Keep It Dark Astrotourism Weekend

Discover a different side of Truckee during Keep It Dark Astrotourism Weekend, October 1–4. This four-day celebration brings together stargazing, photography, art and community events designed to connect people with Truckee’s spectacular night skies while building awareness around the importance of protecting them.

From an evening under the stars with Tahoe Star Tours to the Keep It Dark Photo Contest Awards, photography and writing workshops, and dark sky activations during Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of Truckee after the sun goes down.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Community Connections: Under the Tahoe Stars | 7:30–9:30 PM
Northstar California

Join the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, Tahoe Star Tours and Truckee Cultural District for an evening under the stars. Gather around the fire to explore the night sky, then get a closer look at distant stars, galaxies, star clusters and nebulae through powerful telescopes.

$30/person. Advance registration required.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Keep It Dark Photo Contest Awards | 5-7 PM
Truckee Tahoe Airport, 10356 Truckee Airport Road

Celebrate the beauty of our night skies at an awards presentation featuring images captured throughout Nevada County. View the winning photographs and enjoy an evening of live music, bites and beverages.

Free to the public.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop + Dark Skies Awareness Stops | 12–4 PM
Downtown Truckee

Sip, shop and stroll through historic downtown during the annual Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk & Shop, with special Keep It Dark stops where you can learn more about preserving our night skies.

Astro Photography Workshop: Milky Way in the Meadow | 7–10 PM
Norden Meadow, Donner Summit

Learn to photograph the Milky Way with award-winning astrophotographers Mike Oitzman and Allison Kalt during a hands-on evening workshop at Norden Meadow. Get expert guidance on night photography while capturing the Sierra landscape and stars after dark.

Free. Advance registration required; space is limited.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

Dark Skies Brunch & Creative Writing Workshop | 10 AM–12 PM
9848 Gallery, 9848 Donner Pass Rd

Join Nevada County Poet Laureate Karen Terrey for a creative writing workshop inspired by the night sky. Writers, photographers and night-sky admirers of all experience levels are welcome. Coffee, tea and pastries provided.

Free. Advance registration requested.