Upcoming Events for the Total Solar Eclipse Weekend and Other Days

For this week’s blog post, I’ve decided to share some of my last newsletter on the Total Solar Eclipse events that are occurring around southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest. It includes other events for the month of April, as well.

I do encourage you to subscribe to my newsletter if you’re not already. It’s free!

I hope you enjoy my blog post about events around the Total Solar Eclipse in southern Illinois.

Now, here’s what y’all have been waiting for – the Total Solar Eclipse events:

TOUR DE TUNNEL BIKE RIDE

APRIL 6

BIKE THE WONDERFUL TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL STARTING IN VIENNA, ILLINOIS (ROUTES: 10 MILES, 20 MILES, AND 52 MILES). SEE AMAZING SIGHTS, OLD RAILROAD TRESTLES, AND EVEN A 500+ FOOT TRAIN TUNNEL YOU CAN RIDE THROUGH ON THE 20 AND 52-MILE ROUTES.    HTTPS://RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/IL/VIENNA/TOURDETUNNEL

 

SALUKI CON -SIU

APRIL 6 – APRIL 7

SALUKI CON WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY–SUNDAY, APRIL 6-7, 2024 FROM 10AM–5PM AT THE SIU STUDENT CENTER IN CARBONDALE, IL. THERE WILL ALSO BE A FRIDAY NIGHT (APRIL 5) GAMING EVENT FROM 4–9PM TO KICK OFF THE WEEKEND.

 

ECLIPSE CROSSROADS FESTIVAL – CARBONDALE

APRIL 6 @ 8:00 AM – APRIL 8 @ 5:00 PM

Southern Illinois Crossroads Eclipse Festival

SIU WILL FEATURE A VARIETY OF EVENTS ON CAMPUS THE DAY OF THE ECLIPSE, WITH THE MAIN ONE BEING A PUBLIC VIEWING AT THE FOOTBALL STADIUM. MICHELLE NICHOLS OF ADLER PLANETARIUM WILL SERVE AS HOST AND GUIDE.

 

CARBONDALE SPRINGFEST

APRIL 6 @ 11:00 AM – APRIL 7 @ 5:00 PM

COME EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT ESSENCE OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT THIS OUTDOOR EXTRAVAGANZA,

HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL BUSINESSES, ARTISANS, AND ENTREPRENEURS. JOIN US ON THE WEEKEND OF

THE ECLIPSE FOR AN ARRAY OF FANTASTIC VENDORS, DELIGHTFUL FOOD TRUCKS, FREE KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

AND A CONCERT ON APRIL 7TH, PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF CARBONDALE.

 

PRINCESS & SUPER HERO DAY DOWNTOWN ANNA

APRIL 6 @ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

IT’S C’S BITSY BEES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND WE ARE CELEBRATING WITH OUR 2ND ANNUAL KIDS/PRINCESS DAY!!! THERE WILL BE LOADS OF ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR KIDDOS INSIDE ANNABELLE MARKET AND IN VARIOUS BUSINESSES IN ANNA-JONESBORO!! OH AND THE BEST PART…. DISNEY PRINCESSES WILL BE IN TOWN FROM 10-1!!!

 

TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE ART: A VENDOR EVENT AT ALTO VINEYARDS

APRIL 6 @ 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

COME AND ENJOY THIS DAY IN CELEBRATION OF LOCAL TALENT WITH AN ECLIPSE THEME. THIS IS A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THAT ONE-OF-A-KIND MEMORABILIA OF THIS HISTORIC CROSSOVER ECLIPSE (2017 AND 2024) THAT WILL ENGULF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.

 

Carmi Music Fest!

APRIL 6, 2024 4 pm

Chart topping Country Music Star Eddi Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry will headline the Carmi Fest Eclipse 2024 on April 6, 2024. The event is presented by the City of Carmi and produced by Rally Point Events. The music fest will take place at Burrell’s Woods in Carmi, Il. The Frontmen, Drew Baldridge and Tailgate Revival complete the lineup for this festival. This festival will be the signature event for the tristate during the Eclipse weekend.

 

Eclipse Con Strikes Back

April 6-7 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

SIU Student Center

Free Admissions for SI Students

Vendors and events

 

Don’t miss Riverfront Jams on Sunday

April 7th at 7:00 PM

Featuring A Different Sound! It’s a FREE concert at #HarrahsMet in #Metropolis, with hamburgers, hotdogs, and alcohol available for purchase, and free soda and water.

