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UNFORTUNATELY, THE 6th ANNUAL
NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
to celebrate the night skies of Joshua Tree National Park
scheduled for September 12, 2020
has been canceled
Visit our event website as plans for 2021 take shape: www.nightskyfestival.org
Plan accommodations early! www.visit29.org
Every year, we look forward to sharing the dark starry skies with visitors who attend the Annual JTNP Night Sky Festival. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s JTNP Night Sky Festival (scheduled for September 12, 2020).

We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to Sky’s the Limit Observatory and Joshua Tree National Park Council for the Arts, but also for those who look forward to attending the event. This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are overriding concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

Our primary concern is always the health and safety of the public and our volunteers. Going on its 6th year, the JTNP Night Sky Festival has drawn over 500 attendees. As we are aware, these large group gatherings do not provide for a safe and healthy environment under the current pandemic crisis. Rather than to take risks, the host organizations have jointly decided to cancel this year’s event completely.

​We anticipate announcing a new date for the 6th Annual JTNP Night Sky Festival 2021 very soon. Please subscribe to email notifications to get the latest updates.


​5th ANNUAL
NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
to celebrate the night skies of Joshua Tree National Park
September 21, 2019
​SOLD OUT!

Photos from 2019 NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
Photos from Breanne Dusastre of Visit29.org:
Photos from Peter Ilott:

​​The Night Sky Festival is a one-day event that celebrates Joshua Tree National Park’s night sky. This annual all-day event includes activities for all ages.
In the morning, visit Sky’s the Limit Observatory for a guided tour around the Orrery, a scale model of the solar system that is large enough to walk around and through. While there, take a guided walk on a wilderness or hiking trail with docents explaining the plants, animals and geology of our special environment. Stop at the solar telescope for a close-up look at the sun. Youth can participate in astronomy themed crafts.
The afternoon offers free astronomy lectures by knowledgeable presenters. Attendees can stop at the night sky “selfie” photo booth, and a variety of information tables including the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and other supporting organizations.
A highlight of the events is the Night Star Party where spectacular views of our night sky are abundant. Through our 20 telescopes with astronomers, listen as these experts explain what you are seeing. Enjoy live music during the viewing.
This annual event is brought to you by:  Plan a weekend getaway, see the Night Sky, the National Park and appreciate the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities with a unique blend of food, accommodations and sights you will not forget.



​4th Annual Night Sky Festival
November 10, 2018

SOLD OUT!
Here are photos from 2018.

Photos from 2018 Night Sky Festival by Jeanie Anderson of the San Diego Astronomy Association. Thank you, Jeanie!