Star Party with the San Antonio Astronomical Association

When the sun drops in the Texas Hill Country, Guadalupe River State Park becomes an outdoor observatory for the Star Party with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. You will find the group set up in the overflow parking lot in Spring Branch, just north of San Antonio, with multiple telescope stations ready for public viewing. Come for a quick look or stay for the full program.

You will rotate through scopes aimed at different targets, often the moon, bright planets, and seasonal showpieces like star clusters and nebulae. Members of the San Antonio Astronomical Association, including volunteers such as Aaron O’Neal, talk you through what you are seeing and help you map constellations with your naked eye. With limited nearby city glow, you can often pick out structure in the Milky Way on clear nights.

Plan to arrive early for your entrance permit since capacity can fill on holiday weekends. Admission to the program is included with park entry, $7 per adult, and kids 12 and under are free; if you arrive after hours without a pre-purchased pass, use the self-pay station at the park office. Bring a red-lens flashlight, plus a chair or blanket, and dress in layers since temperatures can fall quickly after dark. The program is weather dependent, and cancellations are typically posted by 2:00 PM on event day if clouds or rain are expected.

If you want to stay close, look at vacation rentals in Spring Branch or Bulverde, or browse cabins and regional options through Lake.com for a quieter base near the river. Camping inside Guadalupe River State Park is also popular, but you will need reservations well in advance. No pets are allowed at the star party, registration is not required, and you are welcome to bring your own binoculars or telescope.