Events

DarkSky Vermont takes part in public programs, community conversations, festivals, and local meetings across the state. We welcome opportunities to meet with towns, schools, libraries, conservation commissions, planning commissions, community groups, and partner organizations.

We will post upcoming events here as they are scheduled.

Upcoming events

‘Defending the Dark’ Film Screening and Discussion

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 · 6:00–7:00 PM
Plainfield Opera House

Join us for a screening of Defending the Dark, followed by a moderated discussion. Public event listings describe the program as a 35-minute film about why preserving dark sky areas matters, what has been done in Maine, and what communities can do in their own towns and backyards. The event is sponsored by the Plainfield Conservation Commission and Cutler Library.

A Dark and Starry Night: Why and How to Preserve Dark Skies in Vermont

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 · 7:00–9:00 PM
North Branch Nature Center, 713 Elm Street, Montpelier

This free public program at North Branch Nature Center will include a presentation on light pollution, its effects on organisms including humans, and the principles of responsible outdoor lighting. North Branch Nature Center’s event page says registration is requested, the presentation portion will be livestreamed and recorded, and optional stargazing will follow if the sky is clear.

Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival

Sunday, May 3, 2026 · 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Herricks Cove, Rockingham, Vermont

DarkSky Vermont plans to be at the Herricks Cove Wildlife Festival. Public listings describe it as a family-oriented outdoor educational event with nature-based programs, activities, walks, and hands-on experiences, and list the 2026 festival for Sunday, May 3, in Rockingham, Vermont.

Stellafane

August 13–16, 2026
Springfield, Vermont

DarkSky Vermont plans to be at Stellafane and is thrilled that Ruskin Hartley, CEO and Executive Director of DarkSky International, is scheduled to serve as keynote speaker at the 2026 Stellafane Convention. Ruskin is scheduled to give the keynote talk for the Hartness House Workshop on Thursday evening, August 13, and the keynote talk for the Saturday Evening Program on August 15.

The 2026 convention will be especially significant, marking 100 years since the first Stellafane Convention in 1926.

Invite DarkSky Vermont to meet with your group

DarkSky Vermont is glad to meet with schools, libraries, community groups, conservation commissions, planning commissions, towns, businesses, and other organizations.

That could mean a public talk, a small group conversation, a classroom visit, a festival table, or a meeting about local opportunities, questions, or concerns. If your group would like to talk about light pollution, responsible outdoor lighting, dark skies, or Vermont-specific next steps, we would be glad to hear from you.