Bright comet hangs in a dense star-filled night sky with the Milky Way visible.
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DarkSky Missouri Festival

Ozark National Scenic Riverways · Missouri

Photo: Shaun Heise

Next time

Friday, Oct 9 · 4:00 PM

Local time at the park

About this program

Join DarkSky Missouri at Big Spring for a two-day event under the darkest skies in Missouri! Each day, speakers will discuss light pollut ion, how it affects people and nature, an d how dark skies benefit us all. Booths from multiple conservation organizations will share fun activities and educational opportunities.

The excitement continues as the sun goes down and well after dark as the stars come out (weather permitting) and professional and amateur astronomers will have telescopes trained on the skies to view the wonders of the night sky up close. When you're not looking through a telescope, sit back and enjoy the peak of the Draconid Meteor Shower!

Visitors staying for the star parties on Friday and Saturday should plan to dress for cool weather after dark. For safety, please make sure to bring a light source with a red light setting to help protect night vision and ensure you get a good look at the sky. Avoid bringing pets to reduce tripping hazards in dark conditions (service animals are welcome).

Image: October skies in the Riverways can reveal some spectacular sights. Come see what's in store! Credit: S. Heise

Where to meet
Big Spring is located approximately 3 miles south of Van Buren on Highway 103. Daytime activities for the DarkSky Missouri Festival will be centered around the Big Spring Pavilion at Big Spring. Night time activities will be conducted in the field a few dozen yards north of the pavilion.
Good to know
The information table opens at 4:00 PM on Friday and events continue through the star party after dark until 11:00 PM (visitors are welcome to stay later).

From the National Park Service.

Upcoming dates

  • Friday, Oct 94:00 PM

Schedule from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, checked daily. Programs can change, so check before you go.

At the park that day

Weather

86° / 53°

clear sky · OpenWeather forecast

Sunset

6:37 PM

Friday

    DarkSky Missouri Festival — Ozark National Scenic Riverways | Roamze