31 May 2017
A number of Tennessee communities will host celebrations to welcome the first total solar eclipse in 26 years in the U.S. The closer Tennessee locals and travelers get to the centerline of the solar eclipse's path, the better the view. Here are just a few festivities happening in the communities within the eclipse viewing path. For more information about the eclipse, visit www.greatamericaneclipse.com.
SUMNER COUNTY
The Gallatin TN Eclipse Encounter takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at Triple Creek Park. Gallatin, Tennessee will have the longest viewing length of totality with 2 minutes, 40 seconds of darkness.
Headlining the Encounter will be Kimberley Locke who gained fame with her participation in the 2003 American Idol® television series where she was second runner up. There will be food, programs that include Rommy Kirby's large yoga session beginning 9 a.m., vendors and a great place to see the Total Solar Eclipse unfold. The center line of totality runs through the edge of Triple Creek Park, Gallatin's largest park at 185 acres.
Additional Public Events in Sumner County
Bethpage
- Sycamore Springs with Forever and Always are planning a viewing party. Details TBA. 615-452-7500
Cottontown
- BriarScratch Brewing - Monday, Aug. 21
Details are to be announced. For more information, contact BriarScratch Brewing at 615-319-1562 or at brewmaster@briarscratchbrewing.com.
Gallatin
- EPIC Event Centre - Monday, Aug. 21
EPIC Event Centre in Gallatin will hold "The EPIClipse Experience," which will include a lunch buffet and an after-party. Both events require pre-paid (nonrefundable) reservations. The experience goes on rain-or-shine with no refunds. Equipment for safe viewing of the eclipse will be provided. For more information, call 615-452-1912 or visit EPIC's website.
- Volunteer State Community College - Monday, Aug. 21
Eclipse events are scheduled 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with presentations, live video, complimentary viewing glasses (while supplies last) and scientific commentary. The Vol State Café will be open. For more info contact Vol State PR at 615-230-3571 or pr@volstate.edu.
Portland
- Classic Car Cruise-In & Concert - Saturday, Aug. 19
A classic car show will be on display 2-5 p.m. in downtown Portland, followed by a free Music on Main Street concert featuring "Four on the Floor" 6-9 p.m.
- Farm to Table Dinner - Sunday, Aug. 20
A delicious, locally-sourced meal will be served under the glow of cafe lights draped over Main Street in downtown Portland. To purchase tickets, call 615-325-9032.
- Eclipse Viewing - Monday, Aug. 21
Various locations throughout Portland will hold eclipse viewing events including Richland Park, Meadowbrook Park, and Sumner Crest Winery. For more details on all Portland events, contact the Portland Chamber of Commerce at 615-325-9032, email at kristen@portlandcofc.com or visit www.portlandcofc.com.
White House
- Discover Totality Eclipse Viewing Event - Monday, Aug. 21
The White House Area Chamber of Commerce and City of White House will host an eclipse viewing event at the Soccer Complex. Plans are still being finalized. To date, attendees can expect live feeds from NASA, food trucks, music and more. For more information, call 615-672-3937 or email at whcoc@bellsouth.net.
For a complete list of Sumner County hotels, shopping and restaurants, visit www.visitsumnertn.com/
NASHVILLE
The first total solar eclipse since 1478 happens 1:27 p.m. Aug. 21 in downtown Nashville.
Dubbed “The Great American Eclipse,” it's the first total solar eclipse to sweep from coast to coast since 1918. The path of totality is only 70 miles wide, touches no land outside the U.S., and Nashville is the largest city within that path.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party takes place Aug. 19-21 at Adventure Science Center.
Outside the building, festival goers can enter a universe of exciting, interactive science and technology exploration with more than 100 booths arranged in “worlds” to explore everything from “Sci-Fi Science” to the “Tech of Tomorrow.”
The free outdoor festival features live music performances, live science demonstrations, solar telescope viewing stations, science-themed games, contests, and prizes, local food trucks, and even a splash pad.
Inside the Center, ticketholders have the opportunity to explore “Nature Unleashed” – a traveling exhibition focused on extreme weather events, enjoy exciting hands-on science activities and demonstrations, attend discussions with special guest speakers, learn about 3D printing and other technology in the Innovation Incubator, and see “ECLIPSE: The Sun Revealed” in the Sudekum Planetarium to prepare for the big event. Indoor festival ticketholders will also have access to all of the outdoor festival activities, while still being able to escape the Nashville summer heat in the comforts of an air conditioned building.
