Badlands Astronomy Festival
The next dates have not been announced yet. Its most recent dates were July 17–19, 2026. It is usually held on a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in July. Check the organizer's website before you plan a trip.
- Most recent dates
- July 17–19, 2026
- Usually
- On a Friday-to-Sunday weekend in July
- Location
- Ben Reifel Visitor Center, Badlands National Park
25216 Ben Reifel Road
Interior, SD 57750 - Hosted by
- Badlands National Park, with the Black Hills Astronomical Society and other partners
Badlands Astronomy Festival
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK, INTERIOR, S.D.
Badlands National Park is partnered with the NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium to co-sponsor the annual astronomy festival within the national park. The festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, and visitors for a three-day celebration.
Novices and experts alike will enjoy daily family-friendly activities and evening presentations with special guest speakers. Past activities have included solar telescope viewings, technology demonstrations, and more. Nightly telescope viewings will be sponsored by the NPS Night Sky Program and Celestron.
This three-day celebration at Badlands National Park will support the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies as a precious natural resource. Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, the Badlands are nestled in a corner of the Great Plains where light pollution is not a prevalent issue. Come celebrate the dark skies of the park with us!
Dates and details checked November 8, 2026 against the organizer's page. Events change, so confirm with the organizer before you travel.