WASHINGTON — The National Air and Space Museum will host its annual “Sally’s Night” on June 21, 2025, from 6 to 11 p.m., celebrating Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, as part of the Smithsonian’s “Solstice Saturday” programming. The event, held near the anniversary of Ride’s historic 1983 spaceflight, highlights her legacy and the contributions of women in STEM through interactive activities and educational programs at the museum’s Washington, D.C., location.
Visitors can engage in a range of activities, including postcard writing, mission patch design, LEGO displays, and a scavenger hunt. The event also offers opportunities to speak with museum historians and scientists about their research. Guided planetarium shows, live trivia games, and laser light shows set to pop music by women artists will be featured. From 9 to 11 p.m., astronomy educators will lead stargazing on the museum’s West Terrace, where visitors can use provided telescopes to observe celestial objects. Free passes are required for the main event inside the museum and can be reserved on the museum’s website. No passes are needed for the outdoor stargazing.
“Sally’s Night” began in 2021 as a virtual event and was held at Nationals Park in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, it moved to the National Air and Space Museum, aligning with the Smithsonian’s “Solstice Saturday,” a day when Smithsonian museums stay open late and host special programs to mark the first Saturday of summer. Additional details about “Solstice Saturday” are available on the Smithsonian’s website.
The National Air and Space Museum, located at Independence Ave. and Sixth St. SW, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Dec. 25. Admission is free, but timed-entry passes are required. The museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport, is also open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with free admission and $15 parking.
The event underscores Sally Ride’s pioneering role in space exploration. As a physicist and astronaut, Ride broke barriers when she flew aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983. Her achievements continue to inspire programs like “Sally’s Night,” which aims to engage visitors of all ages in STEM and highlight women’s contributions to space science. The museum’s programming reflects its mission to educate the public about aviation and space exploration, with “Sally’s Night” serving as a key initiative to promote diversity in these fields.
The 2025 event is expected to draw families, students, and space enthusiasts. The combination of hands-on activities, expert interactions, and stargazing offers a unique opportunity to explore the universe while honoring women in STEM. The museum’s West Terrace stargazing session, weather permitting, will provide views of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies, guided by experienced educators.
“Sally’s Night” is part of the museum’s broader efforts to make science accessible and inclusive. By offering free admission to the main event with reserved passes, the museum ensures broad participation. The alignment with “Solstice Saturday” enhances the event’s visibility, as Smithsonian museums across Washington, D.C., host extended hours and special programs on the same day.
