Griffith Observatory hosts a star party on 17 October
Published on 10/04/2026 at 06:45 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Griffith Observatory hosts its Public Star Party on 17 October 2026 in Los Angeles, bringing public telescope viewing to the lawn. The programme is held at the Observatory, whose local setting above Griffith Park places the evening astronomy event on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood.
The event is open to the public and gives visitors a chance to look at the Sun, Moon, visible planets and other objects through a range of telescopes. It also connects the Observatory's public mission with the practical work of local amateur astronomers, who will share equipment and discuss the night sky.
Public Star Party brings telescopes to the lawn
The programme runs on Saturday, 17 October 2026, from 2pm to 9.45pm. The official event page lists Griffith Observatory as the venue and describes the gathering as a monthly partnership with local telescope groups. Dozens of telescopes are expected on the lawn, where visitors can try different instruments and speak with people who use them.
The event is supported by volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers and The Planetary Society. The official event programme says the star party is free to the public. Telescope operators must stop individual queues in time to complete viewing by 9.45pm, while the building closes at 10pm.
A separate NASA event listing also places the public star party at Griffith Observatory on 17 October 2026. The matching date and venue make the programme a clear visitor event rather than a general monthly astronomy note.
Griffith Observatory links public astronomy with its history
The observatory stands above the Los Feliz neighbourhood on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. It opened in 1935 as a public science institution and combines an observatory, planetarium and exhibition space. The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks owns and operates the facility as a public service.
The building contains 60 exhibits and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, while its grounds provide views towards Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Its public observing tradition therefore gives the October programme a direct connection with the site's original role: visitors are invited to observe rather than only look at displays. The building closed for comprehensive renovation and expansion on 6 January 2002 and reopened to the public on 2 November 2006.
Visiting Griffith Observatory: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The Public Star Party takes place at Griffith Observatory on 17 October 2026 from 2pm to 9.45pm, with telescopes on the lawn.
- The star party is free to the public. Telescope queues may close before 9.45pm so that all viewing can be completed, although the building closes at 10pm.
- The venue is at 2800 East Observatory Road in Los Angeles, above Hollywood in Griffith Park. Visitors can walk, cycle, take a bus, use a shared ride or drive to the Observatory.
- The site is 1,134 feet above sea level on Mount Hollywood. The grounds include trails leading towards Mount Hollywood, the Greek Theatre area and Fern Dell.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Griffith Observatory
When does the Public Star Party take place at Griffith Observatory?
The Public Star Party takes place on 17 October 2026 from 2pm to 9.45pm on the Observatory lawn.
What is Griffith Observatory?
It is a public observatory, planetarium and exhibition space that opened in 1935 and is operated by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Where is Griffith Observatory and how do you get there?
The venue is at 2800 East Observatory Road in Los Angeles, above Hollywood in Griffith Park. Visitors can walk, cycle, take a bus, use a shared ride or drive.
