Have you noticed how different the evening air feels lately? It's that time of year when it's still hot during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, you start reaching for a jacket.

There's an event that's perfect for this kind of weather, and I wanted to share the details. It's the Night Sky Festival, held right next to Joshua Tree National Park.

This year marks the 11th edition, and it takes place over two days, from Friday, October 9, to Saturday, October 10. It's this weekend, so if you don't make plans now, it will just pass you by.

The location is the Sky's The Limit Observatory and Nature Center in Twentynine Palms. The address is 9697 Utah Trail, just outside the north entrance of the national park.

The event is co-hosted by this observatory and the Joshua Tree National Park Association. The official schedule starts at 9 AM on Friday and ends at 11 PM on Saturday night.

Honestly, I initially thought it was just a stargazing event. But looking at the program, it's more comprehensive than I expected.

On Friday, from 5 PM to 9 PM, there's a Telescope Clinic. The participation fee is $30, which is perfect for anyone who has a telescope at home but hasn't set it up and has it stored away.

Actually, I was in that situation. I bought a telescope online but gave up after not being able to focus it and only seeing a blurry moon.

The lesson I learned is simple: it's better to learn how to use the equipment first, so you don't feel like you wasted your money.

On Friday, there's also a free crafting program called Cosmic Crafts. If you're bringing kids, it's worth checking out.

From 8 PM to 10 PM on the same Friday, there's a free Night Sky Glow Party. It's a glow-themed event that seems great for hanging out with friends.

Saturday is packed from the morning. From 9 AM to 1 PM, there's a Family Space Camp, where kids are $25 and accompanying adults are free.

From 1 PM to 4:30 PM, the Astronomy Lecture Series is held for free. According to the organizers, there will even be talks from scientists associated with NASA.

It might feel a bit daunting since it's in English, but the astronomical terms are simpler than you might think. Even if a few unfamiliar words come up, you can get the gist from the slides.

From 4 PM to 6 PM, there's a Star Party Happy Hour, which is also free. Think of it as a time to get the atmosphere going before the main event.

The highlight is the Night Sky Star Party on Saturday night from 7 PM to 11 PM. This one is paid, with tickets costing $75 for adults and $35 for children.

I paused for a moment when I saw the $75 price. But with so many free programs, you can choose to spend your money wisely.

The combination I calculated is this: attend the free afternoon lecture and happy hour on Saturday, and just pay for the star party at night.

That way, the ticket price for one adult would be $75. Even if you include the Friday clinic, it totals $105.

There's another reason why this date is particularly good. Saturday, October 10, is a new moon, meaning there will be very little moonlight.

With almost no moonlight, it's the perfect condition for stargazing. It's truly lucky that it coincides with the star party.

Also, Joshua Tree National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. If you're used to city lights, you might be speechless when you see the Milky Way.

If you're coming from Victorville or the High Desert area, it's much closer than driving from LA. It's a manageable distance for a day trip.

However, you'll need to drive back on desert roads after it ends at 11 PM. There are long stretches without streetlights, and wildlife can suddenly appear, so if you feel sleepy, don't push it.

I believe that personal responsibility is key in situations like this. While the organizers are responsible for safety at the event, each person must ensure their safety on the way back.

Make sure to fill up your gas tank before you leave, and don't forget your phone charger and battery. There are areas in the desert where the signal can suddenly drop.

Dress in layers for sure. I once went in a t-shirt thinking it would be warm during the day, only to shiver at night.

A blanket or camping chair, along with a red flashlight, would be great to have. White light can ruin others' night vision, so it's a nuisance during stargazing.

You can get tickets through the Sky's the Limit Observatory website. Paid programs may have limited spots, so be sure to check before you go.

If it were me, I'd leisurely head out Saturday afternoon, catch the lecture, watch the sunset, and fill my evening with the star party. At this point, $75 seems totally worth it.

When you're just going back and forth on the same road every day, you rarely take a moment to look up at the sky. This weekend, I highly recommend putting down your phone and looking up.