Dark Sky Week brings stargazing, events to Wenatchee Valley

WENATCHEE — In a valley shaped as much by its night skies as its rivers and orchards, a week in April will invite residents to slow down, look up, and see what’s still there.

International Dark Sky Week runs April 13 through April 20, with the Wenatchee Valley Astronomy Club organizing events each night across the region, from Lake Wenatchee to Leavenworth and beyond.

Part of a global effort to raise awareness about light pollution, the week highlights the role darkness plays in wildlife health, energy use, and human well-being. Locally, organizers say it is also about something more immediate: creating space for people to step outside, share an experience, and reconnect with a sky that has grown harder to see.

Events throughout the week range from casual and social to hands-on and educational. Planned activities include sidewalk astronomy in downtown Leavenworth, a nighttime “Cosmic Hiking” event at Mountain Home, a trivia night at Icicle Brewing, and a “stellar stories” program hosted with NCW Libraries. Several events focus on observation, including star parties at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and guided constellation tours.

A highlight of the week is the Dark Sky Celebration on April 19 at the Wenatchee River Institute, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is designed as a family-friendly gathering with activities for children, telescope viewing, and opportunities to learn more about the night sky and how it is affected by artificial light.

Two presentations are planned as part of the celebration. Dr. James White of Chelan County PUD will speak on how outdoor lighting choices can improve safety while reducing energy use and protecting the night sky. Later in the evening, retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Roger Tabor will present research on how artificial light affects juvenile salmon behavior and survival.

Organizers say the goal of the week is not just to highlight the problem of light pollution, but to offer practical ways people can make a difference, whether that means adjusting outdoor lighting at home or simply taking time to experience darker skies.

All events are free to attend, though some may require registration. A full schedule and event details are available at wenatcheevalleystars.org.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media