International Dark Sky Week is an annual celebration of our night sky! This year’s events will take place from April 21st through the 28th. San Diego County residents will be able to enjoy a variety of events and activities to learn more about the dark sky movement, and to experience the beauty of our Milky Way Galaxy for themselves at one of the local star parties, planetarium shows, and telescope viewing opportunities. We invite you to book mark this page and come back often as we publish information on this year’s upcoming events!

In the mean time, there’s still lots of places to visit and activities to participate in, throughout San Diego County. Read on to find out more!

“Festival of the Night Sky and Nocturnal Creatures”

Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Saturday, April 19 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. near the Los Penasquitos Ranch House, 2122 Canyonside Park Dr, San Diego, CA 92129.

Bird watching and education on the “Lights Out, San Diego!” campaign to protect birds on the Pacific Flyway, night sky poetry, live owls and hawk flights, learn about insects and bats and moths, education on light pollution and responsible lighting, archaeology, docent tours of the Los Penasquitos Ranch House, and a night hike. Bring your binoculars!

Star Party with San Diego Astronomy Association astronomers begins after dusk with telescope viewing

A Community Event in Honor of International Dark Sky Week

Thursday, April 24 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center (1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119)

EVENT DETAILS: Night Sky Celebration at Mission Trails Tickets, Thu, Apr 24, 2025 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

U.S. premiere of ‘A Starry Walk’ a new documentary about the night sky from the Pacific Crest Trail from French filmmaker Olivier Bleys, live owls and hawk flights, learn about the “Lights Out, San Diego!” campaign to protect birds on the Pacific Flyway, education on light pollution and responsible lighting, twilight walk, learn about the fascinating life of bats, view amazing astrophotography images, visit with members of the Julian Dark Sky Network and Borrego Dark Sky Coalition to learn what it’s like to live in an International Dark Sky Community. Updates on Mission Trails’ pursuit to become California’s first Urban Night Sky Place.

Star Party with San Diego Astronomy Association astronomers at dusk on the Visitor Center patio. Bring your binoculars!

6:00 p.m. Astrophotography Slideshow Presentation (ongoing)
6:30 p.m. A Starry Walk Film Screening
7:00 p.m. Twilight Walk with MTRP Trail Guides
7:30 p.m. Astrophotography Discussion
7:45 p.m. A Starry Walk Second Film Screening

Star party begins at dusk!

Hosted by the San Diego Asstronomy Association

Friday, April 25 at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m. in Lakeside at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch Open Space Preserve

This is a regularly scheduled star party event that takes place on the fourth Friday of every other month. DarkSky San Diego County will join the party with a light pollution booth providing education on what we can do to “Light Wisely” and protect the night from excessive light to bring back the beauty of the night sky for the benefit of all living things.

Directions: To access the venue, use the park entrance on Hwy 67, half a mile south of Scripps Poway Parkway. Continue through the gate and up the dirt road about 1½ miles to the parking area. Street address for park entrance gate is approximately: 13880 Highway 67 Lakeside, CA.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before heading out, check the SDAA public calendar for last minute weather cancellation SDAA Public Events Calendar – SDAA. Bring your binoculars!

Saturday, April 26 from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at the Worldbeat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

EVENT DETAILS: Light Justice and Migration: Call for Environmental Equity | WorldBeat Center Official Website

Join us for an enlightening evening during International Dark Sky Week to as we explore the often-overlooked impacts of noise and light pollution on both people and wildlife. In partnership with DarkSky San Diego County and the Fleet Science Center, this event will highlight the urgent need for light justice—ensuring that everyone, especially marginalized communities, has access to dark skies and a healthier environment.

• Understanding Light Pollution & Bird Migration – A presentation by Cathy Handzel (DarkSky San Diego County) on how artificial light disrupts migratory birds and ecosystems.
• Environmental Equity & Light Justice – A discussion with Mwenda KudumuBiggs on the social and environmental impact of excessive artificial lighting.
• Mindful Birding Sessions – Learn how birdwatching fosters mindfulness and a deeper connection with nature.
• Native Planting Workshop – Discover how native plants create bird-friendly habitats and help restore biodiversity.
• Night Sky Star Party – Enjoy a stargazing experience and connect with the beauty of the universe.

Star Party with San Diego Astronomy Association astronomers begins at dusk with telescope viewing. Bring your binoculars!

Fallbrook Star Party, Speakers, Astrophotography and More!

Saturday, April 26 starting at 7:00 p.m. at William H. Frazier Elementary school, 1835 Gum Tree Ln, Fallbrook, CA 92028

Stargazing with astronomers, Guest Speakers, Local Astrophotography Display, Dark Sky Certificate update, Q&A Session, Kid-Friendly activities. Bring your binoculars!

The Fallbrook Land Conservancy (FLC) Dark Sky Committee is dedicated to preserving our community’s natural night skies by reducing light pollution and promoting responsible outdoor lighting. As part of our efforts to achieve International Dark Sky Community certification, we’re excited to host our first-ever Star Party– a fun and educational event for all ages.

For more details, download the event flyer.