What: Enjoy a Star Party at Shield Ranch Barton Creek, the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas. Join night sky educators for unforgettable stargazing and hands-on citizen science activities to help preserve our naturally dark night skies.
When: Sat., Nov. 15, 2025; 5-9 pm
Where: Campsite at Shield Ranch; 10417 Crumley Ranch Rd., Austin, Texas 78738
Who: This event is perfect for all ages — families, adults, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the night sky.
Cost: $18 adults, $10 youth (under 18), children under 3 are free
Activities: The Dark Skies at Shield Ranch event is led by astronomy educators Amy Jackson (Night Sky Program Director for Travis County Parks Foundation) and Night Sky Program volunteers, Dawn Davies (Hill Country Alliance Night Skies Program Manager) and Michael Brewster (Manager for Travis County Parks Reimers Observatory, Reimers Ranch Park, and Hamilton Pool Preserve). The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos, including:
- Starry Sky Viewing: Explore the night sky through telescopes and learn about constellations and celestial wonders.
- Dark Skies Education: Discover the importance of dark skies for all living things and how we can preserve them.
- Citizen Science – Contribute to the Globe at Night campaign, helping researchers worldwide track and reduce light pollution.
Food: Campsite Chef Addie will prepare hearty snacks that are perfect for a crisp fall evening. Food is included in the admission cost.
Dark Skies at Shield Ranch Star Party; photos by Brian Fitzsimmons.
On July 23, 2024, Shield Ranch was officially certified by DarkSky International as Texas’ first Urban Night Sky Place (UNSP), in recognition of our commitment to reducing light pollution and preserving the natural beauty of our night skies. Shield Ranch is now among more than 230 sites globally and 23 in Texas dedicated to protecting the night sky from the harmful effects of light pollution. We recognize the importance of reducing outdoor lighting to protect nocturnal wildlife, including migrating birds, moths, and other insects. Becoming a Dark Sky Place allows us to share the Ranch’s pristine nature both day and night.
