Event

The public is invited to look in our telescopes and observe the sky. We’ll show such objects as planets, the moon (if it’s up), galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and more.

Festivities will take place at the Pedernales Falls Star Theater, adjacent to the Equestrian Area and bird blind.

Reservations are required. Please follow this link for reservations: Register Pedernales Falls February 21 . NOTE: this link does not becomes active until two weeks before the event. There is no charge for the star party itself, but visitors must pay the park entry fee of $6 for ages 13 and up, with children 12 and under free.

A flashlight with a red bulb is good to bring, but we have red cellophane we can use to cover a white light. There is no water at the Star Theater; there is a portable toilet. Please don’t bring a dog, unless it is a service animal; we prefer not to have dogs around the telescopes in the dark. Smoking is not permitted in the area of the telescopes because the smoke can damage optical equipment. Public consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in state parks.

If the weather on a scheduled star party day seems questionable for viewing, you can check the AAS website (www.austinastro.org) or call the state park office.

If you have questions, email outreach@austinastro.org

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Time: 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Central

Location: Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636

Information for Visitors

Location Details

Event Report

Comments and anecdotes about the event:
This was one of those typical brisk February events…warm to begin with but the temperature dropping rapidly after sundown. The weather was clear, chilly, and windy. The approximately 100 guests were very polite and listened to the presentation but once it was over most did a quick tour of the telescopes and then left. We saw the Crescent moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, M42, B33, M31, M33, and NGC 869. The event was pretty much over by 8:45 p.m. There were 18 volunteers with 15 scopes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 6/20/2026
8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Central
Star Party at Inks Lake State Park Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Road 4 W
Burnet, TX
Sat 6/27/2026
- Sat 6/27/2026
8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Central
Public Star Party at Bob Bryant Park, Bastrop, TX Bob Bryant Park
600 Charles Blvd.
Bastrop, TX
Sat 7/25/2026
8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Central
Star Party at Pedernales Falls State Park Pedernales Falls State Park
2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX
Sat 8/1/2026
8:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Central
Star Party at Inks Lake State Park Inks Lake State Park
3630 Park Road 4 W
Burnet, TX