See The Dark
Discover the stars like never before—AMC's signature event series celebrating the night sky.
See The Dark is AMC’s celebration of the night sky and your invitation to experience the wonder above while helping protect it for generations to come. Held in some of the best stargazing locations in the Northeast—including AMC’s certified International Dark Sky Park in Maine—each event blends astronomy, nature, and creativity to connect people with the stars and raise awareness about light pollution.
What to Expect
See The Dark events are designed to immerse you in the beauty of the night sky while offering a chance to unplug, learn, and connect. Each event includes:
- Stargazing sessions led by astronomy experts and naturalist guides
- Hands-on workshops in nature journaling and night photography
- Evening music and storytelling under the stars
- Family-friendly programming for stargazers of all ages
- Outdoor activities like hiking, paddling, fishing, and snowshoeing
- Cozy lodge stays in rustic cabins with all meals included
2025 See The Dark Event Details
In 2025, See the Dark features three immersive events across New England. Whether you're planning a family trip with curious kids, chasing the best stargazing in Maine, or seeking a peaceful New Hampshire stargazing retreat, these events invite you to unplug, connect with nature, and experience the night sky in its purest form.
Stargazing Tip: Bring a red light headlamp to preserve your night vision—white and blue lights can take up to 30 minutes to recover from, while red light lets you see without disrupting the stars.
See the Dark Weekend
July 25-27, 2025
Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins
Join us for a weekend retreat in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, set within AMC's International Dark Sky Park where remote skies, rustic cabins, and sauna access create the perfect unplugged getaway. Spend your evenings stargazing with astronomy experts, unwind during interactive happy hours with naturalists, and take part in family-friendly daytime activities.
Book Your Stay
Friday, July 25
3:00 PM – Check-In
Guests are welcome to arrive earlier in the day to explore the lodge grounds and settle in.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Dinner
Enjoy a hearty lodge meal to kick off the festival weekend.
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM – Kickoff: Dark Sky Initiative
An opening talk introducing the importance of dark sky conservation.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Astronomy Presentation
Presented by John Meader and Shawn Laatsch.
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM – Guided Stargazing
Explore the night sky in one of the darkest places in the Northeast with guidance from John Meader and Shawn Laatsch.
Saturday, July 26
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Movement Programming
Start your day with nature-based movement, led by a Volunteer Naturalist.
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Family Programming
Interactive outdoor activities for all ages, led by Genevieve Trafelet.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Interactive Happy Hour
Gather with fellow guests for casual conversation and connection, hosted by a Volunteer Naturalist.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Dinner
7:30 PM – 8:15 PM – MWI (Maine Woods Initiative) Presentation
Learn about AMC’s conservation work in the Maine Woods from AMC staff.
8:30 PM – 9:30 PM – Astronomy Presentation
Presented by John Meader and Shawn Laatsch.
10:00 PM – 11:30 PM – Guided Stargazing
A second night of awe-inspiring exploration under the stars.
Sunday, July 27
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM – Breakfast
9:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Movement Programming
Led by a Volunteer Naturalist.
11:00 AM – Check-Out
Wrap up your weekend under the stars and head home refreshed and inspired.
See The Dark Festival
October 12-19, 2025
Medawisla Lodge & Cabins
Join us for AMC's 4th annual See The Dark Festival—a full week of dark-sky immersion in AMC’s breathtaking International Dark Sky Park. Set against the backdrop of peak fall foliage, this flagship event features nightly telescope sessions, astronomy talks, nature-inspired art and journaling workshops, conservation panels, and daytime adventures like hiking, gravel biking, and paddling.
With live music, communal dinners, and unforgettable views, it's a week that celebrates the wonder of the night sky and the joy of the outdoors. Come for a night or stay the week—programs are free for overnight guests, and limited dinner-only tickets are available by calling 603-466-2727.
Reserve Your Cabin
More info coming soon.
See the Dark Weekend
December 19-21, 2025
Highland Center
Celebrate the winter solstice with a cozy New Hampshire stargazing getaway at AMC’s Highland Center, nestled in Crawford Notch. Enjoy guided astronomy sessions under the season’s longest nights, fireside storytelling, live music, snowshoeing, and hearty seasonal meals—all surrounded by the snowy peaks of the White Mountains.
Book Your Stay
Photo by Christopher Harrison
More info coming soon.
