Jasper National Park hosts Dark Sky Festival from 16 October
Published on 10/18/2026 at 05:22 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Jasper National Park and the Jasper Dark Sky Festival bring astronomy, science and live events to Alberta from 16 to 25 October 2026. The festival is held in the town of Jasper, with additional events at locations throughout the park.
Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs from 16 to 25 October
The programme includes talks by scientists and science communicators, stargazing sessions, astronomy workshops, live music and outdoor experiences. The official festival information confirms the 16 to 25 October 2026 dates and identifies Jasper as the host town, with events also taking place across Jasper National Park.
Several programme items give the festival a clear presence beyond the town centre. The Slooh Airstream Experience is scheduled for 14 to 24 October 2026 at Pop Up Village on Connaught Drive, while stargazing with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is listed at Lake Annette on 16 and 17 October. The festival schedule also includes astronomy programming at the Jasper SkyTram and Whistlers Mountain. The official festival dates and locations place the programme inside the current autumn travel period.
On 24 October, Commemoration Park is due to host a concert led by Canadian songwriter Afie Jurvanen, who performs as Bahamas. The evening also includes a drone show, ScienceFest and a model-rocketry programme. Tourism Jasper lists the concert, drone show and family events for that date in its 2026 festival programme.
Jasper National Park links the festival to protected night skies
The event is tied to a defining feature of the protected landscape. Jasper was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2011 because of its limited light pollution and the measures in place to protect night-sky viewing. The designation gives the festival a direct connection to the park rather than making it only a town-based cultural programme.
Parks Canada says the park was established in 1907 and now covers 11,228 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, alpine meadows and rivers along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. It forms part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival therefore places astronomy programming within a protected mountain landscape whose management includes both natural heritage and visitor experiences. The Parks Canada management plan records the park history, area and heritage status.
Visiting Jasper National Park: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Jasper Dark Sky Festival runs from 16 to 25 October 2026. The Bahamas concert and drone show are scheduled for 24 October at Commemoration Park.
- Events are held in the town of Jasper and at locations throughout the park, including Lake Annette, Pop Up Village, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the Jasper SkyTram and Whistlers Mountain.
- Some programme items take place outdoors, and the organiser warns that outdoor terrain may be difficult to manoeuvre. Conditions and arrangements can vary between venues.
- Jasper is in Alberta, Canada, and the park is reached by road through the regional highway network. Highway 16 crosses the northern part of the park, while Highway 93 runs through its southern section.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Jasper National Park on social platforms
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Frequently asked questions about Jasper National Park
When does the Jasper Dark Sky Festival take place at Jasper National Park?
The festival runs from 16 to 25 October 2026, with events in Jasper and at locations throughout Jasper National Park.
What is Jasper National Park?
It is a protected mountain landscape in Alberta, established in 1907 and covering 11,228 square kilometres. It is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where is Jasper National Park and how do you get there?
The park is in the eastern Canadian Rockies of Alberta, with the town of Jasper serving as its main visitor hub. Highway 16 crosses the northern part of the park and Highway 93 runs through the south.
