HOUGHTON, MI – A celebration of the cosmos is coming to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The first Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree is scheduled for Sept. 11-14 in Houghton, a town in the dark-sky haven of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Organizers have dubbed it GLAD JAM for short.
“GLAD JAM is a reflection of who we are in the Keweenaw,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “This place has always inspired curiosity – about nature, the universe and our place in it. GLAD JAM invites people to slow down, look up and connect with the magic of our dark skies in a way that’s distinctly Keweenaw: raw, real and full of wonder.”
The first Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree is scheduled for Sept. 11-14, 2025, in Houghton, Mich. The event offers night hikes, twilight yoga, panel discussions, photography exhibits and more.Isaac Diener Photography | Visit Keweenaw
Visit Keweenaw teamed up with Michigan Aurora Chasers to organize the event. GLAD JAM promises to blend stargazing with science, storytelling and art for an unforgettable experience.
Events include a reception with music, night sky photography and a keynote address from Melissa, Kaelin, founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Beyond the 45th Parallel: The Beginner’s Guide to Chasing Aurora.”
There will also be stargazing opportunities, observatory tours, guided hikes, twilight yoga, photography and science workshops, open mic sessions and panel discussions.
The first Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree is scheduled for Sept. 11-14, 2025, in Houghton, Mich. The event offers night hikes, twilight yoga, panel discussions, photography exhibits and more.Kris Bethea | Visit Keweenaw
The Keweenaw Dark Sky Park will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, for stargazing. It’s the only dark sky park in the U.P. certified by DarkSky International.
Some events are open to the public, while others require registration. Click here to view the full schedule and to register.
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