Raritan NJ
9-30-2025 1:00pm

Halloween, Harry Potter-Themed Shows Slated at RVCC Planetarium in October

The Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium in Branchburg will present several Halloween star shows and laser concerts in October, as well as a Harry Potter-themed program to join with witches and wizards in celebrating the holiday. The following holiday shows have been scheduled:

Fright Light laser concert, Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 8 p.m.

This laser concert, geared for a slightly older crowd of goblins and ghosts, features such songs as “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by The Charlie Daniels Band. (Recommended for ages 10-adult)

The Skies over Hogwarts, Saturday, October 11, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Join an eclectic group of witches and wizards as they guide visitors through a Harry Potter-themed tour of the night sky. Learn how J.K. Rowling used astronomy as the inspiration for some of her characters’ names. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Halloween: Celestial Origins, Saturdays, October 18 & 25, 7 p.m.

What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? Halloween is an astronomical holiday. Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” The program also will explore the night sky and provide information about what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on Halloween evening. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

Laser Monster Mash laser concert, Saturdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25, 4 p.m.

The witches and ghouls continue to haunt the Planetarium. They love the family-friendly laser songs, including “The Adams Family Theme Song,” “Monster Mash,” and “Ghostbusters.” (Recommended for ages 6-adult)

Additional star shows planned in October at the RVCC Planetarium include:

  • Earth, Moon, Sun & Coyote, sharing misconceptions about eclipses, moon phases, and the day and night skies, Saturdays, October 4, 18, 25, 3 p.m. (Recommended for ages 6-12; to view the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMPML_SbL1w)
  • The Sky Above, a sensory-friendly program specially designed for families with children on the Autism spectrum and other developmental disorders, Saturday, October 4, 5 p.m.
  • Astronomy Tonight, on International Observe the Moon Night, a guided tour of the night sky. Weather permitting, the 3M Observatory, located next to the Planetarium, will be open after the show, Saturday, October 4, 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 8-adult)

For a complete list and schedule of RVCC Planetarium star shows and laser concerts open to the public, visit https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium/public-shows.

The Planetarium has installed new computers, video projectors, and audio speakers that provide audiences with an exciting, immersive experience. The system offers brighter, clearer images and sharper sound quality, as well as an enhanced ability to “fly” through the Universe. The upgrade was funded through the RVCC Foundation by a generous RVCC supporter.

Planetarium tickets cost $11 for one show, $20 for two shows back-to-back on the same day. Reservations are recommended, but all ticket sales are done at the door on the day of the show. Late admission to Planetarium shows is not permitted. For reservations and information, call 908-231-8805 or email planet@raritanval.edu. For additional information, visit www.raritanval.edu/planetarium.

Planetarium laser shows include loud music, flashing lights, and rapidly moving graphics, all in a dark environment, and therefore may not be recommended for those who are sensitive to these conditions or have a medical condition that could be exacerbated by them.

RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.

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