Griffith Observatory hosts Public Star Party on 17 October
Published on 10/11/2026 at 01:55 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSKey points in brief
- Griffith Observatory hosts its Public Star Party on 17 October 2026 in Los Angeles.
- The public event runs from 2pm to 9.45pm, with volunteer astronomers and telescopes on the lawn.
- Visitors can observe the Sun, Moon, visible planets and other objects with help from local astronomy groups.
Griffith Observatory hosts its Public Star Party on 17 October 2026 in Los Angeles, bringing volunteer astronomers and public telescopes to the lawn. The event is a visitor programme at the city observatory, where public viewing connects the October date with a long-running astronomy tradition.
Public Star Party brings telescopes to the lawn on 17 October
The Public Star Party takes place at the observatory from 2pm to 9.45pm on 17 October 2026. The venue lists the programme as a monthly partnership with local telescope groups, with dozens of telescopes placed on the lawn for visitors.
The event is open to the public and does not require a separate commercial booking. The observatory says volunteers help visitors view the Sun, Moon, visible planets and other objects, while also answering questions about the sky and telescope equipment. The official event listing names the venue, date and programme details.
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society, Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers and The Planetary Society assist with the monthly star parties. A separate NASA event listing also places the public star party on the front lawn on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
Griffith Observatory links the October event to public astronomy
The observatory stands on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, above the Los Feliz neighbourhood. It opened in 1935 as a public science institution and combines an observatory, a planetarium and exhibition spaces.
The building closed for a comprehensive renovation and expansion in 2002 and reopened to the public on 2 November 2006. That history gives the October programme a clear setting: the evening star party uses the grounds for direct observation, while the building continues the wider educational role established in 1935.
The facility is owned and operated as a public service by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Its public astronomy offer includes telescopes, exhibitions and live planetarium presentations, although the star party itself is centred on the lawn and volunteer-led observing.
What the October star party means for a visit
The programme offers a different way to experience the site from a standard gallery visit. Instead of viewing astronomy only through displays or a scheduled presentation, visitors can approach working telescopes and discuss observations with people who use them.
The observatory also states that private, unauthorised telescopes cannot be operated on its grounds. The rule keeps the public observing area under the responsibility of the venue and its participating astronomy groups.
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.
- The event is held on the front lawn, with volunteer astronomers and telescopes available for public observing. The building, grounds and public telescopes have free admission.
- The observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road in Los Angeles. The LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus runs from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station to the observatory.
- The site is on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park. Visitors arriving on foot can use trails from the Greek Theatre area or Fern Dell, while cyclists must use paved park roads.
Searching for Griffith Observatory on social platforms
These links open searches for Griffith Observatory on each platform.
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, with observing on the lawn.
Where is Griffith Observatory and how do you get there?
It is at 2800 East Observatory Road in Los Angeles. The LADOT DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus connects it with the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station.
What is Griffith Observatory?
It is a public observatory, planetarium and exhibition space in Griffith Park that opened in 1935 and reopened after renovation on 2 November 2006.
