Unless you’ve been sleeping under a log these past few years you’ll know that North America is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse that could attract up to 50 million people. Sure, there was a coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in 2017, but it wasn’t on this scale. And it won’t be one anywhere near this impressive in North America until 2045.
Besides, on April 8, 2023 as much as 4 minutes 27 seconds of totality will be visible from a narrow path through Mexico, 14 U.S. states and Canada. That’s unmissable and yet many will miss-out simply because they’ve not made plans far enough in advance.
With organized tours down to their last few spaces and hotels in the path of totality hard to find at good prices ,one tactic is to attend a festival. Here are eight in the path to choose from, from Mexico and Texas through Illinois and Indiana:
1. Total Eclipse of the Heart Festival, Arkansas
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:50 CDT, 4 minutes 10 seconds
Eclipse glasses? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Wedding license? Turn up with the appropriate paperwork and you can get married just minutes before totality at this event in Russellville, Arkansas. You’ll get your own diamond ring just seconds before and after totality when a solitary Baily’s bead is all you can see of the sun. Book here.
2. KerrEclipse 2024 Folk Festival, Texas
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:31 CDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
Each spring since 1972 the 18-day Kerrville Folk Festival has been staged at Quiet Valley Ranch near Kerrville, Texas. Next year it gets a very special headliner when a totally eclipsed sun makes a guest appearance. A shorter event than usual (April 5-8, 2023), tickets for KerrEclipse 2024 Folk Festival cost from $300 until November, rising to $350, and $450 on the gate. Tickets include camping. Book here.
3. Portal Eclipse Festival, Mexico
Totality on April 8, 2024: 11:07 MST, 4 minutes 25 seconds
The beachside town of Mazatlán is a major destination for this eclipse, with experienced and weather-obsessed eclipsophiles choosing it for its likelihood of clear skies. However, almost dead-on the centerline is ecotourism resort-on-the-beach Ecoaldea Sembrando Vida, which is planning a wellness-oriented experience with yoga, workshops and DJs from April 5-9, 2024. Book here.
4. Willow Springs Awakening Eclipse Festival, Illinois
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:58 CDT, 3 minutes 56 seconds
Five big headline acts and 28 bands in total are promised for this five-day festival on a private campground in Tamms, Illinois. Tickets cost $75 from August when they go on sale, rising to $100 in December, with a variety of day passes available. Camping costs $10 on arrival and overfill camping on their property outside the gate will be available if necessary. Book here.
5. Ground Zero Music Festival, Texas
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:31 CDT , 4 minutes 9 seconds
This could be the ultimate Texas eclipse experience. For some to be able to watch the eclipse in a rodeo arena was inevitable and it’s fitting that it’s just west of Bandera in Texas Hill Country, the self-proclaimed “cowboy capital of the world.” This 5-day, 4-night festival at Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena will include 20 bands, a full cowboy rodeo, stunt shows and a car and truck show—but no music during the eclipse itself. Camping costs $100 while RVs are $250. Book here.
6. Eclipse On The Farm, Arkansas
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:50 CDT, 4 minutes 12 seconds
About 15 miles northeast of Morrilton, Arkansas, this 40 acre farm close to the centerline is offering reservations for open field campsites ($500 for four nights) and RV parking ($750 for four nights) from April 5, 2024. The owner promises dark skies and recommends visitors bring cameras and telescopes for stargazing. Expect food vendors on site. Book here.
7. Pillar Bluff Vineyards, Texas
Totality on April 8, 2024: 13:35 CDT, 4 minutes 24 seconds
Expect a special event-labeled Cabernet Sauvignon, BBQ dinners and an RV spot for a fee of $750 at this largely observing-only event (April 7-9, 2023) at Pillar Bluff Vineyards outside Lampasas, Texas. However, the Texas Elderly Brothers will perform on the evening before the eclipse. Book here.
8. 2024 Indiana Solar Eclipse Festival, Indiana
Totality on April 8, 2024: 15:03 EDT, 4 minutes 4 seconds
Dead on the centerline is Wagler Motorsports Park in Lyons, Indiana just two hours by road from both Indianapolis and Louisville, Kentucky. Described as a festival for all ages, it will host live music and DJs, a BBQ Cook-Off, bonfires and corn hole. Tickets cost $75 per person for the weekend or $25 per day with RVs spots going for £275-$350 and camping $225.
Disclaimer: I am the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of “The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024.”
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
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