Dark Sky Events & Programs
Utah State Parks have some of the darkest night skies in North America. An ever-increasing number of our visitors appreciate and seek out the pristine night skies and after-dark programming we offer. Our parks employees want to responsibly manage and enhance this resource.
To keep you all engaged, check out the dark sky programs below!
State Parks Dark Sky Activities & Events
Weather can affect planned events. Please check with the state park directly for more information.
Antelope Island State Park
OAS Public Star Party
October 18
5:00PM White Rock Bay Event Area
Join volunteers from Ogden Astronomical Society for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. Starting at 6:00 we’ll begin by viewing our star, the sun; safely through filtered telescopes. Once the sun sets, equipment will be switched out for dark sky viewing of planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. There is no fee for this event. Regular park entry fees apply. Contact tackley@utah.gov with any questions.
Park Impacts: Road closures and changes in traffic patterns beginning at 4:00pm in the area around White Rock Bay. Follow signs to event parking.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Star Party: Rise of the Demon Star
October 18, 2025 -8:00 PM
The Gorgon, the Demon Star, the Head of the Ghoul: across time and space, the star Algol has inspired tales of dread and misfortune bestowed by its wink. But what’s the truth of this strange flickering star? Peer through a telescope and learn about Algol and other strange star systems! We’ll be looking up for most of the evening, so a chair or blanket is recommended for comfort! Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot at 8:00pm.
Extraterrestrial Extravaganza
October 24, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Everyone loves to visit the Moab area! Perhaps even visitors from very far away? More UFO sightings have been reported around Moab than above any other site in Utah. Join us as we explore these reports and look through binoculars and telescopes ourselves to see what might really be out there. Tinfoil hats supplied and encouraged! Meet at the Balcony of the Visitor Center at 7:30pm!
Star Party: Galactic Trick or Treat
October 30, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Join us for a special Halloween Star Party! Come dressed up in your favorite family-friendly costume as we hop across our Galactic Neighborhood and beyond! Our telescopes will take us to the front steps of Andromeda, Bode’s Galaxy, and more! Bring a comfy chair or blanket, and a telescope if you have one! Meet at the Visitor Center at 7:30pm.
Fremont Indian State Park and Museum
Spooktacular Star Party
October 18, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Come learn more of the more spooky star stories as well as some other fun and entertaining myths. This star party will have plenty of star gazing, telescope viewing, and constellation naming! Meet at the Museum at 7:30pm.
Bat’s Incredible, Bat Walk
October 25, 2025 – 7 PM
For this years Bat Week join us on our bat walk where you can learn more about these amazing creatures and see some in action. We will be meeting at the Museum Activity Center at 7pm.
Goblin Valley State Park
Halloween Constellations!
October 24, 2025 – 8:30 PM
Learn about the spookier myths of the sky during this unique constellation tour! 8:30PM at the Observation Point.
Star and Planets!
October 29, 2025 – 8:30 PM
Join rangers to learn some basics of astronomy and the importance of dark skies and then view space objects through park telescopes! 8:30PM at the Observation Point.
Goosenecks State Park
Star Party
October 21, 2025 7:00 PM
Join Bears Ears Partnership for an evening of gazing into the cosmos. We’ll be viewing our galaxy’s celestial wonders through a telescope. Get ready for a night to remember as we get a closer look at nearby planets, nebulae, star clusters, and even far-away galaxies. Telescopes will be provided. Please bring red light flashlights or headlamps if you have them. Chairs, blankets, and layers are recommended for comfort during changing temperature conditions. This event is free and open to the public.
Sand Hollow State Park
Stars Among the Sands
October 30, 2025 – 7PM-8:30PM
Join a Park Ranger for an evening on the beach looking up at the stars. Bring blankets or chairs to truly enjoy the program. Learn about the stars, constellations, and possibly get a deeper look into deep space. This program will be held on the south beach.
Snow Canyon State Park
Stellar Star Party
October 17, 2025 – 8:00-9:30 pm
Upper Galoot Picnic Area. 8:00pm-9:30 pm. Bring a blanket and chair to join us in exploring the night sky! Red light flashlights encouraged.
Utahraptor State Park
New Moon Star Party
October 21, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Join us for a presentation on our night sky and a telescope viewing! Meet at the Historic Site, located at: (38.711910, -109.700358)