Stargazing: A Dark Sky Party at Paynes Prairie

Stargazing 2017

Registration closes Friday, February 3rd.

Join us for an evening of stargazing at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.  Telescopes and sky-viewing expertise will be provided by the Alachua Astronomy Club.  Enjoy  telescope viewing over open pastures, and the warmth of an evening campfire with the whole family.  Food trucks will be available to purchase food or beverages.  This is a family-friendly event for all ages.  NO PETS are permitted.    

Seating is limited, but you are welcome to bring your own chairs.  Proceeds from this event directly support Friends of Paynes Prairie and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.  While you're there, please take a moment to thank Alachua Astronomy Club volunteers - we couldn't host this event without them!   

February 4, 2017

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Gates open for public parking at 5:30 pm

Limited to 750

Location: 9300 CR 234, Micanopy, FL 32667   

Cost: $10 Per Person     

• Free Entry for Active Friends of Paynes Prairie (FOPP) Members.  Membership prices range from $15 for a student to $50 for a family.  See our Join page for the full range of options.  

• Free Entry for children 0-6 years of age, and current campers from the Paynes Prairie campground (bring your camper card).

• FOPP Members: We look forward to seeing you at this event.  Please note that participation in this event will be limited this year.  There is no cost for you to participate, but please make an online reservation to secure your ticket while online reservations are still available (select the FOPP Member registration type for free ticket).     

To improve your sky-viewing experience, this event is limited to 750 reservations.  STAR PASSES/Tickets will be available online until sold, beginning January 18th.  All reservations must be fully paid.  Any reservations that remain unpaid will be cancelled and become available online for others, first come-first served.  Children under 6 attend for free with an adult who has a reservation or is currently camping.  Campers do not require a reservation, but will need their current camper card for admission.  This event will be closed to participants who do not have paid tickets, except for current campers.  No payments will be accepted at the event entrance. 

This is a weather-dependent event.  The decision to "GO" or "NO GO" will be made at 12:00 PM / NOON on the day of the event.  If cancelled, it will be posted on this website and our Facebook page ASAP after the decision is made. 

Tickets are non-refundable.  In the event of cancellation, the value of the tickets can be applied to future Friends of Paynes Prairie activities or membership.

Photography for Park Staff and Friends of Paynes Prairie purposes will be taken during this event.