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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.
Staunton River Star Party - Spring 2026
March 16 @ 12:00 pm - March 22 @ 12:00 pm EDT
$110.00
Staunton River Star Party: Dark Skies, Serious Observing, Great Company
Check out the following promo video: https://fb.watch/Fb5eKZb4cO/?fs=e
For star gazers looking for truly dark skies, plenty of observing space, and a relaxed, observer-friendly atmosphere, the Staunton River Star Party is a standout event on the East Coast star-party calendar. Hosted by the Chapel Hill Astronomical and Observing Society (CHAOS) at Staunton River State Park in southern Virginia, this bi-annual gathering takes place at an International Dark Sky Park, offering consistently excellent transparency and minimal light pollution.
Why Amateur Astronomers Love It
Certified Dark Skies: Staunton River State Park is officially recognized for its dark skies, making it an outstanding location for deep-sky observing, visual astronomy, and astrophotography. On good nights, the Milky Way is easily visible naked-eye, and faint objects come alive through the eyepiece.
Spacious Main Observing Field: The primary observing area near the visitor center offers ample room for scopes of all sizes, from grab-and-go setups to large Dobsonians and imaging rigs.
Limited 110V AC Power Available: A major plus for imagers and EAA observers — limited AC 110V power is available on the main observing field, making it easier to run mounts, cameras, laptops, and dew control without relying entirely on batteries.
A True Star-Party Community: This is a gathering by and for amateur astronomers. Expect knowledgeable observers, plenty of telescope sharing, impromptu observing sessions, and great conversations that run as late as the skies stay clear.
Great for Visual and Imaging Observers: Whether your passion is chasing faint fuzzies, sketching at the eyepiece, or capturing long-exposure images, the Staunton River Star Party offers the conditions and camaraderie that make multi-night observing especially rewarding. Many attendees return year after year for the combination of dark skies and laid-back, observer-focused culture.
Fuel for Long Nights: The Deep Space Diner. Observing all night works up an appetite, and the star party delivers here too. Food service is available on-site at the Deep Space Diner, offering convenient meals and snacks so you can spend more time at your telescope and less time worrying about logistics.
Stay Close to the Action: Camping is available right at or near the observing areas, allowing you to sleep during the day and be fully set up as twilight fades. You can attend for the full week or just part of the event, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Bottom line: If you’re an amateur astronomer seeking dark skies, access to power, on-site food, and a welcoming community of like-minded observers, the Staunton River Star Party delivers exactly what a great star party should — clear skies, great observing, and shared experiences under the stars.
