Lord Howe Island residents are invited to experience an unforgettable week of stargazing, unique dining and immersive science experiences at the inaugural Dark Sky Festival, running from 26th April to 1st May, 2025.
What’s Happening?
The festival offers an exciting lineup of events, designed to appeal to everyone from astronomy enthusiasts to families looking for a fun evening out. Highlights include:
Dancing Under The Stars: Kick off the festival with an evening of food, markets and dancing in the heart of the Lord Howe CBD.
Dark Sky Stargazing: Join our expert astronomer on a guided stargazing tour to explore planets, stars, galaxies and more.
The Science Talks: Thought provoking discussions on topics such as dark sky preservation and the wonders of the universe. Grab a wood-fired pizza and a locally brewed beer while you enjoy the talks at the Lord Howe Island Brewery. Our special guests are Fred Watson OAM, Marnie Ogg and Ian Hutton OAM.
Dark Dining Lord Howe Island: For those seeking something truly special, book a seat at Driftwood Bar & Restaurant’s Dark Dining experience, where diners enjoy a gourmet meal in complete darkness, letting their senses of taste and smell guide them.
Nocturnal Walk with Ian Hutton: Explore Lord Howe Island’s nocturnal wildlife and unique geological features on a guided walk with expert naturalist Ian Hutton. Discover nocturnal endemic species, including bugs, bats and butterflies.
Astrophotography Workshops: Aspiring photographers can attend workshops led by professionals, learning how to capture stunning images of the night sky using their DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
iPhone Astrophotography Workshop: Don’t have the fancy gear but own an iPhone? This astrophotography workshop is for you!
Exploring Flavours with Dennis Tierney, the ‘Stranded Chef’: Join our very own Stranded Chef for an unforgettable cooking experience, where he will take you on a culinary adventure like no other!
Introducing ‘Dark Sky Gin’: Embark on a journey of local gin tasting at sunset culminating in a first taste of Dark Sky Gin, especially crafted to celebrate the first Dark Sky Festival.
Twilight Botanica Dining Experience: Indulge in a stunning five course tasting menu, crafted using the Island’s freshest local produce and prepared at Anchorage Restaurant in David’s signature style.
Stargazing Yoga and Wellness Experience: Immerse yourself in a yoga and wellness journey beneath our stunning night sky.
Cocktails, Canapes & Kit Bray: Enjoy the Crooked Post’s signature cocktails and delectable canapes whilst watching the sunset and enjoying a private acoustic session with visiting artist Kit Bray.
Rocket-making workshops: Thrilling educational programs for our local kids aged 6+ led by an experienced physics teacher.
The Light Walk: A celebration of light and art in Steven’s Reserve crafted by Island residents. All proceeds towards the 5/6 Canberra Excursion.
Program, Ticket and Booking Information
Locals who are interested in attending the events should note that while some activities like Dancing Under the Stars, the ‘Stranded Chef’ live cooking demonstration and the Light Walk are free or require minimal entry fees, many of the more immersive experiences such as Dark Dining, Twilight Botanica and our Astrophotography Workshops require bookings in advance.
For our most up to date program and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at darkskyfestival.info
A Celebration of Our Island’s community and environment:
The Dark Sky Festival represents more than just an opportunity for a fun week of activities. The event program has been designed to involve as many Lord Howe Island businesses as possible and to highlight the Island’s dedication to sustainability and environmental conservation. Don’t miss this rare chance to be part of something truly extraordinary mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to experience the magic of our night skies.
For more Information:
For further details or questions, please contact the Dark Sky Festival Committee at hello@darkskyfestival.info or visit darkskyfestival.info