Prepare to “Discover the Night” at the annual Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival. This free, family-friendly and fun celebration at the Fountain Hills Community Center offers a wide array of activities to highlight the beauty and importance of our dark night skies.
This year’s festival features two extraordinary speakers: Susan Kilrain, a retired NASA astronaut and one of only three women to pilot a Space Shuttle mission, and wildlife biologist Tony Palmer, who studies Arizona’s fireflies and advocates for the night skies they need.
Whether you are a budding scientist or a casual stargazer, there is a discovery waiting around every corner. Attendees can interact with live animals, take virtual reality tours, visit over 50 exhibitors or participate in the popular solar system walk. Children can meet Avocado the Puppet and participate in a “Passport” activity for a chance to win a brand-new bike provided by McDowell Mountain Cycles. The evening also includes the announcement of student art competition winners.
Visitors can enjoy live music by The Killer B's, local food trucks and a beer and wine garden hosted by BoneHaus Brewery and Grapeables. To support the cause, guests can bid on exclusive stargazing experiences, resort packages, jewelry, gift baskets and more via an online silent auction.
As the sun sets, the Star Party begins, offering guided laser tours and stargazing through a dozen telescopes.
Visit https://fhdarksky.com/events/festival/ for full details, auction dates, and volunteer opportunities.