GGA After Dark: Spooky Stargazing Returns
Last October, more than 30 geocachers gathered at Hard Labor Creek State Park for the first GGA After Dark. Cloud cover kept the stars hidden, but we still had a great evening together. This year, we're hoping for clear skies and a chance to finally see the observatory under the night sky.
Join the Georgia Geocachers Association for the Second Annual GGA After Dark, a night of stargazing, costumes, and good company.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 PM
Hard Labor Creek State Park
How the Evening Works
We'll start at the shelter at 6:00 PM with an astronomy quiz, a Halloween costume contest, and time to visit with fellow cachers. At 7:00 PM, we'll head to the Hard Labor Creek Observatory. Staff will introduce us to the facility, explain how the telescopes work, and, weather permitting, guide us through an evening of observing.
Event Schedule
6:00 PM: Meet at the shelter
Astronomy quiz
Halloween costume contest
Visit with fellow geocachers, swap trackables, and share your best caching stories
7:00 PM: Meet at the observatory
Observatory introduction and telescope tour
Celestial viewing (weather permitting)
8:00 PM: Event ends
Costume Contest
Costumes are encouraged but not required. Come as an astronaut, alien, pirate, wizard, or your favorite anime character. We'll have a friendly contest with a few fun categories, so arrive in costume for the 6:00 PM judging.
What to Bring
Flashlight or headlamp (red light preferred, to protect night vision)
Light jacket (October evenings can be cool)
Comfortable walking shoes
Bug spray
Binoculars (optional)
Folding chair (optional)
Your geocaching stories and sense of adventure
Park Information
Parking: $10 per vehicle, or free with a valid Georgia State Parks Annual Pass.
Please arrive a few minutes early. Parking at the observatory may be limited, so carpooling from the shelter is encouraged.
What You Might See
Weather permitting, we may see Saturn, the Moon, star clusters, and galaxies through the observatory's telescopes. The Moon will be a waxing half-lit phase that night, which makes its craters stand out along the shadow line.
If It's Cloudy
We'll still have the quiz, the costume contest, and plenty of time together. The observatory staff will decide on the night what activities are possible indoors.
Whether you're an experienced astronomer, a first-time visitor, or just looking for a unique evening with friends, we hope you'll join us for another memorable GGA After Dark.
Explore the Park. Discover the Sky. Connect After Dark.