A Week to Look Up

From April 13 - 20, we’re marking Dark Sky Week, a global initiative led by DarkSky International - and here in Naramata, it comes to life in a handful of simple, thoughtful ways across the community.

A Community Night Under the Stars - April 17 – 8:30pm

At the heart of the week is a community Dark Sky Star Party on April 17 at Manitou Park.

As the sun sets, the park will slowly shift into evening mode - fire pits glowing, telescopes set against the darkening sky, and a community gathering to appreciate and learn about the night sky.

Astronomers from the Okanagan Science Centre Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be on hand to guide telescope viewing, point out constellations, and answer questions along the way.

On the ground, it’s just as inviting - s’mores over the fire, refreshments to keep things cozy, and space to settle in at your own pace.

A small note for the night: red light only (for flashlights and phones), helping everyone keep their night vision - and the stars fully in view.

Around the Community

You’ll find a few other quiet nods to Dark Sky Week as you move through the village:

• Just Baked Naramata is serving a special “dark sky drink” called Spark in the Dark, an iced espresso tonic with lime – served up with a complimentary Dark Sky sticker to go with it this week!

• The Okanagan Regional Library Naramata Branch has a collection of dark sky–themed books ready to check out, along with a few stickers to take home

• A Dark Sky playlist, Tasting the Stars, is available on Spotify - made for those slower evenings under the open sky

A Quiet Invitation

If you find yourself with a little extra time this week, step outside after sunset and see what’s there. Or join us at Manitou and take it in together.

We’d love to hear how you are celebrating Naramata’s dark skies this week. Don’t forget to slow down and look up!