The Night Sky Festival is an annual celebration of Joshua Tree National Park’s night sky, serving as a key fundraiser for Sky’s The Limit Observatory and Nature Center (STL) and Joshua Tree Residential Education Experience (JTREE), both non-profit organizations.
The event will feature a variety of activities starting on Friday, October 4, including a night sky photography workshop. Saturday’s schedule is packed with star-related sessions, some requiring pre-purchased tickets and others open for registration.
Additional options such as VIP Parking can be selected during the ticket purchase process. Tickets include a shuttle service from Luckie Park in Twentynine Palms to Sky’s The Limit. Accessible transportation is available and tickets will be on sale starting June 21, 2024, and are expected to sell out quickly. No tickets will be sold at the event. Glow-in-the-dark t-shirts will be available for online purchase until midnight on Monday, September 2. After that, t-shirts can be bought on the event day at the Luckie Park Activity Center, while supplies last. Adult sizes are $25, and youth sizes are $20.
Night Sky Festival in Joshua Tree National Park: Registration and star-fun in 2024
- Saturday, October 5 | Noon - 8:30 pm | Luckie Park Activity Center
- All paid event tickets must be purchased in advance. Night Sky Pass wristbands, VIP Parking vouchers, activity tickets, and other important information must be collected at the registration table at Luckie Park Activity Center.
- There will also be a space photo booth and youth crafts available from noon to 5 pm, along with information tables from supporting organizations such as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). The Compton STEM Club will host rocket launching across the street. These activities are free of charge.
Sun Printing “Starry Skies” Art Workshop
- Saturday, October 5 | 10:00 am - noon OR 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm | $50 per participant at Sky’s The Limit Observatory
- Participants will create sun prints using the cyanotype process on professional artist-grade papers.
Panning for Gold
- Saturday, October 5 | 9:00 am - noon | $10 per miner | Sky’s The Limit Observatory
- First Class Miners will guide participants through a gold panning experience in the Mojave Desert. Any gold found can be kept by the finder.
Orrery, youth solar crafts and self-guided nature trails
- Saturday, October 5 | 9:00 - 11 am | Free | Sky’s The Limit Observatory
- Activities include self-guided hikes, youth solar crafts, and exploring a walkable orrery. These events are included with the Saturday Star Pass.
Afternoon astronomy presentations
- Patriotic Hall at Luckie Park, Twentynine Palms
- Night Skies and the National Park Service by Ashley Pipkin - Saturday, October 5 | 1-2 pm
- A Young Engineer’s Journey to Mars by Remington Free - Saturday, October 5 | 2:15-3:15 pm
- The New and Improved Solar System by Dean Regas - Saturday, October 5 | 3:30-4:30 pm
Night Sky Star Party Night Sky Pass
- Saturday, October 5 | 7 – 11 pm | $75 (adults), $35 (6-12), 5 & under free
- The event includes viewing through 20 telescopes, constellation tours, live music, and night sky storytelling with special musical guest Amanda Pascali.
- VIP Parking | $50 VIP Parking passes allow for easy access and come-and-go privileges on the Sky’s The Limit campus. Only 50 spaces are available.
Night Sky astrophotography workshop
- Friday, October 4 | 5:00 - 10:00 pm | Cap Rock in Joshua Tree National Park
- Saturday, October 5 | 9:30 - noon | Patriotic Hall at Luckie Park Limited to 10 participants (minimum age 16), this workshop covers astrophotography with instructor Dean Delgado.
Telescope Clinic - 3rd year
- Friday, October 4 | 5:00 pm | Sky’s The Limit Observatory | $30 per telescope Participants will receive help with telescope setup and operation from experienced mentors.