News Release

Badlands Astronomy Festival to Be Held July 18th-20th, 2025

Date: June 27, 2025
Contact: Aaron Kaye, 605-433-5243

BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, INTERIOR, S.D. —Officials at Badlands National Park plan to host the 2025 Badlands Astronomy Festival, July 18 - 20, 2025, daily from 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m., at the park.

The annual festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, and visitors for a three-day astronomy celebration.

Novices and experts alike can expect to experience the spectacular dark night skies of Badlands National Park at public star parties each evening. During each afternoon, a variety of family-friendly activities will provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the night sky, the sun, and space exploration. Telescopes will be provided by astronomers from the local community, Badlands National Park, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours, and the University of Utah for day and night observations. 

The schedule of events includes daily planet walks, solar observing opportunities, activities, special guest speakers, Webb Space Telescope images, public stargazing activities, static displays, as well as equipment demonstrations by professional and amateur astronomers. 

This free event is made possible through funding and support from the Badlands Natural History Association, Dark Ranger Telescope Tours, Black Hills Astronomical Society, DarkSky International, University of Utah, Badlands National Park Conservancy, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, and Badlands National Park.

Schedule of Events:

Planet Walk
Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20
10:00 am and 1:00 pm at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
Meet in front of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for a short walk through our solar system.

Sun Fun Solar Observing
Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20
3:00-5:00 pm at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center
View solar flares and sunspots through our special solar telescopes, 100% safe for eyes. Various other sun-based activities will also be offered.

Guest Speakers/Evening Programs/Public Stargazing
Friday, July 18; Saturday, July 19; and Sunday, July 20
9pm - 11:30 pm (Fri, Sat, Sun) at the Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater
Nightly evening presentations will be provided by invited guest speakers followed by hands-on experience with multiple state-of-the-art telescopes and amateur astronomers providing constellation tours while guiding visitors around the universe. View planets, star clusters, nebulae, and double stars while going down the “scope line.”



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