Annual Southeast Utah AstroFest

2026 Southeast Utah AstroFest

The 2026 Southeast Utah AstroFest will be held June 4-7, 2026.

 

Southeast Utah AstroFest

Attention stargazers, astronomy enthusiasts, and celestial explorers! Get ready to embark on a journey through the cosmos at the Southeast Utah AstroFest, the ultimate astronomy festival happening under the vast skies of the national and state park sites in Southeast Utah.

Join park rangers for daytime and evening astronomy programs, telescope viewing, and family friendly activities at locations throughout the parks. Bring layers for comfort and a red light to protect your dark-adapted vision while walking safely on uneven surfaces.

This year, some nights have multiple events across the region. Times and topics will be announced soon.

June 4, 2026

• Utahraptor State Park

June 5, 2026

• Island in the Sky District, Canyonlands National Park
• Needles District, Canyonlands National Park

June 6, 2026

• Dead Horse Point State Park
• Natural Bridges National Monument

June 7, 2026

• Arches National Park
• Hovenweep National Monument

 

A ranger prepares a telescope at dusk for night sky viewing.

NPS/Veronica Verdin

Plan Ahead, Be Prepared

Watch the weather. Telescope viewing may be canceled or affected by clouds or storms. Programs and telescope viewing may be canceled in the event of lightning.

Arrive early. Parking may fill at program locations. We recommend arriving before 9 pm to secure a parking spot.

Be prepared. Please bring a red flashlight, sturdy shoes, reflective or high visibility clothing, and warm layers.

Attending all events is free with park admission.

Pets are discouraged. Please find suitable care for furry friends, as pets are not allowed at the program locations and leaving pets inside vehicles for the duration of the event is not recommended.

Campgrounds at both the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands and Arches may fill early. Have a backup location in mind if you plan to camp.