While the St. Louis area will only experience partial totality at 99% on Monday, April 8, the solar eclipse is still a moment to gather and celebrate with your favorite people.
The moon will pass between the earth and the sun, but instead of completely blocking the surface of the sun, a partial eclipse will only cover a portion of it, giving the sun a crescent shape.
With the eclipse in St. Louis set to begin at approximately 12:43 p.m. and achieve 99% totality at 2 p.m., a few events are planned across the area to maximize enjoyment of this rare occurrence. We’ve come up with a list of watch parties and get-togethers that are truly only-in-St. Louis experiences.
One of the most unique ways to do so is on a riverboat along the Mississippi River. The daily St. Louis Riverfront Cruise at the Gateway Arch has a 1:30 p.m. cruise on April 8 that will provide passengers an incredible vantage point from the deck of the Tom Sawyer riverboat – seeing the eclipse against the arch and the St. Louis skyline! Eclipse glasses are provided with admission ($24 for adults, $22 for seniors, $14 for children ages 3 to 15).
If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are a number of options in and around St. Louis, including at City Museum downtown, where an eclipse party will take place on the rooftop. The viewing party – which will allow entry on a first-come, first-served basis – is included with City Museum general admission (from $20) and includes eclipse glasses. The museum opens at 10 a.m.
Another rooftop option downtown – this time for grownups – is at Three Sixty atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be a special bar menu on eclipse day offering themed cocktails such as Dark Side of the Sun (Old Forester Bourbon, Chambord, cranberry juice, simple syrup and sour mix) and Eclipse Elixir (Plantation Dark Rum, simple syrup, cinnamon, orange juice and Sprite). Food options include pizzas, charcuterie boards, salads and desserts. There is no entrance fee for the party.
On the Delmar Loop, what can be better than the aptly named, space-themed Moonrise Hotel? There will be plenty to look forward to, including gazing at the rooftop’s iconic giant revolving manmade moon and enjoying spacey cocktail and food offerings for purchase. Admission to the party, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is $10, which includes rooftop access and eclipse glasses.
In Midtown, a free, family-friendly watch party is taking place at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation in Grand Center from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Its Park-Like garden across from the museum provides a serene half-acre setting for viewing the eclipse. Come as you are and stay for as long as you like. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Solar glasses will be provided.
Looking for something out in the country? Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, Illinois, is planning a party featuring “mystical” entertainment such as oracle card readings and psychic medium encounters. Also on tap are themed refreshments, live music and other eclipse-centric activities. There is a fee charged for some events. The party is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Eckert’s 600-acre farm.
For true-blue planetary fans, the Saint Louis Science Center is offering an out-of-this-world view: a livestream of NASA video in the McDonnell Planetarium as the total solar eclipse travels its path along the United States. Guests that day will also receive free eclipse glasses for an opportunity to view the partial eclipse on the Planetarium grounds.
