Get ready for an unforgettable, rare experience this August! The entire United States  will have the opportunity to watch a total solar eclipse. The eclipse's path goes all the way from Oregon to South Carolina on August 21, 2017 and will cause complete darkness in the middle of the day! How cool is that?

Although Athens isn't in the direct path, we are lucky enough to still be very close to the path of totality. Athens will experience an almost-complete blackout from the alignment of the sun, moon, and earth. To celebrate this huge, supernatural moment, five major venues have opened their doors to the public for a viewing celebration: City Hall, Sanford Stadium, the State Botanical Garden, Southern Brewing Company, and Terrapin. 

Many of you may be thinking that this event will overlap with usual Monday work madness, however, this solar event is not something you want to miss as many only experience a few in a lifetime! So take the day off or enjoy a long lunch break and come join us for this unbelievably rare, historical moment. It will be a Monday you wish you could replay again!

Because staring directly at the solar eclipse can be dangerous, be sure to grab a pair of specialized viewing glasses at one of the locations below! 

 

1. "Eclipse- Nic" at City Hall 

City Hall

Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

Price: Free to the Public

Come out to City Hall to watch the Solar Eclipse! Sandy Creek Nature Center will be bringing 21 telescopes out to the Athens City Hall for viewing.

 

2. Eclipse Blackout Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium

Time: 1 - 4 p.m.

Price: Free to the Public

The University of Georgia will open Sanford Stadium for viewing of the total eclipse of the sun on August 21. There will be optimal views of the eclipse, with 99.1% of the blackout visible from the stadium according to the UGA Department of Geography. The jumbo screen will be showing views of the eclipse from around the world. The first 5,000 people who come to the “Eclipse Blackout” will get free viewing glasses, and concessions will be available.

The stadium will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. with peak darkness arriving at 2:38 p.m.

 

3. State Botanical Garden

State Botanical Garden Visitors Center mid res

Time: 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Price: Free to the public, but MUST register 

Join the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the Garden as the sun, moon and earth align. They will have a supply of viewing glasses, plus snacks, beverages, live music, and games inside the air-conditioned conservatory.

 

4. Solar "Brewclipse" at Southern Brewing Co. 

Southern Brewing Company Beers

Time: 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Price: Please contact Southern Brewing Co. for more price information

What better way to enjoy this quirk of cosmic geometry than with friends and beer? Come join Southern Brewing on the 15 acre plot of open sky to view the solar eclipse in style. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, dogs, and kids. Must provide ID to enjoy beer tour tastings.

 

5. Total Eclipse Blackout Bash at Terrapin

Time: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Price: $12 for beer tasting; Free admission for people under 21 

Be sure to head to Terrapin and celebrate the eclipse with a couple cold ones. The first 240 people will receive a commemorative glass for the event! 

 

Solar eclipse's making Mondays more exciting since 2017! We hope to see you out and about celebrating this August 21. Sun's out, fun's out!

Want even more information on solar eclipse viewings in Athens? Visit our site