April 13 – 20, 2026 in Flagstaff, Arizona

International Dark Sky Week (IDSW) has been observed worldwide since 2003, drawing attention to the beauty, wonder and inspiration that dark star-filled skies bring to all.

The celebration was the inspiration of Jennifer Barlow, who described her motivation: “I want people to be able to see the wonder of the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The universe is our view into our past and our vision into the future. I want to help preserve its wonder.”

The Flagstaff community celebrates this vision with events beginning April 10 and throughout IDSW week, inviting everyone to connect with the night and it’s inspiration, and enjoy the 25th anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City, celebrating Flagstaff’s success in night sky protection and the benefits it brings to all life.

Calendar of Events

Friday, April 10—Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Stargazing at Dark Sky Brewing Company Beer Garden

103 W Birch Ave, Flagstaff (7:30 pm—free, but we encourage you to buy a pint!)

Sunset: 6:55 pm | End of twilight: 8:23 pm (sky is fully dark)

As a warm-up for Flagstaff’s International Dark Sky Week, Dark Sky Brewing Co is releasing a special brew (TBA)! While you’re enjoying your pint, see Jupiter and other celestial sights from the Beer Garden of DSB.

Saturday, April 11—Americana Motor Hotel

Celestial Saturdays at Americana Motor Hotel

2650 Old Rte 66, Flagstaff (7:30 – 9:30 pm, free)

Sunset: 6:56 pm | End of twilight: 8:24 pm (sky is fully dark)

Come to Americana Motor Hotel on for an out of this world experience with cultural astronomer Dr. Danielle Adams. As the twilight sky darkens, you’ll see close-up telescopic views of Jupiter and distant clusters as Danielle shares the cultural backstories behind some well-known star names, like Aldebaran, Betelgeuse and many more!

Tuesday, April 14—Dark Skies Proclamation

Flagstaff City Hall Council Chamber

211 W Aspen St, Flagstaff (3:00 pm—free)

Sunset: 6:58 pm | End of twilight: 8:27 pm (sky is fully dark)

Wednesday, April 15—Event TBA

Sunset: 6:59 pm | End of twilight: 8:29 pm (sky is fully dark)

Thursday, April 16—Stargazing at Walker Observatory

Stargazing at DeMiguel Elementary School’s Kenneth Walker Observatory

3500 S. Gillenwater Dr., Flagstaff (8:00–10:00)

Sunset: 7:00 pm | End of twilight: 8:30 pm (sky is fully dark)

Friday, April 17—Event TBA

Sunset: 7:01 pm | End of twilight: 8:31 pm (sky is fully dark)

Saturday, April 18—Starlight in the Square

An Evening Under Flagstaff’s Dark Skies, Featuring Stargazing & Local Flavor

Heritage Square, 22 E. Aspen Ave, Flagstaff (7:00–10:00 pm—food/beverage tickets available soon, but the stargazing is free)

Sunset: 7:01 pm | End of twilight: 8:32 pm (sky is fully dark)

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week with a unique, curated tasting and stargazing experience in Flagstaff’s historic Heritage Square. The event begins at sunset with selected heavy hors d’oeuvres and specialty drinks themed to dark skies. As the twilight skies darken, Heritage Square will take on the warm, intimate glow of amber lighting as the Square’s lamps are doused and atmospheric music fills the air. Enjoy laser-guided tours of the night sky throughout the evening and close-up views of Mars, Jupiter and other celestial objects through several telescopes scattered throughout the Square.

Tickets for food and beverage items will be available soon. There is no admission cost for enjoying the stargazing. Proceeds from this event support the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and the Downtown Flagstaff Foundation.

This event is co-presented by the Downtown Business Alliance, the Downtown Flagstaff Foundation and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.