Cultural astronomy storytelling, night photography workshops and more stargazing opportunities than ever before.
“As we pursue our vision of a world where everyone can see the Milky Way where they live, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy Flagstaff’s extraordinary dark skies and experience what dark skies can look like in other places through activities connecting people with the night,” said retired U.S. Naval Observatory astronomer and FDSC President Chris Luginbuhl. “It is impossible not to be inspired when looking up during Flagstaff’s crisp autumn nights!”
Highlights include stargazing during Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalks in September and October, the Flagstaff Dark Skies Speaker Series, two astrophotography workshops, original dark skies t-shirts designed by local artist Andi Kleinman and downtown galleries featuring night-sky inspired artwork.
“This year’s Celebration of the Night is special because it includes several opportunities to experience the night sky through the eyes of another culture. There are many fascinating ways to connect the dots in the sky and tell their stories,” said FDSC Interim Executive Director Danielle Adams, Ph.D., a cultural astronomer who researches indigenous Arabian astronomy.
First Friday ArtWalks
The six-week celebration includes Dark Skies Downtown beginning Friday, Sept. 5. Arizona Handmade Gallery, The Artists’ Gallery, Phoenix Avenue Gallery and Art 35 North will feature dark-sky inspired exhibits now through October. Visitors may also Meet the Stars with telescope viewing on Heritage Square during the ArtWalks Friday, Sept. 5 and Friday, Oct. 3, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cultural Connection at Historic Ice House
From 6-9 p.m., Sept. 5, at Flagstaff’s Historic Ice House, 201 E. Birch Ave., an art exhibit and presentation hosted by, Cultural Connection called “From Artemis to Zorya,” will include a talk by Adams about Arabian women figures in the stars.
Stargazing Around Town
On Sunday, Sept. 14, at High Country Motor Lodge and Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Americana Motor Hotel, Adams will host stargazing and cultural astronomy programs.
Night Sky Photography Workshops
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 19, Flagstaff art director and photographer Jeremy Perez will demonstrate how to capture landscapes illuminated by starlight at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Astrogeology Science Center. Registration is required; the cost is $35.
A second workshop, led by photojournalist Stan Honda is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 3, also at USGS Astrogeology. Honda will share his expertise in nightscape photography and guide participants in an outdoor photo shoot. Registration is required; the cost is $35.
Flagstaff Star Party
The twinkling highlight of the season, the Flagstaff Star Party, returns to Buffalo Park, Thursday through Saturday evenings, Sept. 25-27. Activities begin at 6 p.m., including Sunset and Twilight Talks on Thursday and Friday and the Dark Sky Quartet on Saturday evening, followed by stargazing each night through 10 p.m. Free Mountain Line bus rides are available to and from the park. Check the Mountain Line schedule for details.
Making History
This season of events will build toward 2026, when Flagstaff honors 25 years as the world’s first International Dark Sky City with expanded programming, including the summer NightVisions exhibition at Coconino Center for the Arts and a special Flagstaff Star Party, Oct. 1-3, 2026.
Celebration of the Night and the Flagstaff Star Party are made possible through support from the Arizona Community Foundation of Flagstaff and through a Coconino County Community Initiative Grant, as well as sponsorships from local businesses.“Most events are free and family friendly, as we invite all to spend the evenings in wonder of the universe,” said Luginbuhl. FBN
For the full program and workshop reservations, visit FlagstaffDarkSkies.org.
Photo by Kevin O’Donnell @theskydetective: Thousands of stargazers are expected to gather at Buffalo Park on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Sept. 25-27, for views of planets, constellations and star clusters under Flagstaff’s famous dark skies.
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