Night Sky Tourist and The Town of Fountain Hills proudly unveil a yearlong lineup of immersive Dark Sky experiences designed to connect participants with the rhythms of the natural world. Led by Night Sky Tourist founder Vicky Derksen, these events invite you to slow down, step into the desert’s magic, and rediscover the wonder of the night sky in one of the world’s rare International Dark Sky Communities. Celebrate moonlit walks, celestial milestones, creative twilight sessions, and sunrise hikes—all crafted to deepen your connection to the desert and the cosmos.
- Jan. 3 – Full Wolf Moon Walk | 5:30 p.m.
A meditative twilight walk through the Sonoran Desert culminating in the rise of the Full Wolf Moon.
- Feb. 3 – Fire & Stars: February Cross-Quarter Day Gathering | 6 p.m.
Celebrate the midpoint between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox with a fire-cooked dinner, star stories, and telescope viewing.
- March 3 – Full Worm Moon Walk | 6:30 p.m.
Engage your senses on a quiet desert walk under the rising Full Worm Moon.
- March 20 – Spring Equinox Sunrise Hike | 6 a.m.
Welcome the equinox with a sunrise hike observing the desert’s awakening.
- April 1 – Desert Twilight Writing Workshop | 6 p.m.
A creative writing experience inspired by the desert’s transition from day to night, followed by stargazing and constellation stories.
- May 1 – Full Flower Moon Walk | 7 p.m.
Witness the blooming desert under the Full Flower Moon during a sensory-rich twilight walk.
- May 31 – Full Blue Moon Walk | 7:30 p.m.
A rare opportunity to experience the magic of a Blue Moon rising over the desert landscape.
- June 20 – Summer Solstice Sunrise Hike | 6 a.m.
Celebrate the longest day of the year with a morning hike through the Sonoran Desert.
Tickets and registration for all events are available now. Space is limited—early sign-ups are encouraged.
