Starry, Starry Night: A Dark Sky Celebration

Join park staff and volunteers during International Dark Sky Week. Learn about the night sky as a remarkable natural resource to be celebrated and protected. Bring a picnic dinner and stay for the duration of the program or drop-in for the activities of interest. Participants are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, mesh head net, and a red light and folding chairs or blankets for the night sky tour. Program content is intended for adults and children 10 years of age and older.

Program Schedule:

5:00 – 7:00 pm: Ongoing activity stations (night sky related) • Pony Bob Haslam GUA

5:45 – 6:00 pm: Reading with a Ranger (night sky related) • Pony Bob Haslam GUA

6:15 – 7:00 pm: Constellation Bingo • Pony Bob Haslam GUA

7:00 – 7:30 pm: Stellar S’mores • Pony Bob Haslam GUA

8:00 – 9:30 pm: Unaided tour of the night sky • Fort Churchill Visitor Center

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Location: Fort Churchill State Historic Park

Need to Know

• Meet at the Pony Bob Haslam Group Use Area (GUA) or the Fort Churchill Visitor Center (see schedule above for activity location).
• Program content is intended for adults and children 10 years of age and older.
• Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Program is weather dependent and may be cancelled without notice. Check the website for updates before you head out.

What to Bring

• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water
• Insect repellent & mesh head net
• Picnic dinner if planning to stay for the duration
• Red light (for night sky tour)
• Folding chairs or blankets (for night sky tour)

What to Expect

• Night sky related activities and crafts will be available while supplies last.
• S’mores fixings will be available while supplies last.
• Outdoor setting with opportunities for questions and discussion.
• Educational, ranger and volunteer-led experience.
• Program ends with an unaided (no telescopes) tour of the night sky.

Fees & Registration

• Park entrance fee: $5.00 per vehicle with Nevada plates, $10.00 out-of-state
• There is no additional cost for this program.
• No registration required.

Contact

This program is hosted by Fort Churchill State Historic Park. For questions, contact:
Kristin Sanderson
Park Interpreter
ksanderson@parks.nv.gov
775-577-2345

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.