The total solar eclipse on April 8 is the event of spring, but with the chances of a clear sky about 50/50 it pays to make a plan to do something that goes on for longer than the few hours of celestial splendor.
For those looking for a unique experience, there are several “quirky” events being planned across the path of totality for space enthusiasts and animal lovers to music fans and more. Here’s the pick of the bunch:
See An Eclipse With Elephants
Where: Endangered Ark Foundation, Hugo, Oklahoma
Time and duration of totality: 13:44 CDT, 3 minutes 23 seconds
A private non-profit in southeast Oklahoma dedicated to ensuring the future of Asian elephants in North America, eclipse day ($25) will include activities and vendors. RV parking is available for a small additional charge. More information.
Have An Apollo 11 Eclipse
Where: Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Time and duration of totality: 15:09 CDT, 3 minutes 57 seconds
At first glance, there may not be an obvious link between a total solar eclipse and the first person to walk on the moon. However, not only did the Apollo 11 crew see a total solar eclipse on the way to the moon, but for commander Neil Armstrong, it was his favorite part of the entire mission. After seeing his Gemini 8 spacecraft, join in with the museum’s planned events and experience totality exactly 19,987 days after the “Apollo 11 eclipse.” More information.
Get Married At Stonehenge
Where: Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Wapakoneta, Ohio
Time and duration of totality: 13:31 CDT, 4 minutes 25 seconds
Stonehenge II, a concrete art project in Ingram in the Texas Hill Country, is a replica of the 5,000-year-old monument in Salisbury Plains, England. The Hill Country Arts Foundation’s event will include food trucks, a beer tent and optional wedding ceremonies. More information.
Plan A ‘Pig Eclipse Party’
Where: Wills Point, Texas
Time and duration of totality: 13:41 CDT, 4 minutes and 18 seconds
Close to the centerline for a long totality, My Pig Filled Life Mini Pig Rescue in Texas is staging the two-day Total PigEclipse Party, where you can camp out under the stars and share the eclipse with a few hundred mini pigs. More information.
A Time-Traveling Totality
Where: Mumford
Time and duration of totality: 3:19 p.m. EDT, 3 minutes 37 seconds
Experience totality in a 19th-century Historic Village, where you can also explore how 19th-century Americans viewed eclipses and learn all about the science of eclipses (from $250 per vehicle). More information and tickets.
A Solar Submarine
Where: USS Razorback, Little Rock, Arkansas
Time and duration of totality: 13:51 CDT, 2 minutes and 50 seconds
A submarine that saw service in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, will host an eclipse viewing event (07:30-16:00 CDT) on the Arkansas River that runs through Little Rock. Tickets to view physically on (but not in!) USS Razorback SS394 submarine cost $15, with parking lot tickets $25. More information.
A Folk Festival
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch, Medina Highway, Kerrville, Texas
Time and duration of totality: 13:32 CDT, 4 minutes and 22 seconds
If folk music is your thing, then head down to Quiet Valley Ranch near Kerrville, Texas, for musicians such as Golden Dawn Arkestra, Jomo & The Possum Posse and Good Looks. Held from April 5-9 ($350 for adults and $75 for children), the ticket price includes camping. More information.
A Benedictine Blackout
Where: Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Erie, Pennsylvania
Time and duration of totality: 3:16 p.m. EDT, 3 minutes 43 seconds
More information
Erie’s only monastery will host a ticket-only “Spiritual Solar Eclipse Experience” on its Glinodo lakefront to watch the eclipse and enjoy pre- and post-eclipse prayer, recreation, celebration and refreshments. More information.
A Cowboy Eclipse
Where: The Backyard at Hotel Drover, The Fort Worth Stockyards, Fort Worth, Dallas
Time and duration of totality: 13:40 CDT, 2 minutes and 20 seconds
For an eclipse experience in cowboy country, try The Backyard at Hotel Drover, a ranch-style resort that promises live music, cocktails, and exclusive Hotel Drover-branded eclipse glasses. More information.
Glimpse A ‘Golden Corona’
Where: Atlantic Ocean
Time and duration of totality: 14:53 UTC, 2 minutes and 3 seconds
It’s rare that one continent can entirely claim a total solar eclipse and on April 8 it won’t just be North Americans that get to experience totality. Departing Southhampton in the U.K. on April 6-18, Fred Olsen Cruises will take up to 1,338 guests on the Bolette to the Azores, but not before intercepting the moon’s shadow just before it slips off into space. Viewed dead on the horizon, if it’s clear then a ‘golden corona’ will be the reward. More information.
For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
