Everglades National Park Hosts Dark Sky Festival

Contact: Allyson Gantt, 786-610-8023

HOMESTEAD, Fla. - The National Park Service is offering the public a special opportunity to experience Everglades National Park at night. The Dark Sky Festival will take place on Feb. 21 from 1 to 10 p.m. in Flamingo, Fla.

Family-friendly events and activities feature astronomy, photography and nocturnal nature set against one of the darkest night skies in South Florida. The festival is part of the park's 3rd annual Dark Sky Month celebration with night sky programming throughout February.

Night sky photographer Anthony Sleiman will lead a presentation on night photography in the Everglades and an Introduction to Night Sky Photography workshop, sharing techniques for capturing stars and nighttime landscapes.

Highlights include:

• Starry night backcountry boat tour (advance tickets required)

• Night sky photography workshop with Anthony Sleiman

• Ranger-led programs, including a sunset photography workshop and dynamic night sky programs

• Night sky exploration stations, featuring blacklight scavenger hunts, bat monitoring and hands-on telescope building

• Telescope viewings with knowledgeable staff and volunteers

• A food truck and hot drinks available for purchase throughout the evening

All festival activities (except the boat tour) are free with your park entrance. Parking is available at the Guy Bradley Visitor Center, located 38 miles (approximately one hour) from the park's southern entrance in Homestead. A free shuttle will transport visitors from the visitor center to the main activity locations in Flamingo throughout the evening. All event locations and shuttle buses are accessible.

The Dark Sky Festival is open to the public and well suited for families, photographers, and anyone interested in the night sky. Visitors are encouraged to bring warm layers, bug spray, a flashlight with a red filter, and curiosity.

For festival details and other Dark Sky Month activities, visit:
https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/everglades-dark-sky-celebration.htm

Shark Valley Nighttime Photography Workshop reservations accepted at:
https://evernpi.org/shooting-stars-shark-valley-photography-workshop/

Starry Night Backcountry Boat Tour tickets are available at:
https://flamingoeverglades.com/boat-tours/