Heritage StarFest

Tyler Nordgren

Heritage StarFest 2023

Started in 2010, this annual festival celebrates the amazing night skies of Capitol Reef and surrounding Wayne County. Come learn more about astronomy, our connection to the night sky, and how darkness is important to the health of all living things.

Hosted by Capitol Reef National Park and the Entrada Institute, this year's event will take place on September 15 and 16.

Activities and events are free and will take place both in the park and in the nearby town of Torrey, 11 miles west of the visitor center.

Friday, September 15:
All events at Capitol Reef National Park. No registration needed for in park events.
11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm - Jr. Astronomy. Join a ranger at the Ripple Rock Nature Center for a child oriented program about the night sky. 30 minutes.

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm - Solar Viewing. View the sun safely through a solar telescope at the visitor center. Drop in anytime!

7:30 pm - An evening program with special guest speaker, Don Montoya at the Fruita Campground Amphitheater.

8:30 pm to 11:00 pm - Star Party at the Fruita Campground Amphitheater parking area.

Check in for updates as they become available.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email the park to see how you can help out.

 

Capitol Reef staff stand near a telescope with the Milky Way illuminating the night sky.

NPS Jeff Zylland

Saturday, September 16:
Events will take place at Capitol Reef National Park, Torrey Park,100 North 75 East, Torrey, UT and at the Entrada Institute's Robbers Roost, 185 W. Main Street, Torrey, UT.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Entrada presentation series. Join guest speakers at Robbers Roost for a variety of programs and presentations to learn more about astronomy and the importance of the night skies.
Specific presentations and times will be posted on the Entrada website in the near future.

10:00am - 1:00pm Solar Viewing. View the sun safely through a solar telescope at the Capitol Reef visitor center. Drop in anytime!

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Solar Viewing and Jr. Astronomy programs. Join park rangers in the Torrey Park to view the sun safely through a solar telescope, learn about the solar system and astronomy with family friendly programs.

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Entrada presents: Traditional Nakoda (Assiniboine) Storytelling on Native American Culture - by Mason Runs Through. Presentation at Robbers Roost

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Night sky monitoring and viewing party. Join rangers and astronomers to view celestial wonders through telescopes and with the naked eye at the Torrey Park.