Regional Star Parties

Star parties are an important part of the amateur-astronomy scene. Offering dark skies and astronomical fellowship, these events often attract hundreds of enthusiasts. Here is a list of several star parties in and around the Mid-Atlantic area.
Contact Us to add one!  This list was updated in January 2023.
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Almost Heaven Star Party

August 18 – 22, 2023

The annual Almost Heaven Star Party is sponsored by NOVAC will be held at Spruce Knob Mountain Center in Spruce Knob, WV.  It for sure is one of the premier dark sky sites in the East! The location provides an outstanding observing location as well as civilized amenities like hot showers, meal service and internet access.

Registration is available on-line and there will be no on-site registration. https://www.AHSP.org


The York County Star Party

Spring Party: June 14-18, 2023
Fall Party: September 13-17, 2023

Website:  yorkcountystarparty.org  Sponsored by SkyShedPodPA

Each limited to 100 reservations, camping and large RVs welcome.

DARK SITE Location: Susquehannock State Park, Drumore PA, southern Lancaster County.

Beautiful state park among Amish farmlands (little electric lighting), with hiking trails and overlook at the Susquehanna River for bird watching, including eagles and other raptors.

Camping included in fees.  Flush toilets.  Water fountain and spigot on site.  Showers available a few miles away ($3).  Electric for charging batteries.  BBQ grills.  Pavilion.  Dogs allowed.  Dumpster.  See website for all details and links!

Staunton River Star Party
Spring Party: March 20 – 26, 2023
Fall Party: October 9 – 15, 2023

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Now a very good Star Party with two events each year and the location is a IDA Dark Sky Site as well as of 2015, We have heard good things from NOVAC members and others while at AHSP 2012. Here is a review that was done from one of our members!


June 15-18, 2023
The Astronomical Society of Harrisburg will host the Cherry Springs Star Party or CSSP to be held at Cherry Springs State Park near Coudersport, PA. Cherry Springs State Park is well known for nice dark skies and we hope you’ll enjoy them with us at the Cherry Springs Star Party!

June 21-24, 2023

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Stellafane  since 1926
August 17-20, 2023
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While not exactly a Mid-Atlantic SP, no list would be complete with out it. Stellafane, Latin for “Shrine to the Stars”, is the name of the clubhouse of the Springfield Telescope Makers on Breezy Hill in Springfield, VT. Built in 1923 by Russell Porter and the founding members of the Springfield Telescope Makers, Stellafane was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. Due to it’s unique color and the fact that the name Stellafane has come to be know as the amateur telescope making convention held every summer at Breezy Hill, the home of the Springfield Telescope Makers is also affectionately referred to as The Pink Clubhouse.

RAClogoRAC Star Parties

The Rappahannock Astronomy Club hosts star parties in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area.

 September 15-17, 2023
The Central Pennsylvania Observers will host this star party. People are encouraged to come along to listen to speakers and take a look through the telescopes of star enthusiasts. Pre-registration is limited and there is no registration at the event. http://bfsp.org

The Annual NOVAC Star Gaze

October 7, 2023

novacstargazeNOVAC invites you to the largest public star gaze in the Washington DC area. Come out at 5 pm to enjoy safe views of the Sun using specialized telescopes and solar filters.  Stay after nightfall and participate in observations of Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune plus star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and other deep sky objects. There will be a large variety of telescopes and other optics of varying sizes and configurations offering great views of celestial objects.  Our members will be glad to share those views with you and answer any questions you may have!

Please join us!

Astro-tip: Arrive early and stay late.


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This year event will be held at Tuckahoe State Park near Queen Anne, MD. The registration fee includes camping fee for the observing area. ALL NIGHT STARGAZER COFFEE, as always, will be free. Sodas and hot dogs will be available at minimal cost. Campers will be permitted to park and set up by their scopes, but there are no hookups or electricity in the observation area.

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ASTROBLAST is an annual event, first held in June 1994, by the Oil Region Astronomical Society. Our organization is blessed with a remote “dark sky” site located far from the light pollution of large urban areas. The event is held in a large field surrounding our observatory in the Lockwood Campground at Venango County’s Two Mile Run Park, near Franklin, Pennsylvania. http://www.oras.org/
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Held in West Virginia, KVAS co-sponsors the Blackwater Falls Astronomy Weekend with Blackwater Falls State Park each fall. A Friday night star party kicks off the weekend and is followed by classes and round table discussions on such topics as Astronomy Myths, Astrophotography, Radio Astronomy, Telescope Basics, etc. A Keynote Speaker kicks off the Saturday night activities with drawings for door prizes to follow. A “Star Party” is always planned where, weather permitting, telescopes of all sizes and types, factory and home made, are set up for public viewing. A Flea Market for bartering astronomical paraphernalia is also held. http://www.kvas.org/
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Stella Della  not run since 2010

Stella Della Valley offers you a chance to gather with astronomers and families under some of the most pleasant dark skies in Eastern Pennsylvania, at Camp Onas in Ottsville, PA. http://www.bma2.org

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