Astronomy Observing Events
& Star Parties

Many astronomy clubs and organizations host events where astronomers of all ages can get together and share the observing experience. The largest of these events are known as star parties and can attract hundreds of amateur astronomers and casual observers. This page contains links and information about local and non-local observing events and star parties. Some events are free and open to the general public while others may require a registration fee. These listings contain links to the hosting organization Web site for additional information where possible. If you know of any events that are not listed here, please send an e-mail and we will consider adding the event to this page.

NOTE: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, many of these events may end up being delayed or canceled. Please consult the host organization for each event for more detailed information and updates as they become available.

• Winter Star Party
  February 1 - 7, 2027
  Host: Southern Cross Astronomical Society
  Location: Camp Wesumkee and Camp Sawyer on Scout Key, Florida
  Website: https://www.scas.org/winter-star-party/
  

  The Winter Star Party "WSP" is a serious event designed for amateur astronomers. WSP is held annually, usually during the new moon in February. The event is unique in that it occurs mid-winter during the height of the Florida Keys tourist season. The warm weather, coupled with dark skies, and possibly the steadies skies in North America attracts attendees from all over the frozen United States, Canada, and Europe giving the event an international flavor. The amateur astronomical "get-to-together"allows participants to meet and share observing ideas, astro-imaging techniques, as well as find out what's new in the hobby. WSP offers a stellar daily line-up of speakers who are experts in their particular field. WSP is held under the auspices of the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of Miami. This not -for-profit organization funnels proceeds from this event toward public education projects, scholarship programs, humanitarian needs and Girl Scout Camp improvements.

• Orange Blossom Special Star Party
  March 3 - 7, 2027
  Host: St. Petersburg Astronomy Club
  Location: Withlacoochee River Park near Dade City, Florida
  Website: https://www.stpeteastronomyclub.org/obs
  

  The St. Petersburg Astronomy Club will proudly host our 31st Orange Blossom Special International Star Party at “Withlacoochee River Park” in Dade City, Florida. The many amenities of Withlacoochee River Park include darker skies and a 30-acre activity field for camping and viewing. There are a limited number of electric and water hookups, so you will want to register early. The park has room to roam, a 1.7-mile paved multi-purpose trail, 13 miles of hiking trails, a 40-foot observation tower, three wooden boardwalks, two playground areas for the kids, and river access for boating in your canoe or kayak. The Park‘s well-maintained hiking trails are also perfect for bicycle riding. There are trails along the nearby Green Swamp to explore an untouched wilderness of amazing flora and fauna. Each year at OBS we conduct a guided biking tour for those interested in experiencing this unique environment. You must be preregistered to attend. The registration fee is $70.00 for a single attendee, $120.00 for a couple, plus $15.00 per youth ages 7 to 17. Children under 7 are free. There is a reduced rate of about 50% if you can attend for only one night. Fulltime high school and college students in Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hillsborough Counties receive a 65% discount on their registration. Membership is free while you remain a full-time student. Please go to Join SPAC prior to registering for OBS.

• Mid-South Star Gaze
  March 31 - April 3, 2027
  Host: Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium
  Location: Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium in French Camp, Mississippi
  Website: https://rainwaterobservatory.org/events
  

  The Mid-South Stargaze and Astronomy Conference is scheduled for March 31 through April 3, 2027 . It takes place at the Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium in French Camp, Mississippi. The event features amateur and professional astronomer gatherings, guest lectures, and telescope viewing under some of the darkest skies in the southeastern United States.

• Texas Star Party
  May 2 - 9, 2027
  Host: Texas Star Party, Inc.
  Location: Prude Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas
  Website: https://texasstarparty.org/
  

  Each spring at the historic Prude Ranch near Fort Davis, Texas, astronomers, families, and friends gather to share the night sky, learn from one another, and celebrate the wonder that connects us all. For more than forty years, the Texas Star Party (TSP) has brought stargazers together under the magnificent dark skies of the Davis Mountains. Today, we’re listening to our community and going back to our roots — restoring the spirit of warmth, simplicity, and southern hospitality that made TSP special from the start.

