PHOTO VIA ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
Orlando Science Center (Website) is bringing back Cosmic Concerts, a laser light show series that hasn’t had a regular run at the museum since the early 1990s.
The shows return to the museum’s Dome by Dr. Phillips Charities starting September 12, with performances scheduled for the second Saturday of the month through December 12, according to the official press release.
Cosmic Concerts ran at the science center from the late 1970s through the early 1990s and became a local favorite before going dormant for decades. The museum brought the format back briefly over the summer, and the September through December run marks its extended return.
Each Saturday night features three shows. The lineup opens September 12 with Laser Pop, an ’80s and ’90s compilation, at 6:30 p.m., followed by Pink Floyd’s The Wall at 8 p.m. and U2 at 9:30 p.m. October 10 brings a Halloween-themed Fright Night show at 6:30 p.m., Laser Zeppelin at 8 p.m., and Rocket Man at 9:30 p.m. On November 14, the schedule runs Laser Vinyl, a ’70s compilation, at 6:30 p.m., Rush 2112 at 8 p.m., and a Metallica show at 9:30 p.m. The final night, December 12, closes out the run with a Laser Holidays Christmas tribute at 6:30 p.m., Grateful Dead at 8 p.m., and Taylor Swift at 9:30 p.m.
The Center will close to the public at its regular time of 5 p.m. on show nights, and the box office will reopen at 6 p.m. for Cosmic Concerts ticket holders. No other exhibits will be open during the performances, only the Dome. The Dome lobby will have concession snacks and drinks for sale before each show, and guests 21 and older with valid ID can buy beer and wine.
Organizers note the shows involve loud music and fast-paced laser visuals that may be overstimulating for younger children, so Cosmic Concerts are not recommended for kids under 12. Parents bringing younger children are encouraged to use their own judgment based on the featured artist. I had to sit in the top seats to keep from getting too dizzy and I’m a middle-aged man.
Tickets are $15 per show and sold separately for each performance. Seating is limited, and tickets are timed to secure a spot. No member discounts apply to this engagement, and parking is a separate fee.
