First Friday: Rainbows

Celebrate Pride Month by learning about the science and cultural significance of rainbows!
Friday, June 3
6-10 p.m.
$15 adults, $10 kids/seniors and $5 members

How are rainbows formed? What is the meaning behind their bright colors in the LGBTQ+ community?  Activities, community partners and demonstrations highlight the rainbow as both a phenomenon in nature and an important symbol for LGBTQ+ Pride.  

First Fridays at Chabot Space & Science Center bring the Oakland community together to play and discover, highlight diverse voices in S.T.E.A.M. and inspire explorers of all ages. 

Chabot’s First Fridays opens the doors for discovery with planetarium shows, telescope viewings and after-hours access to exhibits. Embedded in Redwood Regional Park, the Center is a space for our community to get together, learn, and explore in Oakland’s backyard. 

First Friday features a new theme supported by community partners, hands-on activities, workshops, performances, and speakers. With different opportunities every month, the possibilities are endless. 

First Fridays at Chabot take place on the first Friday of each month, from 6-10 p.m. Admission is $15 adults, $10 kids/seniors and $5 members. Our Café will be open for dinner and we will have beer and wine available for visitors 21+. 

Featuring

Rainbows by Ron Hipschman, Studio 3

This Pride month, we’ll look at the rainbow in all its glory—from its meaning in the Pride flag to the optics of real rainbows to rainbows in art and popular culture. You’ll even learn how to make rainbows of your own with Ron Hipschman, Senior Scientist Emeritus from the Exploratorium. 

Ron Hipschman worked as a public programs host, exhibit developer, author, teacher, senior scientist, and webcast host at the Exploratorium for over 50 years.  

Awesome Orchestra, Observation Dock

In the spring of 2013, conductor David Möschler called up a bunch of Bay Area musicians for an experiment — an open music reading session, with Beethoven, Bolero, and free beer. Over fifty people showed up. They realized immediately that they had created something special: a musical group dedicated to being awesome and accessible on every level. 

What began as a small collective of friends playing music together has grown into a community that spans the Bay Area. Today, over 2000 local musicians have played in Awesöme Orchestra. Learn more. 

7:30 – 10:00 p.m. Telescope Makers Workshop with Eastbay Astronomical Society, Lab 2

Open to all ages, the Telescope Makers’ Workshop is an all-volunteer group committed to helping people build their own telescopes. Drop in to see what they are up to. 

The Eastbay Astronomical Society serves Bay Area residents and astronomy enthusiasts with events, classes, and Oakland’s premier views of the universe.  

7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Telescope Viewings, Observatory Deck

Join Chabot astronomers on the Observatory Deck for a free telescope viewing! Weather permitting, this is a chance to explore stars, planets and more through Chabot’s historic telescopes.