Celebrating the Cosmos: The 2026 Badlands Astronomy Festival

Sweeping views of the Milky Way, that gorgeous river of stars that 80% of Americans can no longer see due to light pollution, the steady points of glowing light from Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury and gentle flickering of 7,500 brilliant stars in the inky black sky…

Whether you’re a novice stargazer, amateur astronomer, or hardcore astrophotographer, you’ll be among a diverse, starry-eyed crowd celebrating the beauty of the cosmos during the Badlands Astronomy Festival.

Held July 17 - 19th, this three-day, day-to-night celebration of space exploration also culminates with the Badlands receiving its official designation as an International Dark Sky Park, which is now one of only 270 DarkSky certified places around the globe, 140 of which are parks.

The Badlands Astronomy Festival is also FREE and open to the public with no reservations needed, although park entrance fees will still apply. 

A Spectacular Look at the Night Sky

Visitors to the beloved, otherworldly geographic wonder of the Badlands will also help support the continued preservation, protection and enjoyment of the incredible night sky that stretches across the park’s 244,000 acres.

With virtually zero light pollution, it offers one of the most spectacular looks at the cosmos and also illuminates the park’s unique nighttime desert ecosystem.

From bats and badgers to porcupines and coyotes, this natural safe haven is also home to a list of highly endangered and threatened wildlife including the American bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and the black-footed ferret.  

2026 Astronomy Festival Schedule of Events

Held annually, the Badlands Astronomy Festival has become a draw for people across the globe. 
This year, it will feature a variety of day-to-night things to do that will also include a handful of guest speakers.

Daytime activities:

🪐Daily planet walks, solar observing, and paper rocket launches that the whole family can enjoy
📍Location: Ben Reifel Visitor Center
⏰Times: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Evening Activities

💫In the evening, the focus will shift to guest presentations and stargazing on the north side of Cedar Pass Campground, with an Amphitheater framed by awe-inspiring spires and jagged buttes offering a view of the sky that can’t be beat. Night owls of all ages are welcome! 
📍Location: Cedar Pass Campground Amphitheater
⏰Times:  9:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m

Why Not Book an Overnight Stay in Nearby Wall?

If you’re planning on attending the Astronomy Festival, why not book an overnight stay in Wall? As the gateway to the Badlands, Wall is conveniently located about 8 miles from the park’s northern entrance.

You’re welcome to reserve a room at one of our modern, clean, friendly hotels or even sleep under the stars at one of our local campgrounds.

Our downtown is filled with locally-owned businesses including Dakota Sky Stone, where they sell the highest quality Native American jewelry, Nanna’s Mercantile, Badlands and Co., Badlands Harley Davidson, and of course, Dahl’s Chainsaw. Just look for the 50-foot wooden rabbit!

And the famous Wall Drug is a draw for anyone looking to savor some of the best donuts around! Not to mention, the five cent coffee; the perfect wake-me-up following a stellar evening of star gazing.