Jasper Dark Sky Festival

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


Festival Dates: -
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. 

This year is the 15th 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.

2025 Program 

For 2025, the Jasper Dark Sky welcomes alt-pop artist TALK and astronaut Robert Thirsk as headliners.

Here are some of this year's highlights. Note, this is only a sample of all the events to be enjoyed during the festival and many of the events are run daily.

For complete details see the Jasper Dark Sky events page.

Weekend 1, 17-19

Friday, Oct 17Forest Guides free outdoor arts walk by Ken Hacke Arts
 A Night Under the Stars backcountry hike
 Star Sessions at the Jasper Tramway (runs Oct 17-18, 23-25, 31)
 Fireside Chat FREE with Warrior Women (Oct 17-18)
Saturday, Oct 18Movie night FREE in Commemoration Park
 Starry Night Improv comedy at the Jasper Legion
 Dark Sky Photo Tours 
Sunday, Oct 19Sounds of the Solar System free sound bath experience
 Lab notes live with Jeanine Holowatiuk, on why the sky is changing

 

 


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Weekend 2, Oct 24-26

Friday, Oct 24ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon Cree sunset celebration
 Dinner and conversation with Robert Thirsk
Saturday, Oct 25Star gazing with the RASC FREE
 TALK concert FREE
 Drone Show: The Flight of the Swifts FREE
Sunday, Oct 26Solar gazing with RASC FREE
 Brunch series: More than Martians with Dr. Tanya Harrison

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

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!