Event Details (U.S. National Park Service)

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Special Event

Fee:

Free. The event is free to attend, but attendees should register on the DarkSky website (www.darkskymissouri.org).

Location: LAT/LONG: 36.952097, -90.994134

Big Spring can be found just south of Van Buren, Missouri. To reach Big Spring, turn off Highway 60 onto Highway 103 and drive south for about 4 miles. Around the 4th mile, you will cross a small bridge, after which there will be a large field. Take the first left into the parking lot and park there. Meet in the large field near the spring. Call (573) 323-4236 for more directions, if needed.

Dates & Times

Date:

Friday, October 25, 2024

Time:

5:00 PM

Duration:

6 hours

Type of Event

Exhibition/Show

Festival

Guided Tour

Partner Program

Talk

Walk

Festivities will first begin at 5 pm on Friday. Various activities will take place throughout the two-day festival, ending with a formal "star party" that lasts until 11 pm on Saturday.

Description

Join rangers and members of DarkSky Missouri for a special Dark Sky Festival! This two-day event takes place at Big Spring, one of the darkest locations in the Midwest. Festivities begin on Friday at 5 pm, and activities run intermittently until 11 pm on Saturday. Visit the DarkSky Missouri website for more information!

Friday Activities

4:00 pm

Registration table opens.

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Ranger Shaun Heise presents a "Dark Skies" program.

6:00 pm

Informal dark sky viewing begins with an introduction to stars/constellations likely to be seen.
Viewing lasts until 10 pm but can extend later if wanted. Telescopes may be set up anytime in the afternoon.

Saturday Activities

8:00 - 10:00 am

Nature/Bird Walk with naturalists from Missouri Department of Conservation and Audubon Society!
Rest of morning free to float, fish, hike, and explore.

1:00 - 5:00 pm

Tables and booths are set up and active.
Speakers/presenters offer hourly programs throughout the afternoon.

7:00 pm

Formal “Star Party” begins with an introduction to stars/constellations likely to be seen.
Star Party lasts until 11 pm but can extend later if wanted.

For more information, visit the DarkSky website or read this PDF.

More information