SUNSET: 
Upcoming Astronomy Events
As a service to our community, Sky & Telescope lists astronomy-related events, including star parties, observatory public nights, astronomy talks, and more. Star parties offer dark skies and astronomical fellowship and often cater to families and feature special activities for kids. Public nights give the general public a chance to view the sky through large telescopes, and public talks are a great place to learn the fundamentals of the science and the craft.
You’ll also see online events offered here.
And if you’d like free copies of Sky & Telescope’s Let’s Go Stargazing flyer or door prizes for your next star party, you can fill out this form.
Illinois Dark Skies Star Party
October 8 - October 11
$4 – $85
The Illinois Dark Skies Star Party will be held Oct. 8, 9, and 10, 2026 at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC), 30 miles northwest of Springfield, Illinois in eastern Cass County. JEPC is easily accessible from Illinois Routes 78, 97 and 125, and Interstates 55 and 36/72. The East and West Group campgrounds are reserved for the event, so there's plenty of room for tents, parking for smaller RVs and your equipment. Adjacent to the group sties are extensive camping facilities for tent and trailer campers, self-contained RV pads and nine lakeside cabins. However, the RV sites and Cabins (electricity available) must be reserved through the state’s new on-line reservation portal, www.ExploreMoreIL.
Plans for star party events include guest speakers and presentations. You might want to bring your extra equipment and parts for swapping. Daytime activities at the park include hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and hunting, or visit nearby Abraham Lincoln sites including the Presidential Library.
