Jasper Dark Sky Festival
The team at Foundry was able to conceptualize, build and deliver the entire festival seamlessly while prioritizing safety for all involved and ensuring our creative vision and stakeholder interests were met. The 10-day festival hosted over 100 activations that ranged from in-person to virtual to live events with online streaming and included internationally sought-after keynote speakers and panel presentations. Foundry managed everything for us including ticketing support, program development, and technical delivery. This team is the best of the best when it comes to making a client’s dream become reality.
It all started when…
Tourism Jasper, the vibrant heartbeat of Jasper, Alberta, as teamed up with Foundry Events for nearly 10 years to orchestrate the renowned Jasper Dark Sky Festival. This annual celestial celebration, nestled in Jasper National Park—one of the world’s largest Dark Sky Preserves—draws stargazers, space enthusiasts, and curious minds from around the globe.
Our expertise
Program Development: Curating captivating, science-themed activities and workshops that educate and entertain.
Logistical Planning: Ensuring every detail, from permits to parking, is meticulously planned and executed.
Shareholder Engagement: Building robust relationships with shareholders to foster a collaborative festival atmosphere.
Sponsorship Management: Securing and managing sponsorships to enhance the festival experience.
On-Site Execution: Delivering seamless events that leave attendees starry-eyed and satisfied.
Strategic Goals
Premier Dark Sky Destination: Positioning Jasper as the ultimate stargazing hotspot.
Brand Enhancement: Amplifying Jasper’s reputation with innovative and engaging festival programming.
Visitor Attraction: Drawing more tourists to Jasper, boosting local tourism and the economy.
Shareholder Value: Ensuring all shareholders reap the benefits of the festival’s success.
Signature Experiences
ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon: ᐸᐦᑭᓯᒧᐣ pahkisimon, which means sunset in Cree, is celebrated at this FREE event on the shores of Lake Annette. The celebration begins just before sunset with an indigenous storytelling session led by Indigenous artists deeply rooted in cultural traditions. The evening will feature artistic expressions through mediums like movement, performance art, and other healing modalities, focusing on a cultural farewell to the sun and a welcome to the night. After the event, attendees are invited to stay at Lake Annette for prime stargazing or explore additional evening programs in Jasper.
Drone Show: Where Technology Meets Art in the Night Sky: The Drone Light Show at the Jasper Dark Sky Festival consistently dazzled audiences with its innovative blend of technology and art. This eco-friendly spectacle featured dozens of drones creating intricate, synchronized 3D light formations in the night sky. As a modern alternative to traditional fireworks, the drone show minimized noise pollution and was safe for wildlife, making it a highlight of the festival that garnered rave reviews year after year.
ScienceFest: This feature was a highlight of the Jasper Dark Sky Festival, providing an immersive and interactive experience for attendees of all ages. Hosted in partnership with TELUS World of Science - Edmonton, this event featured a variety of science demonstrations, rocket launches, and hands-on activities set against the stunning backdrop of Jasper's night sky. Featuring experts from various scientific fields, ScienceFest included everything from explosive experiments to educational talks, making it a must-attend event for families and science lovers. The festival's commitment to combining education with entertainment ensured that ScienceFest was not only informative but also incredibly fun and engaging
Talk Nerdy to Me: Coffee, Cosmos, and Conversations: A popular morning event designed to engage science enthusiasts in lively discussions over coffee. This unique social event allowed attendees to find like-minded individuals and make new friends while diving into fascinating astronomical topics. Held at local coffeehouses, the sessions featured local experts ready to answer festival-related questions and stimulate conversation on the big astronomical issues of the day. Whether you were discussing the latest space discoveries or simply enjoying a cup of coffee with fellow stargazers, "Talk Nerdy to Me" offered a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment.
Keynotes, Panel Discussions & Workshops
The festival featured thought-provoking discussions on space missions, extraterrestrial intelligence, and the future of space exploration. Some of our renowned speakers included:
Dr. Robert Thirsk: A Canadian astronaut who has shared his experiences from space missions, providing unique insights into life aboard the International Space Station.
Seth Shostak: Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, renowned for his work in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and his engaging talks on the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Nick Pope: Former head of the British Government's UFO project, often dubbed the real-life Fox Mulder, who captivates audiences with his experiences investigating UFO phenomena.
Jad Abumrad: Host of the acclaimed podcast Radiolab, who brings a storyteller's touch to scientific exploration, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.
Dr. Shawn Pandya: Scientist-astronaut candidate who contributes to dynamic discussions on the future of space exploration, particularly the race to Mars.
Jay Ingram: Science broadcaster and author, known for his ability to make science engaging through his work with Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet.
Niki Wilson: Science communicator and journalist, celebrated for her ability to weave compelling narratives that make science relatable and exciting.
Rob Meyerson: Former President of Blue Origin, offering deep dives into space technology and industry developments.
Mike Gere: Local professional photographer specializing in light painting, who guides attendees in capturing the beauty of the night sky through innovative photography techniques.
Warrior Women: Indigenous knowledge keepers who share their rich traditions through drumming, singing, and storytelling around the fire, adding cultural depth to the festival’s programming.
Adam Steltzner: NASA engineer who led the team that landed the Curiosity Rover on Mars, specializing in space exploration and innovative problem-solving.
John Rennie: Former Scientific American editor, renowned for making complex science accessible through his writing and lectures.
Brian Cox: Physicist and science communicator, known for his engaging TV programs that make astrophysics and cosmology understandable and inspiring.
Mark and Scott Kelly: NASA astronauts known for their Twins Study, providing key insights into the effects of space on the human body.
Leland Melvin: Former NASA astronaut and NFL player, inspiring through his journey from sports to space and his passion for STEM education.
Nadia Drake: Science journalist for National Geographic, telling captivating stories about astronomy and space exploration.
Scott Ransom: Astronomer specializing in pulsars and gravitational waves, exploring the universe’s most extreme phenomena.
Emily Calandrelli: Host of Emily's Wonder Lab and "The Space Gal," bringing science and space exploration to life for young audiences.
Dianna Cowern: Known as The Physics Girl, she simplifies complex physics through engaging videos and experiments.
Anthony Morgan: Science communicator and founder of Science Everywhere, known for his humorous and interactive science presentations.
Bob McDonald: Host of CBC's Quirks & Quarks, making science accessible to Canadian audiences for decades.
Emma Louden: Astrophysicist researching black holes, engaging audiences with her passion for space science.
Torah Kachur: CBC science journalist, covering a wide range of scientific breakthroughs and issues.
Bettymaya Foott: Night-sky photographer and dark sky advocate, raising awareness about light pollution through her stunning photography.
Jeanine Holowatuik: Aurora and night-sky photographer, guiding workshops to help others capture the beauty of the night sky.
I have told so many friends in the last few days of the creativity and organizational skills of you and your colleagues. Your ideas and energy help me take my game to the next level. Yes, it would be a privilege to work with you again.