2026 Southwest Astronomy Festival

Beneath the sweep of the Milky Way, dark sky destinations come alive with stories, science, and starlight. This image captures the brilliant stars and the Milky Way crowning the Cedar Breaks Visitor Center on a clear evening.

NPS Photo / Schmitt

Explore Southwest Utah’s dark skies with astronomy programs from Cedar Breaks and beyond!

Friday, September 11th, 2026

Solar Viewing at Red Cliffs Desert Garden

• When: 10 AM to 1 PM

• Where: Red Hills Desert Garden, 375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, UT 84770

Safely view, enjoy, and learn about our closest star, the sun! Join park rangers from Cedar Breaks and Grand-Canyon Parashant as well as volunteers from the St. George Astronomy Group for solar viewing and activities for kids.

Night Sky Tours at Cedar Breaks National Monument

• When: 8 PM to 11:30 PM

• Where: Cedar Breaks National Monument, Point Supreme Overlook, 4730 UT-148, Brian Head, UT 84719

Enjoy an extended night of stargazing with rangers and volunteers! Take a tour of the cosmos and learn about constellations and asterisms, as well as how they connect cultures across the oceans of time.

Guest Speaker: Laura-May Abron

What can the night sky tell us about our universe, our planet, and ourselves? Join astronomer and science communicator Laura-May Abron for a special presentation during the Southwest Astronomy Festival. Laura-May, a former Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence and current Griffith Observatory astronomer, brings a unique perspective that blends astronomy, science, and the arts.

"Under the Milky Way" Star Party at Snow Canyon State Park

• When: 8 PM to 10 PM

• Where: Snow Canyon Scenic Overlook off SR-18. (37.21956050390954, -113.63798443260617) in Snow Canyon State Park, 1002 Snow Canyon Dr., Ivins, UT 84738

Ranger presentation and telescope viewing. Telescopes will be provided and operated by volunteers from the St George Astronomy Club.
Bundle up under the stars with a naturalist to guide you through the cosmos. Bring a chair, blanket, and red flashlight!
The road accessing the parking area is dirt but well maintained, and there is a short 0.2-mile round trip walk to the viewing area.
There are no restrooms or water fill stations, so go before you go!

 

Beneath a ribbon of stars, the Cedar Breaks Picnic Pavilion offers the perfect place to gather for an astrophotography workshop with expert, Don Riddle.

NPS Photo / Riddle

Saturday, September 12th, 2026

Solar Viewing at Red Cliffs Desert Garden

• When: 10 AM to 1 PM

• Where: Red Hills Desert Garden, 375 Red Hills Pkwy, St. George, UT 84770

Safely view, enjoy, and learn about our closest star, the sun! Join park rangers from Cedar Breaks for solar viewing and activities for kids.

Special Guest Speaker Event

• When: 4 PM

• Where: Iron County School District Office, Boardroom (second floor), 2077 West Royal Hunte Drive, Cedar City, Utah 84720

Come join us for a special presentation from guest speaker, Laura-May Abron! This event is open to the public. Special thanks to the Iron County School District and their STEM Coordinator, Sara McAffee.

Guest Speaker: Laura-May Abron

What can the night sky tell us about our universe, our planet, and ourselves? Join astronomer and science communicator Laura-May Abron for a special presentation during the Southwest Astronomy Festival. Laura-May, a former Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence and current Griffith Observatory astronomer, brings a unique perspective that blends astronomy, science, and the arts.

Night Sky Tours at Cedar Breaks National Monument

• When: 8 PM to 11:30 PM

• Where: Cedar Breaks National Monument, Point Supreme Overlook, 4730 UT-148, Brian Head, UT 84719

Enjoy an extended night of stargazing with rangers and volunteers! Take a tour of the cosmos and learn about constellations and asterisms, as well as how they connect cultures across the oceans of time.

Guest Speaker: Laura-May Abron

What can the night sky tell us about our universe, our planet, and ourselves? Join astronomer and science communicator Laura-May Abron for a special presentation during the Southwest Astronomy Festival. Laura-May, a former Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence and current Griffith Observatory astronomer, brings a unique perspective that blends astronomy, science, and the arts.

 

From monuments to state parks and local communities, the night sky connects us. Look up and find your nearest dark sky destination.

NPS Photo / Riddle

Sunday, September 13th, 2026

Night Sky Tours at Cedar Breaks National Monument

• When: 8 PM to 11:30 PM

• Where: Cedar Breaks National Monument, Point Supreme Overlook, 4730 UT-148, Brian Head, UT 84719

Enjoy an extended night of stargazing with rangers and volunteers! Take a tour of the cosmos and learn about constellations and asterisms, as well as how they connect cultures across the oceans of time.

Guest Speaker: Laura-May Abron

What can the night sky tell us about our universe, our planet, and ourselves? Join astronomer and science communicator Laura-May Abron for a special presentation during the Southwest Astronomy Festival. Laura-May, a former Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence and current Griffith Observatory astronomer, brings a unique perspective that blends astronomy, science, and the arts.

Star Party at Gunlock State Park

• When: 8 PM to 11 PM

• Where: Gunlock State Park, 1450 Gunlock Rd, Gunlock, UT 84733

View planets, stars, and galaxies with the St. George Astronomy Group in one of Southern Utah’s darkest locations. Red headlamps and/or red flashlights recommended.