This post has been updated to reflect changes that were made in response to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Geocaching HQ wants to allow flexibility for hosts to schedule their Community Celebration Events, since this is a unique Event type. Event hosts will be allowed to host these events until December 31, 2022.

Geocaching is what you’ve made it. Entering into the 20th year of geocaching, we want to celebrate what’s most important: this community-driven game!

Beginning today, eligible geocachers can apply to host Community Celebration Events in 2020-2022. These events will enable cachers around the world to commemorate the 20th anniversary of geocaching with a new icon and souvenir.

This cache type was originally known as the Lost and Found Event Cache. It was created for events that were hosted by geocachers from April 30, 2010 to May 3, 2010 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of geocaching. Just 362 Lost and Found Events were held, so a very limited number of cachers earned the icon. We’re excited that many thousands more cachers will have a chance to celebrate a big anniversary and get the redesigned icon in 2020-2022!

To be eligible to apply to host a Community Celebration Event, you must meet the following criteria:

Attendance: You must have attended at least two (2) Events or CITOs within the last three (3) years (between December 2, 2016 and December 2, 2019).

Activity: You must have logged a cache within the past six (6) months (between June 2, 2019 and December 2, 2019).

If you meet the criteria, apply via the opt-in page by October 3, 2020. If you own multiple Geocaching.com accounts, please apply with only one account. Each month from January through October, at least 2,020 hosts will be randomly selected from those who opt-in (with geographic distribution). If selected, you will receive one of 20,200 or more Community Celebration Events! All official community volunteers (reviewers, moderators, and translators), and the primary accounts for all 2020-2022 Mega- and Giga-Events will receive a Celebration Event.

Winners must host events between May 2, 2020 and December 31, 2022. Events must be a minimum of two hours, and cannot overlap with events associated with a Mega- or Giga-Event. For more guidance, see the Help Center article on Community Celebration Events.

Between Community Celebration Events and the Geocaching 20th Anniversary Celebration in Seattle, there will be many opportunities to commemorate 20 years of geocaching!

Here are answers to some common questions:

How did you choose the number of Community Celebration Events to be released worldwide?

Since we’re turning 20 in the year 2020, we think the best way to celebrate is with more than 20,200 birthday parties around the world! To provide the best experience for all attendees and to prevent over-saturation, we’re offering a limited, special release of the icon.

Why are you distributing 2,020 per month, instead of giving them all at once?

We believe there will be a lot of excitement about publishing these events. We want to distribute the effort of reviewing them by community volunteer reviewers over time. And we hope this minimizes people choosing the same date and time for their event. 

I just submitted my request for a Community Celebration Event Cache, when will I find out whether I receive one?

The applicants selected to host a Community Celebration Event will be notified via email between January and October 2020. If you misplace the email, the Event page will be created on your Geocaching.com account and will display in your list of unpublished caches. Applicants who are not selected will not be notified.

I don’t qualify to host a Community Celebration Event, what can I do?

You may not qualify to host this particular cache type, but you are still eligible to host a regular Event Cache with your own celebration theme! 

I want to celebrate a geocaching anniversary on a specific date, what can I do?

Unfortunately, selected event hosts won’t be determined ahead of time, so we are unable to honor requests for cachers with a specific date in mind. We recommend hosting a regular Event Cache with your own celebration theme, instead.

I received the opportunity to host a Community Celebration Event Cache, how soon can I submit it to my reviewer for publishing?

Community Celebration Events may be submitted for review up to six (6) months and no less than two (2) weeks in advance of your chosen Event date.

How long do I have to submit my Community Celebration Event Cache for review?

Events may be hosted May 2, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The final date to submit the cache page of your Community Celebration Event is December 17, 2022.

I just logged drafts for finding a cache or attending Events or CITOs, why don’t I qualify to host this Event?

All logging activity must have occurred prior to December 2, 2019 to qualify. Although the date of your draft may have been before this date, the date you submitted the draft is ineligible.

How do I find a Community Celebration Event happening near me?
We’re glad you asked! View a list of Community Celebration Events here.