Past Events

View Our Past Events

Inaugural Dark Sky Star Bright Festival

January 17-25, 2026
Bayfield, Wisconsin

Dark Sky, Star Bright was created to celebrate the quiet magic of the night sky in winter. With free and paid experiences, you’re invited to slow down, look up, and experience winter on Lake Superior in a new way. In northern Wisconsin, explore a mix of night sky programs, photography sessions, wellness workshops, and lakeside sauna experiences — designed to help you reconnect with nature and yourself.

Details: https://www.bayfield.org/dark-sky-star-bright/

Day and Night iPhone Photography Class

Featuring Admin Patrick Grubba
January 27, 2026, 6 to 8pm ET
Women’s Club, Mackinaw City, Michigan
Details: https://www.mackinawcityareaartscouncil.org/events/workshops/

3rd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop & Weekend

The 3rd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop will be held May 31, 2025 at Headlands International Dark Sky Park, with free registration required to attend. Details are coming soon! Subscribe for updates.

Join us for a weekend celebrating the Northern Lights! The weekend of May 30-June 1, 2025 will feature several opportunities related to Aurora, including the main event: The 3rd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop at Headlands International Dark Sky Park on Saturday, May 31. Free registration is required to attend.

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. The optional paid classes will be offered Saturday morning and Sunday morning. Our events on Friday and Saturday evening will be followed by a #LiveChase to catch Aurora, Space and Earth Weather permitting.

Space is limited!

Registration opens at noon on Saturday, March 15, 2025.

REGISTER: Visit the Eventzilla Registration Website

RSVP ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/events/590218147032615

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

MI Aurora Experience: Mackinac County

Led by Admin Patrick Grubba
9:00pm, Friday, May 30, 2025
Free, donation suggestion of one cup of coffee on our tip jar websites: MichiganAuroraChasers.com/team
Details: MichiganAuroraChasers.com/experience
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1251399639978281

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: SOLD OUT

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 in Headlands Ampitheatre

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 — Hands-on 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

Stories Above Hess: A Night Sky Event

Featuring Admin Patrick Grubba!
6-8pm, Saturday, October 25, 2025
Hess Nature Preserve
RSVP! Please bring a chair!
Details: https://headwatersconservancy.org/events-enews/

Live Chase Mackinaw City Area

Wilderness state park
Led by Patrick Grubba, September 1, 2025 at sunset:
“I will be leading a chase to capture the aurora tonight and the Milky Way. We will meet at the Dark sky Viewing Area inside the State Park. Recreation Passport is required. The viewing area is next to the Rangers Office. We will leave from there at 8:45 pm to go to the viewing location farther into the interior of the Park. Bring a camera, tripod, chair and warm clothing. (Dress in layers). Plan is to stay out till at least 2:00 am”

https://fb.me/e/4uCzZ8egJ

Stargazers’ Camp Event: Ocqueoc Outdoor Center

Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Partnership with the Presque Isle District Library: A Fundraiser

What: Dark Sky — Stargazers’ Camp Event
Where: Ocqueoc Outdoor Center, Millersburg, MI
When: 3pm, Saturday, September 20, 2025 to Noon, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Register: https://ocqueocoutdoorcenter.wpcomstaging.com/events/

The public is invited to participate in a premiere Dark Sky & Stargazers’ Camping Event at the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center in Millersburg, Michigan. This special one-night event will be held during the New Moon phase when the skies are the darkest and the viewing opportunities are optimal.

Hosted as a fund-raiser by the Friends of the Ocqueoc Outdoor Center and in partnership with the Presque Isle District Library, families are encouraged to attend, or you can come solo. A welcome reception and check-in will begin at 3:00pm. A campers’ communal fire, key presentations, guided night viewing, and pre-positioned telescopes for detailed viewing, makes this a special event for all ages.

Pick your site and set up your tent. If you don’t have a tent, you’re welcome to use the bunkhouse. Later, we’ll gather together and get ready for an evening and a night under the stars at the historic Ocqueoc Outdoor Center nestled along the Ocqueoc Lake and river. Dinner and a following morning breakfast are included…and even s’mores around the campfire.

