WKU News

WKU Department of Physics & Astronomy will host  Nightmare on Physics Avenue 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 27, in Kelly Thompson Hall on WKU’s campus. Kelly Thompson Hall is located next to Hardin Planetarium. Free for the public, this event will feature Halloween-themed science activities and demonstrations, as well as a brief themed planetarium show.

Nightmare on Physics Avenue 2026 activities begin at the entrance to Kelly Thompson Hall, allowing guests to experience many physics-based thrills centered around Halloween scares. Physics students and instructors will explain the underlying science and how things work. Wrapped candies will be provided by the WKU Department of Physics & Astronomy.

Shortly before the event, beginning at 5:10 p.m., Hardin Planetarium will offer 15-minute themed planetarium shows every 20 minutes. The last performance begins at 6:10 p.m., as the regular free public show begins at 7:00 p.m.

Physics Instructor (and Crypt Master) Kenny Lee explained, “There will be surprises, delights and spooks around every corner. We have hair-raising—literally—machines that Dr. Frankenstein wished he had.”  

Lee added, “We want to emphasize Halloween. We will be in costume, and we hope our guests will come dressed for fun. We also expect most of our guests to be in elementary or middle school, but this should be fun for parents and university students as well.”

The event is sponsored by the Society of Physics Students, the Hilltopper Astronomy Club and Women in Physics.

Details for the event can be found at the WKU Department of Physics & Astronomy website: https://www.wku.edu/physics.