Astrofest 2025
October 17 – 23, 2025.
Welcome to the Chiefland Astrofest at one of the best observing sites in the country, the Billy Dodd Memorial Field in the Chiefland Astronomy Village. If you have never attended a Chiefland Star Party, get ready for some of the finest observing and imaging in the USA. If you are a regular visitor to our place, welcome back. The Chiefland Astronomy Village’s great weather, dark skies, on-site facilities, and the line-up of great speakers all add to the unique Chiefland experience.
On top of that, Chiefland Astronomy Village has the distinction of being virtually insect free. Nights in October are generally clear and cool, with temperatures at night of 55˚ – 65˚ F and 70˚ – 80˚ F during the day.
The Chiefland Astronomy Village is located on the west coast of Florida, one hour west of Gainesville and two hours northwest of Orlando. It enjoys moderate temperatures and plenty of comfort. The observing field boasts a beautiful array of amenities. First and foremost, it is dark. The private five-acre field features showers, a clubhouse, restrooms, a picnic area, electricity, and more. The ground is flat, providing easy setup of equipment, tents, and RVs. It also offers 360 degrees of unblocked horizon.
Registration
Registration will open in May 2025.
Schedule
Sunset is around 6:40 pm, astronomical dusk ends at 8 pm, and twilight starts at 6:30 am.
Friday, October 17, 2025: Arrival Day, arrive before sunset at 6:54
- Registration from noon to 6 pm
- Noon: The field opens early for RV arrivals
- 2:00 pm: The field opens for all arrivals
- 6:00 pm – Midnight: Food truck with late-night snacks
Saturday, October 18, 2025
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Swap Meeting
- 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, Keynote Presentation
- 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm, Presentation
- 6:00 pm – Midnight: Food truck with late night snacks
Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Raffle prizes will be set-up in the pavilion on Sunday afternoon. Prize viewing and ticket deposit into the prize bins will be available afterwards.
- Raffle of Donated Prizes 3:00
- Dinner of burgers, brats, potato salad provided 5:00 – 6:00.
Monday, October 20, 2025
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
- 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
- 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Second swap meeting
Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Departure by noon
- If you plan to stay longer, make sure you have signed the waiver and paid the donation to support the Billy Dodd Observing Field.
SPONSORS & RAFFLE PRIZES
If you are a vendor and interested in sponsoring Astrofest, please email us at chieflandastro@gmail.com.
Speakers
We are currently contacting potential speakers for Astrofest 2025 and will announce them here when we hear back about their acceptance.
Raffle Prizes from our Sponsors
If you are interested in sponsoring Astrofest 2025 and providing a raffle prize, please contact us at chieflandastro@gmail.com.
Click here to read about Astrofest 2023 and Astrofest 2024 and see some of the pictures in our Gallery.