12 Events in Kansas City To Watch the Total Solar Eclipse

Everyone in Kansas City is getting so excited about the great American solar eclipse of 2017, as this is the first time since 1806 the sun will cast its shadow.  Kansas City is almost exactly along the center line, where the sun will be completely eclipsed for roughly 2 minutes, depending on where you live. Check out the top places to see the eclipse and learn what it is you need to know.

Events & Watch Parties:

CommunityAmerica Ballpark | Kansas City, KS | Website

Home to the T-Bones, Community America Ballpark will be hosting a free affair for viewing of the eclipse. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and the first 200 guests to arrive will receive complimentary tickets to the T-Bones’ home game that night. The ballpark will also be providing free eclipse viewing glasses for all who visit.

Dark Side of the Square Eclipse Festival | Independence, MO | Website

The Dark Side of the Square Eclipse Festival in Independence Square will be celebrating the eclipse all weekend long, August 18-August 21. This festival will feature nightly screenings of the most popular movies, music, food and wine, as well as special deals around Downtown’s favorite shops. The day of the eclipse will include yoga, a block party, a bounce house, and special performance by local, emerging pop artist Crystal Clayton.

East Hills Shopping Center | St. Joseph, MO | Website

The East Hills Shopping Center in St. Joseph, Missouri will be open for viewers to come and see the total eclipse of sun.  Viewers will be able to shop, drink, eat and play all weekend long, with a free planetarium and special discounts in select locations of the mall.

Eclipse at Union Station | Kansas City, MO | Website

Science City at Union Station is welcoming visitors to come and partake in eclipse fun. They will be featuring hands on, interactive activities to get ready for the eclipse. This includes free admission into the planetarium, new eclipse shows, free viewing glasses and a special visit from Fox 4’s Chief Meteorologist Mike Thompson.

Eclipse & Sips Festival | North Platte, MO | Website

The Jowler Creek Winery is hosting a whole Eclipse & Sips Festival from August 18-21. They will have live music each day and will feature they band “Soular” on the day of the eclipse. Wine and food trucks will be available for those who wish to partake.

GreatLIFE KC Charity Classic | Kansas City, MO | Website

The GreatLIFE Kansas City Charity Classic is a golf tournament that will be taking place the day of the eclipse. Sponsored with the help of the Kansas City Royals, proceeds will go to benefit the youth of Kansas City. As of right now, the next 10 teams to register will receive tickets to the Royals v. Rockies game taking place on 8/22.

Moonshine Eclipse at Holladay Distillery | Weston, MO | Website

Holladay Distillery in Weston is hosting their Moonshine: Eclipse Watch Party on August 21st. The event is free and open to the public but has limited space for parking, so registration to receive a parking pace is highly encouraged. The event starts at 11:00am with the Distillery opening at 10:00am. All guests will receive free solar glasses for viewing the eclipse and complimentary Little Debbie Star Crunch and Moon Pie snacks. They will also have their own HollaDogs available purchase, as well as eclipse-themed cocktails in souvenir Moonshine glasses.  The event also enjoy listening to music by special guests DJ Thundercutz.

Remington Nature Center | St. Joseph, MO | Website

The Remington Nature Center will be open for extended hours the weekend of this once in a lifetime event. They will be featuring an educational display on the eclipse in August, and will also have a scavenger hunt open for kids. The nature center’s gift shop will have special solar eclipse merchandise. On the day of the eclipse, admission is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors 60 years and older, and $1 for kids ages 4-15.

Rowe Ridge Winery | Kansas City, KS | Website

Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery will be open for all who wish to view the eclipse from their balcony or vineyard. They will have special viewing glasses available for all who wish to be able to look at the eclipsed sun. Wine, sangria and slushes will be available for purchase as well as pizza.

Solar Noir at Crossroads | Kansas City, MO | Website

Solar Noir is a festival featuring over 30 mural artists from around the U.S. who wish to turn the Crossroads into an art hub. Come watch and enjoy local artists and vendors as the rest of Kansas City anxiously awaits this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.

Total Eclipse at City Market | Kansas City, MO | Website

The City Market is open for the entire span of the eclipse with fun and free entertainment and activities. Special guests include WDAF FOX4’s Meteorologist Joe Lauria as Master of Ceremonies and Science City’’s Patrick Hess and geophysicist Laura Tyson. Events include yoga, aerial acrobatics with the Moon Drop Circus, a karaoke dance party and more.

Vox Vineyards | Weston, MO | Website

Vox Vineyards in Weston Missouri will be hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Party from 11:15 to 2:30 pm on August 21st. General admission tickets are $45 which includes a free picnic and a tasting of three wines. There will also be a featured special guest, Dan Kushel, from Buffalo State University, bringing a special viewing telescope in information on the eclipse.This event is for those ages 21+.

Nearby cities and duration of eclipse totality:

• Leavenworth, Kansas | Website | 1 minute, 31 seconds
• Atchison, Kansas | Website | 2 minutes, 19 seconds
• St. Joseph, Missouri | Website | 2 minutes, 38 seconds
• Lathrop, Missouri | Website  | 2 minutes, 39 seconds
• Excelsior Springs, Missouri | Website | 2 minutes, 30 seconds
• Jefferson City, Missouri | Website | 2 minutes, 27 seconds
• Columbia, Missouri | Website | 2 minutes, 30 seconds
• Kansas City, Missouri | Website | 27 seconds

To Learn More About the Eclipse Visit:

Great American Eclipse | Kansas City Information | National Eclipse

The next American eclipse to go coast to coast isn’t until August of 2205, so be sure to hike over to one of these cities or event spaces nearby and watch it full view!