Jasper Dark Sky Festival

Celebrating Jasper's distinction as the largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve in the world!


Festival Dates: -
Updated:
Location: Jasper, Alberta

At night, Jasper is a stunning wilderness of stars. Home to the world’s largest accessible Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper makes it easy to appreciate and experience it all during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. 

UPDATE: Despite the summer 2024 wildfire in Jasper, the festival is on! While the programming will look a little different, Jasper is welcoming back visitors and now is the time to show your support by getting out to this year's Dark Sky Festival.

This year is the 14th year of the festival, and the depth of expertise and creativity at the festival continues to grow.

You won't just be looking at stars, you'll be learning the science of astronomy, connecting with Indigenous knowledge keepers and enjoying awe-inspiring events, like the Symphony Under the Stars at JPL.

Jasper Dark Sky events

With everything from paint nights to photography workshops, trivia, yoga, skygazing with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and the signature Symphony Under the Stars at Jasper Park Lodge, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival celebrates star-themed entertainment of all kinds.

2024 program 

This year's program has changed owing to the impact of the Jasper wildfire, but there are still many great experiences ahead. 

Weekend 1, Oct 17-19

Thursday, Oct 17Dark Sky Paint Night with Karly McDonald
Friday, Oct 182-day Night Photography Workshop with Mike Gere & Jeanine Holowatiuk
 Fireside Chat FREE with Warrior Women
 Yoga Under the Stars FREE with Kelli
Saturday, Oct 192-day Night Photography Workshop cont'd
 Fireside Chat FREE with Warrior Women
 Yoga Under the Stars FREE with Kelli
 Symphony under the Stars, with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra strings 
 Starry Night Improv comedy at Papa George's Restaurant

 

 


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Weekend 2, Oct 25-26

Friday, Oct 25Fireside Chat FREE with Warrior Women
 Nerd Nite feat. Spaceman Nick, Dr. Sarah Hewitt, Raj Bhardwaj
 Yoga Under the Stars FREE with Kelli
 Star Gazing FREE with Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC)
Saturday, Oct 26Solar Gazing FREE with RASC
 Fireside Chat FREE with Warrior Women
 Trivia Night with Alan Nursall at the Legion
 Yoga Under the Stars FREE with Kelli
 Star Gazing FREE with RASC

Events range from free fireside chats to ticketed events ranging from $10 to $500. 

Proceeds from several events, including the Symphony Under the Stars at the Jasper Park Lodge, will go towards Jasper wildfire recovery.

For more info and to book tickets check out the full program here.

HIT PLAY >> 

Watch this video to see the warmth and heart of the Dark Sky Festival experience in Jasper. / video by Tourism Jasper

Watch Jasper Dark Sky Festival 2022 on YouTube.

When you go

Jasper was designated a dark sky preserve in March 2011 thanks to the optimal conditions and minimal light pollution in the area. 

To respect the dark sky experience, keep the lights low: if you're bringing a headlamp for night time activities, grab one with a red light setting (red light is not as strong or disruptive to the eyes.)

Nights can be cool in October, especially when you're exploring space; be sure to bring layers!