Embedded Files
This year International Dark Sky Week is April 13-20, 2026.
International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration of the natural night, inviting everyone to step outside, look up, and rediscover a sky filled with stars.
IDSW introduces newcomers to the idea of light pollution and highlights how protecting darkness supports wildlife, human health, and our own sense of wonder.
There are many simple and memorable ways to take part. Enjoy a campfire and share stories, connect with a local astronomy club to look through a telescope or learn the constellations, or head out on a night hike to experience the world after sunset. You can also attend a presentation about light pollution, support astrotourism in your community, talk with local leaders about better lighting practices, or make small changes around your own home to help preserve the night.
If you are in the valley, you can join one of the many Dark Sky Week programs happening throughout the week, each designed to help you experience the night in a new way.
See below our list of events, descriptions, and ways to register for the event.
IDSW 2026 Events Flier.pdfIDSW Event Descriptions
Astronomy for the Soul: Lake Wenatchee State Park
Settle in along the peaceful shores of Lake Wenatchee and let the night sky become your guide to restoration. In partnership with WVAC, this program invites visitors of all ages to lean back in a chair or stretch out on a blanket as we explore constellations and the awe‑inspiring structures that shape our universe.
Rooted in the Park Rx philosophy, Astronomy for the Soul encourages slowing down, breathing deeply, and reconnecting with the natural world as a pathway to well‑being. The gentle rhythm of the lake, the quiet of the forest, and the brilliance of the stars create a calming space where you can feel grounded, safe, and fully present.
Give yourself permission to unwind, refill your cup, and let the night sky ease the stress of everyday life—one peaceful moment at a time.
Where: Lake Wenatchee State Park, South Park Entrance, South Beach Day Use Area
When: Monday, April 13 at 8:30p-9:30p
Registration: Call Lake Wenatchee State Park at 509-763-3101 or email at Lake.wenatchee@parks.wa.gov
Other Information:
While the program is free a Discover Pass or $10 daily parking permit is required. You may also get a free Discover Pass at NCW Library of Things.
Dress for the weather as it could be chilly and possibly windy.
If clouds cover or high winds are too high this program is subject to cancelation. You will be contacted no later than 2 hours prior the event if the program has been cancelled.
Park Gates close at Dusk. If gates are closed, permission to pass the gates is given by registration for the event. Be sure to close the gates behind you.
Please limit the amount of white lights you bring and save them for emergency use only. Red lights are highly encouraged as an alternative.
Please park facing away from the beach as to not flood the beach with light when arriving or leaving.
WRI S'mores and Campfire Stories
Event to be determined. check back soon
CDLT Cosmic Hiking
CDLT Cosmic Hiking offers a chance to explore the half of nature most people rarely experience: the night. Join WVAC and the Chelan‑Douglas Land Trust at the Mountain Home Road Trailhead in Leavenworth for a guided ridge‑line hike with sweeping views of the Leavenworth valley and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, the group will pause at several points to dive into individual constellations, their stars, and the stories they hold across different cultures. At the final stop, all of these constellations come together in a larger narrative of the cosmos.
Trail conditions may require a change of venue. If so, the program will move to the Jacobsen Preserve Trailhead in Wenatchee.
Where: Canyon Crest Trail to Rat Creek Ridge Trail, Mountain Home Trailhead, Leavenworth. The Trailhead is a small pull-off the dirt road. Carpooling is recommended.
When: 8:30p-10:00pm April 15th, 2026
Registration: Attendance will be capped, registration required on CDLT website. will post link here when registration opens.
Other Information:
Drive carefully and slowly on the roadway. No parking pass is required.
Dress for hiking and colder night time temperatures. Keep in mind the venue may change if trail and road conditions are not suitable. You will be contacted via registration information given if the venue changes.
Bring a white light for emergencies and a red light to preserve our night vision for looking up at the night sky.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse