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2026 WVAC Schedule Full Page.pdfWVAC Core Programs
WVAC Core Programs
The Hatchery Star Party
Join WVAC at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery where we will reveal the Stars and other celestial objects through telescopes. Bring your own telescope or stop by and look through ours and learn the night sky with our volunteers. This is a great program to get into astronomy and a place for experienced astronomers to meet other astronomers in the valley. Want to learn how to use your telescope? Do it here too!
Astro Lake Program
Grab a blanket or a chair and lay out under the stars on the beach of Lake Wenatchee South Park where WVAC members will answer your deepest cosmic questions, dive into the depths of the cosmos, explore our small harmonious Solar System, and massive chaotic celestial objects. Every program is different in this series and is catered to the curious and imaginative. So, bring your deepest cosmic questions and let’s blast off into space!
WVAC Stargazer's Social
Swing by Blue Spirits Distillery in Leavenworth on the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. for a relaxed, social evening with WVAC. Grab a drink, meet friendly faces, and chat about everything from stargazing to space curiosities—or just come to hang out. It’s an easy, low‑pressure way to get to know the club and connect with people who share your sense of wonder.
No experience is needed. Whether you’ve never touched a telescope, remember a little from high school science, or explore the universe professionally, you’re welcome. If you’re curious, community‑minded, or just love a good drink with good company, this is the perfect place to start.
The Hatchery Star Party
This is WVAC's flagship event. This event is for the whole community; members and non-members; those just curious and advanced amateurs. No registration is required, come on out and show up.
Have a telescope but don't know how to use it? or want some pointers? this is an opportunity to get to know your telescope.
No telescope? No problem! Astronomy is for sharing. Members will have red lanterns below their telescope. Come on up and see what we are looking at. Every member will have a different telescope and looking at something else. The secret password is "Whatchya Looking at?" This is a place for exploration of the curious and answering any questions you have from deep cosmic questions to what type of telescope you should get.
Have a telescope and know what your doing? Great! Come on out and meet our members. This is an event for astronomers of the community. This event allows all of us to connect to one another and to our cosmos.
Every person will be greeted by a WVAC member so new-comers know where to start and how the event works. Come on out and we can all enjoy the stars together in a comfortable environment.
Where:
We all will park at the USFWS Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Parking Lot just outside of the gate. The gate will be half closed, but please do not drive beyond the gate.
The Telescope Area is just beyond the main building, about 50 yards from the parking lot. Walk beyond the gates and follow that main roadway straight until you see our red illuminated light sign board.
Registration:
No registration is required. No need to sign up, just come on out and show up. Stay as long as you would like. But please arrive on time, so we can start introductions and explain how the event works.
While the event is free, donations are gladly accepted. All donations go to Friends of the Hatchery non-profit organization where they will use the proceeds to install a Sky Quality Meter to quantify light pollution growth.
Other Information:
During the program, please avoid the use of white light, red lensed lights are allowed. White lights are allowed for emergency use.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and possible wind; insect repellant may be necessary.
Bathrooms will be made available on nights that USFWS staff is available in the main building.
Star Party is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Cancellations will be posted on our Events Calendar.
Map of the Hatchery Star Party
Astro Lake Program
Astro Lake Program
Grab a blanket or a chair and lay out under the stars on the beach of Lake Wenatchee South Park where WVAC members will answer your deepest cosmic questions, dive into the depths of the cosmos, explore our small harmonious Solar System, and massive chaotic celestial objects.
Every program is different in this series and is catered to the curious and imaginative. So, bring your deepest cosmic questions and let’s blast off into space!
This program is subject to cancellation or change based on weather conditions. Check back here or call 218 403-1345 to see if the program is cancelled or changed in anyway if weather looks inclement.
This program can be either telescope based or a constellation tour depending on wind.
Where: Lake Wenatchee State Park, South Park Entrance, South Beach Day Use Area
Registration: Call Lake Wenatchee State Park at 509-763-3101 or email at Lake.wenatchee@parks.wa.gov
Other Information:
While the program is free a Discover Pass or $10 daily parking permit is required. You may also get a free Discover Pass at NCW Library of Things.
Dress for the weather as it could be chilly and possibly windy.
If clouds cover or high winds are too high this program is subject to cancelation. You will be contacted no later than 2 hours prior the event if the program has been cancelled.
Park Gates close at Dusk. If gates are closed, permission to pass the gates is given by registration for the event. Be sure to close the gates behind you.
Please limit the amount of white lights you bring and save them for emergency use only. Red lights are highly encouraged as an alternative.
Please park facing away from the beach as to not flood the beach with light when arriving or leaving.
Stargazer's Social
Swing by Blue Spirits Distillery in Leavenworth on the last Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. for a relaxed, social evening with WVAC. Grab a drink, meet friendly faces, and chat about everything from stargazing to space curiosities—or just come to hang out. It’s an easy, low‑pressure way to get to know the club and connect with people who share your sense of wonder.
No experience is needed. Whether you’ve never touched a telescope, remember a little from high school science, or explore the universe professionally, you’re welcome. If you’re curious, community‑minded, or just love a good drink with good company, this is the perfect place to start.
Where: Blue Spirits Distillery in Leavenworth, WA
When: Last Tuesday of every month at 5pm. (no social event in December)
Registration: No registration needed. just show up and see who's here. You can ask staff where we are and you can also find our sign by our table.
Other Information:
Note that some months our group may only be two people, but can be as large as 15 people. Ask staff where we are or find our sign by our table.
Note that prior 02/2025 we were meeting at Icicle Brewing, but venue has changed to Blue Spirits Distillery to accomodate larger groups.
Beer and wine and small plates are served at Blue Spirits in addition to their hand-crafted cocktails.
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