The three-day astronomy festival offers visitors the chance to gaze at the stars in Big Bear. (photo courtesy of Visit Big Bear)

SkyFest Big Bear will return Aug. 14-16, bringing three days of astronomy, science and outdoor programming to the mountain community with activities to inspire visitors of all ages to explore the night sky and learn about the importance of dark sky preservation.

The festival will run daily from noon-11 p.m. at venues throughout Big Bear Lake and will feature lectures by scientists, guided stargazing, educational workshops, family activities and immersive experiences focused on astronomy and space exploration.

Among the event’s highlights is Stargaze at the Summit, where attendees can ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair after dark to the top of the mountain and observe celestial objects through high-powered telescopes alongside astronomers from the Bear Valley Astronomical Society. Big Bear’s high elevation and comparatively dark skies make the region well suited for astronomical viewing, offering visitors an opportunity to see stars, planets and other celestial features that are often obscured by urban light pollution.

The festival’s speaker lineup includes experts from NASA, Caltech and DarkSky International. NASA program scientist Dr. Dominic Benford will discuss the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch Aug. 30 and is expected to help scientists investigate dark energy, exoplanets and other questions in astrophysics. Caltech research scientist Cameron Hummels will present recent discoveries involving black holes and the evolution of galaxies, while Michael Rymer, DarkSky International’s Dark Sky Communities program manager, will discuss efforts to preserve dark skies and reduce the effects of artificial light.

Additional programming includes guided nighttime hikes led by Big Bear Hiking Adventures, offering participants an opportunity to experience the forest after sunset while learning more about the stars overhead. Visitors can also explore the AstroDome, an immersive projection experience featuring astronomy-themed presentations showcasing galaxies, nebulae, supernovas and other cosmic phenomena.

Families can participate in Nighttime DiscoverFest, a free event at the Big Bear Discovery Center featuring astronomy activities, nature exploration, wildlife education and campfire storytelling designed for children and their families. The festival will also offer astrophotography workshops led by local photographer Brady Enger, who will share techniques for photographing the Milky Way and other nighttime landscapes. Additional activities include plein air painting sessions and sound bath experiences held beneath the night sky.

“Our human instinct is to want to explore the cosmos, it’s just how we’re wired,” said Sara Schacht, director of Care for Big Bear. “Stargazing in Big Bear is in itself a phenomenal experience, but SkyFest Big Bear takes it to a whole other level.”

SkyFest is intended to combine science education with outdoor recreation while highlighting Big Bear Lake’s natural environment. Organizers say the festival encourages visitors to appreciate the region’s relatively dark skies and to better understand the role they play in astronomical research, wildlife conservation and public enjoyment of the night landscape.

Additional information, tickets and a complete schedule of events are available at bigbear.com.