How to Host the Ultimate Stargazing Night: Essentials, Activities & a Dash of Magic

There’s something undeniably magical about watching the sky come alive with shooting stars—and this April, we get not one but two meteor showers lighting up the night: the Lyrids and the Eta Aquarids. Whether you're a seasoned space enthusiast or just looking for a new excuse to gather your people and escape the usual routine, hosting a stargazing night might be exactly the vibe you didn’t know you needed.

But here's the thing—stargazing doesn't have to mean lying on the cold, hard ground or just waiting in silence for something to happen. With a little prep, it can be the perfect blend of chill, connection, and cosmic wonder.

Let’s talk about how to host your own unforgettable night under the stars.

Step 1: Timing Is Everything

This April, mark your calendars:

• Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks around April 21–22
• Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower peaks around May 4–5

Try to plan your stargazing night as close to these peak dates as possible. Check a local light pollution map and aim to get as far from city lights as you comfortably can. Even a short drive can make a massive difference.

Step 2: Set the Scene (and Bring the Right Gear)

Here’s your ultimate stargazing checklist:

✅ Blankets or Warm layers – Even spring nights can get cold fast

✅ Bug spray + snacks – Self-explanatory, right?

✅ Binoculars or a telescope (optional, but fun)

✅ A thermos of something cozy – Think hot cocoa, mulled cider, or even an herbal tea to wind down

✅ Low-lumen red flashlight – So you can see without killing your night vision

✅ Star app on your phone – Sky Guide and Night Sky are two great ones

Step 3: Add Some Earthly Fun Between the Cosmic Shows

Here’s a little secret: the meteors don’t come non-stop. You’ll have bursts of activity followed by slower moments. That’s where the magic of planned downtime comes in.

🌌 Game Night, but Make It Celestial

Bring along a deck of cards or a poker set and roll out your Newverest Poker Mat on the picnic table or on the ground. Suddenly you're in a portable, starlit casino. (Bonus points if you name your poker hands after constellations.)

🧩 Puzzle It Out Under the Stars

Waiting between meteor bursts? Pull out a compact puzzle and use our All You Need Puzzle Set with sorting trays and a smooth, travel-friendly puzzle mat—yes, even outdoors! Who says puzzles are just for rainy days inside?

🎶 Curate a Chill Stargazing Playlist

Think lo-fi beats, acoustic covers, or ambient stargazing soundtracks. Let the music be a soft backdrop that elevates the vibe without overpowering nature’s soundtrack.

Step 4: Capture the Memory, Not Just the Moment

Encourage guests to jot down their favorite constellations or make meteor-related wishes. If you’re into scrapbooking or memory keeping, this is a perfect moment to collect photos, quotes, or little keepsakes.

And if you’ve got one of our mats with you, snap a pic—we love seeing our products out in the wild (and under the stars ✨).

Final Thought: Keep It Simple, Keep It Special

The best stargazing nights aren’t about elaborate planning—they’re about intentional experiences. A few good people, the right atmosphere, and the open sky above. That’s all you need to make magic.

And hey, if our puzzle and poker mats happen to help you stay grounded while your eyes stay skyward? Even better.