CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Just seven years after Cape Girardeau boomed with eclipse events and tourists, the city is preparing to do it all again on April 8.
Around 17,000 people traveled to the southern Missouri city in 2017 for the "Great American Eclipse," according to Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Brenda Newbern. This year, the city expects that number to be around 20,000 in the city alone, not counting the numerous other events happening in nearby towns.
Newbern's top tip for interested tourists was to begin the journey to Cape Girardeau much earlier than expected.
"Don't plan it like your normal trip to Cape," Newbern said. "I didn't realize at the time [in 2017] that the interstate had gotten backed up to the point where [officials] were getting people off the road because of the backup ... This year, there's going to be much more people trying to get to totality."
Here are all the eclipse events happening in the area on April 8, courtesy of VisitCape:
2024 Eclipse events in and around Cape Girardeau
VisitCape Sportsplex Watch Party
VisitCape will have music, food trucks and vendors, kids activities, and giveaways at the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex. Parking space will be on a first come/first serve basis. Click here to learn more.
Old Town Cape Eclipse Block Party
Historic downtown Cape Girardeau will hold its event from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cape Riverfront Market lot.
"Enjoy a live music performance from Spacers and enjoy food from a diverse selection of food vendors. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every palate," an event spokesperson said.
Eclipse the Ordinary at Century Casino
Century Casino Cape Girardeau will hold an eclipse-themed brunch at Beacon 53 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a watch party beginning at 11 a.m. Click here to learn more.
SEclipse University Block Party
South East Missouri State's event is the culmination of SEMO's year-long 150th anniversary celebration! The university will have activities and events throughout campus for students, faculty, staff, and community members. Click here to learn more.
Eclipse at the River Campus
SEMO's riverfront campus event will feature live performances by students from the Holland College of Arts and Media and will also have displays, exhibitions, interactive activities, food trucks, a photo booth, and jewelry making starting at 11:30 a.m., with performances beginning at 1 p.m. Click here to learn more.
The Dark of the Sun: Eclipse at Fort D
The historic site will be open for visitors from noon to 4 p.m. and will perform a cannon firing at the height of the eclipse. Visitors should bring their own chairs and protective eye equipment. Click here to learn more.
Arts Council of Southeast Missouri: Everyone Belongs Under the Sun
The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri partnered with South Side Farms, CoNEXTions, Riverside Pottery, Ebb and Flow Fermentations, Artistically Ever After, The Flower Boys, Spectrum Record Lounge, Scout Hall, and Yoga East Healing Arts to provide residents and tourists with memorable experiences in the arts that will last a lifetime. Click here to learn more.
Top of the Marq Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
The restaurant is holding a $100 per person event with a buffet food spread, bottled beer, wine and champagne during the eclipse. Tickets are reportedly selling fast. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Click here to learn more.
Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine Eclipse
The restaurant is offering a happy hour from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will have eclipse glasses available. Click here to learn more.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at ND
Notre Dame will hold a viewing party on its soccer field at 1 p.m. where eye care specialists will be providing eclipse glasses for free. Click here to learn more.
Jackson, MO Eclipse
The city of Jackson, Missouri will have live music, food and eclipse souvenirs at three locations across the city. Click here to learn more.
Armstrong Outdoors Solar Eclipse Party
The company will hold an all-day happy hour with $2 beer, multiple food options and eclipse glasses. Click here to learn more.
Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Solar Eclipse Viewing
The airport will have "fly in" specials on fuel prices and camping space for pilots along with free snacks, water and eclipse glasses. Click here to learn more.
Countryside Viewing Site
Egypt Mills' Antique Tractor Club is opening its grounds to the public for the eclipse where Smiling Jacks Food Truck and a concession stand will be running on a cash-only basis. Click here to learn more.
Commerce, MO Total Eclipse Camp
The town will have food trucks on-site all weekend long. Click here to learn more.
Drive-In to the Solar Eclipse
Adam Wainwright, Logan Chapman and Charlie Montgomery will all be performing at the Rock N' Roll Drive In's eclipse event in Chaffee. Gates will open at 9 a.m. Click here to learn more.
Total Solar Eclipse at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site
The historic site will be hosting personnel from Washington University and the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences who will offer telescopes and short talks about the science and history of eclipses. BBQ to the Rescue's food truck will also be on site. Click here to learn more.
Eclipse: A Pink Floyd Experience
Scott City, Missouri will host the Anderson Council, who will perform Pink Floyd's entire Dark Side of the Moon album at a free event at the RiverHouse Pavilion. Click here to learn more.
Eclipse Festival at Benton Speedway
A carnival will be held at the Benton Speedway starting April 6 and going throughout the eclipse. Click here to learn more.
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