Harvest Moon Picnic & Night Stroll - Texas
September 26, 2026 — 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Last day to register: September 25, 2026
Just as the sun is setting in the western sky, a full moon will be rising in the east. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join Pride of Dripping Springs and The Venture Out Project volunteer, Amy, for an evening of beauty, curiosity, and connection as we witness together this year’s Harvest Moon ascend over the horizon.
September provides not only an extraordinary celestial event, but it is also an important migration time for many different animals, such as songbirds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and several species of bats, most of which migrate at night (and all of which have lots of queer representatives!). Additionally, Monarch butterflies (also queer) start crossing into Texas in late September on their way from their summer grasslands and gardens in southern Canada to their winter roosts high up in the mountains of central Mexico.
After the moon rises, we will stroll around the area and explore the sights and sounds of the night under full moonlight. Amy will bring a bat detector to listen for bats foraging overhead for dinner and a UV flashlight to look for creatures who glow in the dark. With a focus on being in community with nature and each other, this event will offer a space for everyone to experience the joys of nature in a safe, affirming, and inclusive space.
This event will also be very casual: come and stay as long or as little as you want. All ages are welcome, from elders to youth (please note that anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or parental figure). Snacks and water will be provided. Port-a-potty restrooms are available, but there is no drinking water at the park. Additional details will be provided for everyone who registers.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Austin, TX. See below for notes on ancestral land.
Parking: There are some flat gravel parking spaces at the event location, but no designated ADA parking spaces. There is also parking along the gravel/compact grass shoulder of the park road. All parking is free.
Pets: Pets on leash who are friendly and comfortable with other dogs/animals are welcome at this event. Hike: 0-1/4 mile (the stroll after the picnic is optional), no elevation gain
Meet: September 26, 2026
Cost: This event is completely free to access! We welcome donations of any amount, which help us continue to provide these programs. We appreciate your support and your contribution!
Bring: Water; camping chair, towel, or blanket; and food or snacks (optional)
Land: Although other peoples may have connections to this land and this land is not necessarily claimed as ancestral or traditional land by all, these are some of the Indigenous Peoples connected to this land: the Tonkawa, the Apache, the Ysleta del sur Pueblo, the Lipan Apache Tribe, the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians, the Coahuitlecan, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas, Carrizo & Comecrudo, Tigua Pueblo, Caddo, Comanche, Kiowa, Wichita, Chickasaw, and Waco peoples.
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.