Weeklong Events Planned in Fort Davis, Alpine, Marfa, Terlingua, and at McDonald Observatory
Communities across the Big Bend will mark International Dark Sky Week with a full schedule of events during the Dark Skies Festival, taking place April 22–27. Hosted by McDonald Observatory and supported by local organizations, the festival highlights the region’s globally recognized night skies through star parties, educational talks, hikes, and astronomy activities for all ages.
The Big Bend region is home to the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, established in 2022 and now the largest dark sky reserve in the world, spanning over 15,000 square miles. The region’s dark skies are protected by widespread community efforts to reduce light pollution—making it a premier destination for stargazing.
Key Locations:
- McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis
- Fort Davis National Historic Site
- Davis Mountains State Park
- Ballroom Marfa
- Alpine Farmers Market
- Far Flung Outdoor Center, Terlingua
- Kokernot Park, Alpine
🗓️ Full Festival Schedule:
Tuesday, April 22
- 8 p.m. – Special Talk: “Dark for the Park Alliance”
McDonald Observatory (included with Star Party ticket)
Focuses on lighting collaboration in the Permian Basin - 9:15 p.m. – Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5–$25)
Wednesday, April 23
- 9 p.m. – Star Party at Far Flung Outdoor Center, Terlingua (Free)
- 9 p.m. – Star Party at Ballroom Marfa’s Stone Circle (Free)
Thursday, April 24
- 12:30 p.m. – Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDonald Observatory ($10)
Friday, April 25
- Daytime Activities – Fort Davis National Historic Site
- 12:30 p.m. – Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Hobby-Eberly Telescope, McDonald Observatory ($10)
- 2 p.m. – Constellation Journaling at Davis Mountains State Park (Free with entrance permit, $6/adult)
- 8 p.m. – Special Talk: “Celebration of the Dark: Earth’s Night Sky and Artificial Lighting”, McDonald Observatory (included with Star Party ticket)
- 8:30 p.m. – Park After Dark Night Hike, Fort Davis National Historic Site
- 9 p.m. – Miles of Stars Star Party, Davis Mountains State Park (Free with entrance permit)
- 9:15 p.m. – Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5–$25)
Saturday, April 26
- Daytime Activities – Fort Davis National Historic Site
- 9 a.m.–Noon – Astronomy Outreach Booth, Alpine Farmers Market (Free)
- 2 p.m. – Astrophotography Talk: Empowering Wounded Veterans to Heal Through Photography, Alpine Public Library (Free)
- 4 p.m. – Astrophotography Talk (repeat), McDonald Observatory (Free)
- 8 p.m. – Special Talk: “How COMPASSE Helps Preserve Dark and Radio-Quiet Skies”, McDonald Observatory (included with Star Party ticket)
- 9 p.m. – Star Party, Kokernot Park Soccer Field, Alpine (Free)
- 9:15 p.m. – Star Party at McDonald Observatory ($5–$25)
Sunday, April 27
- Daytime Activities – Fort Davis National Historic Site
🆓 Free Admission and Local Discounts
- General admission to McDonald Observatory (Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 p.m.) is free using the code DarkSky when reserving online.
- Residents of Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth, Pecos, Reeves, and Presidio counties can access free Star Party tickets at McDonald Observatory using code Local25 at checkout.
🌌 Why the Big Bend Skies Matter
The Big Bend region is home to some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Thanks to voluntary lighting ordinances, business participation, and local leadership, communities here have preserved exceptional night sky visibility. The area is part of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, an official designation that spans portions of Texas and northern Mexico.
The Dark Skies Festival is a collaborative celebration of this regional asset, designed to educate, entertain, and inspire efforts to protect the night sky.
For updates and full details, visit:
👉 mcdonaldobservatory.org/dark-skies-festival