Harrah’s Casino and Hotel, Metropolis, Illinois

 

BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK – VIENNA

APRIL 7 @ 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

BLUEGRASS & GOSPEL BANDS IN THE AMPHITHEATER FROM 10 AM – 4 PM. THERE WILL BE FOOD TRUCKS DURING THESE TIMES AS WELL.

VIENNA CITY PARK, 298 E. VINE STREET, VIENNA, IL  62995

 

ECLIPSE CROSSROADS FESTIVAL – CARBONDALE

APRIL 6 @ 8:00 AM – APRIL 8 @ 5:00 PM

SIU WILL FEATURE A VARIETY OF EVENTS ON CAMPUS THE DAY OF THE ECLIPSE, WITH THE MAIN ONE BEING A PUBLIC VIEWING AT THE FOOTBALL STADIUM. MICHELLE NICHOLS OF ADLER PLANETARIUM WILL SERVE AS HOST AND GUIDE.

 

TOTAL ECLIPSE RUN 5K AND 10K

APRIL 8

GET A MOVE ON AND RUN ON THE DAY OF THE 2024 TOTAL ECLIPSE BY PARTICIPATING IN THE TOTAL ECLIPSE RUN, VIENNA, IL. https://www.totaleclipserun.com/

 

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE AT BALD KNOB CROSS

APRIL 8

VIEW THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE ON APRIL 8TH FROM THE ONLY 360-DEGREE, UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWING LOCATION IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS AT BALD KNOB MOUNTAIN. LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS HERE, HTTPS://WWW.BALDKNOBCROSS.COM/TICKETS/

LOCATION: 3630 BALD KNOB RD, ALTO PASS, IL

 

Experience this rare and incredible phenomenon on the beautiful and spacious 80-acre Cedarhurst campus.

April 8 – 11 am to 5 pm

Solar Eclipse ~ Totality ~ occurs at 2:02 pm and will last more than 3 minutes at this location!

Eclipse viewing glasses provided – while supplies last.

ADMISSION*

General Admission – $15

All children under 10

Cedarhurst Members – $5

Find more Eclipse Weekend activities and purchase tickets at

https://cedarhurst.org/2024-total-eclipse/

 

The 2024 Eclipse Event: Party In The Dark

April 7th & 8th, 2024 11 am to 4 pm

Southern Illinois Airport – Hangar 1 Event Center & Surrounding Airfield & St Nicholas MDH

What’s on Offer – Sunday Evening VIP Solarbration!

With live music by Murphy 500 setting the stage, prepare for an unforgettable night in Hangar 1!

A stellar celebration under the night sky before we get to witness the magnificence of the solar eclipse the next day! “Party In The Dark” is not just an event; it’s an experience designed to bring together the aviation community, astronomy enthusiasts, and party-goers for a weekend filled with music, food, and celestial wonder.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1988850504849862/

 

Eclipse Fest

April 8 at 10 am

121 Veterans Dr, Harrisburg IL

Eclipse Fest, presented by Coleman Tri-County Services, will be held at the Harrisburg Amphitheater on April 8th. Gates open at 10am rain or shine! Come enjoy food trucks, vendors, inflatables, face painting and more! Bring your lawn chairs. Music starts at 11am with local artists. Country superstar Ronnie McDowell takes the stage at 1:30pm and will pause during the eclipse and then continue the show.

All tickets are $25, non-refundable general admission and can be purchased here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ronnie-mcdowell-tickets-824005411367?fbclid=IwAR18Y6kjOjd57R3bi7MWjPzPQfP6J9r1xeXsm-pFuSTAuz5Esog8I8JEIWw

 

Southern Illinois Eclipse Festival

April 8, 11 am to 7 pm

Location: Du Quoin Fairgrounds, Illinois

Admission: FREE!

Join us under the sky for a once-in-a-lifetime event – the Total Solar Eclipse! Witness the celestial spectacle at the Southern Illinois Eclipse Festival, where the moon and sun align in Du Quoin, offering a day filled with music, art, and unforgettable experiences.

 

DYNAMIC ECLIPSE BROADCAST INITIATIVE CITIZEN SCIENCE TEAM INFORMATION TENT

APRIL 8 @ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The 2024 eclipse! Giant City State Park will be a flurry of visitor activity but we couldn’t have an eclipse without offering a little information about what is happening! Join the DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) citizen science team as they not only transmit eclipse data to NASA but also provide eclipse information to the public. The team will have a tent set up in front of the Giant City Visitor Center from 8am-3pm the day of the eclipse.

