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First-ever Dark Sky Star Bright Festival is off to a stellar start in Bayfield
January 17, 2026
An indoor planetarium, night sky painting and other activites drew hundreds of people to Bayfield’s Lakeside Pavilion for the kick-off of the first Dark Sky Star Bright Festival. They came from as near as Bayfield, Washburn and Ashland to as far away as St. Paul, Duluth, Cloquet and Virginia, Minnesota. The nine-day event organized by the Bayfield Chamber of Commerce and Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshor features more than 50 events designed to celebrate and draw attention to the spectacular night sky we are fortunate to enjoy on the Bayfield peninsula.
In just three hours, 170 people entered the inflatable planetarium, 20 at a time, to learn what they can see in the winter night sky. Those who saw the 25 minute show aid it was really good. Now, when the skies clear, they’ll know what constellations to look for in both the northern and southern sky. You can see the show yourself, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, January 18th at the Pavilion.
While they waited for the next show, more than a hundred people created night sky watercolor paintings during another free event called “Paint with Krishna.” Krishna from Bloom Art Gallery provided the materials and instructions for creating celestial artwork inspired by the northern lights, constellations, and the moon. Krishna will return to the Pavilion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday to offer the free activity again.
Painting the night sky – click to enlarge – Jon Okerstrom photos
Festival attendees also met astronomer and author Bob King from Duluth at the Friends of the Apostle Islands table. Bob brought meteorites you can see and touch. On Sunday at 7 p.m., he will present a fun indoor program “Astronomy for Everyone” and then if the skies clear, we will venture outside for a look at the night sky led by Bob and others including astrophotographer Arne Martinson.
Holding Bob King’s meteorite made of iron and nickel – Jon Okerstrom photo
We are also pleased to welcome Dark Sky Wisconsin President Samantha Saeger to the Pavilion. This newly-formed group’s goal is to become a proactive resource for education, appreciation, and advocacy around issues involving the protection of dark skies. The group works to reduce light pollution by promoting responsible outdoor lighting, engaging communities, and advocating for policies that protect people, wildlife, and the night sky. We invite you to learn how you can make smart decisions about outdoor lighting to protect the night sky. That presentation by Electrical Engineer and Dark Sky Advocate Scott Lind is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Honest Dog Books. Dark Sky Wisconsin is the state chapter of DarkSky International.
Dark Sky Wisconsin President Samantha Saeger – Jeff Rennicke photo
First day activities also happened at various spots around town. Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke and night sky photographer and author Jeff Pfaller held a well-attended discussion at Apostle Island Booksellers. Pfaller’s book, Dark Skies, is his love letter to the national Park System. With over 190 pages of national parks photography, personal stories, and natural wonders, Dark Skies is for readers who love stargazing, hiking and photography, conservation, and bucket list adventures.
Jeff Rennicke and Jeff Pfaller discuss astrophotography – Mark Peterson photo
Night sky-inspired art through the gallery window – Jeff Rennicke photo
A night sky-inspired art exhibit at the new Island Gateway Gallery & Gathering was also open for viewing and will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily through January 24th. The exhibit features night sky photography as well as night sky-inspired jewelry, ceramics and textiles.
The Dark Sky Star Bright Festival is off to a great start. We hope you’ll join us for eight more days of celebrating the night sky. You can flip through the interactive event guide on the homepage of our website or click here for a chronological list of all events.
Additional topics related to this article | Community Outreach | Conservation | night sky | Youth Engagement
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