Total solar eclipse 2024 in Oklahoma: Festivals and events to consider for the big day
With the 2024 total solar eclipse just over a month away, it's time to plan where and how you'll view the once-in-a-lifetime event.
The path of totality crosses through southeast Oklahoma and several events and festivals are going on to help folks make the most of the day.
Here are some events and camping options to consider ahead of the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Camping at Oklahoma State Parks
Reserve your cabin, camping or RV site at one of Oklahoma's state parks.
State parks range from 75% to 100% totality during the eclipse. There is a 5-night minimum length of stay for the April 2024 Eclipse event, with an arrival date of Thursday, April 4.
Science Museum Oklahoma
While Oklahoma City is not in the direct path of the eclipse, the city will experience about 93.9% totality.
The Science Museum of Oklahoma will host a range of eclipse day activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including telescopes set up outside for safe viewing, creating indirect eclipse viewers, plus a storytime and crafts inside the museum.
1840s Eclipse Watch Party
Smack dab in the path of totality, almost to the Oklahoma-Texas border, you can experience the eclipse in nineteenth-century style at Fort Towson's 1840s Eclipse Watch Party.
At the Fort Towson Historic Site visitors can explore the historic location, watch demonstrations by reenactors and witness the total solar eclipse in the afternoon.
Solar Eclipse at Cherokee Landing
Outside the path of totality, Cherokee Landing State Park in Park Hill, Oklahoma, will offer a variety of family activities the week before the eclipse.
On Monday, there will be an eclipse viewing party with refreshments, eclipse glasses and family-friendly activities.
Solar Eclipse Party at Tenkiller State Park
Tenkiller State Park, slightly closer to the path of totality, will host a Solar Eclipse Party on the shores of Lake Tenkiller in Vian, Oklahoma.
There will be crafts, refreshments and more. Visitors can make their own shadow viewer, eclipse button and pick up a commemorative eclipse t-shirt and viewing glasses from the park gift shop.
Shortly before 2 p.m., the crowd will gather to see the solar eclipse take place in the sky over the lake.
Fenley Farms camping and eclipse viewing in McCurtain County
A half-hour drive from Broken Bow, Fenley Farms in Valliant, Oklahoma is opening its 2,000 acres to the public for weekend camping and day passes to view the eclipse. Like other areas in far southeast Oklahoma, the Valliant farm will experience 100% totality.
The six-day event will include bonfires, music, singing, storytelling, and a cookout.
Girls Gone Wine eclipse watch party
Get a glimpse of the total solar eclipse at Hochatown's Girls Gone Wine, complete with a parking spot, "premium porta-potties" across the grounds and no lack of partying the day of the eclipse.
For $100, reserve your parking spot. For another $300 you can purchase the "Solar Watch Package" which includes table seating in a VIP area, eclipse viewing glasses, a limited edition wine, a personal charcuterie tray, $40 to spend at GGG or a nearby establishment, and more.
Bigfoot Music Festival and Eclipse watch party in Hobobia, OK
On April 5 through April 8, nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains, Christ's 40 Acres will host a Bigfoot Spring Music Festival with live music, food and craft vendors, camping and bigfoot-themed events.
The festival will conclude with viewing the eclipse Monday afternoon.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Solar eclipse 2024: Festivals, events in Oklahoma for the big day
