Best Things To Do Under Starry Skies This Fall
Learn about the cosmos, trek moonlit trails, make glow-in-the-dark crafts, and find more ways to experience cool fall nights in Georgia.
When the sun sets in Georgia this fall, adventure doesn’t end – it just takes on a new glow. Find amazement in the constellations during astronomy nights, join full moon hikes through historic sites, and stay overnight at a zoo for an up-close experience with wildlife. Many attractions that usually close at dusk stay open late for special fall events, offering a rare chance to explore museums, gardens, and outdoor spaces under the stars.
Here are some of Georgia’s most fun, fascinating, and memorable nocturnal activities – none involving ghosts, ghouls, or jump scares. (For Halloween events, check this list.) So, come along, night owls; grab a flashlight, pack a blanket, and get ready to explore Georgia by moonlight.
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Stargazing & Astronomy Nights
Public Open House Nights at Hard Labor Creek Observatory in Rutledge
Take a deeper look into the night skies at public open houses of the Hard Labor Creek Observatory operated by the Department of Physics & Astronomy at Georgia State University. Look through telescopes away from the light pollution of nearby cities. Sept. 27 and Oct. 11, 2025 (weather permitting).
Astronomy Nights with the Coca-Cola Space Science Center in Columbus
Join the crew at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center for monthly Astronomy Nights, where you can gaze at the constellations, planets, and other bright objects in the evening skies. Bring your own telescope or look through one of theirs. Sept. 20 at Providence Canyon, Oct. 18 at FDR State Park, Nov. 15 at Providence Canyon (weather permitting).
International Observe the Moon Night at Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville
As the premier science museum in the state, Tellus Science Museum regularly opens its observatory for visitors to view the night sky. Visit for International Observe the Moon Night to look at the moon through telescopes and enjoy a sweet treat. Oct. 4, 2025. 6-9 p.m.
Nighttime Hikes & Tours
Night Sounds Hike at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge
Join this ranger-guided 1-mile hike along the lake while listening for night creatures such as frogs, birds, and insects. Sept. 5 & 19, 2025. 9-10 p.m.
Full Moon Hikes at Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls
Once each month, hike 310 stairs to the suspension bridge to watch the moon rise above Tallulah Gorge. Sept. 7, Oct. 5, and Nov. 5, 2025. 9:15-10:45 p.m.
Full Moon Rides with Ride on Bikes in Columbus
Dust off your bike (or rent one for just $5) and enjoy an easy, leisurely ride with friends under the moon and stars in Uptown Columbus. Rides are around four to seven miles. Enjoy great music and stop to grab a beverage along the way. Sept. 7, Oct. 6, and Nov. 5, 2025. 8 p.m.
Scorpion Night Hike at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge
On this 1-mile hike, you’ll use UV lights to hunt for scorpions, millipedes, and centipedes. Sept. 12 & 26, 2025. 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Twilight Treks at Zoo Atlanta
Discover Zoo Atlanta on an after-hours guided tour. Use wildlife research technologies to learn what the animals do when humans are away. Explore with Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR) technology, trail cameras, night-vision scopes, radio telemetry, and Passive Integrated Transponders (PITs), and learn how the tools help understand and protect wildlife. Sept. 12 & 26, and Oct. 9 & 24, 2025. 6:30-9 p.m.
Candlelight Tours: A Soldier’s Journey at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site in Dallas
Join guided, candlelight hikes down trails of history at Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site. Begin with a soldier writing home about his experiences, then visit scenes along the trail where his experiences are brought to life. Sept. 13, 2025. 6-10 p.m.
New Moon Night Hike at Fort Yargo State Park in Winder
Join this monthly hike to view the starry, moonless night sky and discuss the cosmos. Sept. 21, Oct. 21, and Nov. 19, 2025. 8-10 p.m.
Candle Lantern Tour at Fort McAllister State Park in Richmond Hill
Join guided tours through the grounds of Fort McAllister State Park by the soft glow of candlelight. Witness theatrics such as musket and cannon firings, blacksmithing, and grueling medical practices. Explore the eerie bunkers and peek into the barracks where the Fort's Major resides. Oct. 4, 2025. 6:40-10 p.m.
Voices of the Past Lantern Tour at Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site in Juliette
Join guided lantern tours during special after-dark hours at Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site. Hear stories of history and mystery as you walk through the historic buildings lit with candlelight. Hear voices of the past tell their own stories and discover spooky folk legends passed down through the generations. Oct. 10 & 11, 2025. 6:30-10 p.m.
