If you need a break from L.A.’s bright city lights, head into the desert for a weekend under the stars.
Joshua Tree’s 11th annual Night Sky Festival returns October 9–10, 2026. This special stargazing event brings astronomy programs, telescope viewing, constellation tours, and plenty of opportunities to look up at the night sky.
The two-day festival takes place at Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center in Twentynine Palms just outside Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance. Joshua Tree is known for having some of Southern California’s darkest skies and is designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
What to expect at Joshua Tree’s Night Sky Festival
The festival is designed for both serious astronomy fans and anyone who simply wants to learn more about the universe.
Across the weekend, visitors can take part in constellation tours, telescope clinics, hands-on science activities, astronomy lectures, a family Space Camp, glow-themed events, and nighttime stargazing.
Some of the featured events include:
- Telescope Clinic: Friday, October 9, 5–9 p.m.
- Night Sky Glow Party: Friday, 8–10 p.m.
- Family Space Camp: Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Astronomy Lecture Series: Saturday, 1–4:30 p.m.
- Star Party Happy Hour: Saturday, 4–6 p.m.
- Night Sky Star Party: Saturday, 7–11 p.m.
The festival is also family-friendly, so you don’t need to know your constellations before showing up.
See the stars away from L.A.’s light pollution
One of the biggest draws is simply the location. Joshua Tree National Park has some of the darkest skies in Southern California.
This makes it possible to see far more stars than you would from Los Angeles. On a clear night, visitors can even get their first glimpse of the Milky Way.
The park’s desert surroundings and lack of major sources of artificial light make it an especially good place for stargazing.
Just remember that nighttime temperatures can drop quickly in the desert. The National Park Service recommends bringing warm layers, food and water, and a chair if you’re planning to spend a long time looking at the sky. Red flashlights are also recommended because bright white lights can interfere with night vision.
Ticket information
The Night Sky Festival is a ticketed event with limited capacity, so you’ll want to plan ahead. Some individual activities are free, while others require separate tickets.
The festival is presented by Joshua Tree National Park Association and Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center with proceeds supporting local educational and conservation programs.
Joshua Tree Night Sky Festival 2026
📅When: October 9–10, 2026
📍Where: Sky’s the Limit Observatory & Nature Center in Twentynine Palms
