center, 190 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, United States
Mark your calendar and save the date!
The U.S. Air Force Academy Band will present the Armed Forces Week Concert on Monday, May 4, 7 p.m. at the Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts. The Academy Band will be joined by members of the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Naval Academy Bands.
This event is free and open to the public!
For more than 60 years, the band has used music to honor veterans, motivate Air Force and Space Force members, create groundbreaking musical experiences and showcase their excellence to a global audience.
Free tickets will be available at the Pikes Peak Center Box Office on April 13.
Pikes Peak Center
190 S. Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

USAFA Family Movie: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi on Sat, May 2 @ 4:30 p.m.
2026-05-02 16:30 - 19:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA Family Movie – Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Saturday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m.
2026 is “A Year Among the Stars” in the USAFA Planetarium, including a complete run through the Star Wars movies. This needs no introduction – this is where it all began!
This movie is for USAFA permanent party personnel, Cadets and their families. Everyone must RSVP online to reserve your seats for the movie.
An RSVP for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi is an RSVP for THIS MOVIE ONLY – NOT for the trilogy on May 2nd.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the Planetarium.
IMPORTANT NOTE: With our limited seating, if you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats to another family who can attend.
BASE PASS:
Visitors to the Academy MUST have a valid DoD ID card OR they need to request a base pass at least 24 hours in advance with the dated links at the top of the planetarium webpage.

USAFA Family Movie: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on Sat, May 2 @ 2:15 p.m.
2026-05-02 14:15 - 16:20 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA Family Movie – Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Saturday, May 2 at 2:15 p.m.
2026 is “A Year Among the Stars” in the USAFA Planetarium, including a complete run through the Star Wars movies. This needs no introduction – this is where it all began!
This movie is for USAFA permanent party personnel, Cadets and their families. Everyone must RSVP online to reserve your seats for the movie.
An RSVP for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back is an RSVP for THIS MOVIE ONLY – NOT for the trilogy on May 2nd.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the Planetarium.
IMPORTANT NOTE: With our limited seating, if you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats to another family who can attend.
BASE PASS:
Visitors to the Academy MUST have a valid DoD ID card OR they need to request a base pass at least 24 hours in advance with the dated links at the top of the planetarium webpage.

USAFA Family Movie: Star Wars: A New Hope on Sat, May 2 @ Noon
2026-05-02 12:00 - 14:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA Family Movie – Star Wars: A New Hope
Saturday, May 2 at Noon
2026 is “A Year Among the Stars” in the USAFA Planetarium, including a complete run through the Star Wars movies. This needs no introduction – this is where it all began!
This movie is for USAFA permanent party personnel, Cadets and their families. Everyone must RSVP online to reserve your seats for the movie.
An RSVP for Star Wars: A New Hope is an RSVP for THIS MOVIE ONLY – NOT for the trilogy on May 2nd.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the Planetarium.
IMPORTANT NOTE: With our limited seating, if you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats to another family who can attend.
BASE PASS:
Visitors to the Academy MUST have a valid DoD ID card OR they need to request a base pass at least 24 hours in advance with the dated links at the top of the planetarium webpage.

USAFA STEM Day: Fighter Pilot in the Planetarium at 2:00 p.m.
2026-04-25 14:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Fighter Pilot in the Planetarium at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Apollo 11: First Steps in the Planetarium at 1:00 p.m.
2026-04-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Apollo 11: First Steps in the Planetarium at 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Dark Universe in the Planetarium at 12:30 p.m.
2026-04-25 12:30 - 13:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Dark Universe in the Planetarium at 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 12:30 p.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Live Solar System Tour in the Planetarium at Noon
2026-04-25 12:00 - 12:30 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Live Solar System Tour in the Planetarium at Noon
Saturday, April 25 at Noon
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Astronaut in the Planetarium at 11:30 a.m.
2026-04-25 11:30 - 12:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Astronaut in the Planetarium at 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Live Night Sky Tour in the Planetarium at 11:00 a.m.
2026-04-25 11:00 - 11:30 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Live Night Sky Tour in the Planetarium at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

STEM Day 2026
2026-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Arnold Hall, 2308 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
STEM Day 2026 – The STEM of Air and Space Power!
STEM Day is a family outreach event where U.S. Air Force Academy organizations, squadrons and academic departments come together to promote the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through hands-on engagement.
Attendees must submit a request for base access

Request Base Access

RSVP for planetarium show

USAFA STEM Day: Worlds Beyond Earth in the Planetarium at 10:30 a.m.
2026-04-25 10:00 - 10:30 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Worlds Beyond Earth in the Planetarium at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

USAFA STEM Day: Flight Adventures in the Planetarium at 10:00 a.m.
2026-04-25 10:00 - 10:30 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA STEM Day: Flight Adventures in the Planetarium at 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m.
BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.

