We knew we were standing in a room in Denver. But once the headsets were on, our eyes and brains went along with being somewhere else entirely.
We recently checked out Smithsonian Starstruck: An Immersive Experience at Fever Hub at York Street Yards, and we didn’t expect it to feel as real as it did. You’re moving through galaxies, watching stars, and getting up close to a black hole. The footage we brought back doesn’t really explain what it feels like being in there.
And if you’ve been curious about it, you’ll have a chance to experience it for free on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
What Is Smithsonian Starstruck?
Starstruck is a roughly 40-minute, walkable virtual reality experience developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. You put on a VR headset and move through a journey into space built using real astronomical data from the Smithsonian, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
The experience begins at the Smithsonian’s Whipple Observatory before taking you into the universe alongside the Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope, and Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Along the way, you explore distant planets, witness the life cycle of stars, travel through galaxies, and approach a supermassive black hole.
Knowing it’s virtual reality doesn’t stop you from reacting to what’s around you. That was the part that got us. You know where you actually are, but what you’re seeing makes it surprisingly easy to forget.
How to Get Free Tickets
To kick off World Space Week, Smithsonian Starstruck is hosting Free Family Sunday on October 4, 2026.
Free tickets become available Thursday, September 24, 2026. They’re first come, first served and will only be available until all free tickets have been claimed.
Visit the official Denver page on September 24 to reserve tickets for the October 4 event:
Claim Free Family Sunday Tickets Here
The announcement does not list a specific ticket release time. Reserve ahead while tickets are available.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location: Fever Hub at York Street Yards
- Address: 3863 N. Steele St., Suite 1168, Denver, CO 80205
- Experience length: Approximately 40 minutes
- Recommended age: 10 and up
- Free Family Sunday: October 4, 2026
- Free ticket release: September 24, 2026
The experience also offers accessibility features including closed captions, visual descriptions, wheelchair-optimized viewing, assistive listening devices, and complimentary companion access. Check with the venue about arrangements for your visit.
Can’t Make the Free Day? Here’s Where to Buy Tickets
Starstruck is already open in Denver, with regular tickets available through the Fever app and website.
Buy Smithsonian Starstruck Denver Tickets on Fever
Organizers have also announced a limited-time offer for 20% off admission during World Space Week, October 4 through 10. Check the ticket page for offer availability and booking details.
Even if you can’t make the free day, we’d recommend checking it out. Seeing it on a screen and standing in the middle of it are two very different experiences.
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