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Experience the magic of Nevada's night skies during the second annual Cosmos in the Desert: Nevada's Dark Skies Festival at Lahontan State Recreation Area. Expanded to two nights in 2026, this free, family-friendly festival celebrates astronomy, art, wildlife, music, and the importance of protecting Nevada's incredible dark skies. Enjoy guided telescope viewing, constellation talks, wildlife presentations, dark skies storytelling, local artists and vendors, astronomy activities, and more.
If you would like to join the festival as a vendor or musician, you can still utilize the free application below.
Need to Know
- This is a free event; however, normal park entrance fees apply.
- Visitors planning to camp should expect standard camping fees.
- Only red lights are allowed in the viewing area. A red light conversion booth will be available at the entrance.
- Bring a blanket or lawn chair to relax on the beach while enjoying the night sky.
- Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- Evening temperatures can cool off quickly, even in August. Dress accordingly.
- Camping allowed outside of the event area. Camping within the Beach 3 event area is allowed for approved vendors and astronomers only.
What to Bring
- Blanket or lawn chair
- Flashlight or headlamp with a red light setting, or red light converted
- Water and snacks
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Camera or binoculars (optional)
What to Expect
- Telescope-assisted star viewing with experienced astronomers.
- Constellation talks highlighting the stories and science behind the night sky.
- Wildlife presentations exploring Lahontan's nocturnal animals.
- Dark skies storytelling beneath the stars.
- Art in the Dark interactive art experience.
- Local artists, vendors, and educational exhibitors.
- Family-friendly astronomy presentations, arts and crafts, and trivia on Saturday afternoon.
- One of Nevada's best places to experience the night sky. Lahontan State Recreation Area measures approximately 4.2 on the Bortle Scale, meaning visitors can enjoy exceptionally dark skies with minimal light pollution and outstanding views of the Milky Way and thousands of stars.
Schedule
Friday, August 14
- 8:00–11:00 p.m. — Star Viewing Party
- 8:00–10:00 p.m. — Art in the Dark
- 8:00–8:30 p.m. & 10:00–10:30 p.m. — Wildlife Talks
- 9:00–9:45 p.m. & 10:00–10:45 p.m. — Constellation Talks
- 9:00–9:30 p.m. & 10:00–10:30 p.m. — Dark Skies Storytelling
- 8:00–11:00 p.m. — Travel Nevada Virtual Reality
- 8:00–11:00 p.m. — Live painting by Alli Harvey
Saturday, August 15
- 11:00 a.m. — Dutch Oven Demonstration with the Northern Sierra Dutch Oven Group
- 4:00–6:00 p.m. — Astronomy Arts & Crafts
- 6:00–6:30 p.m. — Astronomy Trivia
Saturday Evening
- 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. - Rebekah Chase Band
- 8:00–11:00 p.m. — Star Viewing Party
- 8:00–10:00 p.m. — Art in the Dark
- 8:00–8:30 p.m. & 10:00–10:30 p.m. — Wildlife Talks
- 9:00–9:45 p.m. & 10:00–10:45 p.m. — Constellation Talks
- 9:00–9:30 p.m. & 10:00–10:30 p.m. — Dark Skies Storytelling
- 8:00–11:00 p.m. — Live painting by Alli Harvey
Fees & Registration
- No registration is required.
- Admission to the festival is free.
- Standard Nevada State Park entrance fees apply.
- Standard camping fees apply for overnight stays.
Contact
This program is hosted by the Nevada Division of State Parks, Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, and Friends of Nevada Wilderness. For questions, contact:
Tyler Kerver
Education & Information Officer
tkerver@parks.nv.gov
(775) 684-2745
Nevada State Parks is committed to providing accessible experiences for all visitors. If you need a reasonable communication accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the park or event coordinator no later than 10 days in advance so we have time to work with you and support your visit.