Presenters and Guided Viewing from:

Melissa Kaelin, Founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of, Beyond the 45 th Parallel”. Melissa will share ancient stories, the mythology, legends, and lore about the night skies as you look up with awe and wonder. Learn about the Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis and when is the best time to see them. What is the atmospheric magnetic field? What creates the Northern Lights?

Patrick Grubba, Admin & Volunteer Astronomer at the Headlands Dark Sky Park, will share basic 101 astronomy with participants. What are the best apps to use. How to use your phone for capturing those awe-inspiring photos. Curious as to what you are looking at when you look up? Patrick will provide a better understanding of what you see when you look up at the night sky.

Participants may bring in addition to camping gear:

Star Map or a stargazing app to help identify constellations, planets, and other objects in the night sky (remember to download apps prior to arrival due to lack of strong cell service)
Red Flashlight to preserve your night vision. Red light is less likely to interfere with your ability to see faint stars and other celestial objects.

Event Includes: One night event 3pm, Saturday, September 20 to Noon, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Fees: $25/person $75/family

Participants should come self-contained with a tent and all necessary camping gear.
Bunkhouses will be provided for those without a tent/camping gear.
Welcoming reception with meal on Saturday, and a Stargazers’ breakfast on Sunday
Featured key presenters on Saturday, September 20th

Great Lakes Aurora & Dark-sky Jamboree

Presenting the inaugural GLAD Jam!

Visit Keweenaw and Michigan Aurora Chasers are thrilled to announce the first-ever Great Lakes Aurora Dark Sky Jamboree (GLAD JAM) – a multi-day, community-powered celebration of the cosmos, coming to Houghton, Michigan, Sept. 11-14, 2025.

Set in one of the Midwest’s most stunning and star-filled regions, GLAD JAM blends stargazing, science, storytelling and creative expression into an unforgettable dark sky experience. Register now to secure your spot in September!

Signature GLAD JAM Experiences Include:

Welcome to the Cosmos Reception at Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center – featuring cosmically inspired cocktails/mocktails, music, night sky photography exhibits, and a keynote address by aurora expert Melissa Kaelin, founder of Michigan Aurora Chasers, the Midwest’s largest online community of aurora enthusiasts.
Nighttime Stargazing Events – at local hotspots including Breakers Beach, featuring bonfires, guided sky tours, and aurora viewing
Observatory Tours – Explore Michigan Tech’s AMJOCH Observatory with astronomers and faculty
Twilight Yoga & Guided Hikes – connect your body and mind to the natural rhythm of the Keweenaw’s nightscape
Photography & Science Workshops – time-lapse, light painting techniques, and sessions on space weather and sustainability
Dark Sky Storytelling & Community Games – open mic sessions, panel discussions and creative play for all ages
Special Appearance by viral Facebook personality Patrick Grubba (Known for his famous “Get Outside Now” posts)
Volunteer & Advocacy Opportunities – community cleanups and dark sky protection talks
See the Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park – Upper Michigan’s DarkSky International-certified Dark Sky Park is open 7pm-7am to the public and is the perfect place to spot the Milky Way.

CANCELLED: MI Aurora Experience: Upper Peninsula

Save the Date! July 25, 2025 as the sun sets
Learn more: MichiganAuroraChasers.com/experience

CANCELLED DUE TO SMOKE. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/

MI Aurora Experience: Mackinac City Area

Where: Details coming soon!
When: 9:00pm, Friday, May 30, 2025
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation of one cup of coffee using our tip jar websites

RSVP on Facebook Event Page: Link Coming Soon!

