Total solar eclipse on April 8: 10 fun and funky eclipse festivals to attend in the south
While most of us prepare to experience a few minutes of solar excitement, some cities are hosting full-on festivals to celebrate the eclipse coming April 8.
The total eclipse of the sun will occur in certain states, while others will see only a partial eclipse. The states with the most visibility are Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, as well as small parts of Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.
Read More: See a map of the eclipse path here
According to Space.com, Texas will be the first state to experience totality, and for the longest time. It will start at 1:27 p.m. in Texas and last for four minutes and 26 seconds.
You’ll need special glasses to protect your eyes. You can find some at Walmart. If you want something stronger, telescope.com has telescopes.
While watch parties are being held in numerous cities, some are going all out with multi-day festivals, including a hot-air balloon fest and a circus.
You can find lodging in each city at hotels.com, or find an RV rental at RVshare.com.
READ MORE: Total solar eclipse path 2024: Search your city, ZIP code for best viewing times
Check out just a few below:
Texas
Texclipse Music Festival
Junction, Texas, April 5-8
This area is expected to have “the best climatological prospects for a clear sky in the U.S., according to the meteorologist Jay Anderson. The festival will include live music, a chili cookoff, a cornhole tournament and more.
Ground Zero Music Festival
Bandera, Texas, April 5-9
This five-day festival will include entertainment for all ages. It will feature 26 live bands, a full cowboy rodeo, stunt shows, a car and truck show, cornhole and horseshoes. Find more information here.
Kerrclipse 2024
Kerrville, Texas, April 5-8
This festival at Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerrville will feature live music, science presentations about the eclipse and camping more.
Eclipse over Texas
Waco, Texas, April 5-8
This festival will feature live music, fun runs, drone show, lantern parade. The eclipse will be viewed at McClane Stadium.
Arkansas
Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival
Russellville, Texas, April 6-8
This festival features “a spectacular lineup of 15 of the best local and national blues performers,” a kite show, axe throwing, rock climbing, cornhole balloon rides and more.
The Eclipse Circus
Greenbrier, Arkansas, April 4-8
Head to Matthews Park in Greenbrier to see the Piccolo Zoppé Circus in open-air performances. The circus “brings together the magic of skilled performers never seen before in Greenbrier”
Atlas Obscura’s ECLIPTIC Festival
Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 5-8
This festival hosted by Atlas Obscura includes four days of “music, art, science and wonder culminating with a historic total eclipse.”
It will offer camping and a “lineup of renowned scientists, legendary musicians, wondrous artists and iconic explorers.” Find more information here.
Eclipse Balloon Festival
Morrilton, Arkansas, April 8
This “mesmerizing event” will feature balloon rides, vendors, artists, souvenirs food and drink and camping. The festival promises “a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of a solar eclipse.”
Find more information here.
Kentucky
Solar Eclipse Festival
Morganfield, Kentucky, April 8
This event features live music, family crafts, food, and a lineup of astronomers and storytellers.
Find more information here.
Sturgis Airport’s Eclipse Party
Sturgis, Kentucky, April 8
This event held at the airport features a variety of food trucks, live music and inflatables.
Find more information here.
READ MORE: April 8 total solar eclipse: Why you should wear red or green on eclipse day