Communities across the Big Bend region will host a weeklong series of events celebrating some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States during International Dark Sky Week, April 13-19.
The Dark Skies Festival will feature activities at McDonald Observatory and locations throughout Alpine, Terlingua, Presidio and Fort Davis. Events include star parties, educational talks, telescope demonstrations and guided night experiences designed to highlight the region’s renowned stargazing conditions.
Highlights include multiple star parties across the region, including events at McDonald Observatory on April 14, 17 and 18. Additional free star parties are scheduled April 15 in Terlingua at Far Flung Outdoor Center and in Fort Davis at Fort Davis National Historic Site.
In Presidio, a Backyard Astronomy program will take place April 16 at Fort Leaton State Historic Site, offering guided viewing opportunities. In Alpine, programming on April 18 will include solar telescope viewings, educational talks at the Alpine Public Library, and a nighttime owl walk at Kokernot Lodge.
Family-friendly events include a “Telescopes 101” demonstration for children and presentations on light pollution and dark sky preservation. Organizers said many events are free, though some require reservations or park admission.
Visitors to McDonald Observatory will receive free general admission Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. during the festival week. Residents of Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Hudspeth, Pecos, Reeves and Presidio counties are also eligible for free Star Party passes with a promotional code.
The Big Bend region’s exceptionally dark skies are the result of coordinated efforts by local governments, businesses and property owners to reduce light pollution through responsible outdoor lighting practices.
That effort led to the creation of the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve in 2022. Spanning more than 15,000 square miles, it is the largest DarkSky Reserve in the world.
A full schedule and additional details are available through McDonald Observatory.
