Join Us at the Festival of Stars 2025: A Weekend Under the Darkest Skies

We’re thrilled to share that Telescopes Canada will be attending the 4th Annual Festival of Stars this September! 🌌✨

If you’ve been waiting for a chance to experience truly dark skies and connect with the astronomy community, this is the event you don’t want to miss. Hosted by the North Frontenac Amateur Astronomy Club, the Festival of Stars is set against the pristine night skies of North Frontenac Astronomy Park, one of Canada’s designated Dark Sky Preserves.

📍 Location: North Frontenac Astronomy Park, 5816 Road 506, Plevna, ON K0H 2M0

📅 Dates: Friday, September 19 – Sunday, September 21, 2025

Why You Should Attend:

The Festival of Stars is more than a star party — it’s a celebration of astronomy for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned astrophotographers. Over the weekend, you’ll enjoy:

• Inspiring presentations from leading voices in astronomy and astrophotography
• Guided laser tours of the night sky
• Telescope workshops and hands-on observing sessions
• Opportunities to meet fellow skywatchers under some of the darkest skies in Canada
• Family-friendly activities, including a swap table and the always-popular pancake breakfast 🥞🔭

Whether you’re bringing your first pair of binoculars or your high-end imaging rig, there’s something here for you.

Featured Guest Speakers:

🌟 Friday Evening (7:30–8:30 PM): Kerry-Ann Lecky-Hepburn

One of Canada’s most recognized astrophotographers, Kerry-Ann will share her expertise on nightscape and deep-sky photography. She’ll also be leading a special off-site Milky Way landscape photography session, giving you a chance to learn from the best under perfect skies.

🌟 Saturday Evening (7:30–8:30 PM): Prof. Paul Mortfield

Astronomy professor at Seneca Polytechnic and former NASA mission contributor, Paul will present “Are Potential Discoveries Hiding in Your Images?”. His talk will show how amateur astrophotographers may already be capturing new astronomical discoveries without realizing it.

Activities & Highlights:

Here’s what you can look forward to throughout the weekend:

• Friday & Saturday Evenings After Dusk: Laser Guided Night Sky Tours with Gary Colwell 🌠
• Saturday Morning (10:00 AM): Image Processing Workshop with Stephen Tate
• Saturday Morning (8:00–11:00 AM): Pancake Breakfast (sausage & pancakes included!) 🥞
• Saturday Afternoon (1:00–2:00 PM): Astronomy Swap Table — buy, sell, and trade gear
• Saturday at 11:00 AM: Public Astronomy with Marc Fitkin from the Bronte Astronomers
• Hands-on Telescope Workshops running throughout the festival
• Access to the Fred Lossing 16” telescope and 14” Goto Dobsonian telescope for stunning deep-sky views

Telescopes Canada at Festival of Stars 

🚀:We’re excited to be a featured vendor for the weekend! Here’s what you can expect at our booth:

• A wide selection of gear and accessories available for purchase on-site
• Exclusive Festival of Stars discounts 💸
• Live product demos and expert advice from our team
• The option to pick up your order at the festival — save on shipping and get your gear faster
• Friendly support and guidance, whether you’re buying your very first telescope or upgrading your setup

This is one of our favourite parts of the event — connecting face-to-face with Canada’s astronomy community, answering your questions, and helping you get the most out of your stargazing experience.

Practical Information:

🔹 Admission: Free

🔹 Camping: Limited tent camping available on-site (book early via registration) – suggested donation of $20

🔹 Facilities: Washrooms on site; hydro available for charging batteries

🔹 Rules: No alcohol, no campfires, headlights must be covered with red cellophane if leaving before midnight, and wristbands required for those with equipment on-site

🔹 Registration: Register here (FREE via Eventbrite)Important: All participants must vacate the property by 11:00 AM on Sunday, September 21.

Festival of Stars Quick Overview:

• Location: North Frontenac Astronomy Park, 5816 Road 506, Plevna, ON K0H 2M0
• Dates: September 19–21, 2025
• Activities: Guest talks, workshops, night sky tours, telescope demos, public astronomy, swap table, pancake breakfast, and more
• Special Offers: Exclusive Telescopes Canada discounts + order pickups available
• Audience: All ages and skill levels welcome — bring the whole family!
• More Info: Visit the North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve Facebook Page

Final Thoughts:

The Festival of Stars 2025 promises to be an unforgettable weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration under some of Canada’s darkest skies. Whether you’re just starting your astronomy journey or you’ve been observing for decades, this event has something for you.

Stop by the Telescopes Canada booth to say hello, check out the latest gear, and take advantage of our special Festival of Stars offers. We can’t wait to see you there! 🌠🔭

👉 Register for free today and mark your calendars for September 19–21, 2025.Clear skies