The second Annual Dark Sky Festival is an ongoing celebration of Fountain Hills’ designation as an International Dark Sky Community and educational experience about the importance of protecting the night sky.

This free event on Saturday, March 30, from 4 to 9 p.m. will have a vast array of activities for all ages.

Participants will learn about how light pollution harms pollinators when they get a tour of the Community Garden. Younger children will love the hands-on activities at the River of Time Museum. The Library will showcase their telescope lending program and offer more children’s activities. Wild at Heart and Ranger Amy from McDowell Mountain Regional Park will bring owls, raptors, and nocturnal desert critters.

In the Community Center, take a seat for three short presentations given by nationally-recognized speakers. Dr. Jeffrey Hall of Lowell Observatory will speak about “The Discovery Channel Telescope: Lowell Observatory’s Newest Eye on the Sky.” Dr. John Barentine will share “The Role of Cities in Confronting the Loss of Nighttime Darkness.” And the Science Channel’s co-host of the TV show Meteorite Men, Geoffrey Notkin, will speak about “The Adventures of a Meteorite Man.”

Don’t miss the virtual reality experience for participants over the age of 13. Take an adventure through the solar system in a space craft to get up close to each planet. Take a planet in your hand and examine it. Organizers promise this is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Peer through a special solar telescope during the daytime and check out the sunspots. When it gets dark, visit one of a dozen telescopes to peek at the moon, planets, galaxies and more. Dr. Jeffrey Hall of Lowell Observatory will take participants on a laser tour of the night sky in the center of Centennial Circle.

The student art contest and astrophotography contest were big hits last year. Be sure to check them out to see the artistic talent of all ages in the community.

In addition to all these activities, participants can relax in the beer garden or food court. Choose from five food trucks, beer from Bone Haus Brewing and wine from Grapeables. Live music will be provided by local artist Scott Hallock.

For more information, visit fhdarksky.com.