 

ALPACALIPSE: CELEBRATE THE ECLIPSE WITH THE ALPACAS

APRIL 8 @ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

THE RANCH IS OPEN 10AM-3PM. NO RESERVATION NEEDED. DROP IN FOR $12/PERSON (CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER FREE). GRAB A BUCKET OF FEED AND SOME VIEWING GLASSES THEN HEAD OUT TO THE PASTURE TO HAND FEED AND PET THE ALPACAS! BRING A BLANKET AND PICNIC IN THE PASTURE!

 

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE FARM DINNER

APRIL 8 @ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

The Ryder Family Farm is right in the path of 100% totality for the April 8th, 2024 solar eclipse. The quaint, historic river town of Golconda, Illinois is one of the Southern Illinois cities along the route of totality for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024. Our farm is located just a few miles north of Golconda, Illinois and we are so excited to be hosting a Total Solar Eclipse Farm Dinner in 2024 for Southern Illinois eclipse viewers, In Golconda, Illinois on The Ryder Family Farm (618) 615-0063

 

SOLAR ECLIPSE PADDLE ON THE CACHE RIVER

APRIL 8 @ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

THE CACHE RIVER IS IN THE PATH OF TOTALITY FOR THE GREAT AMERICAN ECLIPSE! OBSERVERS WILL EXPERIENCE APPROXIMATELY 2:28 OF TOTALITY! THE DAY WILL BE FULL OF STORY, SONG, SCIENCE AND FOOD. PRESENTATIONS INCLUDE SPEAKERS OPERATIONS MANAGER MARK DENZER WHO WILL SHARE THE LORE AND STORIES OF THE ECLIPSE FROM AROUND THE WORLD. LEAD GUIDE SAM BUCKNER WILL SHARE THE ELEMENTARY SCIENCE OF THE ECLIPSE AND WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE EVENT! LASTLY, WILL BE OJIBWE TRADITIONALISTS JAY AND SWEETIE BIRD FROM NORTHERN MINNESOTA. THEY WILL SHARE TRADITIONAL OJIBWE STAR KNOWLEDGE AND SONGS ABOUT THE ECLIPSE AND HOW ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS FIT INTO THERE COSMOLOGY. WE WILL SET OUT ON THE SWAMP IN THE EARLY MORNING – THE PERFECT TIME TO WITNESS DOZENS OF BIRDS INCLUDING WARBLERS, GREAT BLUE HERONS, OSPREYS, CORMORANTS, EGRETS, KINGFISHERS, AND EAGLES. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS IS AT THE APEX OF THE AREA OF LONGEST DURATION FOR VIEWING THE ECLIPSE WHICH WILL OCCUR AT 12:42 P.M. ON THE CACHE RIVER. WHAT BETTER WAY TO EXPERIENCE IT BY CANOEING THROUGH AN ANCIENT CYPRESS SWAMP, FOLLOWED BY A CATERED MEAL OF BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICHES OR VEGGIE OPTION,. THE TRIP WILL BE FOR THE DURATION OF 4-5 MILES.

Other Events in April (After the Total Solar Eclipse!)

 

SPRING TRASH BLAST AT TOWER ROCK

APRIL 12 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

TRASH BLASTS WILL HAPPEN ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH FROM MARCH UNTIL JUNE FROM 1 PM TO 3 PM AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST.   HOWEVER, WITH THE TOTAL ECLIPSE HAPPENING SO CLOSE TO THE BEGINNING OF APRIL WE WILL BE MOVING APRIL’S TRASH BLAST TO THE FRIDAY AFTER THE ECLIPSE.

THE SELECTED SITES FOR THIS SPRING ARE:

TOWER ROCK (HARDIN COUNTY) ON APRIL 12TH

BEAN RIDGE (ALEXANDER COUNTY) ON MAY 3RD

RIPPLE HOLLOW (UNION COUNTY) ON JUNE 7TH

DURING TRASH BLASTS WE WILL BREAK INTO SMALL TEAMS OF VOLUNTEERS TO COLLECT LITTER FROM SELECTED SITES.  WE FIND ITEMS AS LARGE AS MATTRESSES TO TINY MICRO TRASH. NO MATTER WHAT WE FIND WE TRY TO REMOVE IT TO HELP RESTORE THE AREA TO ITS NATURAL STATE.

