Celebrate World Space Week in San Antonio with Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
This World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is inviting audiences around the globe to explore the universe together during Family Space Week – a special celebration taking place October 4–10. (Smithsonian Starstruck, 2026)
Across participating Starstruck venues in Washington D.C., San Antonio, Denver, Chicago, London, Melbourne, São Paulo, and Lisbon, guests are invited to journey deep into the cosmos through immersive exploration, STEM-inspired content, and special giveaways.
Kicking Off With Free Family Sunday at Starstruck
At the heart of the celebration is Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience, where guests travel through galaxies, encounter extreme exoplanets, and witness the life cycle of stars through real astronomical data brought to life.
Free tickets will be made available on Sunday, October 4 with Free Family Sunday, a special kickoff event offering free admission to Smithsonian Starstruck for one day only.
Important Note: Free tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and will no longer be available once fully claimed.
From young explorers to grown-up stargazers, Free Family Sunday is designed to turn curiosity into discovery. Families can explore the science behind the stars and take home space-inspired goodies.
Event Details & Visitor Information
- Opening Date: Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location: The Shops at Rivercenter, Lower Level (San Antonio, TX)
- Duration: ~40 minutes
- Recommended Age: 10+
Accessibility Features
Developed in close collaboration with the Smithsonian Office of Visitor Accessibility, Starstruck incorporates accessible features to ensure a welcoming experience for all:
- Closed captions & visual descriptions
- Wheelchair-optimized viewing
- Assistive listening devices
- Complimentary companion access
- Fully accessible venues and trained staff
What to Expect: A Walkable, Interactive Cosmos
Developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), Starstruck draws on decades of astronomical research to translate scientific data into a fully immersive, interactive, and walkable universe.
Built from real astronomical data, Starstruck is far more than an exhibition—it is a cosmic journey allowing guests to activate their senses as they touch, hear, and navigate the wonders of the universe like never before.
Highlight Features:
- Travel Alongside Space Telescopes: Journey aboard the Hubble Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
- Explore Deep Space: Encounter extreme exoplanets, witness the birth and death of stars, and explore the immense scale of galaxies and black holes.
- Humanity’s Place in Science: Gain a deeper understanding of our place in the universe through smart, transportive entertainment.
A Full Week of Cosmic Discovery
Family Space Week continues beyond the Sunday kickoff event with:
- Special Ticket Offers: A limited-time promotion offering 20% off admission throughout World Space Week.
- Giveaways & Partnerships: Local radio giveaways, STEM-inspired social content, and community partnerships across participating cities.
“World Space Week is about celebrating the curiosity that space sparks in all of us. We created Starstruck to inspire young people to ask big questions, get excited about science, and see themselves as part of the future of discovery.”
— Randall Smith, Astrophysicist at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
About Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience
Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience is a 3D interactive, virtual reality experience that begins at Earth’s observatories and launches visitors into the universe. Translating real data from SAO, NASA, and ESA, Starstruck brings Smithsonian science and storytelling into a transportive format, extending the Institution’s mission of sharing knowledge far beyond its physical museums.
Starstruck is part of Fever’s growing portfolio of original immersive experiences, designed to make extraordinary scientific discoveries accessible and tangible for everyone through a seamless blend of education, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology.