• Grand Canyon Star Party
  May 29 - June 5, 2027
  Host: Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association
  Location: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
  Website: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm
  

  For eight days in May and June, park visitors will explore the wonders of the night sky on Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim with the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and on the North Rim with the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix. Amateur astronomers from across the country will volunteer their expertise and will offer free nightly astronomy programs and free telescope viewing. Visitors will have the chance to view the planet Saturn along with a wide assortment of star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae by night, and the sun and planet Mercury by day. Grand Canyon is one of the best night sky observing sites in the United States because it has some of the darkest skies and cleanest air in the country. Participants will experience spectacular views of the universe! Everyone dress warmly, since temperatures drop quickly after sunset - even during the summer months.

• Cherry Springs Star Party
  June 3 - 6, 2027
  Host: Astronomical Society of Harrisburg PA
  Location: Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, Pennsylvania
  Website: https://sites.google.com/astrohbg.org/Cherry-Springs-Star-Party
  

  The Cherry Springs Star Party is a gathering of amateur astronomers and people who enjoy the night sky who gather together to observe and photograph the night sky together , listen to speakers on various astronomical topics, visit astronomical vendors and suppliers, and meet and greet with fellow night sky enthusiasts. The party takes place on the Overnight Observing Field at Cherry Springs State Park which is an International Dark Sky Park and one of the darkest spots east of the Mississippi River.

• Wisconsin Observers Weekend
  June 11 - 14, 2026
  Host: Northeast Wisconsin Stargazers (NEWSTAR)
  Location: Hartman Creek State Park near Waupaca Wisconsin
  Website: https://new-star.org/wow/
  

  One of the biggest highlights of the year for amateur astronomers and their families is the Wisconsin Observers Weekend (WOW), hosted by NEWSTAR. Amateur astronomers from all over the mid-west enjoy three days of summer camping and observing at Hartman Creek State Park just west of Waupaca Wisconsin. Whether or not you own a telescope or are a seasoned observer you will enjoy what WOW has to offer. Hartman Creek State Park is 1,500 acres of post-glacial beauty located about 30 miles northwest of Oshkosh on the upper Waupaca Chain-O-Lakes. Visitors can enjoy camping swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing, amidst the gently rolling woodlands, prairies, lakes and wetlands. Ten miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail, offer plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs while enjoying numerous wildflowers and abundant bird life. The park also has designated off-road bicycling trails and low-traffic roads surrounding the area provide safe routes for the touring cyclist as well. Hartman Lake has a 300-foot sandy beach and swimming area for a cool dip after a hot day.

• Rocky Mountain Star Stare
  June 30 - July 4, 2026
  Host: Colorado Springs Astronomical Society
  Location: Gardner, Colorado
  Website: https://rmss.org/
  

  Rocky Mountain Star Stare is an annual premiere star party sponsored by the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society. Located on 35 acres of land, RMSS's "Starry Meadows" is conveniently located just over two hours southwest of Colorado Springs (outside of Gardner, CO), between the Sangre de Cristo and Wet mountain ranges, at an altitude of 7,600 feet above sea level. RMSS annually plays host to 300+ amateur and professional astronomers, family and friends.

• Green Bank Star Quest
  July 15 - 18, 2026
  Host: Central Appalachian Astronomy Club of West Virginia
  Location: Green Bank, West Virginia
  Website: https://greenbankstarquest.org/
  

  Star Quest is an optical and radio astronomy event, held at the great dark sky site of the Green Bank Observatory. We have interesting and informational lectures and classes all four days of the event and KEYNOTE speakers each evening. Observing right from your campsite. There are showers and toilets down by the observing field. Click the words "keynote speakers" to see a list of all of this year's speakers. We are planning a rocket launch and other children's activities for the children again. If you are coming for the full four-day event, you can come in on Tuesday evening and get set up, then just go to the registration desk on Wednesday morning to check in.

