We have you covered if you haven’t decided on where in Maine you’re going to watch the 2024 eclipse.
The total solar eclipse on Monday will see the moon pass in front of the sun, completely blocking the celestial body, for up to 3 ½ minutes. The phenomenon will plunge the sky into near-darkness at around 3:30 p.m. along the path of totality.
The last time a total solar eclipse passed directly over Maine was in 1963.
Check out these watch parties and viewing locations in various towns in the direct path of the celestial event. Hosting a viewing party you want us to know about? Email us at [email protected].
Aroostook County
Houlton
Starting at 9 a.m., a number of designated “star parks” will be open to parking across Houlton. These locations include the Riverfront Park, the Houlton Community Park, the Houlton International Airport and a number of other locations across town. The parks will feature local vendors and food, as well as tribal drumming and native dancing by the Houlton Band of Maliseets, and will remain open until 4 p.m.
Loring
The Loring Arch Hangar, located at 93 Arizona Rd., will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with parking available. The space will feature a DJ, food trucks and local vendors and a chance at a raffle prize. The museum will be open for tours, but will close briefly for 15 minutes during totality. Attendees are asked to bring cash if they are planning to attend a museum tour.
Island Falls
Events celebrating the eclipse will take place all weekend in Island Falls. An eclipse viewing party will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., hosted by the Island Falls Opera House. Activities will be hosted at the Island Falls Municipal building, and will include bounce houses, children’s entertainment and food. A spaghetti supper will be held following the eclipse. For more information about the full list of events, visit https://www.islandfallsme.us/.
Penobscot County
Lincoln
The town of Lincoln will be hosting a solar eclipse viewing party from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the parking area behind the Why Not Stop and Greywolf Auto, located at 297 West Broadway. The viewing party will offer food from Joe’s Chuck Wagon, along with artisan shopping opportunities. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled.
Millinocket
Millinocket’s viewing party will start at 10 a.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Park, with activities through the day until 4 p.m. The viewing party, located at the park sandwiched between Katahdin and Penobscot Avenue, will feature live music, local food vendors, an artisan market and a whoopie-pie bake off that will be judged by attendees.
Mount Chase
Dark Sky Maine will host a viewing party at Shin Pond Village, located at 1489 Shin Pond Rd. The field at the 100-acre recreational resort will be open to the public about an hour before totality, which is expected in the Mount Chase region around 3:30 p.m. on April 8, and following totality. Dark Sky Maine will be selling a limited amount of safe eclipse viewing glasses at the event for $3 each. There will not be indoor accommodations provided.
Piscataquis County
Greenville
Woody’s Bar, located at 2 Industrial Park Rd., will provide space to view the total solar eclipse next Monday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a buffet at 12:30 p.m., live music starting at 2 p.m., and custom eclipse t-shirts. Parking at Woody’s will be limited to paying customers.
Dover-Foxcroft
The Foxcroft Academy parking lot will offer parking spaces for $50 each, to benefit the graduating class, to view the solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible from the athletic fields and parking lot, with totality expected around 3:31 p.m. Entertainment and food will be available at the neighboring Piscataquis County Ice Arena.
Oxford County
Newry
The Sunday River Ski Resort will run its lifts until 5 p.m., with a pause in operations around 3 p.m. in order to safely view the eclipse. Tickets for the Chondola will be available to purchase on-site at South Ridge Lodge, with ticket sales going until 3:30 p.m., or until capacity is reached. The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum will host a pop-up exhibit at North Peak, featuring a chunk of moon rock on display.
Somerset County
Jackman
The weekend of the eclipse will be a big one in Jackman, with the 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival spanning April 7 and April 8. As part of the festival, Maine local business vendors, food trucks and beer on tap will be available. Optimal viewing spaces include the veteran’s memorial park near the town office.
The Forks/West Forks
A number of events will be held in the Kennebec Valley leading on eclipse day, including live music at Fifteen Mile Stream Lodge & Outfitters from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. following the celestial event. Magic Falls Adventures in West Forks will also be open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for people who would like to view the event.
Franklin County
Carrabassett Valley
Eclipse-centric events will be taking place at Sugarloaf all weekend leading up to the solar eclipse. A DJ party will be held on the Beach from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and at Bullwinkles from 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Monday. Lifts will operate as normal on Monday, excepting the Super Quad which will remain open until 4:20 pm.
