Wrapping Up an Incredible Season of Civic Center STARGAZE

Civic Center STARGAZE

What a season it has been! Our Civic Center STARGAZE series in the heart of Denver concluded with an unforgettable final night on April 9. We partnered with the Civic Center Conservancy to bring high-powered telescopes, expert astronomers, and a renewed sense of wonder to anyone who joined us in Civic Center Park—showing that city lights don’t have to dim your cosmic adventures.

1. A Stellar Success in Downtown Denver

From early-season evenings spent marveling at the Moon’s craters to the final session, Civic Center STARGAZE drew in families, first-time stargazers, and seasoned astronomy fans. Attendees got an up-close look at planets, nebulae, and star clusters, all while nestled among Denver’s iconic skyline.

• Free Programs for Federal Workers: We were honored to offer complimentary sessions to laid-off federal workers, ensuring that the magic of the cosmos was accessible to everyone who needed a little extra lift this season.

• Featured on 9NEWS: If you caught our 9NEWS coverage, you know just how exciting it was to see stargazing highlighted in Denver’s urban core. The cameras captured the awe and excitement on visitors’ faces as they peered into the night sky—right in the center of our bustling city.

2. Looking for Summer Stargazing? We’ve Got You Covered!

While the Civic Center STARGAZE series has wrapped for now, that doesn’t mean your chance to explore the heavens has ended. In fact, our regular summer programs will be running stronger than ever in these three fantastic locations:

1. Boulder

   • Ideal for those who want a quick escape from the city lights.

   • Easy access, minimal hiking, and a variety of evening tour options.

2. Breckenridge

   • Our darkest sky site for truly breathtaking Milky Way views.

   • Perfect for deeper cosmic exploration and observing faint star clusters.

3. Castle Rock

   • A balance of convenience and darker skies—excellent for families and groups.

   • Plenty of space to spread out and learn about celestial wonders from our expert astronomers.

Whether you’ve attended Civic Center STARGAZE or are just hearing about AstroTours for the first time, our summer programs are designed to give you the best possible look at the night sky. We provide powerful telescopes, binoculars, lasers, and the enthusiasm to guide you through every constellation and planetary sighting.

Springing into stargazing!

3. Civic Center STARGAZE Returning This Fall

Did you miss out this season or simply want more stargazing in downtown Denver? Keep your eyes peeled for our fall dates! We’re already working with the Civic Center Conservancy on future events, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay in the loop. We’ll share details as soon as new STARGAZE sessions are scheduled.

4. Book Your Next Stargazing Adventure

Ready to take your cosmic curiosity to the next level? Head over to our Booking Page to secure a spot at any of our Boulder, Breckenridge, or Castle Rock programs. Whether you’re searching for shooting stars with family, celebrating a special occasion, or looking to spark a new hobby, our tours are the perfect blend of education and enchantment.

Thank you to everyone who made Civic Center STARGAZE an overwhelming success—from those who braved chilly nights to the folks who popped by out of sheer curiosity. We can’t wait to share the stars with you again this fall in downtown Denver. Until then, join us in Boulder, Breckenridge, or Castle Rock for a front-row seat to the cosmos!

Clear skies,

Luke & The AstroTours Team

Discover Boulder’s Cosmic Side: The Pearl Street Planet Walk from AstroTours.org

Boulder’s brand-new Pearl Street Planet Walk—an immersive, scaled-down tour of the planets (and dwarf planets!) that’s about to make downtown Boulder feel like a launchpad to the stars.

What Is the Pearl Street Planet Walk?

The Pearl Street Planet Walk, created by AstroTours.org, places each planet (and the Sun) at specific downtown locations, giving you a cosmic sense of just how vast our Solar System really is.

The official launch date for the walk is April 15th, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can check out the route right now at AstroTours.org/walk.

How It Works

1. Start at the Sun – Appropriately located at Mountain Sun Brewing—because they use solar panels and local ingredients, mirroring the Sun’s role in fueling life on Earth.

2. Visit Each Planet Stop – Mercury at PosterScene, Venus at Stio, Earth at Liberty Puzzles, Mars at Into The Wind, and so on. Each location features fun facts about its planetary namesake.

3. Compare Distances & Sizes – You’ll find out just how tiny Earth is compared to the Sun, or how far out Pluto really is—all while grabbing a beer, trying on a new coat, or flying a kite along the way!

Tip: The inner planets are clustered close together (like in reality), making them an easy walk. As you head farther, you’ll appreciate why the outer planets require a more distant trek.

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Highlights

• Cosmic Scale: Every few steps you take in Boulder equals a jaw-dropping swath of space.

• Local Character: Each planet pairs perfectly with a local business, reflecting unique aspects of that planet’s personality.

  • Mars at Into The Wind celebrates flight in thin air—just like NASA’s helicopter on the Red Planet.

  • Saturn at Trident Booksellers & Cafe invites you to slow down, symbolizing the planet’s leisurely 29-year orbit around the Sun.

• Bonus Stops & Views: Enjoy a rooftop view at the nearby parking garage (a stand-in for Venus’s mountainous “coat”), or keep walking to see Boulder’s iconic Courthouse “Asteroid Belt.”