New Moon Walk at Lockerly Arboretum in Milledgeville
Join Director of Education Kensey Amerson to learn about moon phases, the science of the human eye, and why we don't see well in the dark, and the nocturnal creatures who thrive in dark conditions. Then, walk around the property and put your night vision to the test. This is an adult event. Sip a glass of wine or a cold beer and enjoy an evening walk. Oct. 23, 2025. 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Echoes on the Altamaha - Candle Lantern Tour at Fort King George State Historic Site in Darien
The moon is out and the lanterns are lit! For one night only, the past comes alive to share tales at Fort King George State Historic Site. Learn about the history surrounding the 250th anniversary of the USA. Take a candle lantern tour and speak with those daring folk who left their mark on the Georgia colony. Oct. 25, 2025. 6:30-10 p.m.
Overnight Events
Family NightCrawler Overnights at Zoo Atlanta
Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta and find out what happens when the sun goes down. Which animals stay up late, and how do others settle down for the night? And in the morning, how do animals greet the day? During the evening, participants can use night vision scopes and take guided tours behind the scenes. Designed for families with children ages 6+, participants will sleep indoors with sleeping bags brought from home. Sept. 13 and Nov. 8, 2025.
S’mores ‘N Snores in Duluth
Sleep under the stars at the new Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth. This family-friendly event is the perfect introduction to camping while having easy access to amenities. Bring your camping gear (tent, sleeping bags, and pillows) and enjoy glow-in-the-dark crafts, s'mores, campfires, live music, games, and more. Oct. 4-5, 2025.
Sunset & After Dark Things to Do
Sunset on the Swamp Cruise at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo
Take a ranger-led evening tour into the Okefenokee Swamp to watch as the sun’s colors put on a show over the dark water. See birds heading home to roost, alligators heading out to hunt, and hear the frogs start their chorus. Fridays, Sept. 5 - 26, 2025.
Sunset in the Swamp Kayak Paddle at Stephen C. Foster State Park in Fargo
Kayak in the swamp with a ranger as the sun sets over the dark water. Experience the sights and sounds of creatures starting their nighttime activities. Saturdays, Sept. 6 - 27, 2025.
Sunset and Full Moon Paddle at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge
Take a ranger-guided tour of the lake to watch the sunset and experience the wonders of nature that are unique to nighttime. Sept. 6, 2025. 7-9 p.m.
Fernbank After Dark at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta
Offered on the second Friday of each month, Fernbank Museum of Natural History presents a variety of unique after-hours experiences for grown-ups, including museum exhibits, live music, full bars, tapas menus, science demonstrations, and more. Each month highlights a different science theme and features fun and immersive programming for ages 21 and over. Sept. 12, Oct. 10, 2025. 7 - 11 p.m.
Pumpkin Festival Drone & Light Show at Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain
Marvel at the choreographed, color-changing drones with themed songs, an immersive canopy of lights, unique video, special effects, and fireworks that will add a magical glow to your night. The Pumpkin Drone & Light Show is just one of many glowing experiences during the Pumpkin Festival, including glow-in-the-dark mini-golf and glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs. Sept. 13 - Nov. 2, 2025.
Movies by Moonlight in Sandy Springs
Enjoy classic films outdoors on a giant 30-foot screen from the comfort of tiered lawn seating at the Heritage Amphitheatre lawn in Sandy Springs. Admission is free! Arrive early for trivia at sunset, and grab a snack and drink from the outdoor concession stands. Drinks available for purchase include the exclusive Moonlight Mocktail (ginger ale, grenadine, and a glowing ice cube). The amphitheatre opens at 7 p.m., and the movie begins after sunset. Sept. 5 & Oct. 3, 2025.
Great Pumpkin LumiNights at Wild Adventures in Valdosta
Explore acres of fall fun among hundreds of illuminated pumpkins, a 100-foot Twilight Tunnel, towering sculptures, glowing entertainment, and delicious pumpkin spice treats. All that in addition to the thrilling rides and wild animals at Wild Adventures Theme Park! Don't miss the LumiNight Skies Drone Show on Oct. 25. Sept. 19 - Oct. 26, 2025.
The Park After Dark at Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens in Hiawassee
Enjoy an open walk down the Hamilton Gardens Main Trail to Fishing Hole Rock. The trail is lined with colorful lights and torches. Bring a glass of wine or champagne from the wine bar. Come early to enjoy Acoustic Sunsets, a Thursday night concert series starting at 5 p.m. Oct. 2 & 9, 2025. 7-10 p.m.
Fountain Show at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta
Experience the magic of the newly enhanced Fountain of Rings show at Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. The dazzling water and light spectacle has been reimagined with vibrant new colors, upgraded lighting, and synchronized music that brings the heart of Atlanta to life. Enjoy four shows daily. See the legacy of the 1996 Olympics celebrated in a whole new way!
Slack Tide Tiki Sunset Cruises in Midway & Richmond Hill
Book a charter sunset cruise along the Georgia coast on Slack Tide Tiki’s 23-foot saltwater catamaran. Enjoy the water after dark, watch the stars, and soak in the nocturnal coastal views. Tours depart from two locations: Sunbury Boat Ramp in Midway and Demeries Creek Boat Ramp in Richmond Hill.
