Thank you for making 2025 Stars Over Katahdin the best one yet!
2026 Date TBD
September 27, 2025 | 4pm – 9pm
Taylor’s Katahdin View Campground
38 Swift Brook Road
Stacyville, ME
Stars Over Katahdin is the Katahdin Region’s annual celebration of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River. Following years of this event and local advocacy, the exceptionally dark skies above Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument were formally recognized as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Each year, Stars Over Katahdin brings people together for campfire chats, stories, and inspiration before turning our eyes upward to explore the cosmos through state-of-the-art telescopes.
4:00-4:30 PM National Park Service Night Sky Presentation
With a National Park Service Ranger, discover the secret lives of nocturnal animals, how people have looked to the night sky through history, and the surprising ways light pollution affects both wildlife and humans.
4:45-5:00 PM Model Rocket Launch
Kick off the evening with a model rocket launch that sends rockets soaring into the sky. Fun for all ages!
4:00-5:00 PM Solar Viewing
Safely view the sun and solar activity with expert astronomers.
5:00-5:30 PM “Penobscot Sense of Place” lecture by James Eric Francis Sr.
A presentation honoring the Penobscot Nation’s deep connection to place- hear history, stories, and perspectives from Penobscot historian James Eric Francis Sr.
5:30-6:00 PM Campfire Chats
Gather around the fire with National Park Service rangers, astronomers, and night sky enthusiasts for informal stories, conversations, and shared curiosity under fading light. Bring your own camp chair.
6:00-7:00 PM Burnurwurbskek Singers
Enjoy traditional northeast Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Mic Mac woodland songs that date back to time immemorial, as well as more contemporary, intertribal songs.
7:00-9:00 PM Night Sky Viewing
Experience the main event- guided stargazing through professional telescopes, led by astronomers who’ll help you spot constellations, planets, and the wonders above.
A food truck will be on site selling dinner, snacks, and drinks from 4:00–8:00 PM (cash only), or feel free to bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy.
*While service dogs are always welcome, we ask that guests leave pet dogs at home for this event.*
Nearby Camping & Lodging Options
Taylor’s Katahdin View Campground (please email Kala@friendsofkww.org for more information)
Katahdin Valley Motel (lodging options)
Stay up to date, Join our newsletter:
To learn more about stargazing at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, an IDA International Dark-Sky Sanctuary, visit the National Park Service stargazing page or check out our Dark Sky Guide. For more information about Stars Over Katahdin, email info@friendsofkww.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
Stars Over Katahdin
Thank you for making 2025 Stars Over Katahdin the best one yet!
2026 Date TBD
September 27, 2025 | 4pm – 9pm
Taylor’s Katahdin View Campground
38 Swift Brook Road
Stacyville, ME
Stars Over Katahdin is the Katahdin Region’s annual celebration of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River. Following years of this event and local advocacy, the exceptionally dark skies above Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument were formally recognized as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Each year, Stars Over Katahdin brings people together for campfire chats, stories, and inspiration before turning our eyes upward to explore the cosmos through state-of-the-art telescopes.
4:00-4:30 PM National Park Service Night Sky Presentation
With a National Park Service Ranger, discover the secret lives of nocturnal animals, how people have looked to the night sky through history, and the surprising ways light pollution affects both wildlife and humans.
4:45-5:00 PM Model Rocket Launch
Kick off the evening with a model rocket launch that sends rockets soaring into the sky. Fun for all ages!
4:00-5:00 PM Solar Viewing
Safely view the sun and solar activity with expert astronomers.
5:00-5:30 PM “Penobscot Sense of Place” lecture by James Eric Francis Sr.
A presentation honoring the Penobscot Nation’s deep connection to place- hear history, stories, and perspectives from Penobscot historian James Eric Francis Sr.
5:30-6:00 PM Campfire Chats
Gather around the fire with National Park Service rangers, astronomers, and night sky enthusiasts for informal stories, conversations, and shared curiosity under fading light. Bring your own camp chair.
6:00-7:00 PM Burnurwurbskek Singers
Enjoy traditional northeast Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet and Mic Mac woodland songs that date back to time immemorial, as well as more contemporary, intertribal songs.
7:00-9:00 PM Night Sky Viewing
Experience the main event- guided stargazing through professional telescopes, led by astronomers who’ll help you spot constellations, planets, and the wonders above.
A food truck will be on site selling dinner, snacks, and drinks from 4:00–8:00 PM (cash only), or feel free to bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy.
*While service dogs are always welcome, we ask that guests leave pet dogs at home for this event.*
Nearby Camping & Lodging Options
Stay up to date, Join our newsletter:
To learn more about stargazing at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, an IDA International Dark-Sky Sanctuary, visit the National Park Service stargazing page or check out our Dark Sky Guide. For more information about Stars Over Katahdin, email info@friendsofkww.org
Thank you to our sponsors!
become a sponsor! visit our sponsorship page to learn how.