Death Valley Dark Sky Festival 2024

A Weekend Journey into the Stars

If you're a stargazing enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders beyond our world, Death Valley National Park beckons with its annual spring Dark Sky Festival. Renowned for offering some of the best stargazing experiences in America, Death Valley holds the prestigious Gold Tier Dark Sky Park designation from the International Dark-Sky Association.


This unique event, a collaborative effort between Death Valley National Park, the Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Ames Research Center, SETI Institute, and California Institute of Technology, promises a weekend filled with celestial wonders, insightful presentations, and hands-on activities.


Friday

The festival kicks off on Friday with a series of engaging presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Learn the art of astrophotography in a "How-to" session with Kayla McCraren from the National Park Service (NPS), followed by a captivating keynote talk by Bethany Ehlman from Caltech on the upcoming Lunar Trailblazer mission.


As the night descends, head to the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes for an Astrophotography Meet-up, guided by Kayla McCraren. Capture the brilliance of the stars in one of the darkest locations in the country with assistance from astrophotography volunteers and rangers. Alternatively, join the Furnace Creek Star Party at the Furnace Creek Airport for telescope exploration of the night sky and ranger-guided constellation tours.


End the evening at the Badwater Saloon with Caltech's Astronomy on Tap event. Enjoy space-themed pub trivia and insightful talks by Caltech scientists on cosmic mysteries.


Saturday

Saturday begins with more presentations at the Furnace Creek Auditorium. Dominic Benford from the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope unfolds NASA's next flagship observatory's mission, followed by talks on the future of space exploration by Cameron Hummels (Caltech) and Doug Ellison (JPL) on photographing Mars.


As the day progresses, embark on fascinating journeys around the park. Explore Mars-like landscapes at Ubehebe Crater, delve into the microbial world of Badwater Basin, and uncover the secrets of dunes on Earth, Mars, and Titan.


The evening brings more celestial delights with the Furnace Creek Star Party and Caltech's Astronomy on Tap at the Wildrose Tavern. Capture the stars in a dedicated Astrophotography Meet-up at Harmony Borax Works.


Sunday

On the final day, indulge in talks about astrobiology, a Q&A session with astrophysicists from Caltech, and insights into the next total solar eclipse with Andrea Jones from Goddard.


Take part in engaging activities like building a Mars Lander with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and explore the Exploration Fair at Furnace Creek Visitor Center Courtyard.


The weekend concludes with an evening walk at Zabriskie Point, where Leslie Heid from JPL's Deep Space Network discusses the infinite rainbow that fills our cosmos.


Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the mysteries of the universe at Death Valley's Dark Sky Festival. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer, a curious explorer, or a family looking for educational fun, this weekend promises an unforgettable cosmic experience. Secure your free tickets for keynote talks and get ready to gaze into the vastness of the night sky in one of America's darkest corners.







