Be out there in Parkes ...
Parkes knows how to celebrate, and it will be another exciting weekend of action for the 50th anniversary of the
Apollo 11 moon landing.
Take a rare look inside the CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope, watch the Dish Movie beneath the stars at the Dish, marvel at world class astrophotography and be inspired by public artworks and lighting installations throughout the Parkes CBD.
Check out these events and more below and start planning your own stellar experience in Parkes.
Open Days at The Dish
Saturday and Sunday 20 and 21 July
CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope
A rare opportunity to see behind the scenes at one of the world's most famous radio telescopes. An unforgetable experience for the whole family. A host of activites are planned for the weekend. Buses will be running between Parkes and The Dish throughout the weekend.
Be a Part of History!
How many people watched the moon landing?
TODAY at The Dish
7am to 9am, Friday 19 July
Start your Apollo celebrations early by rugging up and joining the TODAY crew at The Dish.
Everyone welcome!
Dish Movie at The Dish
20 July, 7pm @ CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope
Watch the movie ‘The Dish’ under the stars, introduced by actor Roy Billing who played the Mayor of Parkes in the film.
Once it’s dark, settle in to watch a range of Apollo 11-themed content, followed by the main feature ‘The Dish’ at 7pm.
Stellar Constellation of Art
17 to 21 July, Parkes CBD
Parkes is shining bright with astro art popping up everywhere! Light shows. Projections. Art installations.
Be Awesome!
Do stars only come out at night?
'To the Moon and Back' Art Exhibition
19 July to 3 August, Cedar Cafe
Inspiring young artists present their impressions of this historic event.
Be Enthralled!
What would you paint?
CSIRO Science Talks
Friday 19 July, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Railway Hotel
Get your tickets early for this all-ages event - 60 years in 15 minutes; fast radio bursts; cosmic galaxy dances.
Be Inspired!
Does a galaxy really dance?
Busking on the Broadwalk
Saturday 20 July, 10am to 12noon, Roasted Kombi
Listen to Hannah performing all her favourites, including songs from THAT movie!
Be Entertained!
Time for a sing-a-long!
Self-guided Tour around 'The Dish' Movie Locations
Take a drive or a stroll around Parkes and Forbes to explore locations featured in the movie The Dish.
Why did they film in Forbes?
Dish Discovery Centre & 3D Theatre
Every day, CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope
Plenty to see and do at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitor's Centre.
Marvel at the beauty of The Dish. Explore the astronomy and space science exhibition. Discover the universe in the high-def 3D theatre. Challenge yourself with the AstroKids Scavenger Hunt.
Be Even More Amazed!
Will The Dish move?
Visitor Information Centre & Museums
20 - 21 July, 9am to 4pm, Henry Parkes Centre
Linger longer with extended opening hours for the Astronomy Weekend.
There's more time to explore the Moat Cottage, Parkes Antique Motor Museum and The King's Castle.
Find out about upcoming events and grab yourself some galactic gifts (including bespoke Parkes Dish socks).
Don't forget to redeem your Apollo 11 Winter Deals.