MI Aurora Experience: Sleeping Bear Dunes

Where: Glen Haven Beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan
When: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 8:00pm
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation

RSVP on Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/651847230810047

MI Aurora Experience: Point Betsie

Where: Tentatively Point Betsie Lighthouse
When: Thursday, April 24, 2025
7:30pm until at least 11:30pm
Please arrive before sunset so you can see where you’re going!
Details: Learn about the Experience by clicking here
Admission: Free, with suggested donation

RSVP on Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/473902625784745

POSTPONED — SolarMaX Mission: Observation Night

Attention: This event has been postponed. We will not meet up north on April 1, April 2, or April 3. The Governor has declared a State of Emergency in Michigan, and a second intense storm system is predicted to hit Michigan on Wednesday.

Due to falling ice, downed trees and power lines, closed roads, and gas stations with no power, our leadership has decided to postpone the Observation Night. We apologize for the inconvenience. If it is safe, we encourage everyone to participate in the mission from their homes and local neighborhoods.

Tentatively 7:30pm, April 2, 2025
Glen Haven, Michigan (and Mackinaw City Area)
Free and open to the public. Hosted by Ground Support Team Admin Patrick Grubba and Founder Melissa F. Kaelin

RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/2197769110641591

How to participate at home: https://www.solarmaxmission.com/

MI Aurora Social
February 2, 2025
Keyhole Bar and Grill, Mackinac City, MI
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/911877810775548/
Free!

MI Aurora Social
December 21, 2024
Bone Island Grille, 4614 Francis Street, Jackson, MI
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/14mPJURwsq/
Free!

Young Aurora Chasers
2:30pm ET, January 2, 2024
A free, virtual event on Zoom to bring Aurora Chasers age 12-19 together for community, inspiration, tips and advice, and volunteering ideas. A pilot.
RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/1321637459183576

Celebrating 100K! Statewide Live Chase!

RSVP for updates: https://www.facebook.com/events/455341716911164

We’re thrilled to celebrate an amazing season in Aurora Chasing! Now, we finally have a good forecast to work with, that’s not a G5 Storm. So, your Lead Team has declared a #LiveChase!!! 💥🌎☄️😎

To celebrate hitting over 100,000 members and leading THOUSANDS to their first Aurora, we will hold a special STATEWIDE LIVE CHASE on Monday, June 10th at sunset! Join us on Monday, June 10th as we chase the Northern Lights at locations across Michigan! Because we are planning this event in advance, we cannot guarantee Aurora Sightings. But we will teach you the game of Aurora Chasing! So far, here are your guides:
• Guide Patrick Grubba, Dark Sky Viewing Area inside Wilderness State Park near Mackinac City
• Guide Melissa F. Kaelin, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, near Mears:
• Guide Nate Stovall, Flat Rock, Port Austin
• Guide Pandora Biskner, Dark Sky Preserve, Port Austin
• Guides Christina Wiggins and Ryan Jake Jakubowski, Bay City State Park on the beach
• Guide Christina Cantu Sharp, Glen Haven Cannery
• Guide Kris Knutson, Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Upper Peninsula

Statewide Live Chase
Description: Meet us at one of five events on June 10, 2024 to chase the Northern Lights, in a #LiveChase led by our lead team.
When: 8 p.m. ET, Monday, June 10, 2024
Where: Locations around Michigan
Admission: Free
Link: https://m.facebook.com/events/455341716911164/

National Event Featuring Two Michigan Aurora Chasers Admins

Night Photo Summit, with National Parks at Night

February 2-4, 2024
Virtual event
Details and registration: https://night-photo-summit-2024.heysummit.com/?sc=aVgqd00b&ac=mJjfuWD0

Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop: Sold Out!

Aurora Forecasting & Photography Workshop featuring Justin Miller, Patrick Grubba, Melissa Kaelin and Others

Dinner provided for a cost, yet to be determined. Following the program, join the Michigan Aurora Chasers for the Social and Night Shoot.
Cost: $20 plus fees

2nd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop

Join us for a day of Aurora Chasing, with tutorials on Aurora Chasing, Aurora Forecasting and Aurora Photography. Dinner will be provided at an additional cost, and a social and night shoot will happen after the event at the dark sky park.

