WHILE INNISFREE REGULARLY OPENS RAIN OR SHINE, CONCERNS FOR VISITOR SAFETY DURING THIS NIGHTTIME EVENT – TROPICAL STORM CONDITIONS IN A DARK GARDEN – HAVE LED US TO CANCEL OUR MOON VIEWING CELEBRATING THE AUTUMNAL EQUINOX. 

THIS GARDEN IS GLORIOUS IN RAIN AND EVEN A CLOUDY EVENING AT INNISFREE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL, BUT HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS ARE FORECASTED FOR SATURDAY. ONE LOCAL WEATHER SERVICE WROTE "THIS STORM COULD FEEL VERY MUCH LIKE AN AUTUMN NOR'EASTER." NOT SAFE.

BECAUSE OF OUR DECISION TO CANCEL THIS EVENT, ALL ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASES FOR INNISFREE'S SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 MOON VIEWING WILL BE REFUNDED.

THE INTEREST IN MOON VIEWING AT INNISFREE HAS BEEN INCREDIBLE SO WE WILL PLAN ANOTHER. STAY TUNED!

The equinox, when day and night are equal, is regarded as a special even sacred time in cultures around the world. In our northern hemisphere, the autumnal equinox is traditionally associated with the abundance of harvest. Celebrate this cosmic event by gathering at Innisfree to view the moon and other celestial bodies. Come with a group or on your own, bring a blanket or folding chair, and gaze up at the heavens and out at this iconic landscape bathed in moonlight.

Tucked in an ancient glacial bowl which defines the horizon, there is very little light pollution making star gazing at Innisfree a sublime experience. The moon won't yet be full and experts believe that looking at the light and dark sides of the moon together is most interesting. Our friends from the Mid-Hudson Astronomical Association will have set up telescopes to provide closer looks at the moon as well as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, which should all be visible that night. They can also answer questions about the night sky. 

Full night and optimal moon and star/planet viewing starts at 8:24pm. If you would like to set up your own telescope, you are welcome to come at 6:30pm. Sunset is at 6:51pm. 

NOTE: To preserve night vision, only red lights will be allowed. Simple directions to temporarily convert your own flashlight or headlamp will be sent to all advance ticket purchasers and will be sent to all ticket holders.

Advance registration is REQUIRED for this special evening access. Innisfree will open rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for another date.

Today's events are part of the continent-wide Gardens for Peace (G4P) program in honor of the United Nations International Day of Peace and the region-wide Hudson River Valley Ramble.