Join Us Under the Stars
From telescope nights and community star parties to live music, educational programs and special events, our calendar is your place to explore upcoming experiences that bring science, culture and community together under the stars. Browse upcoming events, reserve tickets and stay connected with everything happening at Dyer.
Upcoming Events
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October 15, 2026
7 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Telescope Night
---SOLD OUT--- Telescope Night is back at Dyer Observatory! Join us for our first Telescope Night of the season, featured as part of the Tennessee STEAM Festival. Explore Dyer’s exhibits, connect with astronomers, enjoy hands-on astronomy activities and take in views of the night sky through our telescopes, weather permitting. Come explore at your own pace during this open-house experience.
This is a ticketed event.
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October 17, 2026
7 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Bluebird on the Mountain
Bluebird Café meets sunset views and starlit skies at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory for an evening of music, storytelling and community.
This is a ticketed event.
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November 5, 2026
6 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Land Shapes, Skyscapes: Art, Astronomy & Ways of Seeing
Join Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and the Curb Center for an evening exploring how art and astronomy offer different ways of seeing and understanding the world around us.
Presented as part of the Curb Center’s Land Shapes exhibition, the event brings together artists Lanecia Rouse and Jana Harper and Vanderbilt astronomer Erika Grundstrom for a conversation about land, sky, place and perspective.
Make an evening of it with a sunset cocktail hour featuring a hosted bar and light hors d’oeuvres, followed by telescope viewing under the night sky.
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November 6, 2026
6 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Nashville Opera on the Mountain
Nashville Opera and Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory come together for an unforgettable evening of music on the mountain.
Bring a picnic and your favorite beverages, gather with friends, and enjoy live performances from a mix of artists and musical genres under the stars at one of Nashville’s most distinctive settings.
This is a ticketed event.
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November 7, 2026
5 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Star Songs
Star Songs brings Allison Young, Piper Jones and Cole Ritter to Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory for an intimate jazz matinée inspired by the stars and cosmos.
Presented in partnership with Nashville Jazz Workshop, this one-of-a-kind experience pairs live music with the newly renovated Dyer Observatory, light bites and telescope viewing.
This is a ticketed event.
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November 14, 2026
TBD Bells Bend Outdoor Center
Public Star Party
Experience the wonders of the night sky with Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society.
Free + Open to the Public
More information coming soon!
*Dates and times are subject to change
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November 19, 2026
7 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Telescope Night
Experience the night sky from Dyer Observatory! Explore Dyer’s exhibits, connect with astronomers, enjoy hands-on astronomy activities and take in views of the night sky through our telescopes, weather permitting. Come explore at your own pace during this open-house experience.
This is a ticketed event.
More information coming soon!
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December 4, 2026
7 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Telescope Night
Experience the night sky from Dyer Observatory! Explore Dyer’s exhibits, connect with astronomers, enjoy hands-on astronomy activities and take in views of the night sky through our telescopes, weather permitting. Come explore at your own pace during this open-house experience.
This is a ticketed event.
More information coming soon!
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December 12, 2026
TBD Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
Public Star Party
Experience the wonders of the night sky with Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory and the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society.
Free + Open to the Public
More information coming soon!
*Dates and times are subject to change
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December 18, 2026
7 p.m. Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
Telescope Night
Experience the night sky from Dyer Observatory! Explore Dyer’s exhibits, connect with astronomers, enjoy hands-on astronomy activities and take in views of the night sky through our telescopes, weather permitting. Come explore at your own pace during this open-house experience.
This is a ticketed event.
More information coming soon!