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There’s no place quite like Bryce Canyon by day, and no time like a new moon in June to enjoy it by night. Astronomy festivals feature family-friendly daytime activities and special evening programs, telescope viewing, and constellation tours.
The 2025 Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival is scheduled for Thursday, June 26, Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28th, 2025.
As always, attending the festival is free with park admission. Some events require advance sign-up. Evening programs have tickets available same-day at 8 a.m. the Visitor Center. There is no advance sign-up. Other programs, such as the astrophotography workshop, can be signed up for in advance. Most other programs, including nightly telescope viewing, are open to the public.
Visit our Ranger Program page for more information on our regularly-offered ranger programs.
2025
Schedule of Events
The following days list events for 2025!
Free Astrophotography Workshop
9:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
High Plateaus Institute and Bryce Amphitheater area See detailed information and sign up below.
Daytime Activities
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Solar telescopes (weather and staffing dependent) and a special NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and University of Utah booth.
Evening Programs
Majesty of the Night Sky
Travel through time and the universe with Vic Maris who spent 30 years working as a park ranger and naturalist for California State Parks. Galileo himself will make a guest appearance during this program. He will briefly present his discoveries and answer questions. The program will conclude by taking you to many of the western national parks at night. These "Dark Sky Places" are where the majesty of the night sky shines brightly.
8:30 p.m. 45 minutes
NOTE:Location given at sign-up. This program requires reservations, which can be made same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
Star Stories
Planetarium educator Dr. Amy Sayle takes you on a trip through the constellations and the eternal legends they tell. Help act out one of the greatest star stories ever told. Through storytelling and audience participation, discover how tonight’s sky provides you with a compass, clock, calendar, and time machine. Help act out one of the greatest star stories ever told.
NOTE: If there is inclement weather this program will be moved to the Lodge Auditorium, where tickets will be required. These can be picked up same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
Stargazing
10:00 p.m. - Midnight
Location: Additional Parking lot across from Visitor Center Shuttle hours will be extended for the festival. As parking will be limited, we advise parking at the Shuttle Station or boarding from your campground/Lodging in the park. Shuttles will run until 12:15 a.m.
Volunteers point their telescopes at some of the night sky's most spectacular sights. White-light flashlights are prohibited due to their negative impact on night vision.
Free Astrophotography Workshop
9:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
High Plateaus Institute and Bryce Amphitheater area See detailed information and sign up below.
Daytime Activities
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Solar telescopes (weather and staffing dependent) and a special NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and University of Utah booth.
Evening Program
Earth or Mars? How Southern Utah is a Stand-in for the Red Planet
Have you ever traveled in southern Utah and wondered if you had made it to another planet? What makes Mars look like Kanab or Hanksville? In this talk, we will discuss similarities and differences between the red planet and the areas in Southern Utah we enjoy exploring. We will discuss the latest discoveries and observations of Mars as well as why that planet has a different past and future than Earth.
8:30 p.m. 45 minutes NOTE: Location given at sign-up. This program requires reservations, which can be made same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
About the Speaker:
Cameron Pace grew up in Bicknell, Utah, just outside Capitol Reef National Park and from an early age developed a fascination with the stars. The skies there are among the darkest in the country, and as a young man he spent many hours at his parents’ home and at the family ranch outside of Hanksville looking into the heavens. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University he helped install and operate a robotic observatory in Delta, Utah, where he developed skills in telescope operations and automation. He attended graduate school at Indiana University where he studied how supermassive black holes affect their host galaxies. Cameron earned his Ph.D. in 2015, and later that year began teaching at Southern Utah University. At SUU he has taught both physics and astronomy classes, and has been involved with the acquisition and operation of the SUU portable planetarium, which serves over 5,000 people annually. He is also the point person for SUU's partnership with the Great Basin Observatory, the first and only research-grade telescope inside a national park. He has also given astronomy presentations at many locations in the region, including Fish Lake, UT, Page, AZ, Springdale UT, and Capitol Reef and Great Basin National Parks.
NOTE: If there is inclement weather this program will be moved to the Lodge Auditorium, where tickets will be required. These can be picked up same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
About the speaker:
Christopher Cokinos had been a stargazer for years before he "discovered" the Moon, as a personal visual object of inspiration and exploration and as the focus for cultural and scientific histories. From guiding us along the wild, dramatic lunar surface to sharing fascinating folklore and research, Chris will make the Moon "still as bright" again—even if it's not in the sky during the astronomy festival! A child of the Apollo era and author of a Moon book, among many others, Chris is a poet, science writer and retired English professor who covers NASA, space and science for such venues as Scientific American and Astronomy.
