We are only one week away from the solar eclipse billed as the most exciting 2 minutes and 40 seconds in astronomy! According to NASA, the last solar eclipse was visible in the continental United States 38 years ago and we will not see another eclipse until August of 2045.
Owensboro is located in the partial eclipse zone, only 80 miles from the greatest eclipse near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Owensboro will experience the effects of the eclipse from 11:56am – 2:50pm central time. In Owensboro, the time of the maximum eclipse will be at 1:25pm.
We are kicking off the solar eclipse festivities on Friday, August 18 with Friday After 5. Come join us along the scenic 6-acre Smothers Park for family fun and live music on one of the six outdoor stages. Refreshments are available at the RiverPark Center and the Owensboro Convention Center, which sit at either end of the park. There are also food trucks and many locally owned restaurants within walking distance. Go to FridayAfter5.com for more details on this event.
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art will be offering “The Solar Eclipse as Seen Through the Lens of Art” Friday-Sunday. During this time there will be a mini photography exhibition of solar eclipses by photographers/astronomers from around the world. There will also be an interactive gallery where children can create a simple box projector for the viewing event. On the day of the solar eclipse the museum will be having an Eclipse Party from 11am-2pm in Ryan Park. To learn more about the museum go to omfa.us.
We will be having the 19th Annual Multicultural Festival on Saturday, August 19th at the First Presbyterian Church from 11am – 6pm. It will be a fun and educational event with over 30 informational booths featuring ethnic foods, dancing, music, demonstrations and fashion. This festival is held to inform the community of diverse cultures and traditions.
The Owensboro Convention Center will be hosting the first Cheers on the Pier Festival on Saturday. August 19th starting at 3pm. This festival is a celebration of suds with more than 30 breweries plus featured wines and bourbon all in one place for enthusiasts to explore new libations or find their favorites. For more information about this event go to www.cheersonthepier.com.
On the day of the Eclipse the Owensboro Museum of Science and History will be providing telescopes for safe viewing and will have a projection of the eclipse on the side of their building in the heart of downtown. The Projection of Solar Eclipse will begin at 11am and last until 3pm. To learn more about the Coal Mine Gallery and other exhibits at the museum, go to www.owensboromuseum.org.
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden will be viewing “The Dark Side of the Moon” on the day of the Eclipse. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic lunch to The Garden and enjoy viewing the eclipse through special glasses available for $1 each. For more information on watching the solar eclipse at The Garden go to www.wkbg.org.
There is also plenty room for viewing the solar eclipse at Smothers Park and other locations around town.
Friday, Aug. 18
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
1-4 p.m.
“The Solar Eclipse as Seen Through the Lens of Art”
901 Frederica St.
Friday After 5
6-11 p.m.
Free live music on six stages
Smothers Park on the Riverfront
Saturday, Aug. 19
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
1-4 p.m.
“The Solar Eclipse as Seen Through the Lens of Art”
Create a box projector activity in the Interactive Children’s Gallery
901 Frederica St.
First Presbyterian Church ·
19th Annual Multicultural Festival · 11am-6pm
Learn about the diverse cultures and traditions in our community
1328 Griffith Ave.
Owensboro Convention Center
Cheers On The Pier · 3pm
Enjoy more than 30 breweries, wines and bourbons all in one place.
501 West 2nd St.
Sunday, Aug. 20
Owensboro Museum of Fine Art
1-4 p.m.
“The Solar Eclipse as Seen Through the Lens of Art”
Create a box projector activity in the Interactive Children’s Gallery
901 Frederica St.
Monday, Aug. 21
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Projection of eclipse on the outside of the building
122 E. 2nd St.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Viewing “The Dark Side of the Moon”
25 Carter Rd.
Day of Darkness Partial Eclipse
11:56 a.m.-2:50 p.m.
Throughout Owensboro
Getting to Owensboro
It’s easy to experience this Day of Darkness on a non-stop flight from central Florida (Orlando/Sanford SFB) right into the path of the eclipse in Kentucky (Owensboro OWB). Air travel is more affordable than you may realize on Allegiant Airlines. Go to AllegiantAir.com to book your direct, low fare flight to Owensboro.
If you are driving, Owensboro is two hours from southwest Louisville, two hours northwest of Nashville and three hours east of St. Louis.
Staying in Owensboro
For a complete listing of hotels in Owensboro, go to visitowensboro.com.
More Attractions
International Bluegrass Music Museum
270-926-7891
BluegrassMuseum.org
O.Z. Tyler Kentucky Bourbon Distillery
270-691-7891
OZTylerDistillery.com
World’s Largest Sassafras Tree
270-926-1100
Kentuckytourism.com/do/owensboros-sassafras-tree/11239/