The Deep South Star Gaze, one of the oldest continuous star parties in the United States, is preparing for its 43rd consecutive gathering. Since its first event in 1983, the star gaze has brought together amateur astronomers and enthusiasts for a week of dark skies, shared observations, and community. It has not missed a year, making it the nation’s longest-running uninterrupted event of its kind.
This year the gathering returns to the Feliciana Retreat Center in East Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, a location that hosted the star gaze from 2009 to 2017. Members of the Pontchartrain Astronomy Society recently visited the center and confirmed it meets the needs of today’s participants with upgraded facilities and management.
Above photo credit: Deep South Star Gaze
November 18th and runs to Sunday, November 23rd, ending 4 days before Thanksgiving.
The location of the Feliciana Retreat Center in East Feliciana Parish is about 10 miles north of Clinton, LA and 40 miles north of Baton Rouge, LA. It is about a 2 hour drive from New Orleans, LA
The Feliciana Retreat Center is located about 10 miles north of Clinton, Louisiana, and roughly 40 miles north of Baton Rouge. For participants traveling from New Orleans, the drive takes about two hours. The center sits in a region that offers Bortle 4 skies, bordering on Bortle 3, meaning participants can expect dark skies with good conditions for deep-sky observation.
Between 2009 and 2017, the retreat center was home to the star gaze until management changes prompted a move to another venue. That alternative site offered equally dark skies but lacked sufficient accommodations, limiting registration numbers. The updated Feliciana facilities now include 23 private rooms, each with bathrooms and showers, as well as three cottages that can host up to 14 people each in bunk-style arrangements. In addition, registrants may choose to camp in tents or bring recreational vehicles for dry camping.
The new setup makes the event more accessible for couples, families, and those who prefer privacy. Organizers estimate the venue can accommodate about 150 registrants comfortably. Amenities now include on-site Wi-Fi, a large television for indoor programs, and the option for catered meals.
The meal service typically provides two meals per day, with breakfast served at 9 a.m. and supper at 4 p.m. Meals are available if at least 20 participants sign up, at $13 for breakfast and $16 for supper. These practical additions ensure that participants can focus on astronomy and social events without needing to leave the site for food or supplies.
The Deep South Star Gaze is not only about observing the night sky. It also includes educational and community programming. Astronomy presentations are held on Friday and Saturday, with two to three talks scheduled each day. These programs allow attendees to learn about current research, observing techniques, and astronomical discoveries from experienced speakers.
Daily door prize drawings are another long-standing tradition. Registered participants receive tickets and prizes are awarded from Tuesday through Saturday afternoon. In the event of poor weather, alternative programs such as lectures or movies are hosted indoors, ensuring the community experience continues regardless of conditions.
Photo credit: Deep South Star Gaze
For many attendees, the Deep South Star Gaze is as much about community as it is about stargazing. Longtime participants return year after year, forming friendships that have lasted decades. The event is often described as a place where beginners and experienced observers alike can exchange knowledge, share telescope views, and collaborate on observing projects.
Because the gathering has remained continuous for over four decades, it has become a touchstone for amateur astronomers across the region. Its uninterrupted history has allowed organizers and participants to build a shared culture that values both scientific exploration and social connection. In this way, the star gaze is not only an observing event but also a living record of amateur astronomy’s resilience and growth.
The event takes place in mid to late November, a period influenced by the lunar calendar to maximize dark-sky conditions. While the timing varies each year, the fall season provides favorable temperatures for outdoor observation in Louisiana. Nights are generally cool, and days are pleasant, while the region’s fall foliage adds to the appeal for attendees.
The dates selected also avoid overlapping with the Thanksgiving holiday, making it easier for participants to attend without conflict. The consistent scheduling approach has been an important factor in the event’s ability to remain uninterrupted for more than four decades.
The return to Feliciana Retreat Center represents both a continuation and renewal for the Deep South Star Gaze. By combining dark skies with improved facilities, structured programming, and its long-standing community, the event continues to build on its legacy as the nation’s oldest uninterrupted star party. Its 43rd year highlights not only the tradition of gathering under the stars but also the adaptability required to sustain such an event over decades. For many, this resilience is what makes the Deep South Star Gaze an enduring fixture in American amateur astronomy.
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