Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival:

Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival: A Stellar Experience Awaits!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Location: Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana, Fountain Hills, AZ

This March, attendees can prepare for an evening under the stars at the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival! This annual event offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the universe, engage with experts, and enjoy an array of fun activities for all ages right here in our International Dark Sky Community.

Learn from Renowned Speakers

Chris Birch, NASA Astronaut

• About Chris: Chris Birch is a remarkable addition to the NASA Astronaut Candidate Class of 2021. Before embarking on her astronaut journey, she built an impressive academic background with degrees in mathematics, biochemistry, and molecular biophysics, along with a doctorate in biological engineering from MIT. After a successful career in academia, she transitioned to elite athletics as a decorated track cyclist on the U.S. National Team. Festival-goers can look forward to her insightful presentation!

“Ranger” Amy Burnett, Naturalist

• About Amy: With nearly 25 years of experience as a park ranger and naturalist, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge about the natural world. Having worked in the Sonoran Desert (former FH resident) and with various conservation organizations, her passion lies in connecting people with wildlife and their habitats. When she’s not off educating others, she enjoys exploring the trails in Colorado with her loyal canine companions.

Student Art Contest

The festival is excited to announce the 2025 Student Art Contest Winners, encouraging creativity among Fountain Hills students from K-12. This year’s theme is “THE NIGHT SHIFT: CRITTERS THAT CRAVE THE DARK SKY.” The winner of the Student Art Contest will have their work displayed, providing an excellent opportunity to appreciate the creativity and talent of local Fountain Hills students. Attendees are encouraged to come check out these incredible pieces!

Festival Activities

The festival is packed with exciting activities for everyone:

• Passport Activity: Attendees can collect stamps while visiting different exhibits and enter to win a free bike!
• Live Animals: Experience wildlife presentations by Wild at Heart, Arizona Bat Rescue, and more!
• ASU Mars Rover Exhibit
• Virtual Reality Solar System Tours
• Solar Walk
• Face Painting
• And much more!

Food & Drink

Local food trucks and beverages will be available at the festival. Bone Haus, Grapeables, Lumpia Queen, Konoa Ice, Pierogi Rig, FH Water Ice, Wienerlicious Hot dogs, Pop Daddy Kettle Korn

Live Music

The festival will feature live music from a local favorite Pearl Ridge, adding to the festive theme throughout the night.

Star Party

The night will culminate in a Star Party, where a dozen telescopes will be set up for guests to explore the planets and deep space objects. Attendees will have the chance to experience the wonders of the night sky like never before!

Everyone is encouraged to mark their calendars for the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Festival on March 29, 2025! Friends and family are invited to join for an evening filled with learning, creativity, and fun under the stars. The festival team looks forward to welcoming guests to this event!