• Golden State Star Party
  July 11 - 15, 2026
  Host: Golden State Star Party
  Location: Frosty Acres Ranch near Adin, California
  Website: https://goldenstatestarparty.org/
  

  Golden State Star Party (GSSP) is a 4 night dark sky event held each summer usually in early July at Frosty Acres Ranch in North-Eastern California, near Mount Lassen, alongside rural Adin, California. GSSP has dark skies from horizon to horizon, and room for 100s of astronomers. If you’ve never been out to a sky beyond your backyard or local astronomy sites, you’re in for an amazing treat. Have you seen a dark sky, or only remember them from childhood? For you, that first view at GSSP will be truly incredible. The views are what keep us going back each year. Although you may become familiar with it, it is always an amazing sight.

• Badlands Astronomy Festival
  July 17 - 19, 2026
  Host: Badlands National Park and NASA South Dakota Space Grant Consortium
  Location: Valentine, Nebraska
  Website: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/badl-astronomy-festival.htm
  

  The Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, and park visitors for a stellar experience. Celebrate the beauty of a dark night sky and the wonder of space exploration. Novices and experts alike will enjoy daily family-friendly activities and evening presentations with special guest speakers. In the past activities have included a scale model solar system tour and walk, solar observing opportunities, special guest speakers, public stargazing activities, static displays, as well as equipment demonstrations by professional and amateur astronomers.

• Nebraska Star Party
  August 1 - 6, 2027
  Host: Nebraska Star Party
  Location: Valentine, Nebraska
  Website: https://www.nebraskastarparty.org/
  

  Plan now to sail off on your own voyage of discovery this summer with us! The astronomical views from Merritt Reservoir's Snake Campground are fabulous, and there are plenty of recreational opportunities to keep the entire family entertained all week long at the annual Nebraska Star Party. For newcomers, NSP is the perfect place to become acquainted with the wonders of the heavens which can't be seen from cities. Our unique Beginner's Field School will show you how fun it is to explore the sky here, as well as in your own back yard when you return home, with or without a telescope.

• Oregon Star Party
  July 14 - 19, 2026
  Host: Oregon Star Party
  Location: Ochoco National Forest near Prineville, Oregon
  Website: https://oregonstarparty.org/
  

  For over 25 years, amateur astronomers and their families have been gathering at Indian Trail Spring to enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere, dark skies, low humidity and wonderful night sky observing. Located roughly an hour east of Prineville, Oregon in the Ochoco National Forest, Oregon Star Party is one of the three darkest and largest star parties in the United States. Don't have a telescope but still want to join the fun? Join us anyway, we're happy to share our telescope views with you!

• Table Mountain Star Party
  July 14 - 18, 2026
  Host: Table Mountain Star Party Association
  Location: Eden Valley Ranch near Oroville, Washington
  Website: https://www.tmspa.com/index.html
  

  The Table Mountain Star Party is an annual gathering of people interested in astronomy and its many related topics. Most people attending are amateur astronomers who enjoy the great viewing which the mountain provides, however, anyone with an interest or curiosity is welcome to register and enjoy the experience. Programming is provided for everyone from the seasoned astronomer to the beginning novice. We also provide well organized, fun and educational programming for the student. Each year our event is held in July or August (usually July) depending on the weather and the phase of the moon. Make your plans to attend and enjoy this event with hundreds of great telescopes and related equipment. Bring your telescope, or if you don't have one, most astronomers are happy to share the view and show off their equipment.

• Julian Starfest
  Dates TBD
  Host: San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA)
  Location: Menghini Winery in Julian, California
  Website: https://julianstarfest.com/
  

  Julian Starfest, an astronomy exhibition and public star party offers some of the darkest skies in Southern California and the Menghini Winery offers a beautiful venue. Starfest, now a joint effort between the San Diego Astronomy Association and the town of Julian, will only get better as the years pass.