Stargazing
10:00 p.m. - Midnight
Aditional Parking lot across from Visitor Center Shuttle hours will be extended for the festival. As parking will be limited, we advise parking at the Shuttle Station or boarding from your campground/Lodge in the park. Shuttles will run until 12:15 a.m.
Volunteers point their telescopes at some of the night sky's most spectacular sights. White-light flashlights are prohibited due to their negative impact on night vision.
Free Astrophotography Workshop
9:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
High Plateaus Institute and Bryce Amphitheater area See detailed information and sign up below.
Daytime Activities
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Solar telescopes (weather and staffing dependent) and a special NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and University of Utah booth.
Keynote Programs
Star Stories
Through storytelling and audience participation, discover how tonight’s sky provides you with a compass, clock, calendar, and time machine. Help act out one of the greatest star stories ever told. Planetarium educator Dr. Amy Sayle takes you on a trip through the constellations and the eternal legends they tell. Help act out one of the greatest star stories ever told.
8:30 p.m. 45 minutes
NOTE: Location given at sign-up. This program requires reservations, which can be made same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
Earth or Mars? How Southern Utah is a Stand-in for the Red Planet - Dr. Cameron Pace
Have you ever traveled in southern Utah and wondered if you had made it to another planet? what makes Mars look like Kanab or Hanksville? In this talk, we will discuss similarities and differences between the red planet and the areas in Southern Utah we enjoy exploring. We will discuss the latest discoveries and observations of Mars as well as why that planet has a different past and future than Earth.
NOTE: If there is inclement weather this program will be moved to the Lodge Auditorium, where tickets will be required. These can be picked up same-day at the Visitor Center beginning at 8 a.m. until capacity is reached. Tickets limited to 6 per group.
About the speaker:
Cameron Pace grew up in Bicknell, Utah, just outside Capitol Reef National Park and from an early age developed a fascination with the stars. The skies there are among the darkest in the country, and as a young man he spent many hours at his parents’ home and at the family ranch outside of Hanksville looking into the heavens. As an undergraduate at Brigham Young University he helped install and operate a robotic observatory in Delta, Utah, where he developed skills in telescope operations and automation. He attended graduate school at Indiana University where he studied how supermassive black holes affect their host galaxies. Cameron earned his Ph.D. in 2015, and later that year began teaching at Southern Utah University. At SUU he has taught both physics and astronomy classes, and has been involved with the acquisition and operation of the SUU portable planetarium, which serves over 5,000 people annually. He is also the point person for SUU's partnership with the Great Basin Observatory, the first and only research-grade telescope inside a national park. He has also given astronomy presentations at many locations in the region, including Fish Lake, UT, Page, AZ, Springdale UT, and Capitol Reef and Great Basin National Parks.
Stargazing
10:00 p.m. - Midnight
Aditional Parking lot across from Visitor Center Shuttle hours will be extended for the festival. As parking will be limited, we advise parking at the Shuttle Station or boarding from your campground in the park. Shuttles will run until 12:15 a.m.
Volunteers point their telescopes at some of the night sky's most spectacular sights. White-light flashlights are prohibited due to their negative impact on night vision.
Free Astrophotography Workshop
9:00 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
High Plateaus Institute and Bryce Amphitheater area See detailed information and sign up below.
New!
Free Astrophotography Workshop
Join astrophotographer Don Riddle for a special astrophotography workshop. The workshop is open to all levels of experience, but is geared toward beginners. Workshops are free, but limited to 15 people per night. Classes begin at 9 p.m. with 90 minutes of instruction at the High Plateaus Institute near Sunrise Point, followed by astrophotography among the hoodoos of the Bryce Amphitheater. Open to ages 8 and older.
Review the information below, then sign up by e-mailing brca_information@nps.gov or clicking this link.
About the presenter:
Don Riddle is a retired Marine officer and former business owner with a passion for landscape and night photography. With a wealth of experience in both military service and entrepreneurship, Don has seamlessly transitioned into a fulfilling retirement, dedicating the last six years to sharing his expertise with others.
Known for his love of the great outdoors, Don has become a valued volunteer for the National Park Service, specializing in Milky Way photography. His primary teaching ground has been the enchanting Great Basin National Park, where he imparts his knowledge to eager learners. Over time, he has expanded his teaching to other breathtaking locations like Bryce Canyon National Park Cedar Breaks National Monument, Capital Reef National, Park Devils Tower, and other National Parks and Monuments.
