Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival Returns Sept. 10-12 With Star Parties, Photography Workshops and More

COOS BAY, Ore. - Stargazers will have three nights to explore the skies along the southern Oregon coast when the Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns Sept. 10-12.

The annual event will take place throughout Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay, with activities ranging from solar viewing and guided hikes to night-sky photography workshops, evening programs and telescope star parties.

The festival has grown in popularity over the years, according to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department officials, with much of the activity centered around Sunset Bay and Shore Acres.

“The astronomy festival takes place around the Sunset Bay management unit, with most activities centered at Sunset Bay and Shore Acres, and the event has grown in popularity over the years,” Park Manager Lee Ricci said. “It’s a fun way to experience the park at night and enjoy stargazing along the coast.”

Ricci said this year’s festival will include a team of volunteers and a number of telescopes for visitors to use during the evening star parties.

Activities begin Thursday, Sept. 10, with solar viewing at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Bay Campground Interpretive Center. A Night Sky Photography Workshop will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the “How We Find Our Way in the Dark” program at 7:30 p.m. at Shore Acres Garden. The first star party begins at 8 p.m.

Registration is required for the photography workshop. Those interested can email Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.

The complete Thursday schedule is available online.

Friday’s schedule begins with solar viewing at 2 p.m. at the Sunset Bay Interpretive Center. A guided hike titled “Earth: An Ocean Planet” begins at 4 p.m. at the Shore Acres Observation Building.

Another Night Sky Photography Workshop will be offered from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with registration required by emailing Lee.Ricci@oprd.oregon.gov. An “Imagining Other Worlds” evening program begins at 7:30 p.m. at Shore Acres Garden, followed by a star party at 8 p.m.

The complete Friday schedule is available here.

Saturday’s activities include solar viewing with a special telescope at 2 p.m. at the Shore Acres Observation Building. At 4 p.m., visitors can attend “How to Talk to Aliens - Even if You’re Shy,” also at the observation building.

The festival wraps up Saturday evening with “Exploring the Universe” at 7:30 p.m. at Shore Acres Garden and the final telescope star party beginning at 8 p.m.

The complete Saturday schedule is available online.

A $10 parking permit per vehicle is required for parking lots throughout the Sunset Bay Management Unit, including the Sunset Bay and Shore Acres day-use areas.

Because many of the festival’s activities take place outdoors, events are weather dependent.

More information about Oregon State Parks is available through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.