TO BE PREPARED, VOLUNTEERS SHOULD WEAR STURDY SHOES, BRING THEIR LEATHER WORK GLOVES, WEAR LONG PANTS AND CLOSED-TOED SHOES.  IF YOU DO NOT HAVE LEATHER GLOVES, WE CAN PROVIDE THEM FOR YOU.  TRASH BUCKETS AND TRASH GRABBERS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR VOLUNTEERS TO USE DURING THE TRASH BLAST.

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR TRASH BLASTS AT GO.ILLINOIS.EDU/TRASHBLASTSSPRING2024. THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 30 PARTICIPANTS.

 

SPRING WILDFLOWER WALKS AT GIANT CITY

APRIL 12 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Trillium Trail in Giant City is one of the best spring wildflower trails in southern Illinois. Join the Natural Resources Coordinator as we meander through the spring woods and take a closer look at these petite beauties. This is a moderately difficult two-mile trail with some steep stair climbing. Please call 618-457-4836 to register.

 

ANNUAL GEM & MINERAL SHOW

APRIL 13 @ 10:00 AM – APRIL 14 @ 5:00 PM

PLACE: MARION PAVILION, 1602 SIOUX DRIVE, MARION, ILLINOIS

DATES AND TIMES: SATURDAY APRIL 13TH, 2024 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

SUNDAY APRIL 14TH 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

ADMISSION: ADULTS $2 CHILDREN 18 AND UNDER FREE

FREE PARKING AND DOOR PRIZES

EXHIBITS: GEM, MINERALS, FOSSILS, LAPIDARY

SILENT AUCTIONS, FLUORESCENT LIGHT SHOW, DEALERS, WORKING EXHIBITS, BEN E. CLEMENT MINERAL MUSEUM AND MUCH MORE.

 

GUIDED HIKE 2 miles but rugged with creek crossings.

APRIL 13 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The River-to-River Trail Society will once again offer a schedule of guided hikes in and near the Shawnee National Forest. All hikes are free and open to the public,  and typically average about four hours in length. Although the hikes vary in level of difficulty, all are intended for people in good health who have done some hiking in the past. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. All hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.

HIKE: GHOST DANCE CANYON (POPE COUNTY)

LEADER: Hiking with Shawn

MEET: DIXON SPRINGS

TIME: 10:00

 

SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK AT GIANT CITY

APRIL 13 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Trillium Trail in Giant City is one of the best spring wildflower trails in southern Illi-nois. Join the Natural Resources Coordinator as we meander through the spring woods and take a closer look at these petite beauties. This is a moderately difficult two-mile trail with some steep stair climbing. Registration required: 618-457-4836

 

SPRING WILDFLOWER WALKS

APRIL 19 @ 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Trillium Trail in Giant City is one of the best spring wildflower trails in southern Illi-nois. Join the Natural Resources Coordinator as we meander through the spring woods and take a closer look at these petite beauties. This is a moderately difficult two-mile trail with some steep stair climbing. Registration required: 618-457-4836

 

TAYLOR SWIFT ALBUM RELEASE PARTY AT BIG MUDDY BREWING

APRIL 19 @ 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM

SWIFTIES OF ALL AGES WELCOMED!

NEW BEER ALERT!!!

LAVENDER HAZE- LAVENDER CREAM ALE BEER RELEASE

CROP TOP- PISTACHIO CREAM ALE BACK ON.

6-7PM BRACELET MAKING, HAIR TINSEL, AND NEW ALBUM LISTENING PARTY

7-8PM THE WHISKEY CHICKS COVER TAYLOR SWIFT

8-9PM: TAYLOR SWIFT KARAOKE!

MUDDY ROOTS WILL BE SELLING PLANTS AT THE EVENT!

EVERLASTING ELEGANCE DOING PERMANENT JEWELRY

MEHRICREATIONS WILL BE SELLING T SWIFT INSPIRED CUPS & FOCAL PRODUCTS.

