WASHINGTON — The National Air and Space Museum will hold its annual Sally’s Night on June 20 from 6 to 11 p.m. The event marks the anniversary of Sally Ride becoming the first American woman in space and focuses on the contributions of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Sally Ride flew aboard the space shuttle Challenger in 1983. She later worked as a physicist and educator, founding Sally Ride Science to encourage young people, especially girls, to pursue STEM fields. The museum event includes postcard writing, mission mascot design, LEGO displays and a scavenger hunt. Visitors can speak with museum historians and scientists, attend planetarium shows, join live trivia and watch IMAX films.
From 9 to 11 p.m. on the West Terrace, astronomy educators will lead stargazing sessions using telescopes. No passes are required for the outdoor stargazing. Free timed-entry passes are required for the indoor programming and can be reserved on the museum’s website.
Sally’s Night is part of the Smithsonian’s Solstice Celebration, which runs June 19 through June 21 this year. The museum will also open from 6 to 11 p.m. on June 19 with no formal programming, allowing visitors to explore the galleries after regular hours. Free passes are required for that evening as well.
The National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall is located at Independence Avenue and Sixth Street S.W. It is open daily except Dec. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, though timed-entry passes are generally required. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, operates under similar hours with free admission and paid parking.
The event began as a virtual program in 2021 and was held at Nationals Park in subsequent years before moving to the museum in 2024. It provides an opportunity for families and students to engage with space science and history outside regular visiting hours. Southern Maryland residents can reach the museum by car in roughly 90 minutes from many parts of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, making it accessible for evening outings.
The Solstice Celebration offers extended access during the longest days of the year, when twilight lingers and stargazing conditions can be favorable later in the evening. The program aligns with broader Smithsonian efforts to connect the public with scientific discovery and historical milestones in aviation and spaceflight.