• Almost Heaven Star Party
  August 10 - 17, 2026
  Host: Northern Virginia Astronomy Club
  Location: Spruce Knob, West Virginia
  Website: https://www.ahsp.org/
  

  We are grateful to partner once again with NOVAC (Northern Virginia Astronomy Club) to bring this event to the hills of West Virginia. We are so excited to welcome everyone back to experience our campus and one of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi. This year, there will be food and lodging options as well as a larger variety of day time activities. Registration opens soon.

• Stellafane Convention
  August 13 - 16, 2026
  Host: Springfield Telescope Makers
  Location: Springfield, Vermont
  Website: https://stellafane.org/convention/
  

  The Stellafane Convention is a gathering of amateur telescope makers. The Convention was started in 1926 to give amateur telescope makers an opportunity to gather to show off their creations and teach each other telescope making and mirror-grinding techniques. All telescopes, commercial and homemade are welcome. If you have made your own telescope, we strongly encourage you to display it in the telescope fields near the Stellafane Clubhouse. If you wish, you can enter your homemade telescope in the mechanical and/or optical competition. There are also mirror-grinding and telescope-making demonstrations, technical lectures on telescope making and the presentation of awards for telescope design and craftsmanship. Vendor displays and the retail sale of commercial products are not permitted.

• Great Lakes Star Gaze
  September 10 - 13, 2026
  Host: Great Lakes Star Gaze
  Location: Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Millersburg, Michigan
  Website: http://www.greatlakesstargaze.com/
  

  The 2026 Great Lakes Star Gaze will be held from September 10th - 13th at the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center. Online and Mail in registration are currently OPEN! Online registration may be found here. When registering as an individual either select camping or bunkhouse. Since they are different prices and spaces limited in the bunkhouse, once you register you will not be able to switch. If registering as a family in order to stay together you will need to select the family camping option. If you want your family to stay in the bunkhouses you will need to pay individual prices. The center is located at 7142 Ocqueoc Lake Rd, Millersburg, MI 49759. This location has Bortle 2 skies, bunk houses, bathroom facilities and access to power. The men's and women's bath houses have showers and running water sinks and toilets. These are located near the observing field. The bunk houses have bunk beds but you would still need to bring bedding.

• Black Forest Star Party
  September 11 - 13, 2026
  Host: Central Pennsylvania Observers (CPO)
  Location: Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pennsylvania
  Website: https://bfsp.org/
  

  The Black Forest Star Party (BFSP) is an annual dark-sky amateur astronomy observing event hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Observers (CPO). Held every year since 1999, the BFSP generally spans a weekend in the late summer or early fall in Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County, Pennsylvania. Cherry Springs State Park is one of the darkest sites in the state of Pennsylvania and has been designated as Pennsylvania’s first Dark Sky Park by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The amateur astronomers who have attended the BFSP can testify that the skies can be great! Below is a light pollution map of Pennsylvania, courtesy of the International Dark-Sky Association. Cherry Springs is located in the middle of the dark area black area in Potter county. It is about as dark here as it gets in Pennsylvania! The Cherry Springs site is also in a large field, at an altitude of 2300 feet above sea level. This makes for one great place to have a star party! Cherry Springs has become a very popular place! Many amateur astronomers are holding impromptu or organized events here during the observing season.

• Hofstra University's Astronomy Festival on the National Mall
  September 26, 2026
  Host: Hofstra University
  Location: National Mall in Washington, DC
  Website: https://www.hofstra.edu/physics-astronomy/astronomy-festival.html
  

  In Washington, D.C., on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5 to 11 p.m., visitors will be a given a free guided tour of the sky at Hofstra University’s Astronomy Festival on the National Mall (AFNM). This festival is organized by Dr. Donald Lubowich, executive director and Hofstra’s coordinator of astronomy outreach, and Shanil Virani, assistant director of the festival. Mr. Virani is an astronomer and educator at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. AFNM features solar, optical, and electronic telescope observations; hands-on activities; demonstrations; handouts; posters; banners; and a chance to mingle with astronomers. Dr. Lubowich and local amateur astronomers will set up 35 telescopes on the National Mall. Starting at 5 p.m., visitors will be able to view sunspots with the help of specially filtered telescopes.  After dusk and until 11 p.m., telescopes will provide close-up views of the sky.