 

RIVER TO RIVER RELAY

APRIL 20

(From Mississippi River to Ohio River) Daylight to dusk. A road race for teams of 8 runners, each runs 3 legs of approx. 3 miles for a total distance of 80 miles. http://rrr.olm.net/

 

PURSE PARADE SPRING SOIREE – ANNA ART CENTER

APRIL 20 @ 1:00 AM – 3:00 AM

PARTY STARTS AT 1:00 PM, GARDEN PARTY DRESS ATTIRE. ENJOY AN AFTERNOON FASHION SHOW- VINTAGE & NEW PURSES WILL BE OFFERED DURING A LIVE & SILENT AUCTION ALONG WITH TEA ROOM DELIGHTS.

 

GUIDED HIKE

APRIL 20 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The River-to-River Trail Society offers free guided hikes in and about the Shawnee National Forest for Spring, 2024. All hikes are open to the public free of charge.  These hikes are of at least moderate difficulty, and are intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Boots or sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended for all hikes. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. typically average about four hours in length.

HIKE: TRAIL 32 (JOHNSON COUNTY)

LEADER: BILL GILMOUR 270-331-1553

MEET: INTERSECTION OF HWY 147 AND CEDAR GROVE CHURCH ROAD

TIME: 10:00 AM

 

THE GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA

APRIL 20 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY ORIGINATED THE GREAT CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA, WHICH DATES BACK TO 1974. SINCE THEN, THE EVENT HAS BECOME A CAMPUS TRADITION AND ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPANTS. EACH SPRING, ASPIRING BOATERS PUT THEIR ENGINEERING AND CREATIVITY SKILLS TO THE TEST, CONSTRUCTING CARDBOARD CREATIONS CAPABLE OF COMPLETING THE 200-YARD COURSE.

 

ALL SPECIES PUPPET PARADE

APRIL 22

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION IN CARBONDALE.

 

PINK MOON PADDLE ON THE CACHE RIVER

APRIL 23 @ 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

JOIN US ON OUR FULL PINK MOON PADDLE. THE PINK MOON SYMBOLIZES THE SPROUTING OF SEED AND THE EXPLOSION OF SPRING FLOWERS PARTICULARLY WILD GROUND PHLOX OR PINK MOSS PHLOX WHICH IS ONE OF THE FIRST FLOWERS TO BLOOM WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE SPRING.  KAYAK THE CACHE WETLANDS AND HEAR THE SWAMP COME ALIVE WITH THE SOUNDS OF SPRING PEEPERS, SOUTHERN LEOPARD FROGS AND SO MUCH MORE.

WE WILL MEET AT 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE PADDLE AT 240 DEAN LANE, ULLIN, ILLINOIS, 62992 . WE RECOMMEND BRINGING A FLASHLIGHT AND DRINKING WATER.

$38 FOR ADULTS 18-UP

$21 FOR TEENS 12-17

$18 FOR YOUTH 5-11

 

JUNQUE JAMBOREE – VIENNA

APRIL 27 @ 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

ENDOR EVENT WITH ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLES, PRIMITIVES, CRAFTS, HOME DECOR, CLOTHING, JEWELRY, FOOD, & MORE! FOOD TRUCKS AND ATMS WILL BE AVAILABLE. FREE ADMISSION.

 

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT BLUE SKY VINEYARDS

APRIL 27 @ 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

AT THE TUSCAN SUN EVENT PAVILION    THIS CONFERENCE IS MEANT TO SUPPORT, ENCOURAGE AND INSPIRE OTHER WOMEN THROUGH SPEAKERS, NETWORKING AND GOOD OLD FASHIONED FUN!

 

GUIDED HIKE

APRIL 27 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The River-to-River Trail Society offers free guided hikes in and about the Shawnee National Forest. All hikes are open to the public free of charge.  These hikes are of at least moderate difficulty, and are intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Boots or sturdy shoes and a walking stick are recommended for all hikes. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please. typically average about four hours in length.

HIKE: BELL SMITH SPRINGS (POPE COUNTY)

LEADER: FRED SCOTT 618-841-4838

MEET: BELL SMITH SPRINGS

TIME: 10:00 AM

 

OAK STREET ART FAIR – MURPHYSBORO

APRIL 27 @ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Local artists will be exhibiting at the Logan Gallery and the General John A. Logan Museum. The Logan Gallery, at 1618 Edith Street in Murphysboro. Open 10-5!

Please Support Hiking with Shawn

Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for unique content that you will only find on those pages. You might also join my Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Group on Facebook, too!

You can also support me by becoming a Patreon Supporter for as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Consider buying official Hiking with Shawn Merchandise as another way to support me. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps.

Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!