Let’s catch the Aurora! We invite you to register for the 3rd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop, which will be held at Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, Michigan on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Registration opens at noon on Saturday, March 15!
The free event will include presentations on Aurora Chasing; Aurora Forecasting; Photography, Video and Timelapse, an overview of Post Processing in Photoshop and Lightroom; and a panel discussion with Aurora Chasers and Photographers. Saturday evening will also present an opportunity to learn your gear and camera settings, practice night-sky photography, and chase the Aurora. There is no promise Aurora will appear during the workshop, however you will gain lots of tools and techniques to help you on your next chase.
Free registration is required to attend, and a paid dinner option will also be available. This is the only meal that will be offered on site, so please plan ahead!
This highly anticipated event will sell out, so act fast. Due to the popularity of this event and the busy schedules of our admins, we cannot offer refunds. Please let us know if you need to cancel, so we can open your seat to another guest. Advanced chasers are encouraged to join us at the Kick-Off Event on Friday night, where there will be plenty of time for networking, mentoring and sharing.
A Kick-Off will be held Friday evening at the Dark Sky Park before the event, with additional opportunities to take paid classes from Michigan presenters. Our events on Friday and Saturday evening will be followed by a #LiveChase to catch Aurora, Space and Earth Weather permitting.
The Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop itself takes place from Noon to 6:30pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Space is limited and guests must register to attend. Thank you to Jen Boss Mainka for the featured photo!
A Weekend Packed with Northern Lights Opportunities!
This year, we invite you to join us for a weekend celebrating the Northern Lights! The full weekend of May 30-June 1, 2025 will feature several opportunities related to Aurora, including the main event: The Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop.
You can find the details for every event on our website. Please also check this website for any updates or changes:
https://michiganaurorachasers.com/events/mi-aurora-workshop/
An overview of the weekend line-up:
Schedule of Weekend Events
FRIDAY:
Kick-Off Event
Michigan Aurora Chasers Admins and Various Speakers
Time: 6:00-9pm
(Dinner is not available on site)
Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Location: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City, Michigan
Admission: Free, No registration needed
Begins with check-in, introductions and visuals from 6:00-6:45pm
Friday #LiveChase to follow, Space and Earth Weather Permitting.
Friday Speakers:
7:00pm — Welcome from Melissa F. Kaelin, Founder
7:15pm — Headlands & Our Dark Skies, Park Manager Jamie Westfall
7:45pm — Native American Culture around Aurora, Native Lisa Parrish
Lisa will present Native American Myths and Legends surrounding the Aurora, Milky Way, and night sky – open to public
9:00pm — Night sky viewing and Aurora Chasing at Headlands, assistance with gear and camera settings
SATURDAY:
MAAC Arts Council Craft Workshop: Paint the Aurora in Watercolor
MaryAnn Moore, Mackinaw Area Arts Council Board Member
Choose from two times, Limit 15 per class
Time: 8–10am (OR)
10am – Noon
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Location: 310 E Jamet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Admission: $30 plus fees,
Includes your watercolor painting of 8×10 and a white mat for an 11” X 14” frame.
Link to register: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/maac-arts-council-paint-the-aurora-in-watercolor-2138664340
Michigan Aurora Workshop
Michigan Aurora Chasers Admins & Lead Team, Various Presenters
Tentative schedule of the main event will be posted below
Time: 12:30-6:30pm
(Lunch is not available on site)
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Location: Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City, Michigan
Admission: Free, Registration required
Paid Dinner Option $20 plus fees
Link to register: https://www.eventzilla.net/e/michigan-aurora-chasers-workshop-2025-2138640015
Saturday #LiveChase to follow, Space and Earth Weather Permitting.
Saturday Speakers:
12:35pm — Welcome from Founder Melissa F. Kaelin
1:00pm — Video, Photos, Timelapses, Oh My!, with Admin Patrick Grubba and Christina Wiggins
2:15pm — Group Photo at Headlands outdoor amphitheater
2:40pm — Aurora Forecasting, SpaceWeatherLive & Glendale App, Admin Kris Knutson and Admin Melissa F. Kaelin
3:30pm — Overview of Photoshop/Lightroom Basic Edits for Aurora Photos, with Group Expert Pandora Biskner
4:30pm — Panel Discussion with Admins & Group Experts
5:30pm — Pizza Buffet for paid admission guests
8:00pm — Night photography assistance & group Aurora Chase, weather depending.
SUNDAY:
Editing Your Night Sky Images
Christina Wiggins Photography
Limit 50 participants
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm (Class begins promptly at 10:00am)
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
Location: 310 E Jamet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701
Admission: $99,
Save $20 if you are a guest of the MI Aurora Workshop with the code: MAC20ATTEND
Link to register: https://book.usesession.com/s/xx1kqul7Ov
Want a Michigan Aurora Chasers Shirt?
Now is the time to order! We offer sales of apparel and gear 24-7, but these sales are only available online and on demand. To get your shirt in time for the MI Aurora Workshop, please place an order well in advance on our store.
Thank you to Shea Sarns, the award-winning graphic designer of our new apparel and the 3rd Edition Design Contest! You can also get the new “Get Outside Now!” shirts, designed by our own Patrick Grubba!
Learn more about our designs:
MichiganAuroraChasers.com/shop
Or visit the store directly here:
https://michigan-aurora-chasers.myspreadshop.com/
Michigan Aurora Chasers 
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