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Flagstaff, the first International Dark Sky City, will host a celebration during International Dark Sky Week from April 21 to 27.

Organized by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and its partners, the celebration will highlight the region’s commitment to preserving natural night skies through nightly stargazing events, the arts, community gatherings, an Owl Prowl and a commemorative craft brew.

Before the week officially begins, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is offering a presentation in the Lava Flow Trail Amphitheater, followed by a constellation tour and stargazing with telescopes. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 19, all events are free coinciding with the start of National Park Week. 

Other events during the week include:

Monday, April 21

At 7 p.m. at the Coconino Center for the Arts, the Dark Sky Quartet will perform a free concert, “The Planets and Beyond,� arranged for the string quartet by David Koerner and presented in partnership with Creative Flagstaff. The musical selections in the CCA Theater will be accompanied by projections of planets and other celestial objects, followed by stargazing outdoors on the grounds of CCA.

Tuesday, April 22

Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Northern Arizona Audubon Society will hold a free Owl Prowl at 6:30 p.m. in Thorpe Park, followed by stargazing. Dark nights are the perfect time to look for owls on a gentle hike led by birders. Afterward, telescopes and their hosts will be near the Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center.

Wednesday, April 23

Mother Road Brewing Company will unveil its special edition craft beer at 7 p.m., a hoppy red ale called “Skylight City,� with $5 pours to commemorate Flagstaff’s starlit skies. Telescope viewing will follow outside on the patio.

Thursday, April 24

Downtown Business Alliance and the Downtown Flagstaff Foundation will host “Starlight in the Square� on Heritage Square. The event begins at sunset with tickets are available at .

Friday, April 25

The Museum of Northern Arizona will offer free after-hours stargazing in the Colton Community Garden, beginning with a 7 p.m. presentation by night botany research specialist Jan Busco on night pollinators and bloomers.

Saturday, April 26

The Orpheum Theater, site of the 17th annual Viola Awards presented by Creative Flagstaff, will open its patio to telescope viewing after the awards program for ticketed Viola Awards attendees. For tickets, visit .

Saturday, April 27

The week will conclude under the stars with free laser-guided star tours and telescope viewing at Buffalo Park from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

The full schedule and event details can be found at .