Out of This World Eclipse Watch Parties and Venues

Roughly 31.6 million people will see the sky temporarily darken in April as the “Great North American Eclipse” makes its way across fifteen states. The 2024 solar eclipse will travel from Texas to Maine, with parts of Central and Western New York cities including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse in the path of totality. Local wineries, restaurants, and venues are preparing for the moon’s shadow and for the best ways to witness this unique celestial event. 

NASA Website 

Since the 2024 eclipse on April 8th will be the first total eclipse to travel across New York State in 99 years, with totality visible in 29 counties, it calls for a special celebration. The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in Syracuse, New York, is hosting a solar eclipse festival featuring food trucks, tabling activities sponsored by the museum and their partners including the Technology Alliance of Central New York, and free glasses to safely watch the eclipse. The event is scheduled from 12-4 p.m. with totality visible above Syracuse at approximately 3:22 p.m. 

Izzo’s White Barn Winery Website 

In Cayuga, New York, Izzo’s White Barn Winery will be hosting their very own watch party complete with specialty food and beverages including solar sangria and ‘moondogs’. The winery’s watch party will run from 2-5 p.m. expecting over two minutes of totality above the vineyards. Tickets can be purchased online or you can give Izzo’s Winery a call to reserve your spot. 

Deep Dive in Ithaca, New York, is hosting a waterfront watch party featuring their full menu, live music, and NASA approved glasses to safely enjoy and view the eclipse. Ithaca will see the eclipse peak at approximately 3:20 p.m. The restaurant’s watch party begins at 12:30 p.m. and tickets are available online. 

Charcuterie pairs well with every celebration. Muranda Cheese in Waterloo, New York, will be catering to all your specialty picnic needs with their watch party on the lawn at their special events barn. This viewing party invites attendees to customize their own charcuterie platter, enjoy local finger lakes wine, beer, and cider, plus a specialty cocktail. Glasses will be provided for the event which runs from 12-5 p.m. and guests are recommended to bring a blanket or lawn chair from home to secure their own comfortable viewing spot. 

Colloca Estate Winery in Sterling, New York, will be hosting a total solar eclipse picnic featuring picnic-inspired food items from the winery’s culinary team, specialty drinks, and a full bar for their 2024 total solar eclipse party. Tickets are available online and in person at the door for the winery’s watch party from 12-6 p.m. 

No matter where you choose to view the eclipse, all of these venues will offer a cosmic connection.

Until we eat again, this is Gabriella Baiano reporting in Ithaca.