Rochester Museum & Science Center will be celebrating the total solar eclipse with a three-day festival, ROC The Eclipse, featuring hands-on activities, speakers, live entertainment, eclipse merch, food trucks, and more. The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium will also present a new show, Eclipse 2024!, about the phenomena surrounding a total solar eclipse.Photo: Courtesy of Rochester Museum & Science Center
Texas is this year's prime eclipse destination—in particular Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, according to AAA booking data. But nearly everyone in the U.S. should be able to see at least a partial eclipse, barring bad weather.
Got your safety glasses ready? We’ve rounded up some of the out-of-this-world offerings, which some are calling “solarbrations,” from around the U.S. and Canada...
Omni Mount Washington Resort
Located in northern New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Omni Mount Washington Resort will host a three-day event celebrating the eclipse that features kid-friendly activities and a watch party.
Because the total solar eclipse will pass through various states, including Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine, other Omni Hotels & Resorts properties situated along the path of totality will also offer “Solarbration” packages with custom glasses and perks like early check-in, late checkout, and eclipse-themed gifts. Plus, the hotel brand has teamed up with Southwest Airlines, offering passengers on specific flights eclipse-themed amenities as well as Icon Status in Omni's new Select Guest loyalty program for the entirety of 2024.
Because the total solar eclipse will pass through various states, including Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and Maine, other Omni Hotels & Resorts properties situated along the path of totality will also offer “Solarbration” packages with custom glasses and perks like early check-in, late checkout, and eclipse-themed gifts. Plus, the hotel brand has teamed up with Southwest Airlines, offering passengers on specific flights eclipse-themed amenities as well as Icon Status in Omni's new Select Guest loyalty program for the entirety of 2024.
Photo: Courtesy of Omni Mount Washington Resort
Mill Falls at the Lake
Mill Falls at the Lake, located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, N.H., is offering an exclusive package that’s designed to immerse guests in the celestial event. From April 6-8, guests can enjoy overnight accommodations, two pairs of viewing glasses, a guidebook, and an eclipse-inspired snack basket.
Photo: Courtesy of Mill Falls at the Lake
The Joule’s Eyeboretum
Timed to the Dallas Art Fair, The Joule presents Eyeboretum, a walk-through garden experience on the 15,000-square-foot lawn in front of the hotel’s 30-foot-tall "Eye" sculpture by Tony Tasset. The arboretum features winding paths; interactive outdoor spaces; themed bars; and larger-than-life botanical scenes with towering mushrooms, giant beanstalks, and a “gnome home.” It will also serve as a viewing spot for the total solar eclipse.
Photo: Courtesy of The Joule
Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
At Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh, a solar eclipse watch party will be held at the pool and courtyard with a specially curated three-course, wine-paired lunch. A group of local breweries including Tupps Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, and Bishop Cider will be on hand for a makeshift beer garden experience. From noon to 4 p.m., guests can taste different brews and hops under the solar eclipse.
Photo: Courtesy of Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
Little Rock Zoo
On April 8, Little Rock Zoo visitors will be able to enjoy entertainment, learn about solar eclipses, and watch the phenomenon with the animals. The eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m., with maximum totality starting at 1:52 p.m. and ending at 3:11 p.m. The zoo is also throwing a tailgate fundraising party called The Pull Up on the Path Tailgate Party. Guests are invited to bring tents, stadium chairs, and blankets to set up and watch the eclipse in a gated area. The zoo will serve a continental breakfast and lunch. The VIP event costs $1,500 and includes admission to the zoo for up to six individuals.
Photo: Courtesy of Little Rock Zoo
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is in the direct path of totality, with Niagara Falls State Park as one of the prime viewing areas, offering unobstructed views of the event. From April 4-8, there will be a range of eclipse activities throughout Niagara Falls, including programming led by scientists, subject matter experts, and astronauts from NASA. On the evening of April 8, visitors can enjoy a fireworks display. Destination Niagara USA, the official DMO for Niagara County, is also selling total solar eclipse gifts and souvenirs, including stickers, magnets, clothing, and solar viewing glasses.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@niagarafallsusa
Lake Effect's Eclipse Cones
Lake Effect Ice Cream in Lockport, N.Y., is scooping out butterbeer ice cream on a crunchy sugar cone with red sprinkles inside and covered in chocolate cone dip. The cones cost $3.18 in recognition of the time that the eclipse's totality begins.
