DARK SKY FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2026
The Dark Sky festival hosted by Sequoia Parks Conservancy is free to attend and celebrates the beauty and wonder of the night sky while raising awareness about preserving dark skies. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, renowned for its towering sequoia trees and breathtaking vistas, also boast some of the darkest skies in the United States and are among the few places left in California to experience natural darkness making this event an unforgettable celestial experience. Events go all day long at locations throughout the parks and include evening star-gazing.
Come a little early or stay a few days after the Dark Sky Festival to enjoy all our area has to offer. Below are suggestions for visiting the local National Parks and other things to do and places to explore during your visit as well as event information. Of course, we are happy to answer questions or help you plan. Enjoy your stay.
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The view of the stars is a highlight during the Dark Sky Festival. With little to no light pollution, galaxies like the Milky Way are visible.
Telescopes are available to visitors thoughout the park. Rangers and other volunteers are on-hand with information and help with viewing.
Event Details
September 11, 2026
Sequoia National Park
Creature Feature Bat Chat - Giant Forest Museum from 11:00-11:20am
Our Fascination with the Night Sky - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
Planets - Giant Forest Museum from 3:00-4:00pm
In the Sanctuary of Night - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:30-8:30pm
Sequoia Stargazing with Sequoia Parks Conservancy - Wuksachi Lodge from 8:30-9:30pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Awe Walk - Grant Grove Village from 11:00am-12:00pm
Sun Zone! - Grant Grove Village from 1:00-4:00pm
From Galileo to Smart Telescopes - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - Discovery Room from 1:00-2:00pm
Rotational Dynamics, Milankovitch Cycles, and Planetary Glaciation - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - Discovery Room from 2:00-3:00pm
The Wonders of Dark Skies with Jeremy Evans - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - Discovery Room from 3:00-4:00pm
Dark Sky Junior Ranger (Stories of the Stars) - Kings Canyon Visitor Center - Discovery Room from 4:00-4:30pm
Bright Eyes, Big Ears, and Bushy Tails - Cedar Grove Visitor Center from 7:00-7:30pm
Bat Walk - Kings Canyon Visitor Center from 7:00-8:00pm
Big Stump Star Party - Big Stump Parking Lot from 8:00-8:30pm
The Stars in Your Backyard - Cedar Grove Visitor Center from 8:00-8:30pm
Nightscape Program - Bradley Meadow from 8:00-10:00pm
Visalia, CA
The Great Solar System Adventure - Pena Planetarium from 5:00-7:00pm
September 12, 2026
Sequoia National Park
Creature Feature: The Night Shift - Giant Forest Museum from 11:00-11:20am
Unveiling the Secrets of Our Universe From It's First Light - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 1:00-2:00pm
Dancing in the Moonlight - Beetle Rock Education Center from 1:00-2:00pm
Sun Zone! - Lodgepole Plaza from 1:00-4:00pm
Creature Feature: Bat Chat - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
What Can Asteroids Teach Us About Our Solar System - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 2:00-3:00pm
Discovering Planets & Measuring Stars w/ the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope - Beetle Rock Education Center from 2:00-3:00pm
Nocturnal Animals: Sun Zone Drop In - Lodgepole Plaza from 3:00-4:00pm
How Empty is "Empty" Space - Wuksachi Lodge in the Alta Room from 3:00-4:00pm
Exploding Stars, Then and Now - Beetle Rock Education Center from 3:00-4:00pm
Ask An Astrophysicist: Panel - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 5:30-6:30pm
Bat Walk - Wuksachi Lodge at the Outside Lobby from 7:00-8:00pm
Keynote Address: The New Science of Awe with Dacher Keltner - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:00-8:00pm
Sequoia Star Party! - Wuksachi Lodge in the Back Parking Lot from 8:00-10:00pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Festival Central - Grant Grove Village from 1:00-4:00pm
Dark Sky Junior Ranger: Stories of the Stars - Kings Canyon Visitor Center in the Discovery Room from 4:00-4:30pm
Astronomy Over the Ages - Kings Canyon Visitor Center in the Discovery Room from 8:00-8:45pm
Night Hike and Naked Eye Astronomy Program - Panoramic Point from 8:00pm-11:00pm
September 13, 2026
Sequoia National Park
Creature Feature: Finding Creatures in the Stars - Giant Forest Museum from 11:00-11:20am
Starry to Starless - Giant Forest Museum from 2:00-2:20pm
Family-Friendly Bat Activity - Giant Forest Museum from 3:00-4:00pm
Bat Walk - Foothills Visitor Center from 7:00-8:00pm
The Flip of a Coin - Lodgepole Amphitheater from 7:00-8:00pm
Kings Canyon National Park
Bright Eyes, Big Ears, and Bushy Tails - Cedar Grove Visitor Center from 7:00-7:30pm
The Stars in Your Backyard - Cedar Grove Visitor Center from 8:00-8:30pm
Where to Dine
Themed Trails
Free Things To Do
Outdoor Activities
Accessible Travel
More to Explore
Explore our website for more suggestions, itineraries and blogs that will inspire you. From our Walking Taco Tour of Downtown, to shopping suggestions like Visalia Vintage and Antiques, to our Guide to Farm Fresh Fare, you will find there is lots to do during your stay. Our visitors center is located in the heart of downtown. We welcome you to stop in and say hello. Maps, guides, suggestions and more are available.
Visit Visalia
112 E. Main Street
Visalia, CA
(559) 334-0141