• Eldorado Star Party
  October 5 - 10, 2026
  Host: Austin Astronomical Society, San Antonio Astronomical Association
  Location: X-Bar Ranch near Eldorado, Texas
  Website: https://eldoradostarparty.org/
  

  Co-sponsored by the Austin Astronomical Society and the San Antonio Astronomical Association, and volunteers from area clubs including Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston, this event promises to bring dark skies closer to the amateur astronomer. The central location (46 miles west of Fort McKavett) is within easy driving distance of many Texas cities and enjoys the dry climate of west Texas. The observing areas include power for telescopes and equipment, and is organized so that you may drive on-off from the nearby light-shielded parking area at night without impacting the observers on the fields.

• York County Spring Star Party
  October 7 - 11, 2026 (Tentative)
  Host: York County Astronomical Society
  Location: Susquehannock State Park, Pennsylvania
  Website: https://www.yorkcountystarparty.org/
  

  This event is less than 90 miles from Washing DC or Philly. The observing site is 10 miles south of lancaster PA and is less than 50 miles from Baltimore. While not the darkest site, it is still quite dark. ​This humble party is close to many of you, and small enough to be amiable and relaxing. Please check back for details and registration.

• Okie-Tex Star Party
  October 9 - 17, 2026
  Host: Oklahoma City Astronomy Club
  Location: Camp Billie Joe in Kenton, Oklahoma
  Website: https://www.okie-tex.com/
  

  The Okie-Tex Star Party is famous for its incredibly dark sky, great food, presentations, fellowship and accommodations. They are also known for the Great Okie-Tex Giveaway! Over the years we have given away many telescopes, CCD cameras, eyepieces, software, star atlases and many other fabulous items! The event will also feature vendors, a swap meet, and meals.

• Deep South Regional Star Gaze
  October 10 - 15, 2026
  Host: Deep South Regional Star Gaze
  Location: Feliciana Retreat Center near Norwood, Louisiana
  Website: https://dssg.boards.net/
  

  Named one of the 19 Great Star Parties by ASTRONOMY magazine in the September, 1998 edition, we have a lot to offer - A great setting at a great time of year, among a lot of other eager amateur astronomers anxious to do some serious observing. Feliciana Retreat Center is located approximately 115 miles north of New Orleans, Louisiana (via I-10 to I-55), 120 miles south of Jackson, Mississippi (via I-55) and about 45 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana (via Louisiana Hwy 67).

• Astrofest 2024
  November 5 - 11, 2026
  Host: Chiefland Star Party Group
  Location: Chiefland Astronomy Village in Chiefland, Florida
  Website: https://chieflandastro.com/astrofest/
  

  The Chiefland Astrofest Star Party is back, and we welcome you all to one of the best observing sites in the country, the Billy Dodd Memorial Field in the Chiefland Astronomy Village. If you have never attended a Chiefland Star Party, get ready for some of the finest observing and imaging in the USA. The Chiefland Astronomy Village’s great weather, dark skies, and for Astrofest, the on-site food vendor and a line-up of great speakers all add to the unique Chiefland experience.

• Nightfall 2024
  November 6 - 8, 2026
  Host: Riverside Astronomical Society
  Location: Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort in Borrego Springs, California
  Website: https://nightfallstarparty.com/
  

  Established in 1993 by the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference (RTMC), Nightfall is now presented by the Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) with assistance and support from Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes. This autumn star party is unique among star parties because it takes place at a desert resort that creates a dark, red-light-only environment throughout the hotel property and RV park for at least three nights. The skies are beautifully dark yet there’s a hardware store, grocery store, and restaurants just down the street.

