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North Carolina Statewide Star Party

The 2026 North Carolina Science Festival features the Statewide Star Party as a signature initiative, supported by North Carolina Space Grant.

The Statewide Star Party will be held Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, 2026. This year’s theme is “Mission to the Moon.”

Star Party events offer opportunities for the public to observe the night sky and engage with hands-on astronomy activities. Star Party hosts are typically organizations such as state and local parks, planetariums, nature centers, and libraries. Most hosts work with local astronomers or astronomy clubs to support their event. We expect that most events will be held in the evening, but events held late enough in the afternoon would also be able to view the just past first quarter Moon.