On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America will witness its first total solar eclipse in seven years, reminding us, once again, that, despite our cosmic tininess, the universe does like to put on a show for us. Following suit this year are a handful of festivals, sound baths, and other musical events, including an Arkansas indie extravaganza in Hot Springs National Park, an interstellar rave in rural Texas, and a Vampire Weekend show in Austin with complimentary eclipse glasses. Laraaji will be in his element, too, hosting a starbound day of healing and wellness in New York, with bonfire drumming to dance away your post-eclipse comedown. Scroll through for a selection of the country’s finest celestial treats.
Atlas Obscura Eclipse Festival
This four-day celebration of the solar event takes place at Valley of the Vapors in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas from April 5-8. Angel Olsen, Deerhoof, Blonde Redhead, U.S. Girls, Shannon and the Clams, Hailu Mergia, Sun Ra Arkestra, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, and more will perform, while a slate of cosmic films will screen each day. Additional attractions such as stargazing, magic, and comedy—courtesy of Fred Armisen—will take place throughout the event.
Gong Sound Bath and Listening Party at Green-Wood Cemetery
Settle on a grassy knoll in Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery, where, on April 8, you can view the solar eclipse while listening to an “intimate soil soundscape installation,” per the cemetery’s website. Or, you can enjoy a listening session with local record label Sacred Bones, or let Samer Ghadry’s gong bath wash over you as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.
Texas Eclipse Festival
Dance to trance, techno, and various EDM sets for four days surrounding this cosmic spectacle. Taking place from April 5-9, dozens of artists will perform at the 1,300-acre Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas. Space exhibits, immersive art installations, and guest speakers will also be part of the long weekend’s activities.
Totality 2024 With Laraaji – A Community Eclipse Experience
On April 8, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., way upstate in Hannibal, New York, you can take part in Totality 2024 with Laraaji at his Community Eclipse Experience. The all-day event features healing and wellness workshops followed by eclipse observation, and Laraaji performing his albums Sun Piano and Moon Piano al fresco. Laraaji will also chat with Cornell astrophysicist Dr. Nikole Lewis for a live taping of the Sing for Science podcast. Bonfire drumming will close out the evening.
Vampire Weekend at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park
Vampire Weekend are touring behind their brand new album, Only God Was Above Us, and, on Monday, they’ll be in just the right spot to glimpse the eclipse. Their set at Moody Amphitheater at Austin’s Waterloo Park will kick off at 11 a.m.—an early-bird show for the rare celestial phenomenon. Eclipse glasses will be provided at the show.
