At my daughters’ school they tried for almost a year to host Space Night but, in possibly a first for Los Angeles, it was cloudy and rainy every time — even in the early fall and late spring. Big Bear, Calif.’s recently announced astronomy festival — the StarLight Festival — sounds like it will more than make up for it — and be a fun way to get kids excited about space, science, the atmosphere and the stars.

The StarLight Festival event, organized by AstronomyOutreach network, takes place in Big Bear Village Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, 2014. It’s a cosmic festival for all ages that combines science and astronomy with art and music to create a fun atmosphere that is both educational and entertaining. Some of the highlights of the event include guest speakers and panelists from NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), lectures about current space programs, opportunities to tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory, “sidewalk” astronomers, STEM educational activities, major manufacturers display the latest and greatest scientific equipment, intergalactic-style art exhibits, live music, and thousands of dollars in door prizes.

The StarLight Festival is Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 midnight and Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Big Bear Village. Lectures and panel discussions are held at The Cave and Northwoods Resort. Admission to the StarLight Festival is Free. RTMC Astronomy Expo is from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. Admission to RTMC Astronomy Expo is $25 for adults, $12 for kids ages 5-13, and kids under five are Free. For details about the StarLight Festival including a schedule of events visitwww.starlightfestival.com. For more info about RTMC Astronomy Expo visit www.rtmcastronomyexpo.org. For all there is to see and do in Big Bear, make lodging reservations or request a free Visitors Guide log on to www.bigbear.com or call 800-424-4232.