Later this year, Fountain Hills will further cement its status as a skywatchers paradise.
In the fall, the International Dark Sky Discovery Center — a 23,000-square-foot observatory and educational hub featuring the Valley’s largest telescope, a planetarium, and an interactive “Einstein Exploration Station” — will open to the public.
Local stargazers can get a preview of the center on Saturday during the 2025 Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival. The evening-long event will also include science exhibits and activities, stargazing opportunities and an appearance by NASA astronaut Chris Birch. Here’s everything to know.
What day is Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival 2025?
The 2025 Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival is on Saturday, March 29 from 4 to 9 p.m.Where is Fountain Hills Community Center?
Fountain Hills Community Center is at 13001 N. La Montana Drive in Fountain Hills. Its located south of Avenue of the Fountains near Fountain Park.How much is admission?
The Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival is free to the general public.
Parking at Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival
Event parking will be limited due to International Dark Sky Discovery Center construction. Spaces are available in front of the Community Center, along La Montana and El Lago drives, and across the street at Fountain Hills Town Hall and the post office.Can I bring my dog to the festival?
No. The festival is not a dog-friendly event.Is the festival a cashless event?
No. Festival vendors will accept credit cards, debit cards and cash.Food and drink
According to the festival’s website, a lineup of local vendors will have food and drink available for purchase. Bars will also sell beer, wine and cocktails to anyone 21 and older with proper ID. 
Science abounds at the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival on Saturday.
Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association
Activities at Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival 2025
Science displays, exhibits and activities will be offered throughout the evening during the festival. Local organizations like Wild at Heart, Southwest Conservation Center and the Center for Native and Urban Wildlife are bringing animals at the event. ASU’s Mars Space Flight Facility will have its Mars Rover on display. There will also be a virtual reality tour of the solar system and a meteorite exhibit.Talks at Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival 2025
Arizona naturalist Amy Burnett will lead an hour-long discussion on the impact of light pollution on wildlife, followed by a 15-minute preview of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center by project VP Jim Wilson. Mesa native and scientist Chris Birch will then share her journey from stargazing in the Valley to joining NASA’s Astronaut Program in "From the Desert to the Moon: An Astronaut’s Journey."Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival’s star party
Local astronomers will have a variety of telescopes set up at the festival for a stargazing session from 7 to 9 p.m. A laser-guided tour of the constellations will also be conducted.Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival schedule
Here’s the complete schedule for the festival on Saturday:- 4 p.m., Festival begins
- 4:15 p.m., Student art contest
- 4:45 p.m., “Living in a 'Too Lit' World” feat. Amy Burnett:
- 5:45 p.m., International Dark Sky Discovery Center preview feat. Jim Wilson
- 6 p.m., "From the Desert Toward the Moon, an Astronaut’s Journey" feat. NASA's Chris Birch
- 7 p.m., Star party
- 9 p.m., Festival ends
