The Flagstaff Star Party

Flagstaff Star Party

October 1–3, 2026 at Buffalo Park

FREE

Tonight’s Star Party is a GO! Skies look good. See you there.

Weather updates: The Star Party is weather dependent. If conditions look uncertain, check this space and our Facebook page for the official update before heading out.

The first International Dark Sky City shares its star-filled skies with the world. Join us for naked-eye and telescope observing, astronomy talks, and guided tours of Flagstaff’s sunsets and night skies. Up to 30 telescopes hosted by local amateur and professional astronomers will let you capture genuine ancient starlight with your own eyes.

General information
About
Host a telescope

Get your free tickets

The Flagstaff Star Party is free to attend, but please grab a ticket so we can plan for each night.

Get free tickets

Telescopes set up under the night sky at Buffalo Park
Observing at Buffalo Park (map)

Ride free with Mountain Line

Mountain Line is providing free rides to and from Buffalo Park during the Star Party. Leave the car at home and check the schedule to plan your trip.

See the bus schedule

Schedule

Thursday, October 1

Night 1 of 3Get free tickets

Sunset 6:10 pm | Twilight ends 7:34 pm | Moonrise 9:35 pm

  • Sunset tourSunset Shadows and CirclesBrian Skiff
  • Twilight talkBetelgeuse, Siwarha and the Modern Naming of Our StarsDr. Danielle Adams
  • ObservingTelescope observing

Friday, October 2

Night 2 of 3Get free tickets

Sunset 6:08 pm | Twilight ends 7:32 pm | Moonrise 10:39 pm

  • Sunset tourSunset Shadows and CirclesBrian Skiff
  • Twilight talkTitle to be announcedDr. Bryan Bates
  • ObservingTelescope observing

Saturday, October 3

Night 3 of 3Get free tickets

Sunset 6:07 pm | Twilight ends 7:31 pm | Moonrise 11:49 pm

  • MusicDark Sky Quartet
  • ObservingTelescope observing

Parking

All parking is free. Choose from three areas near the observing field.

Buffalo Park lot

Main lot at the park entrance

The closest option to the telescopes. It fills early, so arrive before sunset if you want a spot here.

Gemini Road

Street parking along Gemini Rd

Park along the roadside and walk in to the park.

USGS lots

USGS Astrogeology Science Center

Follow the posted signs for entrances and exits in these lots.

BusTake the bus instead!

Mountain Line is providing free rides to and from Buffalo Park during the Star Party to help alleviate parking.

See the bus schedule

Volunteer at the Star Party

The Star Party runs on volunteers. Help us welcome visitors and share Flagstaff’s night skies by signing up for a shift through Axe of Service.

Sign up to volunteer

Sponsors and supporters

Thank you to our Celebration of the Night 2026 financial supporters and partners. The Star Party is hosted by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.

Financial supporters and partners
GeoFamily FoundationGeoFamily Foundation
City of FlagstaffCity of Flagstaff
Coconino County Board of SupervisorsCoconino County Board of Supervisors
City of Flagstaff BBB RevenuesCity of Flagstaff BBB Revenues
Creative FlagstaffCreative Flagstaff
Flagstaff 365Flagstaff 365
Discover FlagstaffDiscover Flagstaff
Arizona Community FoundationArizona Community Foundation
GoreGore
92.9 KAFF Country92.9 KAFF Country
Social Impact SolutionsSocial Impact Solutions
Molly and Joseph Herman Foundation
Ernest & Evelyn Chilson Fund
Arizona RangersArizona Rangers
Coconino Astronomical SocietyCoconino Astronomical Society
Mountain LineMountain Line
Mountain Sports FlagstaffMountain Sports Flagstaff
Clear Aire AudioClear Aire Audio
Arizona SnowbowlArizona Snowbowl

Community partners
NAU Department of Astronomy and Planetary ScienceNAU Astronomy & Planetary Science
USGS Astrogeology Science CenterUSGS Astrogeology
Lowell ObservatoryLowell Observatory
TynkertopiaTynkertopia
Flagstaff Festival of ScienceFlagstaff Festival of Science

Envisioning a world where everyone can see the Milky Way where they live