Spaced Out: New Planetarium Now Open inside Washington Pavilion

Spaced Out: New Planetarium Now Open inside Washington Pavilion

aaronrutten

If this week's Blue Moon has left you jonesing for more planetary bodies, lucky for you the Sioux Falls Washington Pavilion can help scratch your astronomical itch.

If you're looking for something COOL to do with the entire family over what is going to be a really HOT Labor Day weekend here in the Sioux Empire, then you should consider moving indoors for the reopening of the Wells Fargo Cinedome and Sweetman Planetarium.

The Pavilion got this planetary party started on Thursday, (August 31) and it will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend with a number of fun activities everyone is sure to enjoy.

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The entire thing is free to the public on Friday, (September 1). Residents of the Sioux Empire will be able to lay eyes for the first time on the new video projection, dome screens, and upgraded audio and lighting systems inside the planetarium. You'll be able to immerse yourself in cosmic wonder with showings of "Unseen Universe" at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM. (All of the showings will happen on a first-come, first-served basis.)

The official grand opening happens on Saturday, (September 2) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  There will be hourly showings of "Unseen Universe" starting at 11:00 AM that day, plus, attendees will be able to check out special space-themed kids’ activities, crafts, specials inside the Pavilion, and much more!

Regularly scheduled programming starts up again on Sunday, (September 3) with showings of the films "Experience the Aurora,” “Robot Explorers” and “Unseen Universe” as well as the new large-format film “Wings Over Water” inside the planetarium.

President and CEO of the Wells Fargo Cinedome and Sweetman Planetarium, Darrin Smith told Dakota News Now, When we open up to the public, this will truly be one of the best planetariums in the United States. First and foremost, that’s the biggest difference. And the programming is going to be just incredible. And the way that technology has advanced, the stuff we will be able to show, this so much better.”

The gift of more than two million dollars that the Sweetman family gave to the Washington Pavilion recently made this new state-of-the-art planetarium project possible.

Learn all about the new Wells Fargo Sweetman Planetarium here.

Source: Dakota News Now/ Washington Pavilion

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.
What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna do with these kids?" A question every parent askes, especially in the summer. And it's always better if what you do with the kids is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things for you and the kids to do in Sioux Falls.
Filed Under: Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Washington Pavilion
Categories: Articles, Sioux Falls