The 2017 Solar Eclipse will take place across the United States on Monday, August 21. Visitors and residents within Southern Illinois in the Carbondale area are set to experience two minutes and thirty eight second of totality.

It is very important to not look at the sun during the eclipse if you are not wearing protective glasses. From 11:52 a.m. to 2:47 p.m. the eclipse will be passing overhead in Carbondale, Illinois. Viewers can watch and experience the eclipse without protective glass only during totality.

For many visitors, they will get setup in either a hotel room or campsite, and start to wonder what does Southern Illinois have to offer. As a local resident, as well as a seasoned traveler, I can help guide large crowds of people in areas that can handle large-scale group activity.

Please be calm on the roadways. Try to review your route ahead of time on Google Maps to see if there is any alternative routes.

Lone Howl performing at Starview Winery. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

When I visit an area, I try to look for the things that make it authentic and original. Southern Illinois is filled with amazing food, above par local entertainment, and events to check out during the solar eclipse weekend. I’ll breakdown the food, entertainment and events in the next three sections. The Wine Trail is an excellent way to connect with local grapes and music.

Food

Fat Patties, in downtown Carbondale, located on the Strip, this burger joint provides local meat and tasty choices to try out.

Walt’s Pizza, located in Marion, Illinois is a staple to pizza in Southern Illinois. Their outdoor patio provides live music, as well as a spot to connect with friends and family.

Quatro’s Pizza, provides deep dish pizza to downtown Carbondale. Both Quatro’s and Walt’s have been open for decades, and continue to provide above par pizza and pasta.

17th Street BBQ, located in Murphysboro and Marion, Illinois. Their BBQ is award winning and showcases the heart of culinary craftsmanship in Southern Illinois.

Entertainment

Live music has been a cornerstone for Southern Illinois entertainment for decades.

• Downtown Carbondale is hosting live music outdoor.
• Moonstock is a multi-day event event just outside of Carbondale at Walker’s Bluff.
• PK’s and Hangar 9 in downtown, Big Muddy Brewing in Murphyboro, Walt’s and John Brown’s in Marion is hosting live music throughout the weekend.

Events

Sunday, August 20

Event Time Location
Crossroads Astronomy Science and Technology Expo 9am – 5pm SIU Arena
Eclipse Information Tents 9am to 9pm North and South of SIU Arena
Eclipse Comic Con 10am – 5pm Student Center
Crossroads Art & Craft Fair 10:30am – 7pm North of the SIU Arena
Carbondale Eclipse Marketplace and Live Music
City event 11am – 7pm First Mid-Illinois Bank Parking Lot
Carbondale Family Fun Zone
City event 11am – 8pm Carbondale Town Square Pavilion
Crossroads Festival – Carnival, Food, Music 11am- 12am South of the SIU Arena
Planetary Radio Live with Host Mat Kaplan 5pm – 6:30pm Shryock Auditorium
Carbondale Shadowfest Concert
City event 5pm – 11pm Downtown, Washington St

Monday, August 21

Event Time Location
On Campus Parking Open & Shuttles Running 6am – 8pm Campus Parking Lots
Eclipse Information Tents 8am – 7:30pm North and South of SIU Arena
Carbondale Eclipse Marketplace
City event 9am – 3pm First Mid-Illinois Bank Parking Lot
Crossroads Astronomy Science and Technology Expo 9am – 5pm SIU Arena
Crossroads Art & Craft Fair 9am – 5pm North of the SIU Arena
Crossroads Festival – Carnival, Food, Music 9am – 7pm South of the SIU Arena
NASA Edge Eclipse Megacast Anchor Site 10am – 3pm Outside Saluki Stadium
Eclipse Day at Saluki Stadium (ticketed) Gates, 9am 10am – 3pm Saluki Stadium
Carbondale Family Fun Zone
City event 10am – 6pm Carbondale Town Square Pavilion
Carbondale Shadowfest Concert
City event 11am – 5pm Downtown, Washington St
Total Solar Eclipse for 2 minutes and 38 seconds 1:20pm Saluki Stadium

Events sourced from: http://eclipse.siu.edu/festivities/