San Diego County Chapter of DarkSky International

San Diego County Chapter of DarkSky International

https://darkskysandiego.org/

An Afternoon of Exhibitors, Speakers, Kids Activities & Meteor-Filled Night Under the Stars

Free & Open to the Public

Join us in the rural hills of Julian, California, for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Perseid meteor shower. On Saturday, August 16, the moonless night sky will reveal shooting stars, glowing planets, and the luminous sweep of the Milky Way, perfect conditions for stargazing in one of San Diego County’s darkest, clearest spots.

The San Diego Dark Sky Festival is more than a night of astronomy, it’s a community gathering of sky lovers, scientists, educators, artists, and dark sky advocates from across the region. Hosted at the beautiful Menghini Winery, this free, family-friendly festival is part of a growing movement to protect our natural night skies and celebrate their beauty, science, and importance.

Event Highlights

Afternoon Activities 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
•    Hands-on activities for kids and families
•    Educational exhibits from conservation and astronomy organizations
•    Fresh cooked West African food (vegetarian options) & fine wine
•    Inspirational speakers
•    Panel discussion on light pollution and dark sky advocacy
•    Solar Telescope Viewing with special filters and equipment to allow safely viewing intense activity on the sun’s surface.

WARNING: Never look directly at the sun! Professionally certified solar filter equipment is required.

Evening Activities
•    7:00 p.m. Spotlight Talk by Dr. Robert Quimby, Director of Mount Laguna Observatory & Astrophysicist
•    Guided night sky tours with green laser pointer
•    Astronomy-Guided Experience with binoculars
•    Shared Observing of Nebulae and Star Clusters through telescopes.

Bring your curiosity, a blanket, flashlight, jacket or chair, and—if you have them—binoculars! Come early to explore exhibits, connect with local experts, and secure your stargazing spot.

Red flashlight filters provided free – Please use with all flashlights to protect night vision. 

Why Dark Skies Matter

Light pollution disrupts the rhythms of life. It affects plant growth, confuses wildlife, and interferes with human health and sleep. All living things—people, animals, and plants—depend on natural darkness to thrive. By reducing excess light, we restore balance to our environment and reconnect with the natural world.

Across San Diego County, a growing dark sky movement is taking shape. Julian and Borrego Springs have already earned recognition as International Dark Sky Communities by DarkSky International. Fallbrook is now on the path to join them, and the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is working to achieve California’s first Urban Night Sky Place designation. An International Dark Sky Park application is also underway for the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, which would join Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in holding this prestigious title. This festival celebrates our region’s shared commitment to protecting the night sky—and everything it touches. In an age when darkness is increasingly rare, this is your chance to experience it, fully and freely.

This event is organized by a regional coalition including:

•    DarkSky San Diego County
•    Julian Dark Sky Network
•    Borrego Springs Dark Sky Coalition
•    Fallbrook Land Conservancy Dark Sky Committee