Celebrate Nevada's Dark Skies at the Second Annual Cosmos in the Desert Dark Skies Festival
via Nevada Division of State Parks
UPDATE: More details about this event including a map can be found below!
SILVER SPRINGS, Nev. – Nevada Division of State Parks, Division of Outdoor Recreation, and Friends of Nevada Wilderness, invite visitors to experience the beauty of Nevada's night skies during the second annual Cosmos in the Desert: Northern Nevada's Dark Skies Festival, taking place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14–15, 2026, at Lahontan State Recreation Area.
Both nights of the festival will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Beach 3 Day-Use Area on the Silver Springs side of Lahontan State Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy telescope-assisted stargazing, constellation presentations, wildlife programs, dark skies storytelling, interactive art experiences, local artists and vendors, and educational exhibits from Travel Nevada.
Lahontan State Recreation Area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. The park's relatively low levels of light pollution allow visitors to see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, planets, and other celestial objects that are often hidden from view in urban areas.
Admission to Cosmos in the Desert is free, though normal park entrance fees apply. Visitors planning to camp during the weekend should also expect standard camping fees.
Saturday evening will also feature the Rebekah Chase Band, performing from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., providing a relaxed atmosphere while visitors enjoy the stars.
For a complete schedule of events or to learn more, visit parks.nv.gov/events.
Day-Use Area
The Day-Use Area will host the main festival activities, including vendor booths, educational exhibits, demonstrations, and entertainment.
Visitors will enter through the Nevada State Parks welcome booth, where they can:
- Convert their flashlights to red lights
- Pick up event information and schedules
Immediately following the State Parks booth will be the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation and Friends of Nevada Wilderness.
All remaining vendors and organizations will be located along the paved walking path (shown on the map), continuing toward the stage. This layout creates an ADA-accessible route through the festival while encouraging visitors to experience each booth along the way.
Telescope Area
The telescope viewing area will be closed to vehicle traffic and barricaded off during the event. Anyone who needs vehicle access for overnight telescope setup or camping must be completely set up by 7 p.m.
No white lights are permitted in the telescope area from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. This is essential to preserve everyone's night vision and ensure the best viewing experience for our astronomers and guests.