Beyond the Planets

Finished your cosmic journey? Don’t miss other Boulder gems like the Dushanbe Teahouse, the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory, or a picturesque drive to Boulder Falls. You can also indulge in more spacey fun with local stargazing events hosted by AstroTours.

See the Real Deal

If virtual planets aren’t enough, AstroTours.org regularly hosts telescope nights where you can view the actual planets in the night sky. From Jupiter’s swirling cloud bands to Saturn’s shimmering rings, it’s the perfect way to cap off your Pearl Street Planet Walk experience.

When & Where to Go

• Launch Date: April 15th and it will be up as long as our partners are willing even after they might take down the posters but you can still use the digital guide

• Location: Pearl Street, Boulder

• Preview It Now: Eager to start exploring? The route is already live, and you can get an early peek at AstroTours.org/walk.

Slip on your walking shoes—or hop on a bike—and prepare for a Solar System adventure like no other.

Ready to Blast Off?Check out the official map and full digital guide at AstroTours.org/walk, then mark your calendar for April 15th to join the official launch of the Pearl Street Planet Walk! Safe travels, space adventurers!

AstroTours Makes Headlines on 9NEWS & FOX31

We’re excited to share that AstroTours has been making a splash on Denver television—appearing on both 9NEWS and FOX31 within the same month! These features shine a spotlight on our mission to bring you closer to the stars, whether in the heart of the city or under the darkest skies in the Rockies. Below, we’ll give you a quick rundown on each segment and show you why now is the perfect time to book a cosmic adventure in Boulder, Breckenridge, or Castle Rock.

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1. AstroTours on FOX31

Our recent feature on FOX31 came from a journalist who experienced an AstroTour firsthand and was eager to recommend it to viewers. She highlighted how easy and enjoyable our stargazing tours are—especially in Boulder, where we host several nights a week with virtually no hiking required. Just arrive at the trailhead, settle in with our high-powered telescopes, and let our astronomers guide you through constellations, planets, and the stories behind them.

Key Takeaways From the FOX31 Appearance

• Accessible Stargazing: Perfect for families, newcomers, or anyone craving an outdoor adventure without the workout.

• Expert Guidance: Learn about everything from star life cycles to mythological lore.

• Versatile Locations: Beyond Boulder, we also operate in Castle Rock, Breckenridge, and other dark-sky sites where the universe truly pops.

Read More:AstroTours Shines on FOX31

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2. AstroTours on 9NEWS

9NEWS caught up with us during a special stargazing event at Denver’s Civic Center Park. We set up telescopes right in the city center, giving curious onlookers a chance to see the Moon, planets, and even nebulae under the urban sky. This segment celebrated how stargazing can captivate people of all ages—even if they can’t make it out to the mountains.

Highlights From the 9NEWS Feature

• Downtown Stargazing: Showing that city lights don’t have to dim your cosmic curiosity.

• Family-Friendly Fun: Families, couples, and first-timers alike discovered just how accessible astronomy can be.

• Darker-Sky Tours: We also encouraged enthusiasts to venture out to Boulder, Castle Rock, or Breckenridge for a deeper dive into the night sky.

Watch the Full Feature:AstroTours Shines Bright on 9NEWS

Adding to a Growing List of Accolades

These TV features are just the latest in a series of honors and appearances (which can all be seen in detail here) that confirm AstroTours is the go-to stargazing experience in Colorado and beyond. We’ve been:

• Featured on HGTV

• Highlighted in Birdy Magazine

• Named one of “The Best Day Trips to Take From Denver” by 5280 Magazine

• Featured in KAYAK’s guide to Boulder

• Mentioned in The New York Times and Wirecutter

• Covered in Powder: The Skier’s Magazine

• Awarded Educational Tour Operator of the Year (2025)

• Recommended by EDM Identity, NewsBreak, About Boulder, Uncover Colorado, and Visit Boulder

• Proudly rated ★★★★★ on TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp, Airbnb, and Facebook

• Featured four times in VoyageDenver Magazine

• Honored with the 2022 Boulder Award & recognized as a 2022 Cultural Tour Company

• Featured in CanvasRebel Magazine

Visit https://www.astrotours.org/reviews to see each of these reviews in detail

We’re thrilled at how our mission—to bring the wonders of the universe to everyone—continues to resonate across media outlets, review platforms, and most importantly, with you: our stargazing community.

Why Book an AstroTour Now?

• Location Variety: Whether you’re closer to Boulder, Castle Rock, or Breckenridge, we have a tour that fits your schedule and level of adventure.

• Expert Astronomers: Our guides are passionate educators who love making the cosmos accessible and fun.

• Memorable Moments: Connect with friends, family, or fellow enthusiasts under a blanket of stars—an experience you’ll be talking about for years.

Ready to See the Stars?Book your AstroTour today and discover the magic that has captured local news stations, national publications, and the hearts of stargazers everywhere.

Stay Tuned & Keep Looking Up

From downtown Denver to the darkest skies of Colorado, we’re committed to bringing the universe closer to you. Catch our appearances on FOX31 and 9NEWS for a taste of what AstroTours has to offer—and then come experience it firsthand. We can’t wait to see you under the stars!

Clear skies,

Luke & The AstroTours Team