Weber State University has announced two community events scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, featuring a morning pet parade in downtown Ogden and an evening stargazing event at the Ott Planetarium. The festivities include a homecoming kickoff and a themed astronomical viewing session.
Homecoming Kickoff Parade
The Weber State University Alumni Association will host the Purple Paw Parade beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026. The event is set to take place at Municipal Gardens, located at 343 25th St., and serves as a way to kick off the university's Homecoming Week.
According to the university, the parade allows participants to strut their pups through the streets of downtown Ogden. While the event is free to attend, the Alumni Association requires registration for participation. Interested individuals can complete their registration through the official Purple Paw Parade 2026 website.
Evening Stargazing Event
As the morning festivities conclude, the focus of the university's programming shifts to the evening. The Ott Planetarium has scheduled a Spooky Star Party to take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.
This astronomical event will be held on the fourth floor of the Tracy Hall Science Center. The university has designated the event as a free activity, offering the community a night of spooky stargazing.
A Day of Events
The two events represent different facets of university engagement, ranging from social community celebrations to scientific observation. The Purple Paw Parade is a central component of the broader Homecoming Week celebrations organized by the Alumni Association.
In contrast, the Spooky Star Party focuses on astronomical observation and is hosted specifically by the Ott Planetarium. Both events are scheduled for the same day, providing a full day of programming for the Ogden area.
Event Details and Access
For those interested in the Purple Paw Parade, the event begins in the morning at Municipal Gardens. For those interested in the Spooky Star Party, the event takes place later in the evening at the Tracy Hall Science Center.
Further information regarding the specific details of the stargazing session can be found on the Ott Planetarium website, while parade registration is managed through the Alumni Association's designated web portal.
Community Engagement
The scheduling of these events on Oct. 10, 2026, aligns with university traditions and scientific outreach. The morning parade focuses on alumni and community connection, while the evening planetarium event provides a specialized science-based experience for the public.
Logistics for Participants
Both the Alumni Association and the Ott Planetarium have released details regarding the locations and times for these upcoming activities. The parade will occupy the downtown Ogden area starting at 9 a.m., while the planetarium event will occur on the fourth floor of the science center starting at 8 p.m.
