Crystal Coast Star Party

Mark your calendars for the annual Crystal Coast Star Party! Come join us on the Crystal Coast as we celebrate International Dark Sky Week. Crystal Coast Stargazers, Cape Lookout National Seashore and Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center are co-hosting this exciting event.

From starlight cruises and NASA speakers to activities for kids and the beautiful dark skies of Cape Lookout National Seashore, there’s something for everyone. 

2026 schedule

April 17

Starlight Cruise
When: 7:30 pm
Where: Island Express Ferry Dock
Join the fun as Ranger Sabrina Godin provides a laser tour of the night sky.

Public Stargazing
When: 8:30 pm
Where: Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Visitor Center
Enjoy an evening of stargazing using amateur astronomers’ telescopes, available for guests until ferry boats return. Astrophotographers are behind the Visitors Center.

April 18

Kid-friendly Astronomy Activities
When: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Core Sound Waterfowl Museum and Heritage Center Education Hall
Bring your kids to enjoy age-appropriate NCScifest Astronomy Activities.

Solar Observing
When: 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Where: Cape Lookout Visitor Center Grounds & Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Grounds.

Sarah Elizabeth McCandless
When: 4:00 pm-5:30 pm
Where: Core Sound Waterfowl Museum Education Hall
NASA JPL Interplanetary Navigation Engineer Sarah Elizabeth McCandless explores an icy world with Europa Clipper.

Starlight Cruise
When: 7:30 pm
Where: Island Express Ferry Dock at Cape Lookout Visitor Center
Ranger Sabrina Godin is providing a laser tour of the night sky.

Public Stargazing
When: 8:30 pm
Where: Cape Lookout National Seashore’s Visitor Center
Amateur astronomers’ telescopes are available for guests to stargaze until ferry boats return. The astrophotographers’ area is behind the Visitors Center.

Event dates and information are subject to change without notice. Please visit the official event website for more information.