Star Parties & Astronomy Events
Major astronomy gatherings across the country. Star parties offer dark skies, camaraderie, and the chance to look through dozens of different telescopes.
Regional Events (Southwest)
- Grand Canyon Star Party – One of the premier star parties in the country, held annually in June at the Grand Canyon. Sirius Lookers members regularly participate. The combination of dark skies and canyon views is unforgettable.
- RTMC Astronomy Expo – Riverside Telescope Makers Conference in Big Bear, California. One of the largest amateur astronomy gatherings on the West Coast.
- Texas Star Party – Held at the Prude Ranch in Fort Davis, Texas under some of the darkest skies in North America. A bucket-list event.
National Events
- Stellafane Convention – The granddaddy of star parties, held in Springfield, Vermont since 1926. Home of the Springfield Telescope Makers, famous for amateur telescope making competitions.
- Nebraska Star Party – Held at Merritt Reservoir under exceptionally dark skies. Known for great Milky Way views and friendly atmosphere.
- Winter Star Party – Held in the Florida Keys each February. One of the few star parties where you can observe far southern objects from U.S. soil.
- Table Mountain Star Party – Held in Washington state with excellent Pacific Northwest skies.
- Astrofest – Midwest’s largest star party, organized by the Chicago Astronomical Society.
Tip: Most star parties fill up quickly. Register early and bring warm clothes – even summer nights get cold under dark skies!