DARK SKY FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 12-14, 2025
The Dark Sky festival hosted by Sequoia Parks Conservancy is free to attend and celebrates the beauty and wonder of the night sky while raising awareness about preserving dark skies. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, renowned for its towering sequoia trees and breathtaking vistas, also boast some of the darkest skies in the United States and are among the few places left in California to experience natural darkness making this event an unforgettable celestial experience. Events go all day long at locations throughout the parks and include evening star-gazing.
Come a little early or stay a few days after the Dark Sky Festival to enjoy all our area has to offer. Below are suggestions for visiting the local National Parks and other things to do and places to explore during your visit as well as event information. Of course, we are happy to answer questions or help you plan. Enjoy your stay.
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The view of the stars is a highlight during the Dark Sky Festival. With little to no light pollution, galaxies like the Milky Way are visible.
Telescopes are available to visitors thoughout the park. Rangers and other volunteers are on-hand with information and help with viewing.
Event Details
The Dark Sky Festival - "Highlight the Starlight"
September 12, 13 and 14, 2025
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
This free event is open to the public and takes place is multiple locations throughout the parks. Rangers and volunteers will be on-hand to help visitors explore the sky. Activities occur during the day as well as at night.
September 11, 2025
The Cosmic Dawn: The Untold Story of the James Webb Space Telescope
Visalia Fox Theatre - 308 W. Main St. Visalia, CA @ 5:00pm
Free Event to the Public
Join us at the historic Visalia Fox Theater on September 11, 2025, for Cosmic Dawn: The Story of the James Webb Space Telescope. Enjoy a pre-show on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ, then experience the documentary on the big screen, followed by a LIVE Q&A WITH THE WEBB TELESCOPE TEAM.
September 12, 2025
Sequoia National Park
The Wings That Hold The Night Sky Together - Giant Forest Museum from 11:00-11:20am
Sequoia in the Stars - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
Touch Table - Lodgepole Plaza from 3:00-4:00pm
When Darkness Falls - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:30-8:30pm
The Wonders of Dark Skies: Astrophotography. Astronomy, Light Pollution and Prevention - Beetle Rock Education Center from 8:00pm-10:00pm
Why Stargazing Matters: Naked Eye Astronomy Program - Wuksachi Lodge from 8:30-9:30pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Sun Zone! - Grant Village from 12:00-4:00pm
Meet Alan (Artificial Light at Night) - Bradley Meadow from 6:00-6:30pm
Night Hike and Naked Eye Astronomy Program - Panoramic Point from 8:00-9:30pm
September 13, 2025
Sequoia National Park
Sequoia in the Stars - Giant Forest Museum from 11:00-11:20am
Cosmic Fireworks: How Astronomers Explore the Changing Sky - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 1:00-2:00pm
Birds and the Night Sky - Beetle Rock Education Center from 1:00-2:00pm
Sun Zone! - Lodgepole Plaza from 12:00-4:00pm
Our Fascination with the Night Sky - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
Unveiling the Secrets of our Universe through its First Light - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 2:00-3:00pm
The Darkest Night: A Story About What Thrives When There's No Light - Beetle Rock Education Center from 2:00-3:00pm
Touch Table - Lodgepole Plaza from 3:00-4:00pm
The Making of a Star and Her Entourage - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 3:00-4:00pm
From Galileo to Smart Telescopes - Beetle Rock Education Center from 3:00-4:00pm
Ask An Astrophysicist: Panel - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 6:00-7:00pm
Keynote Address: Breaking Cosmic Frontiers with Webb Telescope - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:30-8:30pm
Sequoia Star Party! - Wuksachi Lodge in the Back Parking Lot from 9:00-11:00pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Night Photography & Light Pollution - Kings Canyon Visitor Center in the Discovery Room from 2:00-3:00pm
Night Sky Discovery - Kings Canyon Visitor Center in the Discovery Room from 3:00-3:30pm
Kings Canyon Star Party! - Big Stump Picnic Area from 8:00pm-11:00pm
September 14, 2025
Sequoia National Park
Constellation Yoga: From the Stars to the Mat - Beetle Rock Education Center from 9:00-10:00am
The Wings That Hold The Night Sky Together - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
Touch Table - Lodgepole Plaza from 3:00-4:00pm
The Flip of a Coin - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:30-8:30pm
How The James Webb Telescope Navigates space & Time - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 7:30-8:30pm
Why Stargazing Matters: The Naked Eye Astronomy Program - Wuksachi Lodge from 8:30-9:30pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Sun Zone! - Grant Grove Village from 12:00-4:00pm
Night Sky Discovery - Kings Canyon Visitor Center in the Discovery Room from 3:00-3:30pm
Meet Alan (Artificial Light at Night) - Bradley Meadow from 6:00-6:30pm
Night Hike & Naked Eye Astronomy Program - Panoramic Point from 8:00-9:30pm
Where to Dine
Themed Trails
Free Things To Do
Outdoor Activities
Accessible Travel
More to Explore
Explore our website for more suggestions, itineraries and blogs that will inspire you. From our Walking Taco Tour of Downtown, to shopping suggestions like Visalia Vintage and Antiques, to our Guide to Farm Fresh Fare, you will find there is lots to do during your stay. Our visitors center is located in the heart of downtown. We welcome you to stop in and say hello. Maps, guides, suggestions and more are available.
Visit Visalia
112 E. Main Street
Visalia, CA
(559) 334-0141
