Wild, Weird and Perfectly Normal Solar Eclipse Viewing Options Are Still Available
Whether you're Oregon-bound with your besties or staying in Seattle with the fam, not everything is sold out.
By Callie Little July 26, 2017
The single greatest show in the Milky Way is coming to Oregon next month. Catch-‘em-while-you-can event tickets surrounding the August 21 solar eclipse have been selling like crazy, as eclipse die-hards gear up for viewing parties.
Umbraphiles—that’s latin for “shadow lovers”—from across the country are paying staggering prices for some of the events. In true bespoke PNW style we have options ranging from simple wine-sipping affairs to Coachella-lite festivals. As always, there’s something for everybody in Cascadia.
Here are some of the most interesting events that still have space for last minute bookings and a few tips for the big day.
For Those About to Rock, a Tribute: If you like classic rock, this festival has it all. All the tribute bands, anyway. Musical guests will cover Aerosmith, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Heart and a host of others. Oregon Solarfest is all about soaking up the last days of summer with live music, the great outdoors and food trucks—plus an awesome view of the total eclipse. They also have some pretty sweet deals on camping and glamping. August 17-22. Prices vary. Madras, Oregon. Oregonsolarfest.com
For the Obscure Nerd: Head to Snake River Valley to camp with Atlas Obscura on a secluded farm, soaking up insights from brilliant writers, celebrated scientists and explorers, and listen to iconic musicians Sun Ra Arkestra as you await the two minutes of darkness. Sip Elysian brews in the beer garden and try your hand at some scientific activities—maybe before the beer, though. Prices vary. August 19-21. Eastern Oregon. Atlasobscura.com/oregon-solar-eclipse
For the Baseball ‘n’ Beer Fan: Join the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes for a three-day festival of beer, fireworks and baseball. On August 21, during the morning game, the team will observe the first-ever “eclipse delay” in the history of baseball, inviting you to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime historical moment from the bleachers. August 18-21. Prices vary. Keizer, Oregon. Milb.com
For the Affluent Hippie Raver: Wondering about the best way to spend five grand? Consider the Oregon Eclipse 2017. Words like “mystical” and “unifying” pepper the description of this EDM/jam rock fest where you can get on the waitlist for experiences like an “Herbalism and Earth Arts Immersive”—because, yes, they are sold out. Or stick to the performances from Bassnectar, Sound Tribe Sector 9, the String Cheese Incident and many more. Camping and lodging options beyond a bring-your-own-tent setup can run more than $2,600, and while they don’t include tickets they do boast real beds. August 17-23. Prices vary. Crook County, Oregon. Oregoneclipse2017.com
More classic excursions:
For the Budget-Conscious Family: Pack up the little ones and head to Salem’s Morning Star Community Church for what might be the best priced camping spot around at $60 for car and tent camping, and $120 for RVs and campers. The rules are pretty strict—no substances, no pets and no noise after 10:00 p.m.—but they will have food trucks and most importantly toilets, portable though they may be. August 20-21. Prices vary. Salem, Oregon. mstar.church/events/eclipse17
For the Oregon Trailblazer 2.0: Don’t worry, you won’t die of dysentery. On this tour of Portland, Seaside, Astoria, Newport, Roseburg, Florence, Crater Lake, Salem and Central Oregon, you’ll join A Classic Tour for wine tasting, Tillamook Cheese Factory nibbling, sightseeing and, of course, eclipse-watching, all before heading back to a hotel each night. For eleven days, the price tag’s not too bad, ringing in well below $5,000 per person. August 12-22. Prices vary. Oregon.aclassictour.com/tours/best-of-oregon-tour
For those simply seeking camping spots: TravelSalem.com has a regularly updated guide.
Seattle-locked?
The Pacific Science Center’s got you. They’ll be opening at 8:30 a.m. the day of the eclipse to prepare Seattelites for the eclipse. Make sure to get there early—the show begins at 9:08 a.m. and will peak at 10:20 a.m. before ending at 11:38 a.m. Though we won’t get to see the total eclipse, we will have over 90 percent totality. And if clouds show up to ruin the party, PacSci will be streaming the event from locations that aren’t so famously moody.
No matter where you’ll be, wear protective eclipse glasses and make sure to plan ahead for road blocks—award-winning scientist and eclipse expert Dennis Schatz says to expect several hours of delays, even on back roads. This is a cosmic moment you definitely don’t want to miss while gridlocked.
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