Private Groups

Movie Night Under the Stars

The Planetarium offers a variety of programs for private or corporate groups including personal tours and movie screenings. Schedule now!

Private groups are welcome to schedule special programs and events at the East Texas A&M University Planetarium. Reservation requests may be made by emailing [email protected] or calling the Planetarium office at 903.468.8650.

Private group programs may include, but are not limited to:

  • Private planetarium showings
  • Birthday parties
  • Scout programs
  • Movie nights
  • Other special group events

Private Planetarium Shows

Private groups may select one or more programs from our show catalog. The Planetarium has a maximum seating capacity of 81 guests.

Admission is $5 per person, per show. Groups of 15 or fewer guests are subject to a $75 minimum fee per show.

Payment is due on the day of the scheduled program and may be made by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard. The Planetarium does not accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or other tap-to-pay applications.

Movie Rentals

Groups may also rent the Planetarium for a private movie screening. The standard rental fee is $75 for up to two hours, with an additional charge of $25 for each additional 30 minute period.

The person making the reservation is responsible for providing the movie on DVD or Blu-ray Disc. Movies must be appropriate for the intended audience (please note that we do not allow R-rated movies), and all selections must be approved by the Planetarium office before the reservation can be confirmed.

Scheduling and Reservation Requirements

Private group reservations require a minimum of two weeks' advance notice to allow adequate time to prepare for the program and schedule available Planetarium staff. Availability is not guaranteed and will depend on the Planetarium schedule and staffing.

A reservation is not complete or confirmed until all required information has been provided and a confirmation has been issued by the Planetarium. Requested dates and times may remain available to other groups until the reservation process is complete.

When requesting a reservation, please provide:

  • Requested date and time
  • Type of event or program
  • Total number of guests (maximum capacity is 81)
  • Show selection, if requesting a planetarium show
  • Organization or group name, if applicable
  • Primary contact name
  • Contact phone number and email address
  • Any additional information relevant to the event

Once all required information has been received and the reservation is confirmed, the Planetarium will provide confirmation and additional information regarding arrival, payment, parking, and applicable policies.

All private groups are required to follow the policies of the East Texas A&M University Planetarium and East Texas A&M University.

Directions and Parking

Getting Here

Physical address: 2201 W. Neal St, Commerce, TX 75428

The planetarium is located in the McFarland Science Building of the East Texas A&M campus, located approximately 65 miles northeast of the Dallas metroplex.

From Dallas, take Interstate 30 east. Exit to Highway 50/24 (exit 101) and proceed approximately 10 miles north to Commerce. The first intersection/stoplight is Culver and Hwy 50/24, turn right toward the east and prepare to take the first turn left turn on Neal Street. Continue straight on Neal Street which will end at the McFarland Science Building. Signs have been posted for directions beginning at the intersection of Culver and Hwy 50/24.

Parking

Parking for the planetarium is in lot 19 only for all visits other than Friday night public shows. Parking outside of lot 19 can result in vehicles receiving a parking ticket. This includes buses, and we request that buses pull through the bus drop-off zone to offload passengers, then relocate to Lot 19. Please find Planetarium parking on the campus map. Parking in Lot 35 is still allowed for Friday night shows only.

Please allow extra time for parking and to purchase tickets. For the comfort and safety of all our visitors, once the planetarium doors are closed, late admission is not permitted.

Policies

For the comfort and safety of all planetarium visitors, we request that all visitors comply with the following policies:

  • No late admission to the planetarium, once the show begins, the doors will remain closed for the comfort and safety of all visitors.
  • Please enter from either Culver or Neal Street, and use parking lot 19 as noted on the campus map for parking.
  • All cell phones must be turned off before entering the planetarium. The phones can interfere with the wireless system used to run the program.
  • No food or drinks in the planetarium, including gum and candy.
  • The Planetarium’s maximum seating capacity is 81 visitors. We are required to remain strictly within those limits.
  • The Planetarium is wheelchair accessible. Please see the seating guide below for accessible pathways. Our office is happy to accommodate special requests and can be reached at 903.468.8650.

Contact Us

  • P.O. Box 3011
  • Commerce, TX 75429-3011

For a recorded message providing show information and times, call 903.468.8652.

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