They say good things come in threes, which explains the trio of jam-packed, star-studded, can’t-miss-it festival weekends that make up this year’s Jasper Dark Sky Festival. The celestial celebration runs from October 13 to 29, spanning three weekends.
If you’re a fan of all things astro or simply looking to make some unique memories in the world’s largest accessible dark sky preserve, mark your calendar for the third and final weekend of the festival. Then get busy planning to do everything from thrilling helicopter rides to the totally unique and brand-new Space Ball event.
1. Jasper Dark Sky Space Ball: A Cosmic Costume Dance Party
On the night of Saturday, October 28, we invite you to finish the festival with a night of sidesplitting fun! Pack away the telescopes, unbutton your lab coats, and put on your best sci-fi-inspired costume for the brand-new Jasper Dark Sky Festival Space Ball! Hosted in the dramatic ballroom at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the night kicks off with appetizers and drinks at the reception. Local professional actors from the Jasper Theater Company will hit the stage with some thematic improv, before you sit back and disappear a bucket of popcorn while watching classic comedy Space Balls on the big screen (with a few interactive twists that’ll have you rolling). Finally, grab a “midnight lunch” and dance the night away while DJ Lucy da First spins tunes and circus performers from Cirque Aurora perform in the air. If you’re 18+, this is one highlight event you do not want to miss.
2. Starry Adventures
Get away from the ambient light and witness what makes Jasper National Park a dark sky preserve. // Tourism Jasper
The Space Ball isn’t the only reason to attend the third weekend of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival. The schedule is packed with after-dark activities that will leave you inspired and awestruck.
- Yoga Under the Stars: Find your zen in this unique setting that will truly make you feel connected to the universe.
- Beyond the Horizon: A Journey Into the Dark Sky Preserve: Join star guides for telescope tours at Lake Edith and Lake Annette. Great for both beginners and enthusiasts.
- Miette Ghost Town and Galaxies: This Thursday event includes a guided Halloween hike past Jasper’s abandoned coal mine ruins, telescope tour, and barbeque dinner.
3. Family Fun
Rocket demonstrations and kids workshops collide during the Jasper Dark Sky Festival October 13-29. // Tourism Jasper
- Bio Blitz: This free, hands-on experience explores the park’s biodiversity and citizen science.
- Animals of the Night Hike: A guided hike to discover the creatures that come to life after dark.
- Geocaching/Dark Sky Treasure Hunt: Combine treasure hunting with the beauty of the night sky! Also free!
4. Solar wonders
Family-friendly events can bring the celestial skies to the youngest eyes. // Tourism Jasper
Many events happen after dark, but there’s plenty of daytime things to do too!
- Sunset Helicopter Cruise in the Rockies: Get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Rocky Mountains at sunset. Super romantic, super unforgettable.
- Solar/Early-evening scopes: View (safely filtered) close-ups of the sun’s surface.
- Cosmos and Cocktails: Stir up a galaxy-inspired cocktail to enjoy while you design an intergalactic dried floral arrangement in a gorgeous spotted Nebula glass
This content is sponsored by Tourism Jasper and the 2022 Jasper Dark Sky Festival // info@thejasperlocal.com
