From common astronomical occurrences to rare cosmic phenomena, join us to learn about our solar system and beyond.
Join SCI staff and volunteers to observe celestial objects, colorful double stars and star clusters, meteor showers and more through high-powered telescopes! Engage with stargazing guides to investigate the science of our solar system. Each event has a unique focus!
2023 Star Parties
- 5/6/2023: 9:00 AM–Noon @ SCI – Solar Party during the Farmers Market
- 5/26/2023: 3:00–8:30 PM – CelebrAsian 2023 Festival – Western Gateway Park
- 5/27/2023: 11:00 AM–8:30 PM – CelebrAsian 2023 Festival – Western Gateway Park
- 6/1/2023: 8:00–10:00 PM – Star Party @ SCI
- 6/9/2023: 6:00–9:30 PM – Pridefest – East Village
- 6/10/2023: Noon–9:30 PM – Pridefest – East Village
- 6/11/2023: Noon–5:00 PM – Pridefest – East Village
- 6/17/2023: Noon–8:00 PM – Juneteenth Neighbor's Day – Western Gateway Park
- 6/22/2023: 9:30–11:30 PM – Star Party @ SCI
- 7/7/2023: 4:30–9:30 PM – 80/35 Music Festival – Kid's Zone
- 7/8/2023: Noon–9:45 PM – 80/35 Music Festival – Kid's Zone
- 7/20/2023: 8:30–10:30 PM – Star Party @ SCI
- 8/12/2023: 6:00–11:00 PM – Perseid Meteor Shower Celebration – Ewing Park
- 9/23/2023: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM – Latino Heritage Festival – Western Gateway Park
- 9/24/2023: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM – Latino Heritage Festival – Western Gateway Park
- 10/14/2023: 9:30 AM–12:30 PM – Solar Eclipse @ SCI
- 11/3/2023: 7:00–10:00 PM – Drake Observatory – Waveland Golf Course
PLEASE NOTE: Star Parties are weather dependent and are subject to cancellation. Check the SCI website and Facebook for updates on the event.
Star Parties are offered through a partnership with Des Moines Parks & Recreation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact volunteer@sciowa.org.
This project/material is based upon work supported by the Iowa Space Grant Consortium under NASA Award No. 022407 -00406