The inaugural Julian Starfest, brought to you by the three local astronomers in association with the Julian Merchants Association and the Julian Chamber of Commerce, will be held August 1, 2, and 3 of 2008 at Menghini Winery. Julian has some of the darkest, steadiest skies in Southern California, and at 4,300' in elevation, offers superb astronomical viewing. This to-be-yearly event will be your opportunity to enjoy some outstanding astronomy while also enjoying the astronomy vendor exhibition area, swap meet, guest lecturers, tour of Palomar Observatory and camaraderie that comes with associating with fellow astronomers. Be sure to enter your home-built telescope or astronomy accessory for the JSF Innovation Award.

Proceeds from the event will be used to build an observatory for the Julian Union High School District.

Menghini Winery, two miles north of Julian, offers a level, dust free, camping and viewing area for 100 vehicles. Additional parking is available for people interested in only attending for a day. Camping, although somewhat primitive, will have toilets and wash stations available for attendees.

The town of Julian, just a short five minutes away, offers a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining experiences as well as renowned bed and breakfast inns and hotels, for those wishing a bit less 'rugged' accommodations.