Things to Do

Texas Night Sky Festival Returning to Dripping Springs

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Free and open to the public, the biennial Texas Night Sky Festival is happening Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31, 2019, in Dripping Springs. In conjunction with the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) Texas and the Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist, this Texas Hill Country setting will host the two-day, family-friendly event with great activities happening from 12:00 p.m. through until 11:00 p.m.

Hosted at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park Event Center, the Texas Night Sky Festival is a celebration aimed at increasing the appreciation of our night sky. The International Dark-Sky Association works to educate around the negative effects of light pollution and increase awareness on the type of lighting we can use to reduce glare, save energy and subsequently money, and effectively eliminate light pollution. These type of light products also sustain the health and safety of humans and animals alike while working to ensure our view of the night sky remains clear.

Texas Night Sky Festival Returning to Dripping Springs

Photo: Wikimedia/ESO/H.H. Heyer

Happening only once every two years, the festival features speakers, musicians, and storytellers. Families can partake in fun science activities, view examples of good lighting, and participate in student art, photography, and poetry competitions focused on protecting our night skies. There’s also great food, on-site camping available through the festival, or a variety of overnight options together with dining recommendations available at their respective links from Destination Dripping Springs.

Texas Night Sky Festival Returning to Dripping Springs

Photo: Pixabay

Exhibitors and vendors will also be in attendance at the Texas Night Sky Festival. They’ll be excited to share their displays and demonstrations, which are all related to the night sky and how we can all work to protect it. Some excellent post-sunset event activities are planned, including a star party complete with telescopes for optimal night sky viewing, yoga under the stars, photography after dark, and tales of the constellations! Plan ahead to join in the fun at this free family event! Updates are available on the event Facebook page, and for more information, you can call (512) 858-4725.