Events at Observer Ranch season index, science preparedness and community gatherings near the Royal Gorge

Events at Observer Ranch

Events at Observer Ranch

Observer Ranch hosts gatherings you will not find anywhere else: science conferences under dark skies, hands-on preparedness and homesteading workshops, and community events for the whole area. Every ticket includes the option to stay on the ranch, so check lodging when you register.

Missed one? Recorded sessions from past gatherings are added to The Video Observatory, included with membership.

Events

Upcoming Events

Science, preparedness, and community gatherings under dark skies. Every event includes the option to stay on the ranch.

Visiting artist Merrilee Challis at Observer Ranch event
Jul 29 - Aug 1, 2026

Community Painting

Free · All ages, no experience needed

A free, open community painting gathering with Merrilee Challis. All ages welcome, no experience needed. Come paint at your own pace under the Colorado sky.

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RV site at sunset with chairs, Observer Ranch
Jul 31 & Aug 1, 2026

Summer Observer Connections

Two Evenings: Dating & Dinner · from $150

A weekend to meet like-minded people over dinner and mountain views. Event-only or camping packages, two evenings of connection on the ranch.

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Summer of Mushroom Love, a mycological immersion at Observer Ranch
Aug 7-9, 2026

Summer of Mushroom Love

3-Day Cultivation & Foraging Workshop · $100-$500

Hands-on mushroom cultivation and foraging sessions across a full summer weekend on the ranch.

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Basket of fresh eggs on hay, The Art of Preparedness homesteading event at Observer Ranch
Aug 14, 2026

The Art of Preparedness

Preparedness & Homesteading · from $399 · also Sep 11 & Oct 23

A hands-on preparedness and homesteading weekend. The August session focuses on animal processing and husbandry.

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Master the Disaster scenario-based preparedness training at Observer Ranch, September 4 and October 16 2026
Sep 4, 2026

Master the Disaster

Scenario-Based Training · from $399 · also Oct 16

Scenario-based disaster preparedness training on the ranch.

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Observer Ranch landscape view

Venue Rental

Host your own event

Weddings, retreats, workshops, and private gatherings all happen here. Rent the ranch for your own event under dark Colorado skies.

Plan Your Event

Make it a stay

Cabins, campers, and RV sites steps from every event

See Places to Stay