For the Eclipse Viewing Party Aug. 21, the outdoor festival transforms into a large viewing area with a giant screen broadcasting footage from NASA of the eclipse from space, live music performances and special speakers, live science demonstrations, solar telescope viewing stations, science-themed games, contests, and prizes, food trucks and a splash pad.
For tickets and more information, visit www.adventuresci.org/eclipse.
COOKEVILLE
Cookeville, Tennessee, an outdoor oasis located an hour east of Nashville on Interstate 40, hosts Cookeville S.E.E. (Solar Eclipse Experience) Aug. 19-21 in Dogwood Park.
This will be a multi-day event in Dogwood Park, which is centrally located between two charming, downtown historic districts. Cookeville will host “Go See the Eclipse” author Chap Percival who plans to view the eclipse in Cookeville.
Festivities will take place throughout the weekend leading up to the minutes of darkness on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. CT. Celebrations will conclude with a special celestial concert by the Cookeville Community Band on Monday evening.
Initial festivities planned include:
Movie in the Park (celestial-focused film)
Meet & greet with Ready, Set, Grow and other children's show characters from WCTE/PBS
Educational components funded by a NASA grant via Tennessee Tech University and WCTE/PBS to include a lectures series, onsite STEM Mobile, remote video presence to local schools, safety and educational handouts
Local businesses are encouraged to have Cookeville S.E.E. themed menus, brews, and specials
Signature Cookeville SEE T-shirts and viewing glasses
For more information, visit www.visitcookevilletn.com.
SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE
The following Southeast Tennessee towns will experience the total eclipse: Athens, Benton, Calhoun, Charleston, Cleveland, Copperhill, Dayton, Decatur, Delano, Dunlap, Englewood, Etowah, Grandview, Graysville, Niota, Ocoee, Pikeville, Riceville, Sale Creek, Spring City and Ten Mile.
Eclipse-themed events will be taking place across the region.
Solar Eclipse Events in Southeast Tennessee: Solar Sip & See
1-4 p.m. ET Aug. 21
Morris Vineyard & Winery
346 Union Grove Rd., Charleston, TN
Enjoy wine tastings, food, live music and more. Eclipse glasses are included in ticket price. www.VisitClevelandTN.com
Sun & Moon Festival
7 p.m. ET Aug. 20: Stargazing and s'mores; noon ET Aug. 21: family friendly eclipse viewing festival begins. Free eclipse glasses are available while supplies last.
@ Historic Hiwassee Union Church
Cherokee National Forest, Reliance, TN | 423-338-5040
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Noon ET Aug. 21
@ Savannah Oaks Winery
1817 Delano Rd., Delano, TN | 423-263-1513
Enjoy a full weekend of events leading up to the eclipse-viewing party. This local winery will also release a limited-edition Eclipse Wine.www.OcoeeCountry.com
Eclipse Whitewater Rafting Trip on the Ocoee River
Aug. 21
@ Adventures Unlimited
522 US-64, Ocoee, TN | 800-882-0667
Guests can whitewater raft during the total solar eclipse followed by an after-party. www.AdventuresUnlimited.net
Eclipse Viewing at the Hoist House
Noon to 3 p.m. ET Aug. 21
@ Ducktown Basin Museum
212 Burra Burra St., Ducktown, TN | 423-496-5778
Hang Out in the Dark
Aug. 21
@ Starr Mountain Outfitters
601 Tennessee Ave., Etowah, TN | 423-781-7695
Bring a hammock (or chairs) to hang out in downtown Etowah during the total solar eclipse and enjoy music, food and entertainment. www.StarMountainOutfitters.com
Total Eclipse in the Park
Aug. 21
@ Head of the Sequatchie
225 Tranquility Ln., Pikeville, TN
Join the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail and the Friends of the Cumberland Trail for an exclusive viewing of the solar eclipse. Ticket price includes live music, ranger-led hikes, family-friendly programs, and food vendors.
