From October 13 to 22, the town of Jasper will sparkle with non-stop dark sky events. From symphonies under the stars to planetarium shows to astrophotography workshops, the Jasper Dark Sky Festival celebrates the art, science and culture surrounding the night sky.

Here’s some of the top must-do events to add to your schedule.

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SYMPHONY UNDER THE STARS

October 14 / 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm / $100+

VENUE – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Cozy up with a blanket and hot chocolate and witness the magic of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings, amplified by the Rocky Mountains, under thousands of twinkling stars.

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ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ PAHKISIMON

October 21 / 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm / FREE

VENUE – Lake Annette

There is no better way to welcome the dark sky than to celebrate pahkisimon, Cree for sunset. This starts just before sunset with a ceremonial tipi raising followed by teachings, hand-drumming and song by Warrior Women, community pow wow drumming open for anyone to participate in. As the sun sets, illuminated Indigenous hoop, traditional and shawl dancers will help us welcome in the starry night. Once the celebration has wrapped up, feel free to stay at Lake Annette to enjoy some of the best star-gazing in the area or head back into the Jasper townsite to take in the evening programs around town.

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DRONE LIGHT SPECTACLE

October 21 / 8:45 pm – 9:00 pm / FREE

VENUE – Commemoration Park (1324 Pyramid Lake Rd)

Tourism Jasper presents a one-of-a-kind event in the night sky! Witness an inspiring creation of drone choreography set to the story "There is no place like home" told by our festival host Niki Wilson.

Recreational drone use is not permitted within National Park boundaries. Occasionally, Parks Canada will grant permits for park management purposes. This one-of-a-kind light show meets Jasper National Park’s management priorities by providing a meaningful experience to hundreds of visitors and residents alike. Leave your drone at home: using recreational drones in national parks is dangerous and illegal, carrying a maximum fine of $25,000.

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DINNER ON A MOUNTAINTOP: SKYTRAM STAR SESSIONS W 3-COURSE MEAL

Most Saturdays in September, every Friday & Saturday in October / 5:45 pm – 10:30 pm / $186.45 +GST

VENUE – Jasper SkyTram, Whistlers Rd

Get even closer to the stars with this exclusive dining and stargazing experience atop the Jasper Skytram. Includes a 3-course mountain-top dinner, the most powerful telescopes in the Canadian Rockies, a special talk on Canada’s dark skies. Bring warm layers for the outdoor star gazing portions of the evening.

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SCIENCE FOR BRUNCH/LUNCH, FEATURING MATTHEW GUZDIAL, JEANINE HOLOWATUIK, MARLOS MACHADO, PATRICK PILARSKI

Oct. 14, 15, 21, 22 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm or 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm / $40

VENUE – Lobstick Lodge

Kickstart your morning with a healthy dose of awe by chatting with celestial celebrities over a hot buffet brunch or lunch. On October 14 catch astro-photographer Jeanine Holowatuik talk about her aurora chasing adventures. The next day Marlos Machado will discuss flying balloons in the stratosphere with AI. The following weekend Patrick Pilarski and Matthew Guzdial will tackle how to train bionic body parts and procedural worlds through AI.

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MORE GREAT SPEAKERS

Join many illustrious experts for in-depth discussions about science and space  with award-winning spaceflight author Emily Carney, Bettymara Foott from the International Dark Sky Association, and more! These dynamic conversations are always a favourite of audiences. Other talks will include musical performances by Jay Ingram, astrophotography tips and stories from local photographer Mike Gere, and trivia nights with Alan Nursall, CEO of Telus World of Science-Edmonton

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