As part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, Alpine is gearing up to host its annual Dark Skies Celebration & Earth Day event on Saturday, April 26, 2025, highlighting the region’s commitment to protecting starry night skies and raising awareness about light pollution.
The full-day event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities designed to educate the public on smart lighting practices and environmental stewardship.
Morning Festivities (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
The day begins at the Alpine Visitor Center, where attendees can explore interactive exhibits on light pollution and learn about the City of Alpine’s Dark Sky Ordinance. At the same time, Keep Alpine Beautiful will host Earth Day activities with hands-on projects and games for kids of all ages. Nearby, the Alpine Farmers Market will be in full swing, offering fresh local goods.
Afternoon Program (2 p.m.)
The celebration continues at the Alpine Public Library with a special presentation titled “Astrophotography Talk: Empowering Wounded Veterans to Heal Through Photography.” The talk is free and open to the public.
Evening Star Party (9 p.m.)
The day will conclude with a guided Star Party at Kokernot Park Soccer Field, led by Stephen Hummel, a dark sky expert from McDonald Observatory. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. The tour of the night sky will begin after sunset.
All events are free and open to the public, and guests can scan a QR code at the event for a chance to win a McDonald Observatory pass.
For more details, visit: visitalpinetx.com/alpine-dark-skies-celebration.
