Events

Programs & Events

	July 2026
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3 Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM July 3, 2026 •	4
5	6 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 6, 2026 •	7 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 7, 2026 •	8	9	10 Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM July 10, 2026 Shell- Yeah Shell- Yeah July 10, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Drendel Auditorium, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, USA Get ready for your next beach adventure! Join local author and professional shell hunter Dr. Ashley Oliphant at 6:30 PM in Drendel Auditorium for a fascinating and fun presentation on finding seashells, spotting shark teeth, and uncovering treasures along the shoreline. After the program, continue the exploration with special hands-on activities and a chance to roam through CSC’s exciting Dinosaurs! exhibit. It's an evening of discovery perfect for beachcombers, fossil hunters, and curious explorers of all ages! Purchase Tickets- https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Shelling-and-Shark-Tooth-Hunting-with-Dr-Ashley-Oliphant • •	11 SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase! SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase! July 11, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Don't miss this month's event in the Foothills Collaboratory! SPARK is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. The LAB can be found at the end of the South entrance hallway across from Velo-City. This program is free with the price of admission. Learn more HERE. •
12	13 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 13, 2026 •	14 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 14, 2026 •	15	16	17 Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM July 17, 2026 Members Night at the Crawdads Members Night at the Crawdads July 17, 2026 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Join us for a fun-filled evening with the Hickory Crawdads on June 19! As a valued CSC member, you can claim up to four FREE tickets at the Crawdads box office, just show your member card. Be sure to stop by our booth before the game for some hands-on science activities, then settle in for first pitch at 7:00 PM. Stick around after the game for an exciting fireworks show to cap off the night! • •	18 SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase! SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase! July 18, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Don't miss this month's event in the Foothills Collaboratory! SPARK is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. The LAB can be found at the end of the South entrance hallway, across from Velo-City. This program is free with the price of admission. Learn more HERE. •
19	20 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 20, 2026 •	21 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 21, 2026 •	22	23	24 Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM July 24, 2026 •	25
26	27 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 27, 2026 •	28 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 28, 2026 •	29	30	31 Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM July 31, 2026 •

Public Planetarium Shows

*Please Note: seating in the Millholland Planetarium is limited to 65. Seats will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.*

	July 2026
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 1, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 1, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	2 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 2, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 2, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	3 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 3, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 3, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 3, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •	4 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 4, 2026 11:00 am - 11:30 am Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 4, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 4, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Wehat does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •
5 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 5, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 5, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	6 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 6, 2026 •	7 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 7, 2026 •	8 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 8, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 8, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	9 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 9, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 9, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	10 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 10, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 10, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 10, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •	11 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 11, 2026 11:00 am - 11:30 am Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 11, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 11, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Wehat does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •
12 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 12, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 12, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	13 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 13, 2026 •	14 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 14, 2026 •	15 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 15, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 15, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	16 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 16, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 16, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	17 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 17, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 17, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 17, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •	18 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 18, 2026 11:00 am - 11:30 am Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 18, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 18, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Wehat does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •
19 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 19, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 19, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	20 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 20, 2026 •	21 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 21, 2026 •	22 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 22, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 22, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	23 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 23, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 23, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	24 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 24, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 24, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 24, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •	25 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 25, 2026 11:00 am - 11:30 am Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 25, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 25, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? Wehat does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •
26 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 26, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 26, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	27 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 27, 2026 •	28 CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC July 28, 2026 •	29 Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival July 29, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 29, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	30 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 30, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 30, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. • •	31 Dinosaurs: A story of Survival Dinosaurs: A story of Survival July 31, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds. Experience the Aurora Experience the Aurora July 31, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky. Astronaut Astronaut July 31, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond. • • •

Denise G.

Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.

– Denise G.

Sam H.

This place was great. We have kids from 8 to 1 and they all had a great time. What I really liked is most of the exhibits are hands on and that really kept them occupied.

– Sam H.

Larry W.

Took the kiddos and they loved it. Employees were nice and helpful. If your looking for something to do with the kids give this place a shot.

-Larry W.

Meredith C.

What a wonderful place to visit! Great environment to learn and the staff is very helpful! Hickory is lucky to have great family education and entertainment.

– Meredith C.

Tiffany F.

We love the Science Center! I take my 2 and 4 year old boys weekly to play and enjoy the exhibits. The staff are wonderful and the classes offered are excellent! We are so blessed to have such an amazing resource in our area.

– Tiffany F.

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