East Coast Star Party
November 5–8, 2026 · Dark skies, field camping, food, telescopes and a community that has been doing this for decades.
ECSP Weather
Forecast for ECSP dates only. Full NWS forecast →
Welcome to ECSP
The East Coast Star Party was formerly hosted by BBAA member Kent Blackwell at Hampton Lodge Campground in Coinjock, North Carolina. When that campground was sold, BBAA members found a new home at Chippokes State Park in Surry, Virginia. The party still runs from Thursday through Sunday morning, with long nights on the observing field and the traditions that have grown around it.
Fall 2026 Schedule
Thursday, November 5
All-night observing · Observing field
Free coffee and hot dogs.
2:00 PM — Registration tent opens · Registration tent
Attendees begin arriving.
Friday, November 6
All-night observing · Observing field
Coffee and hot dogs.
4:30 PM–5:30 PM — Spaghetti dinner · Main Tent
6:00 PM–9:00 PM — Public observing night
If clouds or rain prevent observing, an astronomy presentation will be offered at the Chippokes conference center; check the registration tent for details.
Saturday, November 7
All-night observing · Observing field
Coffee and hot dogs.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM — Nearby: Tournament of the Castle Renn Faire · Bacon's Castle (465 Bacon’s Castle Trail, Surry, VA)
Bacon's Castle will be hosting a Renn Faire, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets must be bought in advance. Charge: Adults $22 | Military, Senior (60+), AAA $20 | Preservation Virginia Members & Students ages 12-18 $15 | Under age 12 Free
https://preservationvirginia.org/event/tournament-saturday/
11:00 AM–1:00 PM — Geological River Walk · River House Amphitheater
Join a world-renowned field geologist for a walk along the James River, discussing hidden details and revealing stories to read in the rock layers. The trek will meet at the new amphitheater in the field in front of the River House, just across the road from the Farm and Forestry Museum.
5:00 PM — Cookout and potluck · Main Tent
Hamburgers, hot dogs and sodas provided; attendees are welcome to add dishes.
5:30 PM — BBAA Club Meeting
6:30 PM — Raffle drawing
Saturday night after the cookout.
Sunday, November 8
10:00 AM–5:00 PM — Nearby: Tournament of the Castle Renn Faire · Bacon's Castle (465 Bacon’s Castle Trail, Surry, VA)
Bacon's Castle will be hosting a Renn Faire, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets must be bought in advance. Charge: Adults $22 | Military, Senior (60+), AAA $20 | Preservation Virginia Members & Students ages 12-18 $15 | Under age 12 Free
https://preservationvirginia.org/event/tournament-sunday/
11:00 AM — ECSP ends
Friday Public Star Party
Park visitors are invited to join BBAA and ECSP observers Friday evening. Look through telescopes, ask questions, and explore the night sky with experienced amateur astronomers. Check the schedule above for the current public-observing time.