International Dark Sky Week is part of a worldwide celebration honoring the beauty of star-filled skies, the role of darkness in healthy ecosystems, and our deep connection to the cosmos. As artificial light increases globally, the Methow Valley remains a rare haven for some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Join the Methow Dark Sky Coalition, a program of Methow Valley Citizens Council, in celebrating our rural night skies and support participating business partners across the Methow Valley. Check out the Events Calendar for a week full of activities and ways to join in the fun! To learn more about the Methow Dark Sky Coalition and how you can get involved, visit methowdarksky.org.
Event Calendar
Friday, April 4
The end of April is International Dark Sky Week! On Friday, April 4th Motive Yoga is helping to raise money to support the Methow Dark Sky Coalition and Dark Sky Week events through its 1st Fridays Give-Back program. Enjoy a mellow mindful yoga practice with Gwen Vernon, with 100% of your donations going to the Methow Dark Sky Coalition. The class is Friday, April 4th from 4:30-5:30pm. You can sign up ahead at motiveyogaco.com/events or just show up to Motive‘s Winthrop studio at 31 West Chewuch Road. Come support the Methow Dark Sky Coalition.
Monday, April 21
More details to come…
Join the Methow Dark Sky Coalition for a laid-back evening of conversation, drinks, and appetizers as we celebrate the start of Dark Sky Week! This casual mixer is a great chance to connect with fellow dark sky enthusiasts, learn more about upcoming stargazing events, night hikes, and community activities, and toast to the beauty of the Methow Valley’s night skies.
Tuesday, April 22
7:45pm
7:45pm
RSVP at this link to join the Methow Conservancy and retired NASA astrophysicist Tuck Stebbins for a nighttime walk at the Meadowlark Natural Area in Winthrop. Come appreciate our Methow Valley dark skies, and learn about the cosmos from a local expert!
Participants should plan on about an hour of walking, and 30-45 minutes of presentation/conversation. Bring everything you need to be comfortable hiking on single-track in the dark including a headlamp, warm layers, water, etc. Ideally your headlamp will have a red light setting. Reach out to Bridger with any questions.
Wednesday, April 23
Location and time to be announced soon…
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars as we celebrate Dark Sky Week with a special stargazing event! This is the perfect opportunity to view planets, distant galaxies, and deep-sky wonders through telescopes while learning more about the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the cosmos, come soak in the beauty of the universe and experience the magic of a truly dark sky!
Thursday, April 24
Join us for a special night of programming. Details to be released shortly!
Friday, April 25
Location and time to be announced soon…
Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars as we celebrate Dark Sky Week with a special stargazing event! This is the perfect opportunity to view planets, distant galaxies, and deep-sky wonders through telescopes while learning more about the night sky. Whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just curious about the cosmos, come soak in the beauty of the universe and experience the magic of a truly dark sky!
Saturday, April 26
Discover the wonders of the night sky! Join Ranger Alex Ott and members of the Methow Dark Sky Coalition for a stargazing adventure at Pearrygin Lake State Park, where we’ll explore planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects through telescopes. This event is weather permitting and is open to campers and community members alike. Everyone is welcome! Participants are asked to bring a flashlight or headlamp (red-light preferred), warm clothes, and a blanket or chair. Come experience the magic of the Methow Valley’s night skies!
Sunday, April 27
TBD
Monday, April 28
TBD
Sponsors and Business Partners
We are incredibly grateful to the businesses and organizations supporting Dark Sky Week 2025. Their generosity and participation help make this weeklong celebration of the night possible. Want to participate? Become a business partner here.
From special discounts and dark sky-themed offerings to financial sponsorships that support community events, these partners share our vision of preserving the Methow Valley’s incredible night skies.
Please support these businesses that support dark skies!
Major Sponsors
Cascades Outdoor Store
In-store discounts on dark-sky themed items
Idle-a-While Motel
20% off nightly rental rates + firepits, telescopes and refreshments!
Motive Yoga
April 4 Give-Back Yoga
Business Partners
Hotel Rio Vista
10% off multi-night weekday stay
Mazama Store
Dark sky croissant and dark sky mocha
Goats Beard Mountain Supplies
10% off sales items
Little Dipper Cafe
Dark sky chocolate (cup)cake, starry night cookie; latte special
Casia Lodge & Ranch
Prix fixe menu with more details shortly
Orchard House Bakery
Dark sky doughnut
3 Bears Quilt Shop
More details shortly
Mt. Gardner Inn
More details shortly
Become a Business Partner
Join us in celebrating Dark Sky Week (April 21–28, 2025) and showcase your business in this community-wide event! Participating businesses will be featured on our websites and outreach platforms, a special Methow Valley News print insert, and a supporting organizations map, helping to highlight those who support the Methow’s beautiful night skies.
- In-Kind or Promotional Sponsorship. Support Dark Sky Week by contributing products, services, or promotional efforts. Your business will be recognized across our outreach platforms, including our website, event map, and Methow Valley News insert.
- Monetary Sponsorship (Minimum $50 Contribution). In addition to the benefits above, monetary sponsors receive special logo placement in our promotional materials.
Get creative and have fun with it! A Dark Sky themed cocktail, beverage, or pastry? We’d love to see what you come up with. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your love for our rural night skies, increase visibility for your business, and connect with the local community. Please complete this Google form to sign up. Need more information? Email Natasha Hansen, Community Engagement Manager for Methow Valley Citizens Council.
Show Your Support and Sign the Proclamation
The Methow Dark Sky Week Proclamation below will be featured in a special Methow Valley News insert, giving towns, businesses, and community members the opportunity to publicly show their support for celebrating and protecting our incredible night skies. By signing this proclamation, you’re joining a community-wide commitment to preserving the beauty, heritage, and ecological importance of natural darkness in the Methow Valley.
Read the full proclamation below and add your name to show your support!
Methow Dark Sky Week Proclamation, April 21–28, 2025
WHEREAS, the Methow Valley is home to some of the darkest night skies in Washington State and the entire country, offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way, meteor showers, and the northern lights; and
WHEREAS, our dark skies are a defining part of our rural character, connecting us to the land, its history, and something much bigger than ourselves; and
WHEREAS, the experience of a natural night sky inspires wonder, creativity, and reflection, offering a sense of peace in an increasingly fast-paced world; and
WHEREAS, darkness plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting wildlife, pollinators, and the natural rhythms of the Methow Valley’s landscape; and
WHEREAS, preserving dark skies is also beneficial to our community and local economy, attracting visitors who come to experience the beauty of the Methow Valley by day and the brilliance of its starry skies by night; and
WHEREAS, International Dark Sky Week is a global celebration that encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to recognize the value of natural darkness and take small steps to protect it; and
NOW, THEREFORE, we invite residents, businesses, and visitors to join us in celebrating Methow Dark Sky Week, April 21–28, 2025, by stepping outside to experience the night, participating in stargazing and community events, and making mindful choices to help preserve our shared view of the stars for generations to come.
Signed,
Milky Way over the Methow River. Photo: Paul Pigott