Chabot Space & Science Center was founded in 1883 and opened as an astronomical observatory. Located on 13 acres in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park, the non-profit science center is surrounded by plenty of walking trails and the largest stand of coastal redwoods in the East Bay. While there are plenty of educational options to be explored at Chabot, the building also functions as a striking venue for the wildly popular Candlelight series. Candlelight invites everyone to experince some of their favorite music in a new way while surrounded by hundreds of candles.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Chabot yet, you can find free parking in Chabot’s 3-level parking structure. Behold some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world on your way to opening your mind to scientific study at Oakland’s home for science. Exhibits, the Ask Jeeves Planetarium, three large historic telescopes, and more await your arrival.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Chabot Space & Science Center
1. NASA Ames Visitor Center
Chabot opened NASA Ames Visitor Center in 2021. Offering an immersive exhibition showcasing the real stories and people at NASA’s Ames Research Center. Place yourself in the shoes of a NASA scientist and tackle new challenges. You can also see a full-scale model of NASA’s Artemis rover, the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER.
2. An Overnight Experience
Chabot offers two overnight programs. The Odyssey Overnight is for scouts and youth groups and Slumber with the Stars is suited to family and adult audiences. The unique experience includes interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and stargazing, interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, stargazing. Dinner, breakfast and indoor and outdoor sleeping options are also provided. Overnights at Chabot are the perfect plan for a private birthday party, corporate event, school activity, and more.
3. CoLab
While Chabot has plenty of stimulating exhibitions to choose from, CoLab provides a unique space “to play, collaborate and test new ideas.” Consider the possibilities of living on another planet, use shaking tables and snapping circuits to build and test designs for alternative worlds, and work together to provide Chabot with live feedback.
Candlelight concerts at Chabot Space & Science Center
The Candlelight series continues to dazzle audiences at Chabot. From holiday specials and concerts celebrating legendary film scores to a tribute honoring Bad Bunny, these performances cover a diverse range of music genres. Find your seat at one of Chabot’s mesmerizing concerts and reintroduce yourself to some of the greatest music of all time. The combination of candles and the stunning setting at Chabot creates a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
What else can you do at Chabot Space & Science Center?
Aside from visiting the popular exhibitions and stargazing, you can also rent Chabot! What could be more magical than saying your wedding vows under the stars. Boasting the spectacular Planetarium, Observatory, and Courtyard garden, you can plan an unforgettable event, from a corporate meeting or gala to a holiday party.
What’s more, if you keep an eye on Chabot’s own events listing, you can discover thrilling activities. Free telescope viewings, family nature adventures, and Hike & Sip, are examples of some of the things you can expect to find.
Although Candlelight continues to shine its light on Chabot, music lovers can also enjoy Candlelight concert at several other venues. Appreciate some of the finest architecture and design Boston has to offer while attending one of these unforgettable performances.