Stars over Katahdin

Stars Over Katahdin returns on Saturday, October 3, 2026, inviting stargazers, families, educators, and outdoor lovers to experience one of the darkest night skies east of the Mississippi River. Hosted by Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, this annual event takes place at Taylor’s Katahdin View Campground in Stacyville, Maine. The event celebrates the region’s extraordinary natural darkness — officially recognized as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary thanks to decades of local advocacy.

Starting in the late afternoon and continuing into the evening (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM), Stars Over Katahdin blends science, culture, and community under the night sky. The program begins with family activity tables, campfire chats, and singing with the Burnurwurbskek Singers. Solar viewing with telescopes and binoculars, where visitors can safely observe the sun with expert astronomers, will be available throughout the event. A National Park Service night sky presentation offers insights into how the night sky has shaped human history, how light pollution affects ecosystems, and why preserving dark skies matters.

Campfire chats with rangers and night sky enthusiasts provide a relaxed atmosphere to share stories, ask questions, and meet fellow stargazers as the sun sets.

As darkness deepens, the Night Sky Viewing session become more engaging. Attendees can explore celestial wonders through state-of-the-art telescopes guided by astronomy experts who help pinpoint planets, constellations, and deep-sky objects. Traditional intertribal songs performed by the Burnurwurbskek Singers add cultural depth and connection to the evening.

The event is free and family-friendly, though registration is required (details at friendsofkww.org/stars). Food trucks will offer snacks, dinner and dinner items, or visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic and camp chairs. Service animals are permitted, but pet dogs are not, given the focus on wildlife and natural soundscapes.

Stars Over Katahdin not only delivers breathtaking views of the Milky Way and celestial spheres but also fosters appreciation for dark-sky preservation, science education, and community connection in the heart of Maine’s vast north woods.

Schedule

4pm – Family activity tables
4:30pm – Campfire chats
6pm – Burnurwurbskek Singers
7pm – Guided stargazing

For the latest information: https://www.friendsofkww.org/stars/