Friday, November 6, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
FIND Outdoors is excited to welcome you to the Cradle of Forestry and experience this site like you never have before.
FIND Outdoors is partnering with AstroBrevard, The Asheville Astronomy Club and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in the Pisgah National Forest to discover the hidden mysteries of Western North Carolina’s dark sky. Expert astronomers will guide participants through the night, interpreting the wonders of the universe through their galactic stories and expertise. You will also be given the opportunity to use high powered telescopes to explore our universe even further. You’ll become a “Guardian of the Galaxy” after spending an evening learning about the magic of deep space and North Carolina’s incredible nightscape.
Plan Your Visit
Getting there: Visitors should follow signs to the Cradle of Forestry, proceed past the ticket booth, and check in with the educator in front of the building when they arrive, after parking their vehicle.
Parking: This event takes place in the center roundabout in front of the Cradle of Forestry. You should park in the lot to the right of the building, directly following the gatehouse. Once parked and checked in, feel free to visit the gift shop prior to the event start; you’ll see large telescopes and our partners ready to greet you in the center loop out front!
Format & Participation Type: Event introduction will precede; participants will listen to the expertise of our astronomy partners at the start of the program; visitors are then invited to view the night sky through telescopes provided by our partners and enjoy a leisurely evening under the stars.
November Schedule: Gates open at 6:00 PM; program takes place from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM.
On-site Location: This event takes place in the center roundabout in front of the Cradle of Forestry. Seating is not provided; bring your favorite lawn chair and a blanket!
Need to Know:
Capacity: Limited to 60 guests per event.
Lighting & Gear: Please bring only red lights/flashlights to protect dark adaptation. Binoculars and warm layers are highly recommended.
Fee Structure: Ticketed Event. Tickets must be bought online in advance.
Thank You To Our Sponsors:
All ticket purchases are NON-REFUNDABLE. Unused ticket purchases will support the mission and work of FIND Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) tax deductible nonprofit organization, Tax ID# 56-1302500.
If you wish to transfer your ticket to someone else, make sure they give YOUR name at check-in. We register guests the night of the event based off the name used to purchase the ticket.
Visitors will receive a full refund or credit in case of operator cancellation due to severe weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Cancellation decisions will be made by 5:00 pm on the day of the tour. Attendees will be notified by email and a sign will be posted at the site.
