Entry No. 52 — the Los Angeles file — filed under: after-dark
Griffith Observatory Public Star Party
On the Saturday nearest the first-quarter moon, volunteer astronomers from the L.A. Astronomical Society, the Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society haul dozens of telescopes onto the Observatory lawn and let anyone walk up and look. You can squint at the Moon's craters, Saturn's rings, and double stars through a parade of different scopes while the owners talk shop. It runs free until the lines are cut off around 9:45 p.m. so all viewing finishes on time, with the glittering city sprawl below as backdrop.
The move: Drive up at dusk, wander the lawn hopping from telescope to telescope to catch Saturn and the Moon, then walk the parapet for the city lights.
📍 Before you go Free, no reservation; held only on select Saturdays near first-quarter moon, roughly 2 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Check the calendar for the next date and arrive early for parking.
- 📍 Los Feliz / Griffith Park
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
last checked: 2026-06-23