Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2024

A Weekend Journey into the Stars

If you're a stargazing enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders beyond our world, Death Valley National Park beckons with its annual spring Dark Sky Festival. Renowned for offering some of the best stargazing experiences in America, Death Valley holds the prestigious Gold Tier Dark Sky Park designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.


This unique event, a collaborative effort between Death Valley National Park, the Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, and California Institute of Technology, promises a weekend filled with celestial wonders, insightful presentations, and hands-on activities.


Friday

The festival kicks off on Friday with a series of engaging presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Learn the art of astrophotography in a "How-to" session with Kayla McCraren from the National Park Service (NPS), followed by a captivating keynote talk by Bethany Ehlman from Caltech on the upcoming Lunar Trailblazer mission.


As the night descends, head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for an Astrophotography Meet-up, guided by Kayla McCraren. Capture the brilliance of the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country with assistance from astrophotography volunteers and rangers. Alternatively, join the Furnace Creek Star Party at the Furnace Creek Airport for telescope exploration of the night sky and ranger-guided constellation tours.


End the evening at the Badwater Saloon with Caltech's Astronomy on Tap event. Enjoy space-themed pub trivia and insightful talks by Caltech scientists on cosmic mysteries.


Saturday

Saturday begins with more presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Dominic Benford from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope unfolds NASA's next flagship observatory's mission, followed by talks on the future of space exploration by Cameron Hummels (Caltech) and Doug Ellison (JPL) on photographing Mars.


As the day progresses, embark on fascinating journeys around the park. Explore Mars-like landscapes at Ubehebe Crater, delve into the microbial world of Badwater Basin, and uncover the secrets of dunes on Earth, Mars, and Titan.


The evening brings more celestial delights with the Furnace Creek Star Party and Caltech's Astronomy on Tap at the Wildrose Tavern. Capture the stars in a dedicated Astrophotography Meet-up at Harmony Borax Works.


Sunday

On the final day, indulge in talks about astrobiology, a Q&A session with astrophysicists from Caltech, and insights into the next total solar eclipse with Andrea Jones from Goddard.


Take part in engaging activities like building a Mars Lander with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and explore the Exploration Fair at Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard.


The weekend concludes with an evening walk at Zabriskie Point, where Leslie Heid from JPL's Deep Space Network discusses the infinite rainbow that fills our cosmos.


Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe at Death Valley's Dark Sky Festival. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a curious explorer, or a family looking for educational fun, this weekend promises an unforgettable cosmic experience. Secure your free tickets for keynote talks and get ready to gaze into the vastness of the night sky in one of America's darkest corners.

Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: Summer 2025

June 9, 2025
This summer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas invites guests to its iconic Boulevard Pool for the return of Dive-In Movies, a unique poolside cinema experience. Every Monday evening from May 19 to September 1, guests can enjoy a selection of blockbuster hits and timeless classics projected on a 65-foot digital marquee, all while lounging poolside or taking a dip in the pool. Event Details: • Dates: Mondays, May 19 – September 1, 2025 • Doors Open: 6:15 PM • Movie Starts: 8:00 PM • Location: Boulevard Pool, Level 3, accessible via the Boulevard Tower escalators • Admission: $15 for non-hotel guests; $10 for Las Vegas locals with valid ID; complimentary for hotel guests, Identity Membership & Rewards members, first responders, and military personnel with valid ID; children aged 5 and under are free. Upcoming Movie Lineup: • June 9: Harry Potter & The Sorcerer’s Stone • June 16: Wicked • June 23: The Goonies • June 30: Top Gun • July 4th: Top Gun: Maverick • July 7: Despicable Me • July 14: Inside Out 2 • July 21: Happy Gilmore • July 28: Elf • August 4: Lilo & Stitch • August 11: Twilight • August 18: Mean Girls • August 25: Legally Blonde • September 1: Good Burger  For those seeking a more luxurious experience, cabana and daybed reservations are available, which include a food and beverage minimum and complimentary admission to Dive-In Movies. Reservations can be made by calling 702.698.6797. Whether you're a hotel guest or a local resident, Dive-In Movies at The Cosmopolitan offer a memorable way to enjoy a night out under the stars with the Las Vegas Strip as your backdrop. The above info is subject to change, stay up to date on The Cosmopolitans website. https://cosmopolitanlasvegas.mgmresorts.com/en/entertainment/dive-in-movies.html

Wagging Tails Rescue: Giving Hope to Homeless Dogs in Las Vegas

June 4, 2025
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Wagging Tails Rescue is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from high-kill shelters and owner surrenders. Unlike traditional shelters, Wagging Tails Rescue operates through a network of loving volunteers and foster homes, providing temporary safe havens for dogs — especially pregnant moms and orphaned puppies — until they find their forever families. With no physical facility, the rescue’s strength lies in its community of passionate foster caregivers who nurture these pups with love, care, and attention. Beyond rescuing dogs, Wagging Tails Rescue champions responsible pet ownership through education on spay/neuter, positive behavior training, and proper nutrition. Want to meet some of these adorable dogs and maybe even adopt? Keep an eye on their Instagram @waggingtailsrescuelv for updates on frequent adoption events. From fun puppy yoga sessions to gatherings at Petco and even “Puppies and Pints” at Lovelady Brewery, there are plenty of opportunities to support and connect with this amazing rescue. Every wagging tail tells a story — and at Wagging Tails Rescue, those stories always end with hope and a happy home.

Las Vegas Parking Guide

May 27, 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Las Vegas, the idea of paying for parking might not be as big of a deal as it is to those of us who’ve been around for a while. Just a few years ago, it was practically unheard of to pay for parking on The Strip. Free parking was a standard expectation for both locals and casino guests alike. But times have changed, and many of the big casinos along the iconic Las Vegas Strip have started charging for parking. While we’ll let you draw your own conclusions about whether or not parking fees are justified (locals, we feel your pain), we’re here to guide you on where to park on the Las Vegas Strip. So, buckle up, and check out our list to see where you can park for free as a local! First three hours of self-parking are free for locals: • The Aria • The Bellagio • Caesar’s Palace • The Cosmopolitan • The Cromwell • The Excalibur • The Flamingo • The LINQ • Luxor • The MGM & Park MGM • Planet Hollywood • Wynn & the Encore Free Parking across the board • Rio • The Palms As a final tip when it comes to visiting the strip: Check and see if the casino does any sort of parking validation. A lot of times they will give you free parking if you spend a certain amount of money inside, are a guest (on a staycation) or are a certain tier level among their rewards programs. Remember, it never hurts to ask. If you're visiting Las Vegas, be sure to check with your hotel about whether parking and valet services are included when you book your room. It's a cost worth factoring into your trip planning!
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