One distinctive aspect of Don's mission is his annual motorcycle journey out west. As he rides through the scenic landscapes, he combines his passion for teaching with a love for adventure, camping, and hiking. Along the way, he captures the beauty of the natural world through his lens, creating stunning photographic memories that reflect the majesty of the national parks.
Beyond the technical aspects of photography, Don finds immense joy in sharing his love for the parks and the night skies. His classes are not just about taking pictures; they are an immersive experience designed to instill a deep appreciation for the wonders of our planet and the cosmos. Through patient guidance and a genuine enthusiasm for his subject matter, Don inspires others to discover the magic of the night skies and the beauty that nature has to offer.
Camera with ISO up to 6400 (DSLR or Mirrorless)
Wide angle lens 50mm or less (stock lenses 18- 55 mm can work. f stop lower than 3.2 recommended)
Sturdy Tripod
Red light headlamp
Warm Clothes
Memory Card
Thumb Drive
Extra Batteries (Recommended)
Camp Chair (Recommended)
Remote shutter control (Recommended)
9 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Classroom instruction on principles of astrophotography and getting your camera set up for the night.
10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. (or as late as you like)
Astrophotography among the hoodoos of the Bryce Amphitheater near Sunrise Point. Experiment with composition and other special effects with Don and Dr. Kelzenberg.
(Optional) Next Day: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Learn in-depth how to edit the photos you took the night before with guidance from Don and Dr. Kelzenberg.
Map of Festival Activities
Please come back here soon for a 2025 festival map.
Daytime Activities
Daytime activities include activity tents, solar telescopes, and other opportunities open to the public at the Visitor Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day of the festival.
Evening Programs
Evening Programs are the only festival events that require a free ticket. Pick up a ticket the day of the program at the Visitor Center Information Desk. Programs are held at 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. each night, and the location is shared when you pick up your ticket. See Schedule of Events above for program details.
Telescope Stargazing Site
This year's telescope site will be located within the park at overflow parking. Access the overflow parking telescope site by the free park shuttle. The telescope field will be open each night of the festival from 10 p.m. to midnight and is open to the public. We are excited to share the night sky with our visitors, and thank our partners at the Salt Lake Astronomical Society and University of Utah for their participation, expertise, and generosity with their telescopes.
There will be no night time parking in the Visitor Center parking lot during the event. Parking is available at the shuttle station and other locations within the park. The Star Shuttle will be available to bring visitors to the event. Please do not walk to the Visitor Center.
Weather Cancellations
In the event that weather requires cancelling telescope viewing, we will post an update no later than 10 p.m. to our Current Conditions page.
Transportation
There will be no parking at the Visitor Center in the evening hours. We strongly recommend parking at the Shuttle Station and riding the Star Shuttle into the park. If you're staying at a park campground or the Lodge, you can pick the shuttle up there. The last shuttle bus leaving the Visitor Center will depart each night around 12:15 a.m. and we'll ensure everyone gets where they need to go.
Accessible Parking
Available at the Shuttle Station, Lodge, or limited spots available at the event site. A disabled plate or placard is required to use accessible parking.
What to Bring
Overnight temperatures are typically in the 40s Fahrenheit. A light jacket is a good idea if you plan to be outside for awhile after dark. While red light flashlights are okay, we ask that no white light flashlights be used due to their negative effect on night vision. After using a white light, it can take well over thirty minutes for your eyes to begin to readjust to the profound darkness of Bryce Canyon.
Amenities
Portable toilets will be available at the Telescope Site. No other amenities will be available.
Star Shuttle
Each night of the festival, shuttle service will continue to limited locations between 8 p.m. and 12:15 a.m. Parking will be limited we strongly recommend parking at the Shuttle Station in Bryce Canyon City (2 miles north of park entrance) and riding the Star Shuttle into the park. Shuttles arrive at each stop every 15 minutes. Use of the Star Shuttle is free with park admission.
Star Shuttle Stops
Shuttle Station
Ruby's Inn Campground
Telescope Viewing Site (entrance and exit)
Sunset Campground
Bryce Lodge
North Campground Outdoor Theater
NPS/Keith Moore
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. There will be no parking at the Visitor Center. Visitors must ride the Star Shuttle from shuttle parking or other lots within the park. This is to eliminate visitors needing to walk across the main park road.
Yes, with admission into the park.
Yes. There will be portaable toilets located at the Telescope Viewing site. No other amenities will be available after the Visitor Center closes.
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
P.O Box 640201
Bryce,
UT
84764
Phone:
435 834-5322
Phones are answered and messages returned as soon as possible as staffing allows.
