Allan I Carswell Observatory Astro Fair - 2026 - Allan I. Carswell Observatory (AICO) at 91��ɫ

Have you ever wanted to watch sunspots go across the sun in real time? Or build your own astronomically accurate fortune teller? Join in as we celebrate astronomy at the AICO and beyond! This special observatory fundraiser event will be fun for the whole family and features science, astronomy viewing, and activities!

�ʦ️ Ticket Info

Includes unlimited access to all activities, booths, and planetarium shows
Valid for both Sundial, Life Sciences Building, and Observatory locations
Non-refundable — proceeds support summer observatory operations

🗓️ Event Date
This event is on Aug 29, 2026. From 6pm - 11pm!
(Please note that the outdoor telescopes will be moved to our main indoor area in case of rain)

🕔 Time
From 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍
Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors if clear and indoors if rainy/cloudy
at the Life Sciences Building, Sundial and Observatory areas (91��ɫ Keele Campus). The main entrance is via the Life Sciences Building lobby (LSB) on the ground floor. For more, see the Event map in Quick links.

🚗 Getting There

Parking available on campus (paid). Several covered and uncovered parking options are available (see our map in Quick links).
Parking Options can be seen here
Arrive easily by TTC subway:
- 91��ɫ Station (closest to the Observatory)
- Pioneer Village Station (also within walking distance)
- The event map with walking paths is shown in Quick links.

Quick Links

Astro Fair Stations Map (coming soon)
Frequently Asked Questions
Partners for Astro Fair

^{2024 Sunspots as viewed through a solar filter. Image credit: AICO/Paul Mackin}

Killarney Provincial Park Observatory — ^{Star Trails taken from AICO summer AIR Program at Killarney PP. Credit: AICO}

^{The Astronomy in Action Planetarium from the 2025 Astro Fair. Image credit: Astronomy in Action, AICO}

^{The moon and craters as seen through Bushnell telescope at the AICO atrium area. Image credit: AICO}

The 8m Stairs Sundial - information coming soon!

91��ɫ Observatory — ^{The AICO domes at 91��ɫU. Credit: AICO}

Indoor Planetarium

Planetarium shows from are included in the ticket price. Run by Ryan Marciniak, Astronomy in Action can also be booked for private events. During the fair your ticket will allow you into the planetarium for one of their famous shows. The Planetarium is located inside the LSB lobby area.

Telescopes and Activities

Telescopes and viewing will abound at the fair, we will have several telescopes from Allan I Carswell Observatory, as well as stations allowing for solar viewing while the sun is up, and night sky views (including crater spotting on the moon) after the sun sets. Your ticket will allow you to visit all booths and telescopes. If cloudy, telescopes will be set up indoors on distant targets.

Our Areas/Partners

With so many wonderful areas and activities to explore we've created a grid showing all of our partners and areas

Frequently Asked Questions

If the weather is bad/cloudy/rainy we will be primarily INSIDE in the LSB lobby with all small telescopes moved indoors. All displays, games and activities are designed to work regardless of weather. Please ensure that if you would like to go up into the optional area of the AICO domes as well as through the main event area that you wear practical shoes and be prepared to climb unavoidable stairs, this will ensure the best experience for our all!

You are NOT required to bring any telescopes or equipment to the fair as we will have several stations open with telescopes for public viewing. If you would like to assist/volunteer for the fair and bring a telescope for viewing please email the observatory director Dr. Hyde at eahyde@yorku.ca

Since the event is a fundraiser event the tickets are not refundable. However, any unused tickets can be redeemed for a free astrophotography poster at our weekly Allan I Carswell Observatory free public viewing nights (every Wednesday).

The Astro Fair is designed to help support the Allan I Carswell Observatory repairs and student hours. As such, we have set our ticket price so that $10 will go to pay for the Astronomy in Action Planetarium, $10 will go to pay for costs and fees associated with the event, and $10 will go back to the observatory to help us reach some of our fundraising goals. To see the full list of goals (and observatory swag for sale) you can see the observatory fundraising area here.

Tickets will be available for purchase online through the day of the event! If you would like to buy your tickets on the same day as the event happens they will be available at the .