Solar Eclipse of the Heart
For weeks, you couldn’t turn on the news or go out in public without hearing about the solar eclipse. The whole city of Nashville has gone eclipse crazy. Eyewear (fake and protective) is selling out across the nation and people are flocking to Music City to see this once in a lifetime experience.
I personally don’t see the appeal, but I am not a science nerd and never have been. Maybe I will feel differently today at approximately 1:27pm, but I’m always game for a good reason to party. And lucky for me, the solar eclipse has give Nashville a reason.
If you’re in Music City for the big event today, I’ve compiled a list of events in the area below. Pick one, grab your protective eyewear, and celebrate this momentous occasion! Or at least, this momentous reason to party.
Solar Eclipse Parties In Nashville
ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER (August 19-21, 2017)
The Adventure Science Center is doing science Nashville-style! The Music City Solar Eclipse Festival & Viewing Party is a FREE outdoor science, technology, music, and art event with over 80 different hands-on activity booths and live music performances. The indoor experience which includes t-shirts for kids, eclipse glasses, tickets to see the eclipse planetarium show, and our new virtual reality.
SOUNDS MAYOR BARRY’S VIEWING PARTY AT TENNESSEE PARK
Nashville Sounds, in conjunction with Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, have announced festivities for a total solar eclipse viewing party at First Tennessee Park. Mayor Megan Barry will host a viewing party at First Tennessee Park where guests will be able to enjoy music from the Nashville Symphony, science demonstrations, and more. Following the eclipse, the Nashville Sounds will take the field to play the Iowa Cubs at 4:05 p.m.
GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT
GRAND OLE OPRY
The Grand Ole Opry eclipse celebration is set to include a ‘Total Eclipse Plaza Party,’ combining the signature sounds of Nashville with the historic visuals of the total eclipse. Guests can expect live music on the Plaza stage, commemorative gifts and eclipse glasses, and an array of themed food and drink, including BBQ and specialty eclipse cocktails. The Opry will feature a one-of-a-kind Nashville Total Eclipse soundtrack to accompany the approximately two minutes of eclipse totality.
ANDREW JACKSON’S HERMITAGE
The Hermitage is hosting a FREE tailgate party on the grounds. Guests are invited to park in the fields in front of The Hermitage’s entrance gate, which will be prime viewing spots for this celestial event. The first 2,000 guests will get a FREE pair of Solar Eclipse Glasses, courtesy of Deloitte. In addition to your viewing spot, a child’s play area will be set up including historical games, science activities, and a craft table to make their own solar eclipse glasses!
BELLE MEADE PLANTATION
Belle Meade Plantation is hosting a family friendly viewing party that offers educational fun for a variety of ages. Festivities will include historic crafts on the grounds and an exhibit featuring a timeline of solar events witnessed by the owners and workers who called Belle Meade home. The official viewing area will be located on the front lawn of the Belle Meade Mansion and participants will be offered eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last.
NASHVILLE ZOO
The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere will host an eclipse event where guests will take part in recording animals behaviors during the eclipse totality through the iNaturalist app. The first 5,000 guests will receive protective eyewear.
CHEEKWOOD
Cheekwood is hosting a viewing party for the solar eclipse set to sweep the nation. Typically closed to the public on Mondays, Cheekwood will open its doors with half-priced admission from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., which will feature live music, food trucks, cash bars and protective eyewear for the viewing.
FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS
The Frist Center invites you to join us in the Turner Courtyard or on our front porch (on Broadway) to observe the solar eclipse on August 21, 2017. Show your eclipse glasses at our visitor services desk and receive FREE admission to our galleries on this day.
