Past events: 2025
While member clubs run their own events, one NCRAL member club runs the annual NCRAL Convention. Clubs petition the NCRAL and volunteer to host the regional convention for the benefit of everyone. If an NCRAL member organization has an event which is open to all NCRAL members, and they would like to have it listed, you can send your request to the webmaster.
Unique opportunities for observing and fellowship abound — take advantage of all the events that our member clubs have to offer!
| Date | Event |
| May 15-17 | NCRAL 2026, Cedar Rapids, IA |
| June 11-14 | W O W 2026, WI |
| September 9-14 | Northern Nights Star Fest, MN |
| September 11-13 | NORTHWOODS STARFEST, WI |
| October 8-10 | Illinois Dark Skies Star Party, IL |
| October 8-11 | The 2026 Iowa Star Party, IA |
NCRAL 2026
May 15-17, 2026
Cedar Rapids, IA
“Mission Possible” – Eastern Iowa Cosmic Conference by CAA – ncral2026.org
WOW – Wisconsin Observers Weekend
June 11th – 14th
Register at https://new-star.org/wow/
Option to preorder T-Shirts
Northern Nights Star Fest
will be held at long Lake Conservation Center September 9-14, 2026.
The LLCC Committee is working hard to put together a great event.
Register now: https://longlakecc.campbrainregistration.com/
Additional details of NNSF can be found on the Northern Nights Star Fest event page.
NORTHWOODS STARFEST 2026
Hobbs Observatory
Beaver Creek Reserve
Fall Creek, Wisconsin
September 11-13, 2026
Sponsored by the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society (CVAS).
registration open 6/1/26
More info https://www.cvastro.org/northwoods-starfest/nwsf-information/
Illinois Dark Skies Star Party
Hosted by the Sangamon Astronomical Society
Oct. 8, 9, 10, 2026
Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area
We hope you can join us this year for the Illinois Dark Skies Star Party.
Again, the event will be held at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area, 25 miles Northwest of Springfield, Illinois.
Details are being finalized.
The group campgrounds at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area are the host location. There is plenty of room, so we encourage club attendance. Covered pavilions on site means comfortable seating for meals and talks.
There is also an adjacent family campground should you wish to stay there and walk or drive over to the start party site.
To familiarize yourself with the site, check out the maps at our club website: http://sas-sky.org/maps/
The 2026 Iowa Star Party
will take place at the Whiterock Conservancy Starfield from October 8 to 11. Registration is scheduled to open on April 20 at https://www.iowastarparty.com/
NCRAL Online 
