Flagstaff Celebrates 25 Years as World's First International Dark Sky City

Flagstaff's commitment to protecting the night sky has made it a global model for sustainable growth and innovation.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:18am

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Flagstaff, Arizona is celebrating 25 years as the world's first International Dark Sky City, a prestigious designation it received in 2001. The city has been a pioneer in dark sky preservation, adopting the world's first regulation to protect the night sky in 1958. Over the past 25 years, Flagstaff has continued to demonstrate that economic vitality, public safety, and star-filled skies can coexist, serving as a model for other communities looking to restore their own urban night skies.

Why it matters

Flagstaff's dark sky preservation efforts have had a significant impact on the community's quality of life, scientific research, cultural identity, and economy. By maintaining its commitment to protecting the night sky, Flagstaff has become a global leader in the dark sky movement, inspiring other cities and towns to follow its example.

The details

Flagstaff's 25-year anniversary as an International Dark Sky City is being marked with a full calendar of special events, from stargazing to outdoor concerts to art exhibitions. The city's Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, which originated the Dark Sky City program in 2001, is leading the celebrations. Flagstaff remains the largest International Dark Sky City by population and continues to demonstrate that economic success and star-filled skies can coexist.

  • Flagstaff adopted the world's first regulation to protect the night sky in 1958.
  • Flagstaff became the world's first International Dark Sky City in 2001.
  • Flagstaff is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an International Dark Sky City in 2026.

The players

Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition

The organization that originated the Dark Sky City program in 2001 and is leading the celebrations for Flagstaff's 25th anniversary as an International Dark Sky City.

Becky Daggett

The mayor of Flagstaff, who says that protecting the city's dark skies is about quality of life, science, culture, and the economy.

Christian Luginbuhl

The president of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, who says that Flagstaff's success in protecting dark skies has helped kick off a worldwide movement.

Danielle Adams

The executive director of the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, who says that 'restoring urban skies' is both a rallying cry and a responsibility for the city.

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What they’re saying

“Protecting our dark skies is about quality of life, science, culture and our economy. It's part of who we are.”

— Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff

“We really kicked off what has become a worldwide movement when we adopted the world's first regulation to protect the night sky in 1958.”

— Christian Luginbuhl, President, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition

“Restoring urban skies' is both a rallying cry and a responsibility.”

— Danielle Adams, Executive Director, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition

What’s next

Flagstaff's Silver Jubilee celebrations will continue throughout 2026, with events such as the International Dark Sky Week, a Full Moon Concert Series, an immersive art exhibition, and the annual Flagstaff Star Party.

The takeaway

Flagstaff's 25-year journey as the world's first International Dark Sky City demonstrates that it is possible to balance economic growth, public safety, and the preservation of the natural night sky. The city's commitment to dark sky conservation has made it a global leader and inspired other communities to follow its example.