Please read this first before purchasing tickets!
The ESSL is a part of the Frederick County Public School system. Our primary purpose is to work with FCPS school groups. With a small dedicated staff, we are able to offer limited evening, summer and public events.
All shows will take place in the Ausherman Planetarium and typically include a "Star Hike". Viewing animals and exhibits are included with your ticket purchase. PLEASE NOTE: ESSL OPENS 30 minutes prior to first show time and EXHIBITS will CLOSE 30 MINUTES AFTER THE LAST SHOW BEGINS!
The Natelli Observatory, with its 14" CELESTRON HD Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, will be open during most planetarium shows, weather permitting, to view choice celestial objects.
TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. In the event of inclement weather, we will follow FCPS protocol. If schools are canceled, or after school/evening events are canceled, there will not be a program on that date.
Tickets for the planetarium are needed for patrons that take up a seat. Babies and toddlers that sit on parents' lap do not need a ticket.
Important Info!!
- Location: 210 Madison Street, Frederick, MD 21701
- Evening Showtimes: Tuesday and Thursday on selected days during the school year – 6:00pm and 7:00pm (Doors open at 5:30pm) Exhibits close at 7:30PM OR 30 minutes after the last planetarium show begins.
- ESSL is open during the day during specific school closures for staff development: 2025-2026 dates are: October 17, January 20th, March 20th, and June 17th. Doors open at 9:30am-close at 3pm. Exhibits close at 2:30pm.
- Admission: Open to the general public - ONLY 80 tickets are available for each show. Get your tickets online and early. $6.00 each. ******Star Wars night is $10.00******
- PLANETARIUM Ticket price includes ESSL exhibits and animals. YOU DO NOT NEED A TICKET TO JUST VIEW ANIMALS AND EXHIBITS.
- Tickets: Tickets will be sold ONLINE ONLY. The ESSL uses an outside vendor for ticket sales, please direct any purchase questions to HomeTown Ticketing. 24-7 Chat Support available.
- Patrons should check in at the ESSL ticket table upon arrival. You do not need to print out or pick up tickets.
- NO CASH SALES. ALL SALES ARE FINAL
Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patrons: Please call the ESSL at 227-203-1742 at least 10 business days prior to the event you would like to attend, to ensure interpreting services will be available.