Stargazing
at
Black Butte Ranch
Join Starshine to marvel at our incredible universe in the gorgeous setting of Black Butte Ranch, in Sisters, Oregon! You'll take in the brilliance of Central Oregon's vast night sky while locating constellations, observing visible planets, the moon, and other celestial objects, and listening to ancient stories about the stars.
Tours begin about 30 minutes after sunset. Stay after the one-hour tour to get a glimpse into the deep sky through a telescope that magnifies the naked eye by 350. Each group receives a sky map, specialized to the month of viewing and binoculars to borrow.
*Please note that stargazing tours are only for Black Butte Ranch residents and guests.*
Group Stargazing Tours
Join a group tour and stargaze with people from around the world, the US, and Oregon.
$30/adult
$25/Kid ages 0-15; must be accompanied by an adult
You'll pay a nonrefundable booking fee of $5/person to reserve a spot. Then you'll pay the remaining balance in person.
Special Tours
Full Moon
Gaze at our closest celestial neighbor, our Moon, as she rises above the meadow. You'll hear an ancient story with the Moon as a main character, and learn why our Moon is so critical to life on our planet.
Summer Solstice
Celebrate the turning of our season on the longest night of the year! You’ll hear an ancient story told on solstice night, and learn facts about this pivotal night of the year.
Perseids Meteor Shower
You’ll see lots of shooting stars while learning all about meteors and why they periodically shower the earth.
If you've been to one of our Stargazing Tours, our "Special Tours" offer something new!
Private Tours
If a program is full, the scheduled dates don't work for you, or you're looking for a more intimate experience, we may be able to provide a private program for your group. Custom tours for weddings or other special events are available!
Cost: 1-6 people $225 (includes $50 booking fee); additional adults $30/kids $25
-
Sunday 24 May 9:00PM
-
Saturday 13 June 9:30PM
-
Wednesday 17 June 9:30PM
-
Sunday 21 June 9:30PM ✨ Special Summer Solstice Tour
-
Wednesday 24 June 9:30PM
-
Monday 29 June 9:15PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
-
Friday 3 July 9:30PM
-
Tuesday 7 July 9:30PM
-
Friday 10 July 9:30PM
-
Wednesday 15 July 9:30PM
-
Sunday 19 July 9:15PM
-
Wednesday 22 July 9:15PM
-
Saturday 25 July 9:15PM
-
Wednesday 29 July 8:45PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
-
Saturday 1 August 9:00PM
-
Wednesday 5 August 9:00PM
-
Saturday 8 August 8:45PM 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour
-
Thursday 13 August 8:45PM 💫 Special Perseids Meteor Shower Tour
-
Sunday 16 August 8:45PM
-
Wednesday 19 August 8:30PM
-
Saturday 22 August 8:30PM
-
Thursday 27 August 7:30PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
-
Saturday 29 August 8:15PM
-
Wednesday 2 September 8:00PM
-
Sunday 6 September 8:00PM
-
Saturday 12 September 8:00PM
-
Saturday 26 September 6:45PM 🌕 Special Full Moon Tour
2026 Group Tours
From 25 US dollars
Starting at $225
"I absolutely loved the whole experience! Before when I looked up at the night sky I pretty much just saw the Big Dipper and the moon - everything else was a chaotic mess. Now, I feel more at home in the universe." ~Jamie (2025)
Tour Details
Tours are approximately one hour long and will begin once all payments are processed and waivers are collected. Your guide will stay after the formal presentation to answer any questions and facilitate using the deep-sky telescope. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to process your payment/complete waivers.
Where to meet
Please park at the very back of the Big Meadow golf parking lot past Robert's pub. It is a short 3 minute walk on an accessible bark-chipped path into the meadow where we will stargaze.
What to Bring
-
warm layers
-
blanket to lay on or chair to sit in
-
curiosity and wonder!
Optional but encouraged
-
red light flashlight
-
binoculars
-
a sky viewing app on your phone, recommended is SkyView Lite--its free!
Learn About Your Guide
Check out Who We Are to learn about our guides.
Liability Waiver
Please download and fill out the liability waiver linked here. You can print and bring with you, or email to jennie@starshine-theater.com. Printed waivers will also be available to sign at the tour check-in.
$5/person booking fee is not refundable, even if a tour cancels due to weather.
If a tour cancels for a reason other than weather or civic mandates, your deposit will be refunded in full.
If booking is cancelled 30 days or more in advance, your booking fee will be refunded.
Cancellations within 30 days will not receive a refund.️
Cancellation Policy
Explore Black Butte Ranch on a Private Guided Hike
Explore the incredible beauty and natural diversity of Black Butte Ranch alongside a local naturalist and educator. You'll learn about local plants and animals, geography, geology, and the human history of this gorgeous place. Wildlife is more easily spotted during off-season programming. Kids and adults are welcome!
Enjoy a private guided experience of the incredible natural beauty of Black Butte Ranch.
Starting at $120