October 16, 2025
Moving into a new place is always exciting — but before you start unpacking boxes and planning your first cozy night in, there are a few important steps to make sure your move goes smoothly. These tasks not only help protect you as a renter, but also ensure your new home is set up exactly how you want it from day one. 1. Complete Your Property Condition Report Before you move anything in, take the time to carefully go through your new home and document its condition. Check for scratches, dents, stains, or anything that looks worn or damaged. Take photos and note details in your property condition report. This protects you later when it’s time to move out — you’ll have proof of what was there before you arrived. This report should be sent to your move in representative, but make sure to keep a copy for yourself as well! 2. Set Up Your Utilities and Services Don’t wait until move-in day to realize you don’t have utilities on in your name. Contact the utility providers (electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, etc.) a few days before you move to ensure everything is activated and transferred into your name. It’s also a good time to schedule services like cable or Wi-Fi installation so you’re not waiting days without connection. If you aren't sure what utility companies you need to call, ask your property manager before you are set to move in. 3. Review Your Lease and Rules One More Time Even if you already signed your lease, give it another look before moving in. Double-check details like rent due dates, late fees, parking rules, and maintenance responsibilities. Make sure you understand what’s expected — especially things like pet policies, noise rules, and how to request repairs. Knowing this now can help you avoid misunderstandings later. 4. Change or Set Up Your Mailing Address Update your address with USPS, your bank, subscriptions, and any services that regularly send you mail or packages. It’s a small step that prevents missed bills, lost deliveries, or delays in important correspondence. You can even set up mail forwarding through USPS to make the transition seamless. 5. Do a Deep Clean Before Unpacking Even if your new home looks spotless, it’s always worth doing a quick clean before you move your belongings in. Wipe down surfaces, clean cabinets, sanitize bathrooms, and vacuum floors. It’s much easier to get into every corner before furniture and boxes fill the space — and it’ll instantly make your new home feel fresher and truly yours. Final Tip: Take this time to also introduce yourself to your neighbors and your property manager. Building that connection early can make your rental experience smoother and more enjoyable.
October 7, 2025
Las Vegas might be known for its bright lights and endless buffets, but there’s another side to the city—one filled with fresh produce, artisan goods, and local charm. Whether you’re a foodie, a weekend wanderer, or just someone who loves supporting small businesses, the farmers markets around town are worth adding to your weekend plans. Downtown Summerlin Farmers Market is one of the most popular stops. Every Saturday, the Pavilion fills up with stalls offering colorful produce, homemade breads, and local honey. It’s a great way to kick off your weekend—especially if you follow it with brunch or shopping at the surrounding stores. Over in Henderson, The District at Green Valley Ranch hosts its own market on Thursdays. It’s a relaxed midweek option with a nice mix of fresh goods and handmade crafts. If you’re nearby, it’s the perfect excuse for a stroll under the trees and maybe a coffee from one of the local cafés.  A newer addition to the scene is The UnCommons Farmers Market , held every Sunday. This modern, walkable community brings together local growers and makers in a trendy setting that feels more like a neighborhood festival than a typical market. Think small-batch jams, fresh flowers, and a few friendly pups in tow. If you’re looking for variety, Fresh52 Farmers & Artisan Markets pop up all over the valley—from Skye Canyon and Southern Highlands to Floyd Lamb Park. Each location has its own local flavor, but all share the same goal: connecting locals with farm-fresh produce and handcrafted goods. For a more immersive experience, head to The Las Vegas Farm . Open every weekend, this working farm offers local produce, fresh eggs, and even the chance to meet a few friendly animals. It’s a family favorite and a reminder that Las Vegas is more than desert—it’s also a growing community of local producers. No matter where you go, here are a few quick tips: arrive early for the best selection, bring a reusable bag (and a little cash), and take a moment to chat with the vendors. Many are small family operations happy to share recipes, storage tips, and what’s coming into season next. Exploring farmers markets in Las Vegas is a refreshing reminder that community thrives here, even in the middle of the desert. Whether you’re picking up ingredients for dinner or simply soaking in the atmosphere, each market offers a little taste of local life—Vegas style.
September 30, 2025
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and sweet treats—a holiday that brings communities together in celebration of all things eerie and festive. From carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating to attending costume parties, Halloween traditions have evolved over centuries, blending folklore, community spirit, and a love for all things playful and mysterious. Here at McKenna Property Management, we’re excited to carry on the tradition in our own way with our Annual McKenna Boo Bash ! This year, we’re inviting everyone to join us at our office on October 31st from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM for a fun-filled celebration. Here’s what you can expect at the Boo Bash: Costumes Galore: Our team will be decked out in creative costumes, and we encourage visitors to come dressed up too! However, it is not required! Prizes for Everyone: This year, we will be awarding prizes to add an extra layer of excitement. Spooktacular Office Decor: Our offices will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, full of festive decorations and surprises. Candy for All: No Halloween event is complete without treats—come grab some candy and enjoy the sweet side of the season. Halloween is all about community, creativity, and a little bit of magic, and the McKenna Boo Bash is our way of celebrating the season with our neighbors, clients, residents, and friends. Whether you’re stopping by to show off your costume, enjoy some candy, or just soak in the festive atmosphere, we can’t wait to see you! Mark your calendars for October 31st from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM , and join us for a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween right here at McKenna Property Management—where the spirit of the season comes alive!