Heritage StarFest

Heritage StarFest 2025

Started in 2010, this annual festival celebrates the amazing night skies of Capitol Reef and surrounding Wayne County. Come learn more about astronomy, our connection to the night sky, and how darkness is important to the health of all living things.

Hosted by Capitol Reef National Park and the Entrada Institute, this year's event will take place on September 19th and 20th. Astrophotography workshops are scheduled for the following week -- September 25-27 -- see details at bottom of page.

Activities and events are free and will take place both in the park and in the nearby town of Torrey, 11 miles west of the visitor center.

 

Tyler Nordgren

Friday, September 19, 2025

Programs will take place in Capitol Reef National Park.
Schedule will be posted later in the year, but will include:

Special Speakers and Activities
Activities and talks during the day and a special evening program at the Fruita Campground Amphitheater.

Telescope Program
After dark at the Fruita Campground amphitheater parking lot. Join park rangers and volunteers, and guest amateur astronomers as the Milky Way and other celestial wonders are brought to your eye with various telescopes.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

Events will take place at the Torrey Park (100 N. 75 East in Torrey, UT) and at the Entrada Institute's Robber's Roost (185 W. Main St. in Torrey, UT).
Schedule will be posted later in the year, but will include:

Special Speakers and Presentations
Afternoon and early evening at the Robber's Roost in Torrey, schedule still in progress.

Solar Viewing and Junior Astronomy Programming
During the afternoon at the Torrey Park. Join park staff and volunteers, and guest amateur astronomers to safely view our closest star with solar telescopes and participate in fun, child-focused astronomy activities.

Torrey Park Telescope Program
After dark at the Torrey Park. Join park staff and volunteers, community partners and guest amateur astronomers to view the Milky Way and other celestial wonders through many different telescopes.

 

Park staff at Heritage StarFest 2023

NPS / Jeff Zylland

Volunteering for Heritage StarFest

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please email the park's volunteer office. Join in the fun with your personal telescope or provide assistance with events.

 

Astrophotography can reveal the celestial wonders of the Milky Way.

Don Riddle

Beginner Astrophotography Workshops:

September 25-27, 2025

Capitol Reef National Park is hosting free Beginner Astrophotography Workshops with nationally known astrophotographer, Don Riddle, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, September 25-27, 2025.

Each night is a stand-alone workshop on how to successfully take photos of the Milky Way. The workshops begin at 7:00 pm, allowing time to get familiar with your camera settings while there is still sunlight. The evening finishes around 11:00 pm. Locations and maps will be provided upon registration. An optional drop-in session will be held the following morning to learn tips for editing your photos.

Required Equipment for All Participants:

• Camera with ISO up to 6400 available (DSLR or mirrorless, please)
• Wide angle lens 50mm or less (stock lenses are okay, f-stop lower than 3.2 is preferred)
• Sturdy tripod
• Red light headlamp
• Extra memory card
• Thumb drive

Recommended Equipment for All Participants:

• Remote shutter
• Extra batteries
• Warm clothes – it gets cool in Utah at night!
• Water and snacks
• Camp chair – there is no seating available at the workshop location

Registration is Required

The workshops are free, but registration is required, and each night's workshop is limited to 15 participants. Registration is open and you may register by emailing e-mail us or by calling 435-425-4112. If no answer, please leave a voice message. In your email or voice message, please include your name, phone number, email address and how many people you would like to sign up. A ranger will contact you to confirm your registration.