Stellar Upstate event lineup keeps growing as Eclipse 2017 approaches

Upstate South Carolina's perfectly positioned for a rare spectacle coming next month. 

On Aug. 21, Greenville, Anderson and surrounding areas will be situated along the line of totality for the 2017 total solar eclipse.

It’s the first time in nearly a century a solar eclipse has crossed the continental United States, stretching all the way from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic Ocean. Thousands of people have already booked hotel rooms, purchased tickets and made plans to be in South Carolina for prime viewing.

For those of us lucky enough to live here, there are quite a few places to witness the natural phenomenon, in case setting up camping chairs in your own backyard isn’t enough. Here's a roundup of those events:

Greenville

Bob Jones University is hosting an Eclipse Experience from 1 to 3 p.m. on the BJU campus. The event is free. It's open to students in 7th to 12th grade and their families. Guests will experience solar-filtered telescopes, an LED truck display of NASA's livestream of the eclipse, STEM experiments, and demonstrations by the BJU and BJA robotics teams. BJU will provide special eclipse glasses for those who register. To register, visit bju.edu/eclipse.

Blue Jar Barn in Belton is inviting guests to visit the farm for the eclipse. They’re even hoping to perform some weddings during totality. Blue Jar Barn is a new event venue located at the site of the former Rudy’s Bluegrass in the Woods. The cost to get married at Blue Jar during the eclipse is $300. That includes a minister and photography. There will also be concessions. Couples are allowed 10 guests. Visitors who don’t wish to get married that day, but would like a place to gather with others during the eclipse can watch from Blue Jar for $10. 

Eclipse over NOMA There’s also the option to treat the eclipse like a Downtown Alive celebration at NOMA Square. This event is free. Guests can watch the eclipse while enjoying a cash bar at Roost and live music from Katie & Larry. Eclipse over NOMA runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21.

Great American Eclipse at Greer City Park Enjoy the eclipse #HereInGreer for free. The first 1000 people to Greer City Park beginning at noon on Aug. 21 will receive free eclipse glasses, for safe viewing. There will be live entertainment by Gravity Check Jugglers, space themed inflatables, tours inside Star Dome Planetarium and food from Area 51 Food Truck and Desserted Isle. The event is free, but arrive early for the best shot at a pair of glasses.

Solar Spectacular at Lake Conestee Nature Park This event isn’t free, but it will give guests a up close look at how nature responds to a total solar eclipse. This family event will include live music by the West End String Band, self-guided nature walks, guided bird viewing and critters from wildlife rehab of Greenville. Dr. Greg Boeshaar will give a talk about the eclipse and answer questions. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 or children 12 and under, if purchased by midnight on Aug. 20. Depending on availability, tickets at the door will be $30 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets do include a pair of solar eclipse glasses. The event begins at noon on Aug. 21. Buy tickets here.

Furman University is opening Paladin Stadium to those who might wish to watch the eclipse with several thousand neighbors. The University will hold a carnival beginning at noon with concessions and live music. There will be a guided viewing of the eclipse as totality approaches. All visitors will be given free solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing. This event is free. Learn more here.

Yeah that blackout will take place at Greenville-Pickens Speedway at 3800 Calhoun Memorial Highway in Easley from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Cost is $5 per child and $10 per adult. Parking is free. Sign up here 

 place at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. This is going to be a great family event and I hope that you will help us promote it! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yeah-that-blackout-experience-totality-at-greenville-pickens-speedway-tickets-36899153361

Anderson

Blackout at the Civic Center will probably be Anderson's largest event. The Civic Center provides more than 2,000 parking spaces and is expecting several thousand people to attend. Parking and admission is free, and there will be live music, food and drink available as well. The Anderson Sports & Entertainment Center is located at 3027 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. in Anderson. 

Denver Downs Farm is hosting a viewing party at the farm, which boasts more than 140 acres of open space, perfect for throwing down a blanket or setting up a few folding chairs to watch the eclipse. Denver Downs Farm, 1515 Denver Rd. in Anderson, will also have a water slide, backyard games and live music. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance, though kids three and under are free. 

The Blackout at Green Pond Landing and Event Center, 470 Green Pond Rd. in Anderson, boasts an unobstructed view of the eclipse. The event is free, and there will be an astronomer on hand to answer questions. A DJ will be playing music, and food and drink will be available as well. Gates open at 8 a.m. Anderson County is hosting both Blackout events (at Green Pond as well as at the Civic Center), and recommends people opt for the Civic Center event if they can. The Civic Center location will be more spacious and will be able to accommodate many more viewers. 

Clemson

Eclipse Over Clemson will be a celebration across Clemson University's main campus the day of the eclipse. Astronomers and astrophysicists will be hanging outside of Cooper Library to give presentations and answer questions, an eclipse-chaser will share his experiences and there will be live music and fun for the whole family. 

Prime "Tailgazing" spots are available for $50 at Clemson as well. The university is selling tickets for 900 spots right next to Lake Hartwell for those interested in a more spacious tailgating experience. 

Pickens County

Pickens County and Southern Wesleyan University will be hosting a viewing party at SWU's Gilbert Track and Field Complex, 215 Clayton St. in Central. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend, and parking and admission are free and open to the public. Safety glasses and water bottles will be kept in abundance, and shuttles may be provided if attendance exceeds the anticipated amount.

Check back as the Independent Mail and The Greenville News continue to update this list. If there's an event you know of but don't see on this list, feel free to let reporters Elizabeth LaFleur and Georgie Silvarole know about it.