The Almaguin Summer Star Party is Set to Shine
This August the stars will come out to play in the Almaguin Highlands with a two-night special event. Look to the heavens with the help of skilled astronomers to see faraway galaxies, shooting stars and the planets and wonders of our solar system.
Local businesses and accommodation providers have come together to offer the ultimate star gazing experience with themed food and drink offerings for participants and discounts at a host of places to stay to make a memorable night turn into unforgettable days.
“Society has lost the intimacy with the night sky. We aim to reconnect with the vastness and beauty of the universe. In re-discovering it together we reawake as humans reminding us of how small we are, yet how connected we’ve always been to the stars and the stories they hold.”
– Stephane Picard, CEO/Owner
Cliff Valley Astronomy
Cliff Valley Astronomy
At our astronomy star party, guests can expect an unforgettable journey through the night sky guided by knowledgeable astronomers from Cliff Valley Astronomy and the North Bay Astronomy Club. Using smart telescopes, you’ll get stunning live views of distant galaxies, glowing nebulae, and colourful star clusters right on a screen—bringing deep space within reach. With optical telescopes, enjoy crisp, detailed views of the Moon’s craters and Saturn’s rings. For those who prefer to stargaze naturally, the naked eye reveals constellations, shooting stars, and satellites passing silently overhead.
Mid-August 2025 is a perfect time to gather under the stars. The famous Perseid meteor shower will peak, sending dozens of meteors streaking across the sky every hour. Saturn will be beautifully visible, and the Milky Way’s glowing arc will stretch across the sky on clear nights. Whether through a telescope or just your eyes, it’s a spectacular, shared experience that brings the universe a little closer.
Night One – August 11, 2025
Tom Thomson Park South River
Start Time: 7:30pm – The Banger food truck will be on on site, included with ticket purchase
7:30 – 8:30pm – Disc Golf Demonstration and group participation. Enjoy food and other displays from local businesses.
8:30 – 9pm – Introductory presentations from Cliff Valley Astronomy and North Bay Astronomy Club
9pm – Educational opportunity for star gazing with telescopes provided
Tickets are $10/pp. To purchase tickets to night one’s event CLICK HERE.
Night Two – August 12, 2025
Screaming Heads Burk’s Falls
Start Time: 6:00pm – The Banger food truck will be available on site, included with ticket purchase
6:00pm – 8:15pm – Enjoy live music by Sean Cotton, explore the grounds of Screaming Heads. Bonfire on site. Screaming Heads Artisan Shops will be open and available (please bring cash, as the internet is not available at this location for card purchases).
8:15 – 8:45pm – Introductory presentations from Cliff Valley Astronomy and North Bay Astronomy Club
8:45pm – Educational opportunity for star gazing with telescopes provided
Tickets are $10/pp. To purchase tickets to night two’s event CLICK HERE.
Notes for Attendees
Dress Warmly – Even summer nights can get cool. Layers, hats, and gloves are a good idea
Avoid Bright Lights – Flashlights and phone screens ruin night vision. A flashlight can be used as a safety precaution to navigate into and out of the event, but otherwise, use red lights if needed.
Bring a Blanket or Chair – Comfortable seating or lying down makes for better sky watching
Bug Protection – In some locations, bug spray or long sleeves can be helpful
Check the Weather – Stargazing is weather-dependent; clear skies make for the best experience
Be Patient – Your eyes need about 20 minutes or longer to fully adjust to the dark
Ask Questions – Astronomers love sharing – don’t hesitate to engage and learn
Respect the Space – Keep noise low and follow any event guidelines to ensure everyone enjoys the experience
Stay Curious – The sky changes with time; each visit reveals something new
Explore Almaguin
Before attending your evening event, consider an extended stay with a road trip through the Almaguin Highlands. A number of local businesses are participating with special discounts (on products, services, and accommodations too!), themed menu items, gift bags and more for event attendees – just show your proof of ticket purchase. For a complete list of participating businesses, read on below.
89 Main
89 Main St, Sundridge
Event themed merchandise
Algonquin Fitness & Massage Therapy Centre
32 Marie St, South River
Star Gazer Upper Body Massage
Brennan’s Hill Cabins and Camping
281 Brennan’s Hl Rd, South River
10% off accommodations for ticket holders
Circling Hawks Centre
156 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
Small gift bags and discounts available to ticket holders. There will also be ‘See What the Stars Hold’ Tea Leaf Readings on Saturday and Sunday leading up to the event.
Copperhead Distillery
68 Tower Rd, Sundridge
Discount to ticket holders on non-alcoholic merchandise, as well as a themed drink made with Copperhead liquor.
Crystal Cave Canada
11077 Hwy 124, South River
Discounts on star/moon crystals for anyone, and 15% off store wide for ticket holders.
Deer Lake Wilderness Retreat
4198 Eagle Lake Rd, South River
10% off Glamping in the StarGazer Dome
The Mag
113 Yonge St, Burk’s Falls
15% off most items in store
New Adventures In Sound Art
313 Hwy 124, South River
10% discount in the NAISA Cafe
The Owl and the Moon
193 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
Galaxy Smoothie – $2.00 off regular smoothie price for ticket holders
PitStop 518
1734 Hwy 518, Kearney
20% off yurt stay with proof of event ticket purchase
Port Carmen Marina
3077 Hwy 520, Burk’s Falls
15% off boat rentals
The Pub
198 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
10% off menu items to event ticket holders
Savour This
206 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
Enjoy a star shaped sugar cookie
Savour This Coffee Cafe
204 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
Enjoy a themed Bubble Tea drink
Scoop-A-Licious
93 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls & 266 Doe Lake Rd, Katrine
The Crackling Meteor Ice Cream featuring constellation ice cream – discounted $4.99
Second Nature Thrift
10393 Hwy 124, Sundridge
50% off for ticket holders the weekend leading up to the event (closed Monday/Tuesday)
James Shedden Photography
Magnetawan
James Shedden will be on site as the official event photographer and offering a draw to win one of five of his ‘a day in the night’ books.
Sips Sundridge
80 Main St, Sundridge
Stop by for a themed Milky Way Purple Drink
South River Scoops N’ More
281 Hwy 124, South River
Try a Stargazer Sundae, with every sundae sold donating $1 back towards the local food bank.
Sweat Studio
162 Main St, Sundridge
Cosmic Protein Shake Promo – $5 for Large. Also check out their special yoga/meditation class on event days.
Trailhead Cabins
Sundridge
25% off accommodations for ticket holders
The Village Sweets
195 Ontario St, Burk’s Falls
Enter to win a Star Gazer Gift Basket – 1 entry for ticket holders, 1 entry per purchase
Zak’s
10 John St, Sundridge
20% off galaxy/star themed products when you mention the Almaguin Summer Star Party