Dark Sky Hike:
Music Under the Stars

Dark Sky Hike:
Music Under the Stars

Monday, September 14, 2026 · 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Moab Wilderness

Experience the debut Dark Sky Hike at the Moab Music Festival, an evening music hike where the desert’s starlit skies provide the setting for transcendent string quartet repertoire performed by esteemed artists including violinists Alexi Kenney and Tai Murray, violist Jessica Bodner, and cellist Jay Campbell. An astronomy talk by Rachel Toups, the Festival's Community Programs Manager, weaves throughout the program connecting the music to our place in the universe. 

About the experience: A guided night hike in partnership with Canyonlands Field Institute brings concert-goers to a secluded cove to enjoy music chosen to fit the setting. This hike requires a moderate level of stamina, agility, and comfort with uneven footing. Hikers are required to bring a headlamp; we also encourage you to bring a tushion and a layer for after sunset. 

Tickets

  • Non-refundable tickets: $85 ($80 ticket + $5 third-party processing and credit card fee)
  • Ages 12+
  • No pets allowed
  • Program, artists, and locations are subject to change without notice

Accessibility Page

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Program

  • LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Molto Adagio from Quartet in E minor, Op. 59, “Razumovsky”, No. 2
  • GYÖRGY LIGETI: Hora lungǎ from Sonata for Viola Solo 
  • BÉLA BARTÓK: Non troppo lento from String Quartet No. 4, BB 95 Sz. 91 
  • J.S. BACH: Sarabande from Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011 
  • ZOLTÁN KODÁLY: Lento non troppo from Serenade, Op. 12  
  • ALEXANDER BORODIN: Nocturne from String Quartet No. 2 in D major
  • KAIJA SAARIAHO: Nocturne for Solo Violin 
  • SAMUEL BARBER: Molto adagio from String Quartet, Op. 11 

Logistics

[icon name="hotel"] Free parking at trailhead check-in

Concert location: Undisclosed location. Scenic, outdoor, wilderness setting

This hike requires a moderate level of stamina, agility, and comfort with uneven footing. The terrain is highly varied and often steep, and patrons will be hiking in both direct sun and in nighttime darkness. Please plan accordingly.
[icon name="clock"] 7:00 pm - Check-in begins
7:30 pm - Depart from trailhead
8:00 - 9:00 pm - Concert
[icon name="user-check"] Ages 12+

No pets allowed
[icon name="info-circle"] Link to Accessibility Page

  • There are pit toilets at the trailhead, and there will be a portable bathroom at the concert site.
  • Hiking/trail shoes and a headlamp are required.
  • We recommend bringing an extra layer for after sunset hiking.
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing layers for both hot and cold desert temperatures are recommended.
  • Hiking poles are welcome.
  • Sunscreen, shade hat, and any other items for comfortable hiking in both direct sun and nighttime are recommended. Check the weather beforehand and be prepared for temperatures to drop after sunset!
The hike portion of this event is in partnership with Canyonlands Field Institute.
Program, artists, and concert locations are subject to change without notice.
[icon name="utensils"] Arrive with your water bottles full and hydrate throughout the event.

Please eat dinner before arrival and pack a trail snack if desired.
[icon name="dollar-sign"] Non-refundable tickets: $85 ($80 ticket + $5 third-party processing and credit card fee)

Program, artists and locations are subject to change without notice

 

Cost: $85 (Includes fees)

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