Night Sky Festival

There are plenty of reasons to come to the desert during the day, but some of the best stuff happens after the sun goes down.

The 11th Annual Night Sky Festival returns to Twentynine Palms October 9-10, 2026, for a weekend celebrating the incredible dark skies of the Mojave Desert. Presented by Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center and the Joshua Tree National Park Association, the festival brings together astronomy, science, community, and some seriously good stargazing.

A WEEKEND UNDER THE STARS

Throughout the weekend, visitors can check out telescope viewing, constellation tours, astronomy talks, hands-on science activities, Family Space Camp, a glow party, community art, and the festival’s nighttime star party at Sky’s The Limit Observatory. There are events for kids, longtime astronomy fans, and anyone who mostly just wants to look through a telescope and see what’s up there.

And considering you’re doing all of this beneath some of the darkest skies in Southern California, it’s a pretty good place to start.

For the complete event schedule, tickets, locations, and festival details, head to the official Night Sky Festival website.

Night Sky Festival details + tickets

ALL IN 29

The festival is also a great excuse to spend a couple of days exploring Twentynine Palms and the eastern side of Joshua Tree National Park.

Come into town early, grab breakfast or coffee, explore the shops, galleries, murals, and local spots around 29 Palms, then head toward Sky’s The Limit as the desert starts cooling off.

Festival attendees can also receive 10% off at participating local businesses when they show their Night Sky Festival ticket during the event weekend.