The first total solar eclipse to happen in nearly a century will take place on Monday, August 21st, and Mississippi will get to experience about 85% totality. Multiple places throughout the state are hosting viewing parties so you can watch the eclipse - with your special glasses, of course- and enjoy refreshments and mingle while it's happening. Here's where you can hang out during the eclipse:
Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce Lights Out Lunch
The Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber is hosting a “Solar Eclipse Lunch” from 11:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Railroad Park. A tent will be set up next to the Foster Cabin across from the Chamber on South Whitworth Avenue. The Chamber will provide tea and water, and suggests those who want to attend should grab take-out from a restaurant and bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, click here.
The Coop at Graduate Oxford Viewing Party
If you're in Oxford, head to The Coop at Graduate Oxford for a viewing party. Viewing glasses will be provided, and they will have food and drink specials as well. Drink specialties include Tequila Sunrise, Dark Side of the Moon, and Blue Moon Shandy. The eclipse will be most visible around 1:24 p.m., so head over early to grab a seat and a bite to eat. Learn more here.
10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill
Head up to the rooftop of the First National Bank building in downtown Vicksburg and catch a view of the eclipse from 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill, overlooking the Mississippi River. Grab a 10 South of the Border Margarita and some fried mac and cheese nuggets while you watch the moon cover the sun. Don't forget your glasses!
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center for Children
Take your little ones to Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport for a watch party that will be fun for all ages. They will provide numerous safe viewing devices, handouts, eclipse tattoos, and will give out NASA-approved solar glasses to the first 100 families. Inside, they will have a video on safe eclipse viewing, snacks, and a live-stream view of the total eclipse on the big screen inside the theater so you can cool off and watch another perspective. Learn more here.
The Drill Field at Mississippi State
MSU students and Starkville residents are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or chairs to the Drill Field from noon to 3 p.m. on Monday to watch this phenomenon. The Department of Physics and Astronomy will provide about 1,000 pair of glasses, pin-hole viewers, and a few telescopes available for those who join. They will also hand out information about how to properly view the eclipse. They will have water available and facilitate fun activities, and guests are also encouraged to bring a snack. Get more information and parking and transportation tips for the event here.
Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center
For those in the Tunica area, join the Gateway to the Blues Museum and Visitor Center for their Total Eclipse of the Blues Viewing Party. They will provide complimentary viewing glasses and bottled water. Take a lawn chair or blanket to relax on, and a snack if you wish. You can also receive Buy One, Get One Admission to the Gateway to the Blues Museum during viewing party hours.
Oak Grove Public Library
In the Hattiesburg area, join the Oak Grove Library for a solar eclipse viewing party from 1 to 2 p.m. Ross Overstreet from the Mississippi State Extension Office will be guest speaking to educate viewers about this phenomenon. They serve refreshments, and Bridgette Broom, Youth Services Coordinator, will offer crafts for the kids. Glasses will be provided by The Friends of the Oak Grove Library.