Have you been asking these questions? What are your plans for the eclipse? Where will you watch the total solar eclipse in the Kansas City Metro? Are you taking the kids out of school?
On Monday, August 21, 2017 a total solar eclipse will take place across the entire United States. Not since 1918 has this phenomenon, when the moon completely blocks the sun, been visible in Kansas. The exact path of the upcoming 2017 solar eclipse can be seen on the NASA website. You can type in your exact location on the www.howtoeclipse.com website to see how close the 2017 total solar eclipse will be to your location. To learn the science and safety of an eclipse, read All You Need To Know About This Summer's Total Solar Eclipse
Unfortunately, in Johnson County you will only be able to see a partial (99.8%) solar eclipse and Kansas City, Kansas will be right on the edge of totality. In order to witness 100% total solar eclipse, you will need to drive a bit. Travel to the center of the eclipse path for the longest viewing of totality, a max of 2 minutes and 40 seconds. But use caution when preparing for your outing. News outlets are estimating cities like St. Joseph, Missouri are expecting 50,000 or more visitors on Monday the 21st of August. Across the country there is much hype that this will be the worst traffic day of the year.
Whether you plan to stay close to home or venture out to the center of the path, planning is key. Here are some publicly listed* events to help in your decision making. Want to add your event to our list, just message me the details at gailk{at}macaronikid{dot}com
Johnson County, Kansas: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch Events (99+%)
Lenexa - Lenexa Commons 11 am - 3 pm. Educational activities, food truck and more. First 200 people get free solar eclipse glasses.
Overland Park - Museum at Prairiefire Watch Party 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. This event is for all ages with families encouraged to experience totality together! Enjoy arts and crafts tables, solar eclipse mythology stories, make your own eclipse view lenses and more!
Olathe - Ernie Miller Nature Center. 12 - 1:30 pm. Learn about why eclipses happen an what it meant historically. In the event of clouds, viewing will be streamed from another location. Reservation required and includes a pair of eclipse viewing glasses. This event is $8 per person, $9 nonresidents. Ages 5 and under free.
Merriam, Olathe and Shawnee - Johnson County Parks. 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Bring your blankets and chairs and purchase lunch from local food trucks. The first 200 people at each park will receive a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses. Antioch Park (shelter 2), Heritage Park (shelter 1), Theatre in the Park
Kansas City, Kansas: Partial Solar Eclipse Watch Events (Almost 100%)
- Visit Kansas City / Kansas City T-Bones Solar Eclipse Viewing Party - 11:30 am - 1:30pm at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. First 200 people receive complimentary tickets for that nights home game. Concessions. 913.321.5800
- Kansas City Kansas Public Library
- Main Library 11 am - 1:30 pm The first 200 patrons will receive eclipse glasses.
- Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Environmental Library 11 am - 2 pm. Crafts and scavenger hunt before watch party. The first 100 patrons will receive eclipse glasses.
- Turner Community Library. 12:30-1:30 pm Crafts before the watch party. The first 75 patrons will receive eclipse glasses. Refreshments served! Register in advance.
- West Wyandotte Library. 12:30-1:30 pm
- Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery Eclipse Viewing Party - The Eclipse will be visible from the deck and the vineyard. We will have the special glasses available for safe viewing of this once in a lifetime event. Wine, sangria and shushes will be available. Questions - call 913-721-9776.
Kansas: Total Solar Eclipse Watch Events (100%)
Atchison, Kansas: Starting at 11:40 am. Total Phase at 1:06 pm, duration 2 minutes, 19 seconds. Festivals, music, food, activities and more.
- Amelia Earhart Airport - Eclipse Aire Fest Price range $10 per car to VIP $30/person
- Benedictine College – The Great American Eclipse
- Mount St. Scholastica – “Eclipses, Einstein and the Fabric of Our Souls” Retreat $350+/person
Leavenworth, Kansas: Starting at 11:40 am. Total Phase at 1:07 pm, duration 1 minute, 40 seconds.
- Leavenworth Landing Public Watch Party - 11 am - 2 pm. Solar glasses for the first 250 people. Concessions
Lansing, Kansas: Starting at 1:07 pm, duration 58 seconds
- Lansing Community Library - Picnic in the Parking Lot. Back your picnic, solar glasses, chairs and watch from the parking lot
Missouri: Total Solar Eclipse Watch Events (100%)
Excelsior Springs, MO:
Lathrop, MO
Liberty, MO:
St. Joseph, MO:
- Aquarian Organization of Astrologers at Smithville Lake - 12 - 2 pm. $20/p plus $8/car for parking
Osbourne, MO
- Shatto Milk Farm - SOLD OUT $40/car
Weston, MO:
- Weston Red Barn Farm Timber Barn - Adult only brunch. $75/p.