Nightfall 2025

Established in 1993 by the Riverside Telescope Makers Conference (RTMC), Nightfall is now presented by the Riverside Astronomical Society, Inc. (RAS) with support from Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes. This autumn star party stands out among others because it takes place at a desert resort that creates a dark, red-light-only environment throughout the hotel property and RV park for at least three nights. The skies are beautifully dark, yet there is a hardware store, grocery store, and restaurants just down the street.

Nightfall 2025 Star Party & Imaging Conference

Nightfall offers a fantastic opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a star party. While typical star parties may be off-putting due to tent camping, freezing cold, and limited daytime activities, Nightfall provides a completely different experience with amenities such as pools, air-conditioned rooms, nearby restaurants, a grocery store, and a well-stocked hardware store — all while enjoying dark night skies. The resort is surrounded by the expansive Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, which offers hiking, off-roading adventures, and sightseeing.

There’s plenty to do at Nightfall, day and night. In addition to observing and imaging each evening, RAS hosts astronomy and imaging-related presentations on Friday and Saturday, a Friday afternoon “welcome” reception, a Saturday evening potluck dinner followed by an interactive sky tour (great for beginners!), and an Ice Cream Social. Attendees can also head into the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for a variety of daytime activities.

Borrego Springs, the unincorporated city where Nightfall is held each year, was the second location to be designated an International Dark Sky Community (IDSC) by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). IDSC certification recognizes Borrego Springs’ outstanding commitment to dark sky protection and restoration throughout the community. The IDSC program, created by the IDA in 2001, is aimed at preserving the nighttime environment. Designees must adhere to strict standards that protect the natural night sky and ensure that protection is maintained through community directives.

Nightfall officially begins on Friday, but some attendees arrive a few days early to enjoy a night or two of viewing or imaging while the crowd is still small. Activities and presentations begin to pick up on Friday, which is when most attendees arrive. The Palm Canyon Hotel is often prepared with red-light settings days before and after the star party. Many attendees extend their visit to make a week of it. Those considering this should plan ahead and make reservations for the correct dates. Most attendees pack up and leave on Sunday. Additional nights before or after Nightfall can be booked directly through TicketSpice for one night before and one night after. For extra nights beyond this, attendees must book directly with the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort and inform the resort that they are attending the Nightfall Star Party. This is important, as the hotel reserves most rooms and RV spaces for Nightfall attendees during this period. Failure to mention Nightfall may result in being told that the hotel is booked.

Nightfall has become an eagerly awaited annual event for many in southern California and beyond. With its relaxed atmosphere, numerous amenities, comfortable weather, and dark skies, it's easy to see why Nightfall has become a favorite organized star party for many amateur astronomers.

Nightfall at Borrego Springs' dark skies

General Info: Nightfall Star Party & Imaging Conference

When & Where

• Dates: October 17 – 19, 2025
• Location: Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, 221 Palm Canyon Dr., Borrego Springs, CA 92004
   

Reservations

TicketSpice will handle reservations and workshop registrations for Nightfall 2025.

Nightfall 2025 Program

Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Star Party Admission

Nightfall is a different kind of star party with no separate admission fee. To attend, attendees can simply make a reservation via the button provided. Along with their lodging reservation, they can register for premium workshops and purchase RAS/Nightfall gear. The RAS adds a nominal charge for each night of the hotel or RV stay to help cover expenses. Other than that, there is no separate fee to attend the star party. Once TicketSpice confirms a reservation, attendees are confirmed to attend Nightfall.

Attendees who want to visit for just the day can do so free of charge, staying into the night to view planets, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. However, overnight stays require a reservation with the hotel and payment for a room or RV space.

The only fees associated with Nightfall are for lodging and the premium workshops.

Reservations & Lodging

As of 2025, there is a new reservation process. Hotel rooms at the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort are in high demand, and it’s recommended to reserve accommodations before June or July.

Lodging options include staying at the Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort, nearby hotels or RV parks in Borrego Springs, camping in the Borrego Springs Desert State Park, or attending just for the day. All lodging and RV camping fees are paid through TicketSpice. If staying off-site, attendees can still set up their equipment in designated areas at Nightfall, but are responsible for securing their own equipment. The RAS, Palm Canyon Hotel, and Highway West Vacations are not liable for damage or theft.

While attendees are encouraged to stay for two nights (Friday and Saturday), longer stays are possible, and additional night options are available on TicketSpice. Many attendees choose to make Nightfall an extended vacation. Typically, Nightfall offers sunny autumn days with mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the surrounding Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or relaxing at the hotel.

