Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience.
Astrofest is a fun, free, family-friendly event and it touches down in Perth on Saturday, November 9th.
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered, “What’s out there?”, Astrofest is your chance to explore space with thousands of other curious space cadets.
With so much to see and do, Astrofest is like a choose-your-own-adventure through our expanding universe.
What's happening at Astrofest 2024?
Whether you want to see the stars, chat to Astronomy WA’s experts about getting started stargazing, check out Scitech’s sensational science shows, or admire the mind-bending astrophotography exhibit, Perth’s cosmic carnival has got you covered.
Curious about how the SKA telescope is uncovering the secrets of the early universe? Want to hear actual astronomers spill the beans on their stellar discoveries? Or just want to catch a glimpse of Darth Vader in person? Astrofest is the biggest astronomy party in Australia, and it’s happening at the Curtin Stadium.
Check out our list of Must-See Activities for an Unforgettable Astrofest to get a sense of Perth’s cosmic carnival. From telescopes to talks, there’s something for everyone. We have got:
- Dozens of telescopes on Curtin Stadium’s Edinburgh Oval, trained on sights like the Moon, Venus, Saturn, star clusters, Alpha Centauri and more…
- Demonstrations of the latest smart telescopes
- Award-winning astrophotography to make you gasp
- Special guest speakers to wow and entertain you with their knowledge and discoveries
- Out of this world Science Shows from Scitech’s science communicators
- Mesmerising Space Domes that take you on a journey across the virtual Universe
- A galaxy of exhibitors to help start you on an astronomical journey
- Members from Perth’s astronomy clubs and staff from local observatories
- Radio astronomy demonstrations
- Characters in costume, ready to pose for their photo with you.
Get Starstruck at Astrofest
Astrofest is supported by Astronomy WA, a collective of like-minded folks from a variety of organisations who all share a passion for sharing astronomy.
Among the more than 30 of WA’s awesome astronomy and STEM outreach organisations included in Astronomy WA are Astrotourism WA, Curtin University, Stargazers Club WA, the University of Western Australia, the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR), Scitech, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Perth Observatory, and the Gravity Discovery Centre.
Science Minister Stephen Dawson says “Astrofest is a great event to showcase the STEM culture and skills pathways, which are establishing WA as a Southern Hemisphere global hub for radio astronomy and space science.”
Astrofest is on Saturday, 9th November, from 5.30pm to 9.30pm at Curtin Stadium and Oval, off Kent Street, Bentley. The event is free to attend, and you can register in advance here: astronomywa.net.au/astrofest.html or just turn up on the night and see the stars.
Jay Chesters is a freelance journalist, feature writer, and award-winning author. With a particular passion for stargazing and astronomy, Jay enjoys any opportunity to share stories or pass on what they know.
Jay Chesters
Author
See the stars with astrofest 2024
