Description

Plan to attend the October 2026 Highland County Star Party on Friday, October 9th. The “rain date” is Saturday, October 10th. The public is invited, at no charge, to celebrate Highland County’s unique dark sky resource

The event will be held at Hayfields State Park at 524 Hayfields Lane, McDowell, approximately 7 miles south of Rt. 250 on Bullpasture River Road. 

A number of knowledgeable amateur astronomers will be on hand with their telescopes to give attendees a chance to see celestial objects visible in our dark skies. Bring your own telescopes and binoculars too. Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a lawn chair. If you have a red flashlight, bring it; white flashlights are discouraged because they ruin night vision. Red glow sticks will be provided. Plan to arrive after sundown, but before 7:30 P.M. so you can get oriented to the layout before darkness. Carpool if you can as parking at the site is limited

If the weather is not cooperative, a postponement or cancellation will be announced on the event day by 12:00 P.M. on WVLS FM (87.9), the Highland County Stargazer Facebook page, the Highland County Chamber of Commerce website, and the Recorder Facebook page.

You may direct any questions to Michael Bedwell at 468-2316 or mbedwell6@gmail.com. Clear Skies!