Get Ready to See The Dark
We can’t wait for you to join us under the stars. Whether you're drawn to stargazing, storytelling, or simply the beauty of a truly dark night sky, See the Dark offers something unforgettable. Explore what’s included in each event, get to know our expert presenters, and learn more about why dark sky conservation matters—now more than ever.
What is the difference between each See The Dark festival?
Every See The Dark festival shares the same mission of celebrating dark skies and connecting people to nature. Our weekend festivals focus on dark-sky experiences with a touch of creativity, while the week-long festival offers a more diverse mix of stargazing, art, music, and conservation programming.
How do I register for the festival?
Registration is easy and free — simply book your stay at the hosting lodge for the festival dates. During checkout, you’ll have the option to opt into the See The Dark Festival. Just check the box and submit the form to complete your registration.
Can I attend if I’m new to astronomy?
Absolutely! See The Dark is designed for everyone, whether you're a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy. Our beginner-friendly programs, led by experts and guides, make it easy and inspiring to discover the wonders of the night sky.
What if it’s cloudy?
No worries — we’ll bring the stars to you! Our astronomers use Stellarium, a night sky simulator, to give virtual tours of the cosmos. Plus, with indoor workshops and creative activities, there’s plenty to enjoy, rain or shine.
Can I arrive before check-in?
Yes, guests are welcome to arrive at any time during the day to explore the property before checking in.
Are meals included?
Yes! Your stay includes all meals — hearty breakfasts, trail lunches, and freshly prepared dinners served in the lodge.
Is the event BYOB?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The lodges also offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase. Outside beverages are not permitted inside the lodges.
What should I pack?
Pack for a backcountry weekend: layers for changing weather, rain gear, a headlamp, a sleeping bag, personal toiletries, and any gear you’d like for recreational activities. Cabins are heated by wood stove, but evenings can be chilly, so be prepared to stay cozy. We strongly recommend bringing a red light headlamp to preserve your night vision.
Is there cell service or Wi-Fi at the festival?
No — and that’s part of the charm! Our Maine lodges are off-grid, offering a true unplugged experience. Cell service is available a short drive away if needed. The Highland Center has wifi and limited cell service available.
Can I bring kids?
Yes! See The Dark is family-friendly and welcomes adventurers of all ages. There are plenty of opportunities for exploration, learning, and outdoor fun, whether it’s fishing, paddling, or enjoying nature together.
Can I attend the festival for only one night?
No — festival booking requires a two-night minimum for your lodge stay.
Do I have to stay at the lodge in order to attend the event?
For our week-long festival, you don’t have to stay at the lodge to join the fun! You can call CSC at 603-466-2727 and book a dinner reservation, which will serve as your "ticket" to evening programming. This gives you access to the full range of evening activities, including stargazing, performances, and more, without needing to stay overnight. Weekend festival programming is accessible only to those with a reservation at the respective lodges.
How can I become a sponsor?
If you’re interested in sponsoring this year’s event, please contact our Brand Partner Manager, Paige LeFrancois, at Plefrancois@outdoors.org.
Meet the experts behind your stargazing experience at See The Dark. From guided stargazing sessions to sky-lore storytelling and dark sky conservation, their engaging presentations will illuminate the wonders above and inspire a lasting connection to the cosmos.
John Meader
In 1987 John Meader founded Northern Stars Planetarium. He is a Fellow of both the International Planetarium Society and the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society, the Archivist/Historian of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society, and a founding member of Dark Sky Maine, a non-profit that promotes Maine’s dark sky heritage through sensible lighting and education. He serves on the board of the Friends of the L.C. Bates Museum in Hinckley, Maine and is a Registered Maine Guide.
Shawn Laatsch
Shawn Laatsch currently is the director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Jordan Planetarium at the University of Maine (formerly known as Emera Astronomy Center). As center director he oversees all planetarium and observatory operations. Shawn has a passion for cultural and historical astronomy and sharing the wonders of the universe with people of all ages.
Protecting the night sky is about more than just beautiful views—it’s essential for wildlife, human health, and our sense of wonder. AMC is proud to steward one of the best places for stargazing in the Northeast: the Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park, where efforts in conservation and education help keep our skies naturally dark.
Want to learn more? Explore these resources:
- Stars in Our Eyes: AMC’s 2025 Skygazing Guide (Part 1)
- How to Protect the Night Sky
- What is a Dark Sky?
- Preserving the Dark Skies of the Maine Woods
- Stargazing: How and Where to See the Stars
Whether you're new to stargazing or a seasoned astronomer, these articles offer inspiration, guidance, and insight into why dark sky conservation matters—now more than ever.