For park-loving astronomers, the Southwest is the place to be at the beginning of next month. Grand Canyon National Park will host its 26th annual Star Party on both rims June 4-11. But before that, just to the north, Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah will celebrate the stars June 1-4 during its 16th annual Astronomy Festival.

This year’s festival features familiar favorites such as nightly telescope viewing as well as new presentations. Friday’s keynote speaker is Seth Jarvis, director of the Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City. He will present “The National Park System: Celebrating the Centennial, Planning for the Bi-Centennial” at 9 p.m. June 3 at Ebenezer’s Barn and Grill in Bryce Canyon City. Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family. You may pay at the door or purchase advance tickets at the Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill Desk in Ruby’s Best Western Lobby.

“Through the ages, the night sky has drawn our gaze upwards connecting us to our heritage. Bryce Canyon is a perfect place to experience such clarity and wonder with its renowned dark skies,” park Superintendent Lisa E. Eckert said in a release.

The speaker series is one of just many activities during the festival. For more information on daily events and how to obtain tickets, visit the Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival website. The Visitor Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the shuttle service will operate from 8 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. each day of the festival.

The event’s partners include the Salt Lake Astronomical Society, the Bryce Canyon Natural History Association, Bryce Canyon City and the Cache County Astronomical Society. These partners, along with Bryce Canyon National Park’s “Dark Rangers,” will present a variety of programs and events as well as interpret the night sky following each evening program.