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Solar eclipse events in East Tennessee

Check out the total solar eclipse events in East Tennessee! 

The solar eclipse is almost here and many East Tennessee communities have several events to celebrate the rare occasion.

FULL COVERAGE: Total Solar Eclipse

First off, here are the times the eclipse will be seen in East Tennessee. Generally, the times will only vary about a minute or two as it moves west to east. The farther west you are, the earlier the eclipse will happen. Knoxville and other cities that won't be directly under the moon's path will not see totality.

NASA has a map for the path of totality with all events in your viewing area.

Courtesy of NASA

Knox County

  • Mayor Tim Burchett is hosting an eclipse watch party at The Cove at Concord Park from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be food trucks, music and a limited number of free eclipse glasses. The event is free and open to the public.
  • Farragut is hosting a Solar Eclipse Party from 1 to 3 p.m. at McFee Park. The first 450 participants will receive free eclipse glasses. Other activities will include children's crafts, face painting and cookie decorating. Concessions will be provided by First Baptist Concord.
  • Knoxville Christian School will host a solar eclipse watch on Aug. 21. The event is open to the public.

Blount County

  • Blount County Public Library has activities and an eclipse viewing outside on Pedestrian Bridge from 1-4p.m. Free NASA approved viewing glasses will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. The event is free and open to the public.
  • First United Methodist Church in Maryville has plans for a "Sundrop and Viewing" of the eclipse from the church's front lawn.
  • Harmony Family Center is hosting an eclipse viewing party from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Great Smoky Mountain National Park has an eclipse viewing at Cades Cove.
  • Pellissippi Community College is having a Tailgate in Totality on the day of the eclipse.

Anderson County

  • The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is allowing visitors to view the eclipse from 1-4 p.m. at the Park Visitor Center at the American Museum of Science and Energy. A Limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available.
  • The UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge will be a viewing site for the solar eclipse. Gates will open at 1:30 p.m. for cars to park near the site. Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center staff will direct patrons to walk to the area at the top of the hill. It is estimated that the total solar eclipse in Oak Ridge will last 27 to 31 seconds at approximately 2:33 p.m. EDT.

Claiborne County

  • Lincoln Memorial University and the Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum will host a Solar Eclipse 2017: Watch and Tour from 11am to 5pm on August 21. This free event will include a chance to go inside the museum to make a card projector o safely watch the eclipse. To learn more, please contact Program Coordinator Natalie Sweet at natalie.sweet@lmunet.edu.

Cumberland County

  • Crossville has several opportunities for residents to view the eclipse. The big South Fork National River and Recreation Area has a viewing from 1 - 4p.m. There are also viewings art the Bandy Creek Visitor Center in Oneida and Gateway Visitor Center. There will be a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses for the public.
  • Social Brew is hosting a "Dark Side of the Moon Eclipse Festival" Aug. 20-22 at the Barn Oaklawn Farms (5754 Old US 70 East in Crossville. Guests can set up their campsites (tents only) on Sunday and live music will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday's activities will include music and a countdown to the eclipse. Tickets are $25 and space is limited to 200 people.

Loudon County

  • US Highway 11 Bridge: Bring your cooler and lawn chair to watch this Historical Event with a perfect view over the Tennessee River. City officials will open the bridge for viewing from 1 – 3 p.m. Viewing glasses are free while they last at Whistle Stop Boutique and Maggie’s Mercantile. Annabell’s Emporium will be selling hot dogs and other yummy items. There will be a shaved ice truck on site to help cool you down. Begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Quaint shops within walking distance.
  • Lenoir City Museum: Viewing from 1 – 3 p.m. Officials will greet guests with a Moon Pie, RC Cola and viewing glasses. Join in on the Moon Pie eating contest! Entertainment and giveaways/coupons to downtown shops. Bring your lawn chair and plan for a fun afternoon. Fireworks immediately following the total eclipse.
  • Sweetwater Valley Farm: Hosting a “Cheese.Cows. Eclipse?” VIP tickets have already sold out, but ticket options are still available that include t-shirts and viewing glasses. Parking is free and the public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and enjoy lunch from local food trucks. Visit www.sweetwatervalleyfarm.com for more info.
  • Tennessee Valley Winery: Hosting Sip & Stay for the GRAPE Solar Eclipse. Tent and RV camping available on-site the night before. Countdown begins at 1 p.m. and admission is $5, which includes a commemorative glass with Solar Sangria and viewing glasses. Food is available on site. Visit www.tennesseevalleywinery.com for more info.
  • Philadelphia Quarry: Solar Eclipse Party! Free admission all day! Potluck at 1 p.m. – There will be a the smoker chocked full. More info: Facebook.com/philadelphiaquarry & www.visitloudoncounty.com/eclipseLoCo 865-986-6822.

McMinn County

Monroe County

  • Historic Downtown Sweetwater is hosting an eclipse festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Tellico Plains is hosting the 'Standing in the Shadow of the Moon' event from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 21. There will be a three day festival leading up to the Eclipse on August 19 and August 20.
  • The City of Madisonville will hold "Total Eclipse Of The Park" from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The picnic will be at Kefauver Park. There will be food, craft vendors, music, a moonwalk contest, and a science teacher on hand to talk about safety ahead of the eclipse. Shirts and glasses will be available for purchase. The American Red Cross will have a First Aid Station to deal with heat and other related injuries. The event is free to the public. There will be overflow parking and shuttle buses running from Madisonville Primary School and Sequoyah High School for a $2 round trip fee.
  • The Madisonville Chota Community Health Services will hold a viewing from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be free eclipse glasses, corn hole, bounce houses, a craft tent, t-shirts, games, food, and a photo booth. There is also an aliens and astronauts costume contest. It will take place on 2798 New Highway 68 in Madisonville.

Morgan County

  • There are a series of eclipse events in the Obed Wild and Scenic River from 1-4 p.m. Viewing areas include Lilly Bluff Overlook in Lancing, and Park Visitor Center in Wartburg. A limited number of free eclipse glasses will be provided.
  • Frozen Head State Park and natural area in Wartburg will host an Eclipse watch from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free and registration is not required but it is encouraged. Eclipse viewing glasses on a first come, first served basis. For more information call Phone: (423) 346-3318 or (423) 346-7732.
  • Niota Public Library has a Planet Walk and eclipse education session on August 14 at 4 p.m.

Roane County

  • Kingston Parks and Recreation is hosting a Total Eclipse of the Park at Fort South West Point from 1 p.m. until the sun comes back out. The event is free and eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last.
  • Roane State Community College is hosting an eclipse party from noon to 3 p.m. on the day of the eclipse.

Sevier County

  • The Pigeon Forge Public Library has an eclipse viewing with festivities beginning at 1:30 p.m.
  • The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will host an eclipse viewing party from the Titanic Bow starting at 1 p.m. The party will include a casual lunch, a tour of Titanic and special glass will be provided. Tickets cost $65 and space is limited, reservations are required. 800-381-7670.
  • Seven Islands State Birding Park will host a program on how to view the total solar eclipse safely. The meeting will take place on Aug. 19 at noon at Bluebird Barn. The park is located at 2809 Kelly Lane in Kodak, (865) 407-8335.

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