Bays Mountain StarFest – 40th Annual Convention

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium, Kingsport, TN
November 7–9, 2025

About the Event

The Bays Mountain Astronomy Club and Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium are hosting the 40th Annual StarFest Convention, a three-day gathering for amateur and professional astronomers, hobbyists, and families.

• Theme: “Sharing the Sky” – explore creative ways to connect to the cosmos through art, storytelling, tactile exploration, and astrophotography

• Educational and engaging experiences for all ages

• Celebrate 40 years of StarFest’s history and community

Guest Speakers

• Jackie Baughman – Planetarium and Education Program Manager, Challenger Learning Center, Lockport, NY

• Mike Francis – Educator and actor, bringing astronomy to schools, libraries, and museums for over 30 years

• Noreen Grice – Award-winning astronomy educator and author, Western Connecticut State University

• Richard Wright – Contributing editor for Sky & Telescope, specializing in astrophotography and equipment reviews

Registration Details

• Includes attendance to all speakers and activities

• Five meals, door prizes, telescope viewing

• Custom art zip-up hoodie

• Registration Deadline: October 19, 2025

How to Register:

• StarFest Registration Link

• Via CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app

• Or at www.kingsporttn.gov → “CivicRec” → search StarFest

Special Note:

• Water will be off at the park due to maintenance

• Portable toilets and handwashing stations will be available in parking areas

Why Attend

• Connect with astronomy enthusiasts of all levels

• Participate in hands-on activities and telescope viewings

• Learn from expert educators and speakers

• Celebrate a 40-year tradition of StarFest

About Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

• One of Tennessee’s Top 50 Most Visited Attractions

• 3,750 acres with 44 miles of hiking trails, state-of-the-art planetarium, wildlife habitats, 44-acre lake, mountain biking trails, and more

• Annually hosts over 200,000 visitors

For more information, visit: www.baysmountain.com