Each year, amateur astronomers from across the United States gather for one of the biggest astronomy conventions in the country: ALCON, the annual conference of the Astronomical League. In 2026, the event heads to the Cincinnati area for four days of astronomy talks, workshops, tours, social events, and community-building—and everyone is invited. You do not need to be an Astronomical League member to attend.
Hosted by the Cincinnati Astronomical Society in partnership with the Astronomical League, ALCON 2026 will take place August 12–15, 2026, with an optional afterparty event on August 16.
For amateur astronomers, astrophotographers, telescope enthusiasts, citizen scientists, educators, and anyone who simply enjoys looking up at the night sky, ALCON offers a chance to connect with the broader astronomy community while learning from experienced observers, researchers, and speakers from across the hobby.
What Is Happening at ALCON 2026?
ALCON 2026 features a packed schedule of events spread across four days. This year’s conference includes:
- Presentations from professional astronomers, science communicators, and experienced amateurs
- Citizen science sessions
- Astrophotography and observing talks
- Astronomical League business and awards sessions
- Vendor exhibits and astronomy equipment displays
- Youth-focused science programming
- Social events and networking opportunities
- Guided tours and Cincinnati-area excursions
- An optional observatory afterparty under darker skies in Adams County, Ohio
Featured speakers include Dr. Rebecca Williams, Dr. Shane Larson, Pranvera Hyseni, Dr. Nick Abel, and others covering topics ranging from Mars exploration and citizen science to science communication and nebulae.
One of the signature events of the conference is the annual “StarBQ,” which this year will be held at the historic Cincinnati Museum Center inside the famous Union Terminal building. Conference attendees will also have opportunities to tour the historic Cincinnati Observatory, one of the oldest observatories in the United States and home to the famed “People’s Telescope.”
The conference concludes with a banquet, keynote presentation, and Astronomical League awards ceremony on Saturday evening. Attendees who extend their stay can also participate in the optional Sunday afterparty hosted at the Moeller Observatory in Adams County.
What Is the Astronomical League?
The Astronomical League is one of the largest federations of astronomy clubs in the world, representing hundreds of astronomy societies and thousands of members across the United States. The organization is perhaps best known among amateur astronomers for its extensive observing programs, which encourage members to learn the night sky through structured observing challenges and awards.
Each year, the Astronomical League hosts ALCON (short for Astronomical League Convention), its annual national convention. The conference rotates among different host clubs around the country and brings together astronomers of all experience levels for several days of presentations, networking, awards, exhibits, and observing-related activities.
ALCON has long been considered one of the premier gatherings for the amateur astronomy community, combining education, outreach, and the shared excitement of exploring the universe.
About the Cincinnati Astronomical Society
Founded in 1920, the Cincinnati Astronomical Society is one of the oldest astronomy clubs in the United States. The club is active in public outreach, observing programs, education, and citizen science projects throughout the Cincinnati region.
In recent years, the society has gained attention for its partnership with the Moeller Observatory, a modern observing facility in southern Ohio featuring advanced amateur-accessible telescopes and dark skies.
By hosting ALCON 2026, the Cincinnati Astronomical Society will welcome astronomy enthusiasts from around the country to experience both the city’s astronomy history and its growing astronomy community.
When and Where
ALCON 2026 will be held August 12–15, 2026, at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter in Covington, Kentucky, directly across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.
The venue places attendees within walking distance of many Cincinnati attractions, museums, restaurants, and historic sites while serving as the central hub for conference presentations and events.
Registration is currently open, and conference organizers note that space is limited.
For complete conference details, schedules, registration information, hotel information, and event updates, visit the official ALCON 2026 website.
Keep Looking Up
Whether you are a longtime Astronomical League member, a casual backyard observer, or someone just beginning your astronomy journey, ALCON 2026 promises several days filled with learning, inspiration, and community. Events like ALCON remind us that amateur astronomy is at its best when it brings people together to share the night sky.
