“Sally’s Night” at Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Will Celebrate Women in STEM

The National Air and Space Museum will host its annual “Sally’s Night,” event Saturday, June 21, from 6 to 11 p.m. as part of the Smithsonian’s “Solstice Saturday” programming. Held each June around the anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space, “Sally’s Night” celebrates Ride’s accomplishments and legacy and shines a light on women in STEM.

Visitors will be able to participate in programming that explores the wonder of our universe and highlights how women have contributed to our understanding and exploration of space. Activities include postcard writing, mission patch design, LEGO displays and a scavenger hunt. Visitors can also speak with museum historians and scientists about their research and attend guided planetarium shows, live trivia games, and laser light shows set to pop music by women artists. From 9 to 11 p.m., the museum’s astronomy educators will lead stargazing on the museum’s West Terrace, where visitors can use provided telescopes to observe a variety of objects in the night sky. Free passes are required to attend the main event inside the museum and can be reserved on the museum’s website. Passes are not required for the outdoor stargazing.

The museum’s “Sally’s Night” program began in 2021 as a virtual event and was held the following two years at Nationals Park. In 2024, the current iteration of the event began, held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington during “Solstice Saturday.” “Solstice Saturday” is a Smithsonian-wide event in which museums mark the first Saturday of summer by staying open late and hosting programs and performances throughout the day and night. More information can be found on the Smithsonian’s website.

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is located at Independence Ave. and Sixth St. SW and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required to visit. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport and is open every day except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $15.

# # #

SI-126-2025