Tickets are $15.66 online (kids younger than 12 years admitted free with a paid adult). Only 200 tickets are available. Ticket purchases include a pair of eclipse viewing glasses and a one-year membership to Friends of the Cumberland Trail. www.FriendsoftheCumberlandTrail.org
Niota Solar Eclipse Festival
12:30 p.m. ET Aug. 21
@ Niota Historic Railroad Depot
201 E. Main St., Niota, TN | 423-568-2584
The guest speaker is Michael Genest, a 37-year veteran of the U.S. Space Program who recently retired from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Enjoy entertainment by the Michael Mays Family, Vicky Gould and Ron Clayton. Free eclipse viewing glasses are available for the first 200 guests. For more information on events, visit www.SoutheastTennessee.com/eclipse.
MONROE COUNTY
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 in Sweetwater
Experience the 2017 total solar eclipse with vendors, music, dancing, learn to moonwalk, have a Moon Pie, and more. For the true space enthusiast, Sweetwater is a prime location, projected for 2 minutes and 37 seconds of totality. For more information regarding parking and shuttles, visit https://sites.google.com/view/sweetwatereclipse/home
Standing in the Shadow of the Moon
Aug. 19-21
Tellico Plains
Aug. 19
10 a.m. to noon – Native American dream catcher class. Class size is limited to 20 with a $15.00 class supply fee.
Noon to 9 p.m. – SongFarmers of Tellico Plains will play music on the grounds, space-themed movies will play noon to 8 p.m. in the Charles Hall Museum and the Cherohala Visitor Center
8-10 p.m. – Starry Night in Tellico Plains #Milky Way Star Party, hosted by the Smoky Mountain Astronomical Society, will man 10-12 telescopes an allow folks to gaze at the marvels of our night skies. Please bring chairs, binoculars, telescope, and if desired bring a bag of Milky Ways, Starbursts, or Moon pies and enjoy.
Aug. 20
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Star themed videos will be shown throughout the day.
12:30-2:30 p.m. – Native American Dream Catchers Class. Class size is limited to 20 with a $15 class supply fee.
2:30-3:30 p.m. – NASA'S space journeys including John Glenn's first orbit around the earth and Apolo 11's Neil Armstrong Walk on the Moon.
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Lost in Space TV show
Aug. 21
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. – A southern view of the sky will provide an excellent view of the eclipse. Please bring chairs, sunscreen, drinks, and ECLIPSE VIEWING GLASSES while supplies last they will be available to purchase.
The Eclipse Party will start with star-themed music, Cherokee storytelling about the Milky Way and the Cherokees connection with the sun, moon, and the stars, and more.
The Charles Hall Museum will sell hot dogs, nachos and cheese, candy, chips and drinks during most events throughout the weekend. All proceeds will benefit the continuation of preserving Appalachian History. https://www.facebook.com/TotalityinTellico
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park: 12:30-3 p.m.
For approximately two and a half minutes, the longest for any East Tennessee State Park, Fort Loudoun will experience a total solar eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided. Come learn the 18th-century beliefs in solar eclipse and the history of the park. Registration is not required but encouraged to make sure there are enough glasses available. Register for the event at www.tnstateparks.com.
Tsali Notch Vineyard
Celebrate this "Once-in-a-Lifetime" solar eclipse beginning 10 a.m. in the vineyards of Tsali Notch. Music will be provided by Wild Blue Yonder 1:30-4 p.m.
For the most updated information and to plan your trip to Monroe County, visit www.monroecountytourism.com.
CLARKSVILLE
Clarksville is in the path of totality for the Great American Eclipse of Aug. 21, giving observers approx. 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality at 1:30p.m. CT.
Learn More about The Eclipse
Join Dr. Rhea Seddon, the eighth woman inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and one of the first six women to enter the NASA Astronaut Program, 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Austin Peay State University Dunn Center to hear her experience with NASA as she highlights the value of pursuing a career in the STEM fields.
For more information about Seddon, visit http://astronautrheaseddon.com.
Organized Viewing Events
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Beachaven Vineyards & Winery l 100 Dunlop Lane l 931-645-8861 l www.beachavenwinery.com
The Beachaven Winery event, organized by 5 Star Media Group, includes reserved seating for group tour buses and the public. Enjoy live music, food trucks, activities for kids and a special label wine, Blackout Blackberry. For the latest regional eclipse news, visit www.clarksvillenow.com/local/categories/solar-eclipse/.
10 a.m. | Liberty Park l 1188 Cumberland Drive l 931-645-7476
Guest speakers from Austin Peay State University will be on hand to explain this once in a lifetime event. Food trucks will be selling their wares. Parking and seating is a first come, first serve situation. Eyewear is required.
LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Land Between the Lakes presents Sun and Moon Days Aug. 16-23 to celebrate the solar eclipse.
The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm has several events planned:
Life by the Sun, Moon and Stars | 2-3 p.m. | Weekdays
Farm families looked for signs from celestial bodies as guides for everyday life on an 1850 farm. Learn about ancient folk beliefs used for everything from planting crops to getting a haircut. Learn about a different topic each day.
Storytelling Evening at the Homeplace | 6-7:30 p.m. | Saturday, Aug. 19
As the summer day ends and the work is done, gather around the old maple tree and listen to ancient tales. Savor the taste of cold watermelon as a storyteller weaves tales of the sun, moon, stars and eclipses of a time long ago. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and $3 for children.
Sun and Moon Watermelon Social | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Monday, Aug. 21
View the total solar eclipse at the Homeplace. Join in a traditional picnic. Bring a picnic lunch and the Homeplace will provide watermelon, games and stories of solar eclipses of the past.
MOUNT JULIET
Mount Juliet Solar Eclipse
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21
Enjoy a variety of activities including field day activities, inflatables, concessions, live entertainment and more at the free event that culminates with the historical *total solar eclipse.
* Special eyewear must be worn
OAK RIDGE
The entire area of the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge will fall under the path of totality for the eclipse, providing opportunities for viewing, weather permitting.
The park is currently planning organized public viewing events at American Museum of Science & Energy (Oak Ridge Visitor Center) which will experience solar eclipse totality for 24 seconds.
For detailed information about the upcoming event, visit here.
OBED WILD & SCENIC RIVER
The entire area of the Obed Wild and Scenic River will fall under the path of totality for the eclipse, providing opportunities for viewing, weather permitting. The following are approximate durations for totality and locations in or near the park.
The park is currently planning organized public viewing events at these locations:
Obed Visitor Center – 1 minute and 14 seconds
Lilly Overlook – 1 minute and 39 seconds
Big South Fork Gateway Visitor Center – 2 minutes and 29 seconds
For detailed information about the event, visit here.
BIG SOUTH FORK NATIONAL RIVER & RECREATION AREA
Charit Creek Lodge will celebrate the total eclipse with a two-day event that includes a Tennessee barbecue and viewing glasses for the natural phenomenon on Aug. 21.
All accommodations will have double the standard minimum occupancy rate and require a two-night stay, Sunday, Aug. 20 and Monday, Aug. 21.
For more information, visit www.ccl-bsf.com/total-solar-eclipse.
TENNESSEE STATE PARKS
Bicentennial Mall State Park, Nashville
The 8th Annual Italian Lights Festival & Solar Eclipse Weekend features the culture and cuisine of Italy and a dash of southern charm in a family-friendly environment 2-10 p.m. Aug. 18, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 19-20, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 21.
This four-day festival of food, wine, & music celebrates the vibrant Italian traditions – in the heart of Nashville.
Come to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on Monday, August 21st to experience the total solar eclipse during the Italian Lights Festival.
Edgar Evins State Park, Silver Point
Aug. 18-21
Come out to Edgar Evins State Park for a fun-filled weekend of programs and activities relating to the first total solar eclipse to occur in the continental U.S. since 1979.
On August 21, designated viewing areas will be set up around the park to view the eclipse itself, which will last 2 minutes and 38 seconds. A park ranger on the park's pontoon boat will also take guests out 1-2 p.m. to view the solar eclipse from the water.
Solar glasses will be available to the public staying at the park. Registration is not required but appreciated.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Spencer
Aug. 19-21
Spend the weekend at Fall Creek Falls State Park to experience 2 minutes and 24 seconds of the total solar eclipse.
Programs and activities are planned like "Pin Hole Projectors," "Solar Viewing," "Pocket Solar System" and more all weekend to celebrate the historic event. There will also be designated viewing areas set up around the park during the eclipse.
Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan
Aug. 20-22
The Total Eclipse of the Park Package includes two-night stay at inn room, souvenir solar eclipse viewing glasses, souvenir t-shirt commemorating this historic event, complimentary breakfast buffet sun/mon mornings, guided nature tour of scenic Paris Landing State Park, Sunday dinner, travel to viewing location with a box lunch. Single occupancy is $478 and double beds are $558.
Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill
Aug. 20-21
The Eclipse Package by Henry Horton State Park includes an overnight stay at the Inn for two guests, with dinner and a drink the night of check in, a full breakfast the following morning, as well as a box lunch on Monday. Activities will also include a guided night hike, private pool party, s'mores and campfire activities, as well as an astronomy talk, eclipse viewing book and glasses to watch.
Cummins Falls State Park, Cookeville
Aug. 20-21
Cummins Falls State Park is hosting a rare opportunity to camp at the park Sunday, Aug. 20. Camping at the park will guarantee a spot to experience the solar eclipse for 2 minutes and 37 seconds on Monday, Aug. 21.
Campsites include one parking spot, campsite for up to six people, eclipse viewing glasses, astronomy program, guided hike and music.
Campsites are limited.
Cumberland Trail State Park, Chattanooga
Aug. 21
The state park will host an event 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Aug. 21 that includes live music, ranger-led hikes, family-friendly programs, a pair of eclipse glasses, and a one-year membership to the Friends of the Cumberland Trail. Vendors will be on-site, selling food and merchandise. All proceeds benefit the Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail. Only 200 tickets will be available.
Frozen Head State Park, Wartburg
Aug. 21
The Eclipse Watch 2017 takes place noon to 2 p.m. ET Aug. 21 at Frozen Head State Park Visitor Center. The event is free and registration isn't required but appreciated to ensure enough eclipse viewing glasses are ordered.
Bledsoe Creek State Park, Gallatin
Aug. 21
The 2017 Solar Eclipse Picnic beginning 9 a.m. CT invites the public to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy music by the Dead Broke ensemble, a local bluegrass group. Various displays about the eclipse will also be highlighted. The event culminates with the viewing of the eclipse. The event is free and registration isn't required but appreciated to ensure enough eclipse viewing glasses are ordered.
Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon
Aug. 21
The all-day solar eclipse event includes swimming, live music and eclipse activities. More information about the event is coming soon.
Swimming is $5 at the gate. The event is free and registration isn't required but appreciated to ensure enough eclipse viewing glasses are ordered.
Cumberland Mountain State Park, Crossville
Aug. 20-21
The inaugural Cumberland Mountain Triathlon takes place 8 a.m. Aug. 20 at Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain Golf Course. More details and registration is coming soon.
The solar eclipse event begins with the Eclipse 5K 7:30 a.m. and continues the entertainment 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with music by Emory Bluff Band, Jon Masters and The Young Fables, bounce houses, food tent featuring MoonPies, vendors, camera and telescope areas, guided hikes, renger-led solar eclipse programs, on-site live radio, eclipse viewing glasses and more.
VIP tickets are $50 and include a VIP parking pass, viewing area wristband and $10 food voucher. The event is otherwise free and registration is not required but appreciated to ensure enough eclipse viewing glasses are ordered.
Standing Stone State Park, Hilham
Aug. 21
The Eclipse Boat Float 2017 takes place noon CT Aug. 21 beginning at Standing Stone State Park boat dock and viewing the eclipse from the center of Kelly Lake. Two people per canoe and kayak are required. Guests can bring water, a snack and camera while lifejackets, paddle and eclipse glasses will be provided. Tickets are $5.
Dunbar Cave State Park, Clarksville
Aug. 21
Join a Tennessee State Park ranger to view the solar eclipse as Dunbar Cave experiences 2 minutes and 25 seconds of complete totality. This is a free event but registration is required to attend due to limited viewing and parking areas. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided.
Rock Island State Park, Rock Island
Aug. 21
Park staff will be on hand noon to 3 p.m. CT as the state park experiences 2 minutes and 24 seconds of totality. The event is free and registration is not required but appreciated to ensure enough eclipse viewing glasses are ordered.
Montgomery Bell State Park, Burns
Aug. 21
Programs like “Build A Solar System,” “Solar Eclipse: The Basics,” “Pocket Solar System,” and “How to Build a Pinhole Projector” will begin noon and continue until the eclipse at 1:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Bell State Park ball field.
Long Hunter State Park, Hermitage
Aug .21
Reserve a canoe, kayak or Jon boat for the solar eclipse. Space is limited. Online registration will open late May 2017.
The solar event begins 11:57 a.m. CT at Area 2 Couchville Lake, Boat House with totality beginning 1:27 p.m. CT. The total event will end at approx. 2:54 p.m. CT. Eye protection will be provided.
For additional information on these and all Tennessee State Park events, visit www.tnstateparks.com.
