Events

Blue Quartz Star Party

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

On June 26–28 in Etlan, VA, the Blue Quartz Star Party returns, offering three nights of stargazing, camping, live music, food, and dark skies at a scenic winery and brewery, with limited campsites available and ticket packages that include drinks and amenities.

Warm summer nights, dark skies untouched by city glow, and the scent of vineyards drifting in the air, these are the ingredients coming together for a truly special gathering of stargazers this June. The Blue Quartz Star Party is set to return to the rolling hills of Etlan, Virginia from June 26th through June 28th, promising three full nights under exceptionally dark skies measured at a pristine magnitude 21.71. Hosted at the scenic Blue Quartz Winery and Shotwell Run Brewing Company, this event is shaping up to be more than just a star party. It’s an invitation to experience astronomy, local culture, nature, and community in one unforgettable setting.

Blue Quartz Star Party: Three nights of stargazing and camping in Etlan, Virginia

The return of this event follows the enthusiastic success of a similar autumn gathering held last year, which brought out members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (NOVAC) and other passionate skywatchers. The feedback was clear: the setting was perfect, the hosts gracious, and the skies unbeatable. As a result, the team behind the event was inspired to bring it back with even more features and better planning. Blue Quartz Winery, known for its tranquil atmosphere and open horizons, is once again opening its grounds for campers and observers to enjoy three nights of astrophotography, visual observing, and camaraderie.

Tickets to the event are reasonably priced at $75, which includes access to all three nights of the star party and a campsite suitable for up to two adults and two children. Each ticket also includes a voucher good for two drinks, your choice of the winery’s selections of wine, beer, or cider. It’s a family-friendly environment where even pets are welcome, provided you’re mindful of others and keep things under control. Dogs are allowed on-site, adding to the laid-back and welcoming feel of the entire weekend.

Camping is largely focused on tents, with 35 sites available to reserve. While the site is optimized for tent setups, RV parking can also be arranged by contacting the venue directly. For those relying on electric setups for imaging rigs, quiet generators are permitted, and there will be battery charging stations available for recharging gear during the day. Porto potties will be stationed for convenience, and indoor seating is available should anyone need to step inside for comfort or relief from the elements.

The star party kicks off Thursday afternoon, with check-in starting at 2 PM. Attendees are encouraged to arrive during Tasting Room hours, which run from 12 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, and 12 PM to 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Once settled, guests will have the freedom to set up their gear and begin their observing routines. Each night will offer uninterrupted hours of deep-sky viewing beneath one of the darkest sky sites in the region, perfect for long-exposure astrophotography, wide-field Milky Way shots, or simply enjoying the grandeur of the heavens with a pair of binoculars or a Dobsonian.

The event concludes on the morning of Sunday the 29th, giving guests ample time to pack up and even stay for brunch, which the venue will offer starting at 11 AM. Blue Quartz’s regular brunch menu will be available that day, rounding out the weekend with a satisfying and social close. For those who’d like to enjoy brunch on Friday or Saturday as well, buffet-style service will be offered as an optional add-on during ticket checkout. Lunch and dinner options are also available for purchase on-site throughout the weekend, including a variety of drinks. Depending on the turnout, a food truck may be brought in to offer additional dining choices.

Beyond observing, the event will also feature a variety of other activities. Live music will help set the mood in the evenings, giving attendees a chance to wind down and connect with fellow stargazers between sessions. Presentations are also planned, though speaker details have yet to be finalized. During the day, a dedicated solar observation area will give early risers something to explore before the stars return. And for those looking to stretch their legs, nearby hiking opportunities abound in the surrounding Blue Ridge region. Organizers are even working on a potential partnership with a National Parks Tour Guide to provide guided excursions, adding another layer of outdoor exploration to the mix.

It’s important to note a few key guidelines and logistics. Outside alcohol is prohibited due to ABC regulations, but with two drink vouchers included and a selection of beverages available for purchase, guests will have ample options on-site. Those wishing to attend with an RV or camper should reach out to the winery at 540-923-4048 to discuss arrangements, as space is limited and tent camping is the default accommodation. Given the limited number of campsites, only 35 in total, interested participants are encouraged to secure their spot early. This isn’t just a weekend getaway; it’s a curated experience set against a rare blend of natural beauty, astronomical richness, and rural hospitality.

The Blue Quartz Star Party is not just about dark skies, it’s about bringing together a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the stars and a love for the outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned astrophotographer, a backyard observer, or simply curious about what’s beyond Earth’s atmosphere, this event offers the tools and setting to indulge that curiosity. The landscape, open sky, and absence of light pollution make Etlan, VA an ideal locale for such a gathering. With the vineyard and brewery’s support, the atmosphere is both refined and relaxed, providing just the right balance of comfort and immersion in nature.

There’s a certain magic in setting up your telescope as the sun sets, the silhouettes of distant hills fading into darkness, and the first stars peeking through the twilight. That magic deepens with each passing hour, as constellations emerge, the Milky Way arcs overhead, and the sounds of the night provide a peaceful soundtrack. Add to that the hum of fellow enthusiasts nearby, each focused on their own quiet pursuit of the universe, and it becomes clear that the Blue Quartz Star Party is more than just a weekend event. It’s a memory in the making, a break from the ordinary, and a celebration of everything that makes amateur astronomy such a rewarding pursuit.

Those interested in learning more or purchasing tickets can do so through the winery’s website. With such limited availability, prompt registration is highly recommended. Questions or special arrangements can be directed to the organizing contact, Brandon Lewis, whose passion for astronomy helped make this event possible in the first place. The event’s official location is 2585 S F T Valley Rd, Etlan, VA 22719. For navigation, GPS coordinates are 38.49269455927869, -78.28311555763146.

Whether you come to photograph distant galaxies, enjoy a glass of wine under the stars, hike the scenic trails nearby, or simply relax by a campfire and watch the heavens unfold, the Blue Quartz Star Party promises an experience that blends science, nature, and human connection in a way few events can. As June approaches and the summer skies beckon, there’s no better time to prepare for a weekend of wonder in one of Virginia’s most beautiful and astronomically rich locations.