Turning awareness into action: 10 ways to celebrate International Dark Sky Week
This International Dark Sky Week, we invite you to “GO DARK” with us by stepping outside after sunset and experiencing the nighttime environment around you. From the darkness needed for a restful night’s sleep to the activities we enjoy beneath the stars, the night is filled with wonder and importance—and we want as many people as possible to experience it.
Why? Because the night needs defenders. Global light pollution continues to grow at an alarming rate of nearly 10% each year, pushing truly dark skies farther out of reach. To slow the trend of this growth, we must increase support by building awareness and turning that awareness into meaningful action.
The following activities are designed to do just that.
Whether you are hosting an event as an official DarkSky Chapter, International Dark Sky Place, or partner organization—or simply looking for something to do from your own front porch—these ideas and resources will help you step into the night and take part in this global week of nighttime discovery.
1. Track light pollution through citizen science
Globe at Night is one of the most effective ways to celebrate International Dark Sky Week, as it directly encourages action. This citizen science project has been active for more than 20 years and has helped generate real data that scientists use to measure the growth of light pollution worldwide.
This simple and fun activity can be done anywhere, and all you need is your smartphone. Whether you’re in your backyard, a parking lot in town, or traveling, Globe at Night invites people to step outside after dark, look up at the night sky, and compare what they see with easy star charts on the Globe at Night website. Using a simple web interface, you submit your observation based on the number of stars you can see, creating a meaningful data point.
Learn more and participate in Globe at Night: www.globeatnight.org
2. Organize a star party, big or small
Organizing a star party—big or small—is a classic and fun way to engage people with the night sky. It can be as simple as stepping outside with your family, a telescope, and a few star charts. You don’t need much equipment to get started, and some libraries even rent out telescopes for use. Take time to marvel at the night sky together—you may be surprised by how much you can see from your own backyard. Be sure to explore DarkSky’s stargazing resources to help guide what to look for: www.darksky.org/resources/family-activities-to-enjoy-the-night-from-home
You can also take your star party further by inviting neighbors, friends, or your wider community. For larger gatherings, consider partnering with a local astronomy club, nature preserve, or environmental organization to bring even more people out under the stars.
Looking for tips on hosting a star party for a bigger group? Here’s an article from Astronomy magazine that offers helpful tips to get you started: www.astronomy.com/observing/a-beginners-guide-to-star-parties
3. Request a proclamation or official letter of support from your community
Requesting a proclamation or official letter of support is a clear and approachable way to take action during International Dark Sky Week. These formal statements, issued by governments or institutions, help raise awareness about light pollution, engage local leaders, and signal public support for protecting the nighttime environment.
Proclamations matter because they combine visibility with momentum. They can spark community participation and open the door to deeper conversations about long-term solutions, such as implementing improved lighting practices or advocating for local policy changes. Proclamations are not limited to the United States; in many regions, similar impact can be achieved through declarations or letters of support.
DarkSky’s ready-to-use templates make it easy to draft and submit a request tailored to your community. To get started, explore DarkSky’s proclamation resources for templates and guidance: How to request a proclamation.
4. Collaborate with a bookstore or library on a dark sky-themed display
Partnering with a local bookstore or library to create a themed book display is a simple and meaningful way to celebrate International Dark Sky Week. A display focused on dark sky conservation, nocturnal wildlife, astronomy, or the wonders of the nighttime environment invites people of all ages to slow down, get curious, and learn why the night matters—right where they already gather to learn and explore.
Book displays are especially effective because they spark conversation long after someone leaves the store or library. From children’s books about the stars to nonfiction on light pollution and sleep, reading offers a powerful entry point into dark sky conservation. To help you get started, we’ve put together a guide with a request letter template and a curated book list: Bookstore resources
5. Partner with a local brewery or coffee shop for a “dark brew”
This year, DarkSky has compiled new resources to help elevate local partnerships to the next level. By partnering with a local brewery, coffee roaster, or tea shop, you can collaborate on a special drink inspired by dark skies. From dark-themed brews to star-inspired blends, these collaborations offer a creative way to spark conversation about the importance of the night—right where people already gather.
A “Dark Brew” partnership works because it’s simple, visible, and community-centered. Whether it’s a limited-time drink, a rebranded menu item, or a small in-store display, these low-lift ideas invite curiosity and connection throughout the week.
The resources linked below will help you find the right partner, propose an easy concept, and turn a shared drink into meaningful action for the night: Dark Brew resources
6. Host a dark sky trivia night
Bring people together for a night of dark sky–themed trivia. Create your own questions based on your local nighttime environment, the critters that depend on darkness, and the stars above. Include rounds on astronomy, nocturnal wildlife, and cultural connections to the night sky to make it engaging for a wide range of participants.
Dark sky trivia works well in classrooms, libraries, breweries, or even around a kitchen table. Looking for a ready-made option? Our team is currently developing a DarkSky trivia set, which will be available closer to International Dark Sky Week to help you get started.
7. Plan a community hike or neighborhood walk
Planning a community hike or neighborhood walk is a simple way to experience the night together while learning more about the nighttime environment. This could be a guided night hike in a local park or nature preserve, possibly in collaboration with their staff, park rangers, or partner organizations. When planning a walk in natural areas, be sure to check local rules and secure any required permissions to ensure the activity is safe and respectful of the space.
Not all nighttime walks need to happen in nature. An urban or neighborhood walk can be just as impactful, offering an opportunity to observe and discuss both good and bad outdoor lighting in real time. Groups like the Lighting Police Initiative regularly lead walks that help communities learn how lighting affects safety, visibility, and the night sky. Whether in a park or along city streets, a nighttime walk creates space for conversation, awareness, and shared discovery under the night sky.
8. Improve your home’s outdoor lighting
One of the most effective ways to protect the night starts at home with better outdoor lighting. The Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting at Night offer straightforward guidance for selecting lighting that is useful, controlled, and respectful of the nighttime environment. Poorly placed or overly bright lights can create glare, disrupt natural rhythms, and spill into nearby homes—often annoying neighbors in the process.
DarkSky’s Outdoor Home Lighting Assessment helps you apply the Five Principles by walking you through the lighting around your home and highlighting easy improvements, such as lowering brightness and choosing shielded fixtures. These small changes can make outdoor spaces more comfortable for everyone.
Find more resources and start your assessment by visiting: www.darksky.org/get-involved/home-lighting-assessment/
9. Take the pledge to protect the night
Taking the DarkSky pledge is a simple way to show your support for dark sky conservation. By adding your name, you join a global community committed to protecting the night through better lighting choices. The pledge is quick to complete and easy to include in other activities, whether you’re gathering with family, hosting an event, or encouraging neighbors and community members to participate together.
Our goal is to collect 5,000 signatures during International Dark Sky Week. Help us reach this goal and grow our global community of supporters working to protect the night.
Take the pledge today by visiting the official IDSW website: https://idsw.darksky.org/pledge
10. Just get out after dark…
Sometimes the most meaningful action is the simplest one. It’s hard to protect something we don’t know or understand, and spending even a few minutes outside after dark can change how we see the night. Step outside, look up, and notice the world around you. Turning off your porch light and experiencing natural darkness, even briefly, helps you connect with the night and understand why it’s worth protecting.
International Dark Sky Week is an invitation to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with the night. You don’t need a big plan or special equipment to make a difference. Whether you spend a few quiet minutes outdoors, turn off a light, take the pledge, or invite others to learn alongside you, every small action helps protect the nighttime environment where you live. By sharing your appreciation for the night and taking the next step—at whatever level feels right—you help build awareness, inspire others, and support a healthier night for people, wildlife, and our shared world.
