How to Hold a Community Star Party - January 24, 2026

Workshop takes place Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10am - 11:30am PT / 1pm - 2:30pm ET. 

Early bird registration through December 31: $35 Regular Registration through January 24: $40

This workshop gives participants the skills to plan and run a successful community star party, focusing on education, accessibility, outreach, and strong event flow. Attendees learn how to choose a safe and welcoming site, build a simple observing plan, set up telescopes and essential gear, and communicate the night sky clearly to audiences of all ages using inclusive, jargon-free language. The session also covers accessibility practices, crowd management, troubleshooting common night-of issues, and effective promotion through local partners, libraries, parks, and astronomy clubs. Through short activities and a final one-minute showcase of each participant’s event plan, everyone leaves with practical Night Sky Network handouts and a ready-to-use blueprint for hosting an engaging, community-centered star party.

Registration: Early bird registration through December 31: $35 Regular Registration through January 24: $40

Attendance/Refund Policy

Live attendance is strongly encouraged and expected in order to get the most out of the interactive session. A recording will be available for those who cannot attend live or who would like to review the content. Full refund is available for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the start of the workshop. If you need to cancel please email learn@astrosociety.org.