Calendar

FREE EVENT

Location: Carolina Beach State Park, 1010 State Park Road 

Join Cape Fear Museum, Carolina Beach State Park, Cape Fear Astronomical Society and many other community partners for a fun-filled evening of stargazing and astronomy-themed activities! Celebrating the Night Sky is this year’s Star Party theme. Be part of an event that is happening statewide and bring a flashlight! 

At this FREE event, visitors can:

• Go on a guided night-sky tour of the stars and planets.
• Get up-close views of the stars, planets and more using binoculars and telescopes.
• Cuddle up with loved ones and listen to star-themed stories at the Stellar Story Corner.
• Visit fun, hands-on activity stations to learn about (and celebrate!) the universe.
• Hear stargazing tips from the experts.
• Pose for an “out-of-this-world” picture with our giant glowing moon.
• Grab some giveaways and free event swag.
• Purchase and enjoy food & drink from several food trucks.
• And so much more!

Star Party community partners include:

• Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
• Cape Fear Museum Associates
• Carolina Beach State Park
• Friends of Pleasure Island State Parks
• Cape Fear Astronomical Society
• GLOW Academy
• Chick-fil-A Monkey Junction
• New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office—VIPR and Explorer Groups
• Town of Carolina Beach
• National Weather Service—Wilmington Office
• New Hanover County Public Library
• UNCW—Department of Environmental Sciences
• UNCW—Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography
• UNCW—Centro Hispano Embajadores
• New Hanover County Senior Resource Center
• Party Suppliers and Rentals, Inc.
• Corning

The eleventh annual Statewide Star Party is made possible with the support of NC Space Grant and the NC Science Festival. Participating organizations and institutions across the state will host sky-watching parties to help people discover the wonders of their night skies.

Parking

Event parking is at the marina, located at the back of the park. Parking is managed by New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and volunteers. Complimentary shuttle service is generously provided by GLOW Academy of Wilmington.  Handicap transportation via golf cart is available upon request.

Weather

Star Party will happen rain or shine. However, some activities are weather dependent. In the event of cloudy/overcast skies, telescope viewings and guided night-sky tours will be cancelled. In the event of rain, all outdoor activity stations will be cancelled and only those inside the park’s visitor center will remain, however, space and parking will be limited. Check this website for weather and event updates right up until the event begins.

Event Map

Use this link for a larger, printable version of the map.