For more events, visit our link tree: https://linktr.ee/MiAuroraChasers

2nd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop
12:30-5:45pm, March 16, 2024
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City, Michigan
Admission: Free Program, Registration Required. Open to the Public.
Register: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/michigan-aurora-chasers-workshop-2138611316
Registration opens at Noon, Dinner served for a cost at 5:45-6:45pm. RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/FjF0WcFK (Be the first to be notified when registration opens!)

Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop Schedule

12:00 pm to 12:30 pm — Registration
12:30 pm to 12:45 pm — Welcome by Melissa Kaelin
12:45 pm to 1:00 pm — Headland’s Dark Sky Mission – Headland’s staff
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm — Cell Phone Photography and Aurora by Patrick Grubba
2:00 pm to 2:15 pm — Break
2:15 pm to 3:15 pm — Aurora Forecasting 101 by Melissa
3:15 pm to 4:15 pm — Camera Equipment and Lenses for Aurora Photography by Justin Miller
4:15 pm to 4:30 pm — Break
4:30 pm to 5:15 pm — Panel Q&A – Presenters and MAC Admins
5:15 pm to 5:30 pm — Wrap up – Melissa
5:45 pm — Pizza Dinner for those registered. (Must have dinner ticket)
6:45 pm to 9:00 pm — Hands On Camera and Forecasting Advice with Sunset and a Live Aurora Chase, weather permitting – Headland Grounds, and/or Mackinaw City area – Michigan Aurora Team

A block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express in Mackinac City. Contact the hotel and tell them you are with the Michigan Aurora Chasers to get a discounted rate. Please consider waiting until you reserve your ticket to make your reservation, to ensure you get a seat!

How to Join the Waitlist: 1. Open Facebook. 2. Pull up the 2nd Annual Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop event page: https://fb.me/e/FjF0WcFK. 3. Find the post pinned to the top of the Discussion that says Waitlist. 4. Comment to add your name. Thank you!

Registration is required to attend. Registration opens on January 16. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/events/981677442899569

2nd Annual Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

Regional Event Featuring Two Michigan Aurora Chaser Admins

April 11-13, 2024: Confirmed Dates
Keweenaw International Dark Sky Park, Copper Harbor, Michigan
Registration coming soon!
For details or to register, visit: https://keweenawdarksky.com/events/upper-peninsula-dark-sky-festival/
Photo courtesy of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge.

Michigan Aurora Chasers Social: Mitten Edition

A Social Gathering for Members of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: 7:30pm, Saturday, January 6, 2024
Location: The Limberlost, Houghton Lake, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/32vOPPekm
#MIAuroraSocial

Michigan Aurora Chasers Social: Upper Peninsula Edition

A Social Gathering for Members of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023
Location: Ore Dock Brewing Company, Marquette, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/631820608837137
#MIAuroraSocial

Michigan Aurora Chasers Social

A Social Gathering for Members of the Michigan Aurora Chasers
Date: 7:30pm, Friday, December 30
Location: The Limberlost, Houghton Lake, Michigan
Admission: Free
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/6lc1hMq5H
#MIAuroraSocial

Michigan Aurora Chasers Workshop

Aurora Forecasting & Photography Workshop featuring Nate Stovall, Shelly Leigh, Patrick Grubba, Melissa Kaelin and Others
April 1, 2023, 1-6pm
Headlands International Dark Sky Park with off-site photography at night
Admission: Free Program, Registration Required. Open to the Public.
Register: SOLD OUT
RSVP on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/4uh42witA

Following the program, join the Michigan Aurora Chasers for the Social and Night Shoot with dinner provided.
7pm-7am, April 1-2, 2023
Cost: $12

Live Chase: Michigan Aurora Chasers
Meet us at one of two events on Friday to chase the Northern Lights, in a #LiveChase led by Melissa F. Kaelin and Nate Stovall.
When: 8 p.m. Eastern, Friday, April 1, 2022
Where: Glen Haven, Michigan OR Port Austin, Michigan
Admission: Free
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1342756526219074/