Public Events Series

Each season the Caltech Campus Programs presents several series of events aimed at different interests and age groups. The current seasons series are described below. Click on the series title to see a list of events for that series this season.

Earnest C. Watson Lecture Series

Named for the late Earnest C. Watson, who founded the series in 1922, these lectures feature speakers from Caltech and JPL, speaking on their cutting-edge research. No tickets or reservations are required. Through a gift from the estate of Richard C. Biedebach, the Watson Lecture Series has expanded to nine lectures annually. Many past Watson Lectures are available for viewing online on YouTube or on Caltech's iTunes U site.

Theodore von Kármán Lecture Series

The Theodore von Kármán Lecture Series, named after JPL's founder, and presented by JPL's Office of Communication and Education, brings the excitement of the space program's missions, instruments and other technologies to both JPL employees and the local community. Lectures take place twice per month, on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays. The Thursday lectures take place in JPL's Theodore von Kármán Auditorium, and Friday lectures take place in Caltech's Ramo Auditorium. Both start at 7:00 p.m. Admission and parking are free for all lectures, no reservations are required, and seating is limited.

Caltech manages JPL for NASA.

Performing Arts Series

Each season Caltech Campus Programs presents performing arts events ranging from theater and music to dance and comedy in various venues on campus; many of these events feature world-renowned artists. Tickets are required.

School-Day Programs: Performing Arts Series

This series includes science programs featuring special school-day versions of selected performing arts events. Designed for school groups grades 3 to 12, these programs are held on various Friday mornings throughout the school year.

To learn how your school can participate, call (626) 395-6059 or email Mary Herrera. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for certain school districts through the generosity of our donors.

School-Day Programs: Reel Science Series

This series of science programs features high-definition films, followed by discussions with Caltech scientists. Designed for school groups grades 5 to 12, these programs are held on various Friday mornings throughout the school year.

To learn how your school can participate, call (626) 395-6059 or email Mary Herrera. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for certain school districts through the generosity of our donors.

Science Saturdays Series—Matinees for All Ages

Stunning high-definition films serve as the springboard for lively discussions with Caltech researchers about the science behind the beauty and wonder of the world around us. These programs are held on various Saturday afternoons. Tickets are required. This series is made possible through Caltech's membership in the CineMuse Network.

Coleman Chamber Music Series

Sponsored by the Coleman Chamber Music Association, the nation's oldest chamber music series—now in its 114th season—celebrates a rich history of bringing to the community the finest in chamber music. Tickets are required.

Student Group Performances

Artistic talent on the Caltech campus in showcased by a wide variety of performing groups from Caltech Performing and Visual Arts: the Caltech-Occidental Jazz and Concerts Bands, the Caltech-Occidental Orchestra, Men's and Women's Glee Clubs, Student Chamber Music Ensembles, and Theater Arts at Caltech.

Folk Music at Caltech

Since 1981, the Pasadena Folk Music Society—until 2013 called the Caltech Folk Music Society—has brought performers of acoustic music from around the world to perform at Caltech. The music ranges from bluegrass bands and British Isles music to blues and Nueva canción. Tickets are required.

Special Events

From school-day shows for student groups and families to remarkable summer evening concerts, from rock-climbing film festivals to Caltech's annual Commencement ceremony, special events occur throughout the year.