From SkyTram stargazing to a drone show, free concerts and fireside chats inspired by the solar system, Jasper’s 10-day celebration offers plenty of ways to get lost in space.

Jasper is about to have its head in the clouds and its eyes on the stars.

The 16th annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival returns October 16–25, bringing a universe of science, art, music and celestial discovery to the community and surrounding national park.

Whether you’re an amateur astronomer who can identify a galaxy by its star-formation rate, a budding astrophotographer hoping to capture the northern lights, or someone who simply enjoys looking up on a clear night, there’s plenty to put on your cosmic calendar.

And while the stars are undoubtedly the main attraction, this year’s lineup offers plenty of earthly delights, too, including free concerts, hands-on science activities, Indigenous storytelling and art inspired by the mysteries of the universe.

Here are a few ways to make the most of the festival without needing a spaceship.

Stories around the fire, beneath the stars

Not every journey through the cosmos requires a telescope. Sometimes, the best way to connect with the night sky is to listen.

The festival’s free Fireside Chats invite visitors to gather at Robson Park for Indigenous drumming, singing and storytelling led by a local Knowledge Keeper. The outdoor experience connects participants with the land and its traditions, offering a different perspective on the relationship between people, place and the natural world.

Sessions are scheduled for October 16, 17 and 23 at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. Bring a warm layer, settle in beneath the open sky, and enjoy an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect.

Take science to new heights

For a truly elevated evening, the Sun to Stars Experience pairs the Jasper SkyTram with astronomy experts from the Jasper Planetarium for a night of mountain-top discovery.

Running October 16, 17, 23 and 24, the experience takes visitors up Whistlers’ Mountain for an evening of astronomy, telescope viewing and immersive programming. Dinner and dessert packages are available, with separate pricing depending on whether the meal is included.

Sun to Stars Experiences, including dinner, are listed at $212 for adults and $137.80 for children. Sun to Stars Lite, without dinner, costs $135 for adults and $87.75 for children.

Of course, the mountain setting is part of the appeal. With Jasper’s celebrated dark skies overhead, it’s an opportunity to trade streetlights for starlight and get a different perspective on the neighbourhood—one that makes even the tallest peaks look a little smaller.

A drone show writes a love letter to the Moon

Forget wishing upon a star. This year, the festival is also inviting people to look a little closer to home.

Love Letter from the Moon is a free drone show scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on October 16. The display uses vivid, shifting three-dimensional imagery to tell the Moon’s story, exploring its formation and connection to life on Earth.

It’s a modern twist on celestial storytelling, using technology to bring the night sky’s most familiar neighbour to life.

For those who prefer their cosmic entertainment through the lens of a telescope, the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Edmonton Centre will host free stargazing sessions at Lake Annette on October 16 and 17, weather permitting. Participants can view celestial objects ranging from the Moon to distant galaxies.

Art after dark, with a side of science

Jasper’s night sky is a natural wonder, but the festival also celebrates the inspiration it provides closer to home.

On October 16, Art After Dark and Science After Dark bring downtown Jasper to life with live music, art, performances, telescope viewing, demonstrations and interactive science activities. Both run from 6 to 9 p.m., offering plenty to explore after sunset.

At the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives, Parallel Universes presents a cosmic-themed exhibition by Amy Sallenbach and Sylvie Pinard. The exhibition runs October 16–18 and October 22–25, with a gala opening on October 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is by donation.

And if you’d rather hear the night come alive than simply gaze at it, the festival has that covered, too. Free concerts by Bahamas and Kyle McKearney are among the musical offerings, while the Fireside Chat at Robson Park brings Indigenous drumming, singing and storytelling led by a local Knowledge Keeper to the open sky.

The universe is for everyone

The festival’s broader program includes rocket-building and launching activities, family-friendly science demonstrations, talks on Mars and the search for life, and opportunities to learn about the mysterious purple streak of light known as STEVE.

There are also guided night-photography tours for those hoping to take home more than memories. Professional guides offer instruction in capturing stars, auroras and other nighttime scenes, with options for both dedicated cameras and smartphones.

Some experiences require tickets or advance registration, while many of the festival’s activities are free. Visitors should check the official event calendar for specific dates, times, availability and booking details.

The full schedule is available at jasperdarksky.travel/events.

So dust off your telescope, charge your phone, pack a warm layer or two, and get ready to look up. For 10 days this October, Jasper is once again making a strong case for spending a little less time staring at screens, and a little more time staring into space.

Jasper Local staff // info@thejasperlocal.com