Stargazing in the City: Free Star Parties at Memorial Park

You don’t have to leave Houston to get a good look at the night sky! Each month, Memorial Park becomes a gathering place for stargazers of every age and experience level, thanks to our longtime partners at the Houston Astronomical Society (HAS).

What Is a Star Party?

A star party is a relaxed, open-air evening of looking up. HAS volunteers set up multiple telescopes in the Park, point them at whatever the sky is offering that night, and invite everyone to take a look. There is no wrong way to join. Come for ten minutes or stay for the whole evening!

What You Might See

What’s visible depends on the season and the weather, which is part of the fun. On a good night, HAS astronomers help guests observe:

• The Moon and its craters in surprising detail
• Planets such as Jupiter and Saturn when they’re in the sky
• Bright stars, star clusters and constellations
• Nebulae and other deep-sky objects through larger telescopes

The astronomers are happy to answer questions, whether you’re curious about what you’re seeing or have never looked through a telescope before.

Who Should Come?

Everyone! Star Parties are free and open to the public, and they work for families with kids, friends looking for something different to do, date night, photographers and curious star gazers alike. Beginners are especially welcome! HAS experts are passionate and excited to share their wealth of knowledge about the night sky.

Where and When

Star parties are typically held on a Saturday evening at the North Lakeside Pavilion in the Clay Family Eastern Glades, at the eastern end of Memorial Park. The wide-open grassy areas give telescopes plenty of room to spread out.

The schedule follows the sky, so dates and start times change throughout the year. The event starts anywhere from 6 – 7:30 pm, depending on when the sun sets. Star Parties are generally held on a monthly basis. Because clouds and rain can mean a cancellation, always check the event calendar before you head out.

RSVPs are encouraged, though not required. This helps us estimate attendance and makes sure you receive updates if plans change!

What to Bring

• Your own telescope or binoculars, if you have them. Don’t have any? No problem. HAS guides will share their telescopes.
• The free Stellarium app on your phone, to help identify what you’re looking at overhead.
• A blanket or camp chair for settling in and staying awhile.
• Layers and bug spray, depending on the season!
• Patience and curiosity – have your questions ready for our astronomy experts!

Getting There

The Eastern Glades has its own parking lot and entrances off Memorial Drive. Paid parking is available onsite. Head to our Maps & Parking Page to plan your visit.

A Night Sky That Belongs to All of Us

Memorial Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and we think the experience of looking up at the night sky together is one of the best things it offers! Free community programs like this are made possible by partners like the Houston Astronomical Society and by support from people like you!

Head to our recurring Star Party event to RSVP for the next one! Head to our event calendar to view all upcoming programs.

Learn more about the Houston Astronomical Society on their website: https://www.astronomyhouston.org/