The time for the celestial event is drawing nearer. On Monday, April 8, a total solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, completely blocking the sun, crosses North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Courtesy of Great American Eclipse, https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com
According to NASA, the eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also on the path. Most places will experience a totality anywhere between 3.5 and 4 minutes.
The next time a total solar eclipse occurs in the contiguous U.S. is in 20 years, August 23, 2044.
The Great American Eclipse says 31 million people live inside the path, and millions more will travel to the path of totality on eclipse day. Destinations are welcoming locals and visitors with festivals and events.
Here's a quick look at eclipse-related events happening in southern states in the track.
Texas
• Texas Eclipse at Reveille Peak Ranch
Burnet
April 5 - 9
The multi-day event features artists, speakers, musicians, and immersive experiences - featuring genre-defying music on six stages and thought-provoking discussions with leading experts across multiple industries.
• sunBLOCK Party on Mercer Street
Dripping Springs
April 8, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Browse and shop from eclipse-related vendors, listen to music, purchase commemorative items and more. Don't forget to snap a photo with the giant, life-size eclipse glasses at Veterans Memorial Park.
• Eclispe Weekend at Hotel Drover
Fort Worth
April 5 - 8
Property guests and visitors can sip on specialty cocktails crafted for the event on Apr. 5 - 6, 5 - 6 p.m.
The Solar Eclipse Celebration in The Backyard on April 8 is open to overnight hotel guests only and features unique cocktails, treats, solar eclipse glasses, and a special meet-and-greet with Terry W. Virts, a retired NASA astronaut and United States Air Force colonel. Access is exclusive to overnight hotel guests. The event begins at noon.
Kerryville
April 5 - 8
Enjoy an entire weekend filled with family-friendly music, camping and science presentations.
Junction
April 6- 8
The three-day event showcases Texas music, art and culture, including bull ridings and ropings, and more.
For a complete overview of events around the state, visit https://texashighways.com/your-guide-2024-april-total-solar-eclipse.
Texas Parks and Wildlife states that 31 parks are in the path of totality, with the others offering a partial eclipse view. Check out the planned events at https://tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/all-events.
Arkansas
De Queen
April 5 - 6
Participate in two days of activities, including expert talks on eclipses and celestial events, tethered balloon rides, a children's corner and more.
• Pappy's Solar Eclipse Festival at Pappy's Bait & Mama's Junk
Gillham
April 5-8
The four-day event features flea marketing, crafts, carnival games, concessions and more. Limited camping spots are available.
Harrison
April 5 - 6, 8
The Get Mooned in Boone Block Party on April 5 - 6 features vendors, live music and more. On April 8, there's the North Arkansas College Solar Eclipse Celebration with a presentation at 11 a.m. and a bike race at 11:30. From noon until 3 p.m. is the Eclipse on the Street with activities and more for all ages.
Mena
April 5- 8
The second-highest point in the state is welcoming the eclipse with a four-day festival filled with music, arts and crafts vendors, a kids' corner and more.
• Eclipse Day at Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock
April 8, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enjoy local entertainment, and watch how animals act and react to the eclipse.
For a comprehensive listing of events, visit https://www.arkansas.com/natural-state/eclipse.
For eclipse activities at the state parks, check out https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/eclipse.
Missouri
Perryville
April 6 - 8
Expect a little of everything at the Solarfest, like hot air balloon rides, shows at the Sky Dome Planetarium, and a foam party at The Warehouse Entertainment District on April 6. On April 7, museums and natural areas will be open for visiting and exploring. On April 8, eclipse day, Perryville offers six spots for prime viewing.
West Plains
April 5 -8
The four-day event includes Budweiser Clydesdales Stabled Viewing, a cosmic carnival for kids, pet photos with an alien and much more. On April 8, head to either of two official sites or the 19 public parks to enjoy the eclipse and more activities scheduled throughout the day.
Sikeston
April 5 -8
Pre-eclipse festivities include a Jaycee Crawfish Boil & Music Festival on April 6 from noon to midnight, Scoping the Skies telescope viewing downtown all weekend and more. The Eclipse Viewing Party kicks off at noon on April 8 with food trucks, an eclipse countdown and other activities.
• Solar Eclipse Block Party at Cape Riverfront Market
Cape Girardeau
April 8, noon - 3 p.m.
Enjoy live music, food and various free activities for the family. Be sure to pick up the free eclipse glasses.
For more events, head over to https://www.visitmo.com/in-the-spotlight/2024-eclipse.
Check out events and viewing times for state parks at https://mostateparks.com/2024-eclipse.
Kentucky
Paducah
April 7-8
The two-day community street festival (named because of Paducah's location for both eclipses in 2017 and 2024) lines Broadway Street and extends to the riverfront, and features local bars and restaurants serving food and drinks, along with stores with street tents selling merchandise and providing activities. The National Quilt Museum downtown will have a booth set up for crafts and activities at the festival.
Wildhair Studios' Rock Shop is holding a Heaven and Earth Psychic Fair and retreat during the 2-day festival downtown. In addition to the retreat, they welcome visitors for a mini psychic fair with energy healers, eclipse-themed activities and merchandise.
Also in Paducah, the National Quilt Museum will host a "Quilt on the Lawn" event to view the eclipse. The museum invites everyone to bring picnic quilts and spread them on the lawn.
Inland Waterways Museum, a hands-on museum celebrating the city's maritime legacy, holds interactive and educational programs on eclipse day focusing on the behavior of light and what can be observed during a solar eclipse.
Louisville
April 8, 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Participate in special programming and activities stationed throughout the center.
Sturgis
April 8, 11 a.m.
Enjoy live music, food vendors and more; eclipse glasses will be on sale for the viewing.
For more, visit https://www.kentuckytourism.com/events/2024-eclipse.
Solar eclipse events at Kentucky State Parks can be found at https://parks.ky.gov/events.