Big Bear Stargazing
Take in the Night Sky Above Us!
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!
The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us. Ralph Waldo Emerson
Celestial Events & Fun
2025 New Moons - Best Stargazing Times!
When the Moon is located on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, it will not be visible in the night sky. This is known as New Moon and is the best time of the month to observe celestial objects like galaxies and star clusters because there is no moonlight to interfere. Sourced from SeaSky.org
Sept 21
Oct 21
Nov 20
Dec 19
Stargazing Must-Sees
Mark these fascinating astronomical events on your calendars and enjoy some time outdoors under the beautiful Big Bear night sky! Sourced from SeaSky.org
Total Lunar Eclipse
Sept 7-8, 2025
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.
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
SkyFest Big Bear
This event has concluded, join us for SkyFest Big Bear 2026!
SkyFest Big Bear takes you into space August 22 & 23, 2025!
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
Sidewalk Astronomy
On select dates, the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society sets up telescopes on the sidewalk in front of Barrel 33 in The Village for a FREE public stargaze meet and greet. Located at 40754 Village Dr.
Disclaimer: Events are weather permitting. Check here for cancellations.
2025 Dates:
- July 5 from 8 PM - 10 PM - In the Village
- August 2 from 8 PM - 10 PM - In the Village
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:
- June 21 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
- July 26 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
- August 23 from 8:30 PM - 11 PM
Perseid Star Party - Aug 9
Happening: August 9, 8:30 PM – 11 PM at Ski Beach Park located at 41216 Park Ave.
The Perseid Star Party hosted by Big Bear Astronomical Society celebrates the annual Perseid Meteor Shower with multiple telescopes for viewing planets, stars, and celestial phenomena. The public is invited and it's FREE to attend and enjoy - bring your family and friends, jackets, blankets and a chairs.
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.