What Is International Dark Sky Week?
Imagine standing beneath a sky so dark and clear that the Milky Way stretches overhead like a river of light. In Southern Oregon, International Dark Sky Week (April 13–20, 2026) is more than a celebration—it’s a movement to protect our natural night from light pollution with community events focused on raising awareness and celebrating our night skies. Each April, communities around the globe turn their attention to the importance of preserving darkness, fostering appreciation for the beauty and science of our night skies.
Southern Oregon Dark Sky Events
Outback Dark Sky Celebration PLAYA Experience
April 16-20
Attendees of this experience will learn the value of the dark sky, how to protect it, and how to appreciate it. They will also get a crash course in observational astronomy, and how to appreciate the dark sky through naked-eye sky tours, binocular observing, and telescopic observing. Optional activities integrating art include: night sky photography, simple astroimaging, and a creative writing activity inspired by the dark sky led by Amy Minato. This weekend includes:
★ Private star party led by experts from Dark Sky Oregon
★ Community Dark Sky Star Party + Open Mic
★ 4-night stay on the serene PLAYA campus
★ 1 group dinner by PLAYA’s house chef
Book your Outback Dark Sky experience here.
Community Dark Sky Party + Open Mic Night
April 18
Join for a magical night under the stars at PLAYA! The free Community Dark Sky Star Party + Open Mic Night is a fantastic opportunity to gaze at the wonders of the night sky during International Dark Sky Week with fellow astronomy enthusiasts and neighbors. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to connect with the universe, art, and your community. The event includes:
★ Indoor activities for kids
★ Cozy treats and hot chocolate
★ Free gift raffle
Find more event details here.
Klamath County Museum Dark Sky Party
April 18
The Klamath County Museum is holding a dark sky viewing party at Fort Klamath Museum, near Crater Lake National Park. Attendees can learn about light pollution’s effects on wildlife, use telescopes for star gazing, and explore other regional dark zones. The event features local astronomer presentations and outdoor stargazing.
Find details on the viewing party here.
“On Your Own” Stargazing
If you prefer a solo adventure, Southern Oregon offers countless spots for personal exploration. Find a quiet location away from city lights—such as the Oregon Caves National Monument, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Crater Lake National Park—and let the stars tell their story. Don’t forget to bring a blanket, some snacks, and a sense of wonder.
In a Landscape Concert Series
June 5th
Outside of International Dark Sky Week, the acclaimed In a Landscape series hosts concerts in breathtaking outdoor venues, blending music with the magic of the night. Book a trip to the Oregon Outback this June for a dark sky concert at Summer Lake Hot Springs.
Tips to Be a Good Star Gazer
To get the most out of your stargazing, you’ll first want to check a moon-phase calendar and try to book your trip around a night with a new moon or as close to it as possible. Astronomical calendars can also alert you to cool celestial events happening each month. A Clear Sky Chart can help you figure out when in the next 96 hours the sky might be cloud-free.
Once on-site, please be respectful of other stargazers by using a red headlamp that’s less intrusive, switch off your vehicle’s lights, and try to do as much as you can to get by with no light at all. If you see photographers at work, remember even the tiniest bit of light from, say, your phone can mess up their pictures.
For digital assistance, apps like SkyView or Stellarium can help you identify constellations, planets, and satellites by pointing your phone at the sky to show you exactly what you’re looking at.
