For some, viewing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event, or at least a once-in-a-really-long-time event. After Monday’s phenomenon, the next total solar eclipse that can be viewed from the Hudson Valley region won’t be until 2079. The result of the moon passing between the sun and the Earth, the total solar eclipse will almost completely block the face of the sun in our area, reaching up to 96-percent totality in the upper Hudson Valley. Grab your eclipse glasses and head to one of these local eclipse viewing parties to celebrate the solar event.
Barton Orchards
Poughquag
1–6 p.m.
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At Barton Orchards, this solar eclipse viewing party will feature live music from Skin n’ Bones, free viewing glasses for the first 100 attendees, and a barbecue food truck. Admission is free for this family- and dog-friendly event, and the tap room, dog park, petting zoo, and playground will be open, along with a face painter for the kids.
Bear Mountain State Park
Tomkins Cove
2–4 p.m.
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Gather at the large field next to the Inn at Bear Mountain State Park to learn about and view the solar eclipse. The state park will distribute 50 eclipse glasses to guests on a first come, first served basis. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to chill out on the green to experience this rare event in comfort.
Carmel Creamery
Carmel
2–4 p.m.
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Get a front row seat to the solar eclipse in the Carmel Creamery’s backyard. The sweet shop will have themed ice cream specials, food, and more, along with complimentary eclipse glasses for the first 50 people who join in on the fun. The event kicks off at 2 p.m., with the eclipse reaching totality around 3:18 p.m.
Catskill Public Library
Catskill
2–4:30 p.m.
This eclipse party hosted by the Catskill Public Library takes place at Beattie-Powers Place, right up the hill from the library. If you don’t have your own eclipse glasses on hand, the library will be giving out pairs on a first come, first served basis. Park on the street and walk in if you can and bring something to sit on to enjoy the event.
Haverstraw Bay Park
Haverstraw
2:30–4 p.m.
In Rockland County, join other locals for this viewing event in the park, during which time park staff will be available to field questions about the celestial occurrence. Special eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for free to anyone who needs a pair, and attendees should bring blankets or chairs to watch the solar phenomenon in comfort on the grass.
Hudson River Museum
Yonkers
2–5 p.m.
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In Westchester, the Hudson River Museum will be hosting fun and educational events centered around the rare solar eclipse. View the eclipse from the museum’s courtyard with tools like solar telescopes that show the incredible detail on the moon and the sun, pinhole viewers, mirror projections, and eclipse glasses. If you want a new perspective, watch the live stream in the museum’s lobby that shows the eclipse from different locations over North America.
Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum
Poughkeepsie
2–5 p.m.
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Join near the Hudson River for this stellar event to experience a celebration with solar-themed activities. The museum will also host engaging STEAM programs and delicious food, along with activities like eclipse crafts, science demonstrations, presentations in the museum’s new planetarium, and temporary tattoos. The event is $5 for MHDM members and $8 for non-members.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery
Millbrook
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Millbrook Vineyards & Winery invites guests to view the solar eclipse from the vineyard’s scenic landscape. With acres of rolling hills and panoramic views, Millbrook is the ideal setting for prime sky viewing to witness the event. To make the experience even better, guests can enjoy $5 glasses of tap wine throughout the afternoon to savor the moment. Additionally, Millbrook Winery will debut an exclusive bottle of wine with a label that commemorates the celestial event.
Related: The Hudson Valley Summer Arts Pass Gives Inside Access to the Arts
