Astrofest 2026
November 5 – 11, 2026.
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 near 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 2026
Food Vendor
We hope to have our very popular food vendor since 2024 return and will post more information as we get closer to Astrofest.
Star Party Shirts
We will design new shirts for Astrofest 2026.
If you are interested in purchasings one of our shirts from Astrofest 2025, they are still available at: https://www.bonfire.com/chieflandastrofest2025/
Schedule
Sunset is around 6:40 pm, astronomical dusk ends at 8 pm, and twilight starts at 6:30 am.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: 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
Friday, November 6, 2026
- 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, Presentation
TBA - 4:00 pm – 4:50 pm, Presentation
TBA
Saturday, November 7, 2026
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, First Swap Meeting
- 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm, Keynote Presentation:
TBA - 4:00 pm – 4:20 pm, Presentation
Dr. Richard G. Hennig, Chiefland Astronomy Heritage Museum
“Project Alvan – Restoring the Vision of 1885.”
Sunday, November 8, 2026
- 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 1:00pm
- Dinner of burgers, brats, potato salad provided 5:00 – 6:00.
Monday, November 9, 2026
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Second Swap Meeting
- 3:00 – 3:50 pm, Presentation
TBA - 4:00 – 4:50 pm, Presentation
TBA
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Explore some of the Nature Coast Attractions with friends or on your own
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- 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.
Speakers
To be announced.
SPONSORS & RAFFLE PRIZESIf you are a vendor and interested in sponsoring Astrofest, please email us at chieflandastro@gmail.com.
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 2024, Astrofest 2025 and see some of the pictures in our Gallery.