As the world turns toward the spring season, the town of Ely, Minnesota, invites stargazers, photographers, and nature lovers to the annual Ely Dark Sky Festival, held from March 19–22.
The festival is uniquely positioned on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), officially recognized as one of the largest and most pristine International Dark Sky Sanctuaries on the planet. This year’s event celebrates the growing movement of travelers seeking to reconnect with the cosmos in areas free from urban light pollution.
The 2026 festival is anchored by the Vernal Equinox on Friday, March 20. This rare moment of the year where day and night are of equal length serves as the perfect backdrop for exploring the transition from winter constellations to the emerging spring sky.
The four-day event features a blend of adventure, art, and advocacy, including:
- Astro-Photography Workshops: Guided night treks into the Superior National Forest.