Homeschool Program: Exploring Mars from Robots to Humans on Wed, Apr 22 @ 10:30 a.m.
2026-04-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
Homeschool Program: Exploring Mars from Robots to Humans on Wed, Apr 22 @ 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday, April 22 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mars – the next planet out from the Sun in our solar system, and humanity’s next target for human exploration after returning to the Moon.
Join Dr. Dan Polsgrove, Astronomer, Planetarium educator and former Astronomy professor here at the Academy, for a detailed discussion of Martian exploration – which is a compendium of science, engineering, robotics, and human ingenuity. From telescopes on Earth and in space to orbiters, landers, robotic rovers and NASA’s future plans to get humans out to Mars – the story of the study of red planet is one of the most scientifically ambitious programs humans have ever undertaken – and it’s taught us tons!
In addition to the Live portion, this program will also include the film, Mars 1001. One of our newest films in the planetarium, Mars 1001 detailed the fictitious first human voyage to the red planet. Encompassing science lessons galore, from engineering, spacecraft, and orbits to plants, astrobiology and psychology – Mars 1001 is a wonderful look at what our first human mission to Mars could look like.
With our limited seating, please only reserve seats if you know you will be attending. If you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats.
UPDATED BASE PASS PROCESS:
All visitors to the Air Force Academy, 18 years old and older need to either be accompanied by a DoD card holder or request a base pass by clicking the appropriate dated request button on the planetarium webpage (https://www.usafa.edu/facilities/planetarium/) for a Planetarium Visit.
Related NGSS Science Standards:

Earth-Mars Comparisons: Lessons highlight differences in atmosphere (thin,

-heavy), seasons (due to tilt/orbit), and geology (volcanoes like Olympus Mons, canyons like Valles Marineris).
Engineering & Design (NGSS: K-2-ETS1, 3-5-ETS1, MS-ETS1): Students act as engineers, such as in Marsbound!, to balance, power, mass, and budget constraints for a mission.
Scientific Investigation: Activities involve analyzing real data to examine surface features, such as cratering (Hellas Planitia) and geological processes.

USAFA Family Movie: Star Wars: Rogue One on Sat, Apr 18 at Noon
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:30 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
USAFA Family Movie – Star Wars: Rogue One (10th Anniversary!)
Saturday, April 18 at Noon
2026 is “A Year Among the Stars” in the USAFA Planetarium, including a complete run through the Star Wars movies.
Former scientist Galen Erso lives on a farm with his wife and young daughter, Jyn. His peaceful existence comes crashing down when the evil Orson Krennic takes him away from his beloved family. Many years later, Galen becomes the Empire’s lead engineer for the most powerful weapon in the galaxy, the Death Star. Knowing that her father holds the key to its destruction, Jyn joins forces with a spy and other resistance fighters to steal the space station’s plans for the Rebel Alliance.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the Planetarium.
Everyone must RSVP online to reserve your seats for the movie. IMPORTANT NOTE: With our limited seating, if you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats to another family who can attend.
BASE PASS:
Visitors to the Academy either need a valid DoD ID card, be in the same vehicle with a valid DoD ID card holder, or request a base access pass for the correct date by using the link at the top of the Planetarium website.

Star Trek: First Contact at the USAFA Planetarium on Fri, Apr 17 at 6:00 p.m.
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Planetarium, 2120 Cadet Dr, Air Force Academy, CO, 80840, United States
OPEN TO ALL Movie Event
Star Trek First Contact at the USAFA Planetarium
Friday, April 17 at 6:00 pm
2026 is “A Year Among the Stars” in the USAFA Planetarium – this will include space-themed movies to enjoy, including the 30th Anniversary of Star Trek: First Contact – one of the most successful and most beloved of all the Star Trek films.
The Enterprise and its crew follow a Borg ship through a time warp to prevent the Borg from taking over the Earth in a past era. Stuck in the past, Geordi La Forge helps a pioneer of space travel in his efforts to create the first warp drive while Capt. Picard and Cmdr. Data battle the Borg Queen as she tries to take over the Enterprise.
Non-messy snacks and closeable drinks with lids are authorized for this event only in the Planetarium.
This movie is OPEN TO ALL to enjoy. Everyone must RSVP online to reserve your seats for the movie.
IMPORTANT NOTE: With our limited seating, if you RSVP and your plans change for any reason, please email Jeff our Planetarium Director at planetarium@afacademy.af.edu so we can release your seats to another family who can attend.
BASE PASS:
Visitors to the Academy either need a valid DoD ID card, be in the same vehicle with a valid DoD ID card holder, or request a base access pass for the correct date by using the link at the top of the Planetarium website.

Cadet Chorale Concert
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Ent Center for the Arts, Shockley-Zalabak Theater, 5225 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, 80918, United States
The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chorale will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a concert on April 9, 6:30 p.m., at the Ent Center for the Arts. This performance will feature the Cadet Orchestra, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, and the Air Academy High School Choir.
Audiences will be entertained by a wide range of classical, patriotic, pop, gospel and other selections by American composers.
The concert is free and open to the public.
All attendees must reserve seating for this event.
https://tickets.entcenterforthearts.org/6095/6096
The event is general admission, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime.
