The James A. Smith Planetarium is operated by the Walker County School System. While a majority of their programming is for school children, the Planetarium offers some occasional public programming.

Public planetarium programs are usually presented on the first Sunday afternoon of each month at 2:30 p.m. and on the last Tuesday evening of each month at 7:30 p.m. unless the date falls when schools are not in session or there is inclement weather. The planetarium operates from October 2nd through December 13th and from January 14th through May 14th.