Join us for our traditional public star party with presentations in our classroom and our three telescopes open for viewing, in addition to smaller scopes set up outside!
You MUST have a ticket to attend this event. Attendance is limited and, while remaining tickets will be sold at the door, they will be subject to availability. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and cannot be used for future events. Overcast skies do not cancel the event. In the event of poor visibility, guests are treated to an educational experience, learning the differences between telescopes and how they work, and presentations will be given throughout the evening. Unless you are notified otherwise by email, the event is not cancelled. Also, you must purchase a Sugarloaf Ridge State Park parking pass to attend this event, which can be purchased here with your tickets (unless you have an annual Sugarloaf parking pass, or a state parking pass. Please note that the Sonoma County regional park pass does not apply for this state park.)
White light from flashlights, cell phones, head lamps, etc. are not permitted at the event, as they ruin the night vision for all guests. Red light is permitted and we offer small red flashlights for sale (see the bottom of the ticket types when ordering star party tickets), in the event that you would like to add one to your purchase to help you navigate in the dark. If purchasing a red light flashlight, we will have them available to you upon check-in at the parking area.
Please note, members can attend this event for free. If you'd like to become a member, please fill out a member application form and you will be sent a promotional code to use when purchasing tickets. Be advised that parking passes for Sugarloaf Ridge State Park are still required, and can also be purchased through this order form. Sugarloaf annual parking passes can also be purchased here: https://sugarloafpark.org/support/.
Cost is $15.00 per adult, $10 for students and seniors 62+, $5 for youth 6-12, and children 5 and under are FREE. (Note: while children tickets are free, they are still required.)
(Plus State Park Parking Fee $10.00 per vehicle, or $8.00 for seniors and students)
Dogs are not allowed inside the observatory or at public star parties.
We are pleased to be a part of the nationwide Museums for All initiative, which provides access to museums and related venues to low-income individuals and families. EBT card holders can present their EBT cards at check-in to receive up to 4 free passes to a public star party. Parking at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park will also be waived to EBT card holders for the duration of the public star party. Please use the parking pass option for EBT-card holders at check-out.
When to arrive: Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time within the three hour period of the star party. We suggest families with children arrive close to the start time, and others arrive an hour or so later to minimize wait times at the telescopes. It is recommended to arrive no later than two hours after the start time. Please note that we are testing out having split times for two of the events this year - on April 6 and October 12. On these dates please note that we will have two different start times to help minimize crowding.
RFO is operated by the Valley of the Moon Observatory Association, a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization, and all of the proceeds will go towards maintaining this beloved Sonoma county institution.
If there are additional questions, please email info@rfo.org. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at future events.
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