Tent Camping

Tent camping is allowed in the RV spaces, but a reservation for an RV space is required. The RV spaces are level, hard-packed dirt/sand, and include access to power outlets and water spigots. Attendees are advised to bring an outlet adapter, an extension cord, and a surge-protected power strip. Tent stakes should not be used as septic tanks are just a few inches below ground level.

Attending Just for the Day (or Part of the Night)
If attendees cannot or do not wish to reserve a room or RV space, they are welcome to attend for the day and stay into the night to observe through telescopes. To ensure a smooth experience, they are asked to:

• Be mindful of vehicle headlights if arriving or departing at night.
• Visit the observing area south of the main hotel building (Saturday night is the best opportunity), avoiding the imaging zone where people are setting up equipment.
• Park in spaces along the north end of the resort (parallel to Palm Canyon Drive, S22), and not in spaces meant for hotel guests.
• Not stay overnight in cars or RVs without a reservation.
   

Nightfall Welcome Reception

Information Packets & Communication

Since a room or RV space reservation serves as the Nightfall “registration,” the Riverside Astronomical Society will not send additional emails or communications about the reservation. Attendees should ensure their reservation aligns with the Nightfall dates and check the website for updates on workshops and presentations.

Setting Up Astronomy Equipment

There is ample space for telescope setup in designated areas such as the RV space (if reserved) or common areas. Attendees should secure their equipment to prevent theft or weather-related damage. While theft has not been an issue, it's recommended to cover telescopes during the day and store smaller items in tents, RVs, cars, or hotel rooms when not in use. The "neighborhood watch" policy, where neighbors help keep an eye on each other's equipment, is also advised.

Dining

The Palm Canyon Hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar. Attendees can also bring their own food or visit various dining establishments in Borrego Springs.

Activities & What to Expect

Nightfall typically takes place in late October or early November, spanning Thursday to Sunday. Some attendees arrive early in the week, and by Thursday, rooms and RV spaces start filling up. Friday kicks off with a welcome reception, and throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy free presentations and activities, including a hosted sky tour, ice cream social, observing workshops, a swap meet, and a scorpion hunt. A premium astro-imaging workshop is also held on Saturday. Attendees can relax, hike, explore, or just enjoy the atmosphere.

Swap Meet

On Saturday morning from 8-10 AM, a swap meet allows attendees to sell used astronomy gear. It takes place in the picnic/BBQ area on the west end of the property. The swap meet may be canceled due to weather or lack of interest, so attendees should check the program schedule when checking in.

Weather

Weather at Nightfall is generally favorable with daytime highs ranging from the 70s to 90s and clear skies. Wind is occasionally present during the day, but the weather varies yearly. Regardless of the weather, Nightfall is a great opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts. Attendees should check weather forecasts closer to the event via resources like the Clear Sky Chart, National Weather Service, and Weather Underground.

Workshops & Presentations

Nightfall features a premium workshop on Saturday, along with free presentations throughout Friday and Saturday. The premium workshop requires a fee, preferably paid in advance. While space is limited, if seats are still available, the fee may be paid at the door.

Premium Workshop

Nightfall is excited to welcome back Adam Block as the presenter for the Premium Workshop.

• Presenter: Adam Block
• Title: PixInsight Fundamentals
• Description: Adam’s presentation will focus on fundamental workflows and best practices for using PixInsight, the leading software for astrophotography processing.
   

Additional details will follow. Adam’s workshop is scheduled for Saturday, October 18. The cost is $100.

Free Workshops

Attendees should be sure to attend the free presentations throughout Friday and Saturday. Topics will cover the latest astronomy equipment, current sky events, building an observatory, and other relevant subjects — all for free!

Anyone interested in volunteering or presenting a topic of astronomical interest can contact presenters@nightfallstarparty.com. Possible topics include visual observing, astrophotography equipment and processing, light pollution, space exploration, and many more topics of interest to Nightfall attendees.

Additional Activities

Nightfall also offers various activities for attendees, including:

• Welcome reception
• Swap meet
• Solar viewing
• Potluck star-be-cue
• Evening program and night sky tour
• Ice cream social
• Hanging out at the pools, hot tubs, restaurant, and bar
   

Previous Premium Workshop Presenters

Nightfall has been fortunate to host well-known names in astronomy and astrophotography, such as Ron Brecher, Mike Unsold, Neil Fleming, Warren Keller, Adam Block, and many others who have shared their knowledge and passion for the subject. More information on past Nightfall presenters can be found on the archives page.

Site Map of The Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort

Register for Nightfall 2025 Star Party