Standing alone under a tree has a quiet, profound magic. truly dark skyThe experience is transformed into something entirely different when it’s shared with other explorers.
The star parties are at the core of this experience. They’re high-energy, communal gatherings that allow everyone to enjoy a panoramic view of the universe. This is a great opportunity to improve your astronomy skills. astrophotography skillsExperts will share the latest developments in deep-space sciences, while you’ll be able to see the wonders of the universe in some the most remote places on earth.
The 2026 Calendar is truly global, and offers backdrops from coastal wildernesses to ancient salt plains. From the moorlands in England, you can search for galaxies or counting shooting stars. Or, from the South Rim Grand Canyon, you can follow the Milky Way. Other events focus on the amazing craftsmanship and ingenuity of the instruments which allow us to peer further into the universe. No matter the location, the goal is always the same: a shared love of the night skies. To join in, all you really need is some warm blankets and a sense wonder.
The best star parties, astronomy festivals and star parties for 2026.
North York Moors Dark Skies Festival in England, United Kingdom
When: February 13 to march 1
This festival will be celebrating its 11th anniversary in 2026. It spans two International Dark Sky Reserves.the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North York Moors National ParkThe 2026 schedule is highlighted by the grand opening of “Dark Skies Station” observatory at the Danby Lodge National Park Centre. The highlight of the 2026 program is the opening of the Dark Skies Station observatory at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
Star Party; Rocha, Uruguay
When: Feb. 21
Set in the coastal wilderness of the Laguna Garzón protected area, this gathering blends high-end telescopes with music, local cuisine, and even a bit of yoga. In its fourth year, this festival is known for its unspoiled darkness, music, art and commitment to environmental protection and educational outreach.
Winter Star Party; Florida Keys, United States
When: From Feb. 16 to 22,
This long-running event is known for its stellar viewing opportunities in a tropical environment. Observers can spot celestial targets to the south from the sandy beaches of West Summerland Key. This is one of only a few places that allows you to combine serious deep-sky watching with a rustic camping experience.
Great Orion Dark Sky Festival; California, United States
When: From March 19 to 22,
This festival takes place during the annual “Messier Marathon”, a galaxy-hunting weekend, in California’s Panamint Valley. You can enjoy multiple nights of deep-space viewing with giant telescopes. You’ll have the opportunity to camp in a stunning desert landscape and attend professional lectures from The California Institute of Technology. There will also be workshops dedicated to improving your astrophotography.
Texas Star Party; Texas, United States
When: 10-17 May
The Texas Star Party, one of America’s oldest night sky festivals takes place at Prude Ranch located in the Davis Mountains. Here, amateurs and professionals can enjoy the best viewing conditions under truly dark skies. Serious observers will enjoy legendary challenges such as the “binoculars program from hell,” where participants are rewarded for correctly identifying difficult deep-sky items.
Grand Canyon Star Party Arizona, United States
When: 6-13 June
The free seven-day event gives travelers the opportunity to view the world through high-powered scopes that are perched on the edge of the mountain. one of the world’s seven natural wonders. There will not be a star party this year on the North Rim due to the Dragon Bravo Fire that occurred last summer. Instead, arrive early and enjoy the South Rim view, as well as guided insights on the stars from park rangers.
Queensland Astrofest – Queensland, Australia
When: From July 10 to 19,
This 10-day event is held in the Lions Camp Duckadang and offers a unique opportunity to view the Milky Way right at its peak. in the pristine Southern Hemisphere sky. The festival ends with the community banquet “Astrofeast”, and prestigious competitions in astrophotography.
Dalby Forest StarFest, England, United Kindom
When: August 13-17
The festival is held annually in the North York Moors (one of only 21 Dark Sky Reserves worldwide), and offers amateur astronomers in the UK an immersive 3-night camping experience. The festival includes star talks, an astronomy pub quiz and a competition for building bottle rockets. There are prizes available for all age groups.
Starfest 2026; Ontario, Canada
When: 13-16 August
Under rural skies, this annual gathering is considered Canada’s largest amateur astronomy event. The “back-to basics” camping theme allows participants to exchange setups and techniques. They can also participate in astrophotography, sky tours and workshops given by various astronomers.
Stellafane Convention; Vermont, United States
When: 13-16 August
The first convention, which was held in this “mecca” of amateur telescope makers, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. This year’s convention celebrates the night sky but the focus is on innovation and craftsmanship. There are clinics that cover everything from mirror-grinding to advanced telescope building.
Great Basin Astronomy Festival; Nevada, United States
When: 10-12 Sept.
The festival at Great Basin National Park, the only U.S. park with a research-grade observatory, offers deep-space science and art workshops. some of the nation’s most pristine dark skies. The 2026 celebration is elevated by the unveiling a $5.8-million state-of-the art lighting project within Lehman Caves Park’s historic caves. Travelers can combine celestial exploring above with tours through the newly illuminated subterranean cathedrals below.
