THREE RIVERS – A weekend of stargazing, learning and sight-seeing, Sequoia Parks Conservancy is returning for its 11th annual Dark Sky Festival, offering attendees a unique experience to “discover the dark.”
Sequoia Parks Conservancy, in partnership with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, is having its Dark Sky Festival from Sept. 6-8. The theme, “Discover the Dark,” will offer a blend of stargazing, science and community events structured to deepen the connection between the night sky while raising awareness about preserving natural darkness.
“Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or experiencing the wonder of the night sky for the first time, the Dark Sky Festival promises moments of awe, insight and connection,” said Sequoia Parks Conservancy executive director Savannah Boiano.
Beginning Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., the Sequoia Parks Conservancy is hosting a free movie night at the Visalia Fox Theatre featuring “A Million Miles Away,” an inspiring story about Central Valley’s José M. Hernandez’s journey from a farm worker to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) engineer and astronaut.
On Sept. 7 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at the Lodgepole Amphitheatre, Rebecca Boyle, a science journalist featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic and National Geographic, will deliver a keynote presentation to inspire and educate, drawing on her experience reporting for some of the most famous scientific locations in the world.
That night will conclude with star parties at Wuksachi Lodge and Big Stump Picnic Area with Central Valley astronomers. These parties will offer attendees the chance to observe the night sky through telescopes and learn from local astronomers, scientists and park rangers about the wonders of the cosmos and the importance of protecting dark skies.
The star parties event is the most-loved by attendees, according to Sequoia Parks Conservancy marketing and communication director, Nicole Stivers.
“It is amazing to see what is above us that we do not see here in the (Central) Valley,” said Stivers. “The first time that I saw the Milky Way—it leaves you speechless.”
This year’s “Discover the Dark” artwork, designed by Eric Tan, a Los Angeles-based illustrator and graphic designer, marks the third year of collaboration for the Dark Sky Festival. Known for his work with Disney Consumer Products, Tan’s design is featured on Dark Sky Festival merchandise, and is available online at bonefire.com under “Dark Sky Festival 2024 Merch,” as well as park stores inside visitor centers during the event.
Activities will continue throughout Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks into the weekend. Attendees can explore a variety of free activities (normal park entry fees apply), a silent auction and themed ranger-led programs. For the full event schedule, you can visit sequoiaparksconservancy.org/dark-sky-festival.
Attendees should be aware that there have been increased levels of visible smoke and poor air quality due to the Coffee Pot Fire, located within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park. For current air conditions, visit fire.airnow.gov. Visitors can also monitor updates for the Coffee Pot Fire on InciWeb at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caknp-coffee-pot-fire.
“As of today, the programming will go on as scheduled,” said Stivers. “We’re prepared to make festival adjustments if conditions require it.”
Attendees are encouraged to make lodging and camping reservations in advance at www.recreation.gov or www.visitsequoia.com.
