International Dark Sky Week

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 7 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.

Interested in sharing the stars?

Telescope Host Sign Up

Calendar of Events

All events are free to attend


Tuesday, April 710:00 am

Coconino County – IDSW 2026 Proclamation

Coconino County Administrative Building Board Room
219 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff AZ, 86001
Sunset: 6:52 pm | End of twilight: 8:20 pm

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will issue a new proclamation recognizing April 13–20, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week in Coconino County.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors


Friday, April 107:30 pm

Stargazing & Beer Release, Dark Sky Brewing Co.

Dark Sky Brewing Company Beer Garden
103 W Birch Ave, Flagstaff AZ, 86001
Sunset: 6:55 pm | End of twilight: 8:23 pm

As a warm-up for Flagstaff’s International Dark Sky Week, Dark Sky Brewing Co. is releasing a special brew—The Stars are Calling—a 6% hazy IPA! While you’re enjoying your pint, see Jupiter and other celestial sights through an array of telescopes, right from the Beer Garden of DSB!


Saturday, April 117:30–9:30 pm

Celestial Saturdays at Americana Motor Hotel

Americana Motor Hotel
2650 Old Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Sunset: 6:56 pm | End of twilight: 8:24 pm

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!

Americana Motor Hotel logo


Tuesday, April 143:30 pm

City of Flagstaff – IDSW 2026 Proclamation

Flagstaff City Hall, Council Chamber
211 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sunset: 6:58 pm | End of twilight: 8:27 pm

Flagstaff City Council will issue a proclamation declaring April 13–20, 2026 as International Dark Sky Week in the City of Flagstaff.

City of Flagstaff


Thursday, April 168:00–10:00 pm

Stargazing at DeMiguel’s Walker Observatory

DeMiguel Elementary School
3500 S Gillenwater Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sunset: 7:00 pm | End of twilight: 8:30 pm

Join us at DeMiguel’s Kenneth Walker Observatory for enhanced viewing of celestial objects in the spring sky!


Friday, April 177:00 pm

Stargazing & Beer Release at Mother Road Brewing Co.

Mother Road Brewing Company
7 S Mikes Pike, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sunset: 7:01 pm | End of twilight: 8:31 pm

Join Mother Road Brewing Company for the unveiling of a new star-inspired, special edition beer to commemorate Flagstaff’s starlit skies and the city’s designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City in 2001. A brief program will begin indoors at 7:00 pm, with stargazing to follow outside when the sky is dark enough.

This event is co-presented by Mother Road Brewing Company and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.


Saturday, April 1811:00 am–2:00 pm

Earth Day Celebration

Bushmaster Park
3150 N Alta Vista Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Sunset: 7:01 pm | End of twilight: 8:32 pm

Join FDSC as we help celebrate Earth Day 2026 with the City of Flagstaff at Bushmaster Park! Remember: half of every Earth Day is “Earth Night!”

Earth Day 2026
Credit: Jagran Josh

 

Saturday, April 185:00–10:00 pm

Starlight in the Square

Heritage Square
22 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sunset: 7:01 pm | End of twilight: 8:32 pm

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week with a unique, curated tasting and stargazing experience in Flagstaff’s historic Heritage Square. The event begins Saturday evening with selected food 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—provided by astronomer-musician Dr. David Koerner—fills the air. Enjoy laser-guided tours of the night sky throughout the evening and close-up views of Jupiter and other celestial objects through several telescopes scattered throughout the Square.

Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase through the Downtown Flagstaff Foundation prior to and during the event.

Stargazing and music are free to attend.

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

Starlight in the Square 2025


Sunday, April 197:00 pm

Stargazing at Fort Tuthill

Fort Tuthill Cochise Ramada
2446 Ft Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Sunset: 7:02 pm | End of twilight: 8:33 pm

Discover the cosmos at our Fort Tuthill stargazing event, where professional-grade telescopes will be available for public viewing.

Fort Tuthill


IDSW 2026 Sponsors

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

(c) 2025 Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition