Experience Lord Howe After Dark
Set beneath one of Australia’s most remarkable night skies, the Lord Howe Island Dark Sky Festival celebrates the magic of Lord Howe after dark.
Now in its third year, the Festival has grown into a unique annual celebration of astronomy, science, nature, food, music, art and island life. Across a program of immersive experiences, visitors and locals are invited to look deeper into the night — from exploring distant galaxies and discovering the science behind our skies, to experiencing Lord Howe’s wildlife, landscapes, food and community in new and unexpected ways.
At the heart of the Festival is a simple idea: what makes Lord Howe’s night sky so special is worth celebrating — and worth protecting. Join us in 2027 for a week of discovery, connection and unforgettable experiences beneath the stars.
Here’s our 2027 Festival Event Line Up
Stargrazer
Tastes & Tunes
Join us for our official opening night with live performances by Pete McCredie and other special guests at the Lord Howe Island Golf Club!
Dark Dining
Lord Howe Island
Back by popular demand! Join us for a unique Mexican inspired culinary experience at The Golfy with celebrity chef Josh Lewis of La Casita Brunswick Heads.
The
Science Talks
A engaging discussion with science, astronomy and environmental experts, including Fred Watson AM and Ian Hutton OAM at the Lord Howe Island Bowling Club.
Twilight Botanica
Dining Experience
An unforgettable dining experience featuring the natural bounty of Lord Howe Island, prepared by chef David Chlumsky.
Indigenous Night
Sky Experience
A fascinating look at Indigenous astronomy, led by expert astrophysicist Dr. Duane Hamacher of the University of Melbourne.
The Second Annual
Lord Howe Island 'Chef-Off'
Sponsored by The Provedores, our Island’s top chefs go head-to-head in a live cooking competition for the ultimate prize.
The
Light Walk
Join us for an evening walk along the Steven’s Reserve track to celebrate local light art, crafted with love by our Island residents.
Bowls & Black Holes
'Fish Fry' Space Trivia
Know a thing or two about science and space? Join us for a fun trivia evening, complemented by a traditional Lord Howe Island ‘Fish Fry’.
Stargazing Yoga &
Wellbeing Experience
Immerse yourself in a wellness journey beneath the stunning night sky of Lord Howe Island. Led by resident Nikki Belliveau of Lord Howe Yoga.
Nocturnal Walk
with Ian Hutton
Join naturalist Ian Hutton for a guided nocturnal walk, seeking out creatures such as endemic bugs, bats and butterflies.
View Spectacular
Balls Pyramid at Sunrise
Join Reef N Beyond for their early morning voyage to watch the sunrise over the world’s largest sea stack.
DSLR Astrophotography:
Mastering the night sky
Join our exclusive small group DSLR astrophotography session, guided by expert astrophotographer Mark Iscaro.
iPhone Astrophotography:
The universe in your pocket
Capture the cosmos using just your iPhone! Join our small group iPhone astrophotography sessions.
Android Astrophotography:
The Galaxy in your pocket
Unlock the power of your Android camera to capture the stars! Join our intimate Android astrophotography sessions.
Kids
Science Workshop
Embark on a hands-on science journey at the Lord Howe Island Brewery!
Experience our vibrant
underwater world at night
Explore Lord Howe’s reef after dark on our speciality night snorkel, where vibrant colours await.
Dancing
Under The Stars
Enjoy live music from Island based musicians and performers.
The Future of
Lord Howe's Starry Nights
Marnie Ogg lifts the lid on light pollution and what it means for Lord Howe’s stars. Don’t miss this illuminating lecture.
Threatened skies...
satellite mega-constellations
Learn how 100,000 orbiting spacecraft could reshape astronomy, stargazing and our cultural connection to the heavens.
Saturday Groove & Graze
at the Golfy
Chilled tunes, sharing plates and cocktails….. the perfect farewell event!
New Events
Coming Soon!
Watch this space….. more Dark Sky Festival events will be listed over the coming months!
Introducing our special guests…..
Fred Watson AM
Astronomer At Large
Fred Watson says he’s spent so many years working in large telescope domes that he has started to look like one…
Pete McCredie
Soulful. Laid-back. Magnetic.
More Information Soon!
Marnie Ogg
Dark Sky Alliance
Marnie Ogg is a passionate advocate for the preservation of dark skies, dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of light pollution…
Ian Hutton
OAM
Lord Howe’s own
‘David Attenborough’
Ian Hutton often says that “living on Lord Howe Island is like living inside a David Attenborough documentary”…
The original 'Astropunk'
Mark Iscaro
Astrophotographer and Science Communicator
Mark Iscaro is an innovative astrophotographer, who loves to capture breathtaking images of distant galaxies……
More Information Soon!
More Information Soon!
More Information Soon!
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