• Moon Over Monona Terrace
  Dates TBD
  Host: Madison Astronomical Society
  Location: Monona Terrace Rooftop Garden, Madison, Wisconsin
  Website: https://www.visitmadison.com/event/moon-over-monona-terrace/73790/
  

  One of our most popular programs, Moon Over Monona Terrace combines the talents of the Madison Astronomical Society (MAS) with the striking views from the Monona Terrace Rooftop, topped off with crossed fingers for a crystal clear Madison evening! Young and old alike are invited to view celestial objects through a multitude of different telescopes. The evening will begin with moon viewing only, and will progress to different objects as the sky darkens. Activities include short kid-friendly presentations on the moon and other celestial phenomena, and a kid's fun zone with educational games and prizes! Fun for the whole family!

• Carlsbad Caverns National Park Star Party
  Select Nights During Summer
  Host: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  Location: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
  Website: https://www.nps.gov/cave/planyourvisit/starparties.htm
  

  This summer Carlsbad Caverns National Park will be hosting several Star Party events. The park is a perfect spot for viewing the wonders of the night sky due to its location away from the lights of the local communities. Weather permitting; telescopes will be available for viewing the celestial night sky and will provide an opportunity for visitors to see for themselves what spectacular views are available in the universe above. Rangers will be available to discuss a variety of topics from nocturnal creatures, cultural folklore and astronomy. The public is welcome. No fee or advance reservations are necessary. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. These events will be held immediately after Bat Flight, so please join us in the East parking lot in front of the visitor center (parking limited to the West lot). The visitor center and cave will not be open during these events.

• Alamo Lake Star Party
  November 7, 2026
  Host: Astronomers of Verde Valley
  Location: Alamo Lake State Park, Arizona
  Website: https://azstateparks.com/alamo-lake/events/night-under-the-stars-at-alamo-lake
  

  Join Alamo Lake State Park for a Star Party, observing the wonders of the night sky through astronomers' telescopes! With the nearest city lights being 40 miles away, Alamo Lake experiences minimal light pollution, offering some of the best conditions for stargazing. Enjoy night sky viewing through professional telescopes with astronomers from the West Valley Astronomy Club. After the sun goes down, your eyes will adjust to the darkness and you will be amazed by the planets, stars, and other heavenly objects that will be visible..

• International Dark Sky Week
  April 5 - 11, 2026
  Host: The Astronomical League
  Location: Various Locations
  Website: https://idsw.darksky.org/
  

  International Dark Sky Week is held during the week of the new moon in April. It is a week during which people worldwide turn out their outdoor lights in order to observe the wonders of the night sky without light pollution. It has been endorsed by the Dark-Sky International, the American Astronomical Society, the Astronomical League. So go ahead and turn out your outdoor lights this week to appreciate the beauty of the night sky!

• Northeast Astronomy Forum
  April 10 - 11, 2027
  Host: N/A
  Location: Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York
  Website: https://www.neafexpo.com/
  

  America's Premiere Astronomy Expo NEAF is quite simply the world’s largest and most exciting space & astronomy event of its kind. Two amazing days feature world-renowned speakers, exclusive product showcases with more than 115 on-site vendors & exhibitors, NEAF Solar Star Party with daily solar observing, Pro/Am conference, STARLAB planetarium shows, getting started classes for beginners, children's space & astronomy program of activities, and hourly door prize giveaways.

• International Astronomy Day
  May 7 and October 9, 2027
  Host: The Astronomical League
  Location: Various Locations
  Website: https://www.astroleague.org/astronomy-day/
  

  Astronomy Day is an annual event intended to provide a means of interaction between the general public and various astronomy enthusiasts, groups and professionals. The theme of Astronomy Day is "Bringing Astronomy to the People," and on this day astronomy and stargazing clubs and other organizations around the world will plan special events. You can find out about special local events in your area by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium.