Big Bear Stargazing

Take in the night sky sky above and connect with our local astronomers.

Big Bear Lake sits in an ideal location for stargazing and night sky photography. Away from the bright, big city lights and at its high altitude, the night skies over the Big Bear valley stay dark enough to view constellations, meteor showers, and even the Milky Way!

However, the beautiful night sky is what we make it. Help us conserve our dark skies by turning off unneeded lights and limiting landscape lighting when the sun goes down. Not only will you make the night sky better, you'll be conserving energy as well!

Be Night Sky Wise

The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Celestial Events & Fun

2026 New Moons - Best Stargazing Times!

When the Moon and Sun sit on the same side of the Earth, the Moon is not visible in the night sky. This is known as New Moon and is the best time to enjoy stargazing. Sourced from TheSkyLive.com

April 17

May 16

June 15

July 14

August 12 - Plus Solar Eclipse!

September 11

October 10

November 9

December 9

SkyFest Big Bear

Join us for SkyFest Big Bear 2026!

SkyFest Big Bear takes you into space August 14, 15 & 16!

With a host of events focused on bringing the stars, the wilderness and the effects of light pollution to the forefront, SkyFest invites everyone to explore the beautiful night sky above us.

Learn more and see a complete schedule HERE.

Sidewalk Astronomy

Join the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society in The Village in front of Barrel 33 for FREE telescope stargazing. Disclaimer - Events are weather permitting, Check here for cancellations.

Location: 40754 Village Dr.

2026 Dates & Times:

April 25; 7 PM - 9 PM
May 25; 7 PM - 9 PM
June 21; 7 PM - 9 PM
July 19; 7 PM - 9 PM
August 16; 7 PM - 9 PM
September 19; 7 PM - 9 PM
October 18; 7 PM - 9 PM
November 15; 5 PM - 8 PM
December 19; 5 PM - 8 PM

Star Parties - Everyone's Invited!

Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society will be setting up telescopes at one of their favorite dark sky sites - The High Chaparal. The public is welcome to join and mingle under the stars and look through the telescopes, or bring your own! Binoculars also work well.

Address: 76C5+F3V Baldwin Lake. This venue is a dirt cul-de-sac and not designed for large groups, we ask all attendees to be respectful and quiet in this area. Map this location

Disclosure: This event is weather permitting.

2025 Dates:

July 11 from 8 PM - 10 PM
August 8 from 8 PM - 10 PM
September from 8 PM - 10 PM
October 10 from 8 PM - 10 PM

Hike Under the Stars

Hike and stargaze with Big Bear Hiking Adventures! Experience the magic of the forest after dark on this peaceful guided night hike through the scenic Woodland Trail. As the stars begin to appear above the pines, we’ll enjoy a calm evening walk beneath towering trees, listen to the sounds of the forest at night, and take in the quiet beauty of Big Bear under the stars.

Hike Details:
Location: Woodland Trail, 41948 N Shore Dr
Time: 8 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $30 per person
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles

2026 Stargazing Must-Sees

Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky!

Meteor Showers:

April 22: Peak Lyrid meteor shower viewing

May 6: Peak Eta Aquarid meteor shower viewing

August 13: Peak Perseids meteor shower viewing

October 21: Peak Orionid meteor shower viewing

November 17: Peak Leonid meteor shower viewing

December 14: Peak Geminid meteor shower viewing

Eclipses

August 12: Total Solar Eclipse

August 28: Partial Lunar Eclipse

Big Bear Solar Observatory Tours

Tour the Big Bear Solar Observatory! Reservations are required, please call 909-866-5791 x210 or email norro@njit.edu or use the link below. Tours are FREE but donations are welcome.

Book with Online Form

Astronomical Society Monthly Meetings

The Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 6 PM via Zoom. The public is welcome to join us, chime in or just listen.

Find Zoom link for the next upcoming meeting >>> HERE

Big Bear Stargazing 101

Find a location away from bright lights with a wide view of the sky.
It will take your eyes about 10-15 minutes to adapt to the dark. Use a red flashlight to keep your dark adaption intact.
If you are new to stargazing, use a pair of binoculars. Many celestial objects are visible with binoculars, including the moon and planets.
Download a stargazing app to help you navigate the sky above.

Start your star search with The Sky Live.