Photo: Courtesy of Instagram/@lakeeffecticecream
ROC The Eclipse
Rochester Museum & Science Center will be celebrating the total solar eclipse with a three-day festival, ROC The Eclipse, featuring hands-on activities, speakers, live entertainment, eclipse merch, food trucks, and more. The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium will also present a new show, Eclipse 2024!, about the phenomena surrounding a total solar eclipse.
Photo: Courtesy of Rochester Museum & Science Center
Atlas Obscura's Ecliptic Festival
From April 5-8 near Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Atlas Obscura will host a four-day celebration of the eclipse at Valley of the Vapors, an international underground music festival that typically takes place in March. The event will feature a lineup of scientists, musicians, vendors, and artists.
Photo: Courtesy of Atlas Obscura
Montreal’s Parc Jean-Drapeau Watch Party
The total solar eclipse will be fully visible from Montreal, which is why the city is inviting locals and visitors to gather at Parc Jean-Drapeau for a free viewing party in partnership with the Space for Life museum. Experts will be on site to discuss the eclipse and distribute glasses to guests.
Photo: Photo Héelico Inc. - Tourisme Montreal
Indiana University's Hoosier Cosmic Celebration
Taking place at 1 p.m. on April 8 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind., Indiana University's Hoosier Cosmic Celebration will feature a concert by Janelle Monáe. Prior to the eclipse, William Shatner will make an appearance, and America’s first woman of color to travel to space, Mae Jemison, is also set to speak. Monáe will take the stage immediately following the total eclipse, which occurs at 3:04 p.m.
In addition to performances, attendees will have a chance to get an up-close look at an actual Blue Origin space capsule. The capsule will be reconstructed and available for students and visitors to tour at the south field goal line. Space simulations will be included.
In addition to performances, attendees will have a chance to get an up-close look at an actual Blue Origin space capsule. The capsule will be reconstructed and available for students and visitors to tour at the south field goal line. Space simulations will be included.
Photo: Courtesy of Indiana University
Sheraton Dallas Hotel
The Solar Eclipse Package at Sheraton Dallas Hotel includes viewing glasses and “cosmic” cocktails during a viewing party. Plus, during a happy hour on April 7, an expert astronomer from the Carnegie Institution for Science will offer insights into the eclipse, provide safety tips for optimal viewing, and answer any astronomy-related questions.
Photo: Courtesy of Sheraton Dallas
SPIRE Academy’s Solar Eclipse Festival
SPIRE Academy is hosting its Solar Eclipse Festival April 8. The property’s new hotel, TownePlace Suites Geneva at SPIRE Academy, is offering packages that include a ticket to the festival. The event will feature games and competitions for all ages, music, and kids’ entertainment with Jungle Terry. SPIRE Academy is an international high school and postgraduate sports performance training and education boarding school in Geneva, Ohio, outside Cleveland.
Photo: Courtesy of SPIRE Academy
La Cantera Resort & Spa
La Cantera Resort & Spa is partnering with The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Physics and Astronomy to offer an eclipse package, with a portion of proceeds benefiting a fund dedicated to students within the department. The Moon Shadow package includes a welcome reception, daily breakfast for two, a complimentary bottle of bubbles, and a viewing party just off the patio and lawn behind Grille 254. Packages start at $3,500 for a three-night stay for two adults.
Photo: Courtesy of Visit San Antonio
Eclipse Over Texas: Live From Waco
As one of the best places to view the total solar eclipse, Waco, Texas, is hosting an event in Touchdown Alley at McLane Stadium featuring telescopes, educational activities, programs, food trucks, and family fun. Astronomers will be on site from Lowell Observatory and Baylor University, and solar glasses are included with admission.
Photo: Courtesy of the City of Waco
