Celebrating 60 Years of 'Star Trek' Around the Globe

Celebrating 60 Years of 'Star Trek' Around the Globe

On September 8, 1966, Star Trek: The Original Series made its television debut, introducing audiences to Gene Roddenberry's vision of a future built around exploration, optimism and discovery. Six decades later, that vision has grown into one of entertainment's most enduring franchises, spanning 11 television series, 14 films and more than 900 episodes.

For John Van Citters, VP of Brand Development for Star Trek, the franchise's longevity comes back to what has been at its core from the beginning. "What really separates Star Trek and has given it enduring appeal across generations is that it's a brand of values," he says. "Gene Roddenberry's original construct has shown itself time and again to be malleable across different shows and characters to remain relevant to new generations of viewers."

This year, the franchise's annual Star Trek Day on September 8 takes on added significance as Star Trek marks its 60th anniversary. Paramount is commemorating the milestone with screenings, fan experiences, television specials, theatrical events and partnerships stretching from Hollywood to London and all the way to the International Space Station.

"Star Trek Day is an opportunity to make more noise about Star Trek. To remind people that it's not just a great show and great storytelling, but it's a part of our larger world and culture," Van Citters says. "I think Star Trek Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate a rare piece of popular culture and remind people that in a world that can seem harsh, there is always room for the optimism that Star Trek represents."

A Global Salute to 60 Years

At the center of the September 8 festivities is one of Star Trek's most recognizable gestures: the Vulcan Salute. Fans around the world are invited to participate in a global digital Vulcan Salute celebrating connection, community and optimism. The initiative will culminate at London's Science Museum, where fans will gather for an official Guinness World Records™ attempt for the Most People Performing the Vulcan Salute Simultaneously as part of the museum's free, adults-only Star Trek Lates event.

Across London, King's Cross St Pancras and South Kensington Underground stations will feature Star Trek-themed takeovers from September 7-8 as part of a four-destination fan trail, while Samsung's King's Cross flagship store will host screenings and activations in partnership with Paramount+.

In Los Angeles, fans can celebrate "under the stars" at the Autry Museum on September 8 with a free outdoor screening of Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Man Trap" and an advance screening of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode "Orders of Magnitude," in addition to talent appearances, food trucks and giveaways. Hollywood will also honor Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry with the restoration of his "Star" plaque on Hollywood Boulevard, which was first introduced in 1985.

In Germany, Movie Park Germany will mark Star Trek Day with live entertainment, cosplay, special guests, fan activities and participation in the global Vulcan Salute attempt.

Star Trek Goes to Space - For Real

For a franchise that has spent 60 years imagining humanity among the stars, one of the anniversary's most fitting tributes will happen in orbit. European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot will wear the Captain's Delta badge from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds aboard the International Space Station, with special content from orbit premiering across Star Trek social channels September 8.

The Final Frontier Returns to the Big Screen

Additionally, from September 4-8, more than 750 theaters across the U.S. will present restored 4K screenings of classic Star Trek films paired with episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series making their theatrical debut. Participating theaters will also offer limited-edition Enterprise popcorn vessels and commemorative drink cups while supplies last.

Limited-edition Enterprise popcorn vessel

In the UK and Republic of Ireland, Star Trek's largest market outside the U.S., Paramount is celebrating another milestone: the 40th anniversary of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. A theatrical re-release will mark the first time the digital 4K version has been widely available in cinemas across the market and will feature all-new artwork from acclaimed artist and frequent Paramount collaborator Matt Ferguson (Transformers One, The Running Man). Released in 1986, The Voyage Home became the most commercially successful of the classic Star Trek films, earning $110 million at the domestic box office.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home commemorative artwork by Matt Ferguson

Products and Partnerships Celebrate 60 Years

The 60th anniversary is also extending beyond the screen through partnerships and products that tap into Star Trek's legacy of exploration, imagination and fandom.

Star Trek is partnering with DarkSky International to encourage fans to explore, protect and appreciate night skies and natural landscapes for future generations. The franchise is also teaming with the National Park Foundation on digital content encouraging fans to discover national parks and places that inspire exploration.

Fans can bring the anniversary home through a lineup of new products and collaborations. The LEGO Group and Paramount Products & Experiences are releasing the 1,701-piece LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge set, recreating the original series bridge and transporter room with eight Starfleet minifigures.

LEGO Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 Bridge set

Additional collaborations include Magic: The Gathering x Star Trek, launching November 13; DK Publishing's Star Trek Timelines, arriving November 17; commemorative 60th anniversary coins from The Royal Mint and Agoro; and the first officially realized Original Saurian Brandy, inspired by the iconic bottle first seen in "The Man Trap" in 1966.

Paramount Brands Join the Celebration

The anniversary will also reach across Paramount's brands and platforms. The celebration begins on September 7 with an Entertainment Tonight: ET Vault Unlocked special featuring archival interviews with Gene Roddenberry and cast members from across the franchise, along with behind-the-scenes footage.

On September 8, The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal will celebrate Star Trek with themed episodes airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds stars Rebecca Romijn and Ethan Peck will join Drew Carey on The Price Is Right, where an audience of superfans will compete for Star Trek-inspired prizes. On Let's Make a Deal, "Captain" Wayne Brady, "Commander" Jonathan Mangum and "First Officer" Tiffany Coyne will welcome Star Trek fans competing for vacations, franchise memorabilia and more.

Superfans compete on The Price Is Right for Star Trek-inspired prizes

Also on September 8, season two of Star Trek: Scouts launches on YouTube, and Nick at Nite will present a four-hour marathon of memorable Star Trek-themed episodes of The Big Bang Theory.

Celebrating the Past and Looking Ahead

The 60th anniversary comes as the Star Trek universe continues to evolve. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will conclude its fourth season on September 24 on Paramount+, before returning for its fifth and final season in 2027. At New York Comic Con on October 10, the Star Trek Universe panel will preview Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, dive into its second season and welcome surprise guests to celebrate the anniversary.

Star Trek will also receive the Franchise of the Year Award at the 2026 Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame ceremony on September 29 in recognition of six decades of storytelling and cultural influence.

What began with one television series in 1966 has grown into a global universe spanning television, film, animation, games, publishing and experiences. Six decades later, Star Trek continues to look toward what might come next.

For Van Citters, that sense of possibility is exactly what makes the franchise's future so compelling. "The universe is limitless," he said. "What excites me the most about Star Trek is what we haven't seen yet."

For full details of all Star Trek 60th events, activations and partnerships, visit StarTrek.com.