As the world turns toward the spring season, the town of Ely, Minnesota, invites stargazers, photographers, and nature lovers to the annual Ely Dark Sky Festival, held from March 19–22.
The festival is uniquely positioned on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), officially recognized as one of the largest and most pristine International Dark Sky Sanctuaries on the planet. This year’s event celebrates the growing movement of travelers seeking to reconnect with the cosmos in areas free from urban light pollution.
The 2026 festival is anchored by the Vernal Equinox on Friday, March 20. This rare moment of the year where day and night are of equal length serves as the perfect backdrop for exploring the transition from winter constellations to the emerging spring sky.
The four-day event features a blend of adventure, art, and advocacy, including:
• Astro-Photography Workshops: Guided night treks into the Superior National Forest. Experts will teach participants how to capture the Milky Way, and if atmospheric conditions align, the colors of the Northern Lights.
• Expert-Led Stargazing: Nightly telescope sessions where regional astronomers point out deep-sky objects and the shifting planetary alignment of the spring season.
• Science & Conservation Sessions: Educational seminars focusing on the importance of dark sky preservation and the impact of light pollution on local wildlife and human health.
Attendees are encouraged to embrace the unpredictable nature of Northern Minnesota in March. To ensure the best experience, organizers recommend winter attire, including insulated boots and warm layers. To protect the integrity of the sanctuary, participants are also asked to bring red-light headlamps, which preserve night vision for all observers.
For more information on registration, lodging, and the full schedule of events, please visit https:// www.ely.org/events/annual- events-and-festivals/elydark- sky-festival/.
The Ely Dark Sky Festival celebrates the rare beauty of the night sky in Northern Minnesota. By partnering with conservationists and educators, the festival aims to protect the darkness of the BWCAW while providing unforgettable celestial experiences for visitors from around the world. Contact Eva Sebesta at 218-365-6123 or [email protected] for more details.
