April 21–27, 2025 in Flagstaff, Arizona
International Dark Sky Week 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 throughout the week, inviting everyone to connect with the night and it’s inspiration, and enjoy Flagstaff’s success in night sky protection and the benefits it brings to all life.
Calendar of Events
Saturday, April 19—Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater (7:30 pm—free)
Sunset: 7:02 pm | End of twilight: 8:33 pm (sky is fully dark)
Enjoy stargazing at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument on the first day of National Park Week! The evening begins with a presentation by Gerald Dawavendewa, who is Hopi, in the Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater, followed by a constellation tour from Dr. Danielle Adams and stargazing with telescopes.
- 7:15—pre-event talk about dark sky-friendly lighting (Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater)
- 7:30—presentation by Gerald Dawavendewa (Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater)
- 8:15—telescopes available for viewing Mars, Jupiter and more! (edges of the Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater)
- 8:30—indigenous Arabian star tour by Danielle Adams (Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater)
- 10:00—event ends
This event is the warm-up for the rest of Flagstaff’s International Dark Sky Week!
Sunday, April 20—Dark Sky Brewing Co.
Dark Sky Brewing Company Beer Garden, 103 W Birch Ave, Flagstaff (7:30 pm—free, but we encourage you to buy a pint!)
Sunset: 7:03 pm | End of twilight: 8:34 pm (sky is fully dark)
Just in time for International Dark Sky Week! Dark Sky Brewing Co is releasing “The Stars are Calling,” a 6% Hazy IPA. DSB will donate $2 from each pint sold during the International Dark Sky Week event on April 20 to the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition! While you’re enjoying your pint, see Mars, Jupiter and other celestial sights from the Beer Garden of DSB.
Monday, April 21—Dark Sky Quartet at CCA
“The Planets and Beyond with the Dark Sky Quartet”
Coconino Center for the Arts, 2300 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff (7:00 pm, doors open at 6:30—free)
Sunset: 7:04 pm | End of twilight: 8:35 pm (sky is fully dark)
The Dark Sky Quartet—including violinists Allison O’Bryant and David Koerner, violist Jacquelyn Schwandt, and cellist Stephen Brown —presents selections from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, arranged for the string quartet by David Koerner, and other musical pieces. The musical selections will be accompanied by projections of the planets and other celestial objects.
Guest who arrive at the Coconino Center for the Arts early (doors open at 6:30) may explore the main Gallery exhibition, “The Future is Indigenous: Messages to the Seventh Generation” (https://coconinoarts.org/exhibitions/the-future-is-indigenous-messages-to-the-seventh-generation/).
Following the Dark Sky Quartet, guests are invited to experience Flagstaff’s glorious dark sky through telescopic stargazing and laser-guided star tours on the grounds of CCA, provided by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.
This event is co-presented by Creative Flagstaff, Coconino Center for the Arts and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.
Tuesday, April 22—Owl Prowl at Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park, 245 N Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff (6:30 pm—free)
Sunset: 7:05 pm | End of twilight: 8:37 pm (sky is fully dark)
Walk on the wild side with the Northern Arizona Audubon Society in a free Owl Prowl at Thorpe Park, an exciting opportunity to learn more about the intriguing life of owls from local bird guides. Dark nights are the perfect time to look for these elusive silent hunters on a gentle hike led by NAAS. If we are really lucky, we might come face-to-face with live owls! Following the Owl Prowl, we’ll enjoy stargazing near the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center.
Directions: Park at the tennis courts near the Joe C. Montoya Community & Senior Center (245 N Thorpe Rd). We’ll gather at the head of Thorpe Trail.
This event is co-presented by the Northern Arizona Audubon Society and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.
Wednesday, April 23—Mother Road Brewing Co.
Mother Road Brewing Company Taproom, 7 South Mikes Pike, Flagstaff (7:00 pm—free, but we encourage you to buy a pint!)
Sunset: 7:06 pm | End of twilight: 8:38 pm (sky is fully dark)
Join Mother Road Brewing Company for the unveiling of their special edition beer—”Skylight City”, a Hoppy Red Ale—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 7pm, with stargazing to follow outside when the sky is dark enough. Mother Road will have $5 pours of Skylight City during this event!
This event is co-presented by Mother Road Brewing Company and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.
Thursday, April 24—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 here, but the stargazing is free)
Sunset: 7:06 pm | End of twilight: 8:39 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 are now available here. 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.
Friday, April 25—Museum of Northern Arizona
Museum of Northern Arizona’s Colton Garden, 3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff (7:00 pm—free)
Sunset: 7:07 pm | End of twilight: 8:40 pm (sky is fully dark)
Enjoy stargazing after hours at the Museum of Northern Arizona! The evening begins with a presentation from Dr. Danielle Adams on indigenous Arabian astronomy in the Colton Community Garden at 7pm, followed by stargazing when the sky is dark enough.
Saturday, April 26—Viola Awards
The Orpheum Theater, 3101 N Fort Valley Rd, Flagstaff (6:30 pm, doors open at 6:00—tickets available here)
Sunset: 7:08 pm | End of twilight: 8:41 pm (sky is fully dark)
The 17th Annual Viola Awards take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Orpheum Theater. Celebrating excellence in the arts, the Viola Awards recognize artists, educators, organizations, and leaders who make positive contributions to the arts in Flagstaff.
At this year’s Viola Awards, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition will provide stargazing through telescopes outside the venue on the grounds of the Orpheum after the conclusion of the program.
Sunday, April 27—Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park, 2400 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff (7:30–10:00 pm—free)
Sunset: 7:09 pm | End of twilight: 8:42 pm (sky is fully dark)
Wrap up International Dark Sky Week with stargazing in Flagstaff’s Buffalo Park, the site of FDSC’s annual Flagstaff Star Party (Sep 25–27 this year). Learn about constellations and star names with laser-guided star tours, and see celestial objects close up through hosted telescopes.
Mountain Sports Flagstaff Dark Skies Tee Fundraiser (all week long)
Mountain Sports Flagstaff, 24 N San Francisco St, Flagstaff (open daily)
Celebrate International Dark Sky Week all week long by supporting local art, environmental stewardship and the night skies that make Flagstaff special. Mountain Sports Flagstaff is featuring their exclusive Dark Skies inspired tees, designed by local artist Holiday Barnes and printed by Lucky Dog Tees.
These are the perfect compliment for our cool high country desert nights and everyday adventures. Even better? $5 from every shirt sold goes directly to the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, supporting its mission to protect our night skies and reduce light pollution.
Mountain Sports Flagstaff is proud to be a 1% for the Planet partner, with over $300,000 granted to local environmental causes.
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