7 events for nighttime fun during 2017 eclipse weekend in Columbia
If you haven’t figured it out yet, the total eclipse that is going to plunge Columbia into darkness for about two and a half minutes at 2:41 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, is a big deal.
The city is marketing itself as “home to the longest total solar eclipse for a metro area on the East Coast” (www.totaleclipsecolumbiasc.com) and will host Total Eclipse Weekend Columbia, with more than 50 eclipse-related events from Friday, Aug. 18, through Monday, Aug. 21.
Some of those events are planned to keep visitors and residents entertained during the dark hours – you know, the normal ones at night.
With so many events to choose from, how can one possibly plan a perfect Total Eclipse Weekend? Well, we’re here to help. Here are a few of our favorite nighttime offerings announced so far:
‘The Solar Eclipse Plays’
Get an early start on the weekend with Jasper Project presents “Syzygy: The Solar Eclipse Plays.” These are premieres of six 10-minute plays written by six South Carolina playwrights to commemorate the eclipse. A reception for attendees of both performances will be 9-10 p.m. in the Tapp’s gallery space. Playwrights will be available for questions.
Where: Tapp’s Arts Center, 1644 Main St.
When: 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17
Cost: $10
The Final Journey of Christopher Columbia: Another ECLIPSEploitation Event
This free carnival features attractions from puppet shows, to belly dancing, to an indie rock immersive celestial concert. This will be loosely generated around the core story of Christopher Columbus, a shipwreck, and the use of an eclipse to scheme advantage.
Where: Tapp’s Arts Center, 1644 Main St.
When: 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Aug. 19
Cost: Free
Historic Columbia Water Balloon Battle
The Historic Water Balloon Battle will use water balloons to re-enact historic battles. Sort of. Guests break into teams to learn about military tactics through history and battle on the grounds of the Robert Mills House and Gardens. After the water battle, enjoy drinks and light appetizers.
Where: Robert Mills House and Gardens, 1616 Blanding St.
When: 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Cost: $15, Historic Columbia members; $20, nonmembers. Ages 21 and older.
Eclipse Eve Drive-In Movie
It’s an old-fashioned drive-in movie night with an educational short on the history of eclipses, followed by “Escape from Planet Earth.”
Where: Historic Columbia Speedway, 2001 Charleston Highway, Cayce
When: 7:30-11:40 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Cost: $25 per car
Arts and Draughts – Eclipse Edition
Enjoy beer tastings of the Eclipse beer from The Whig, live music and food vendors. There will be tours of the “Re-Tooled” exhibition throughout the event with specific art-making activities and scavenger hunts inspired by works in the exhibition.
Where: Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St.
When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18
Cost: $5-$9
EclipseFest 2017
This is a night of tributes to favorite rock ’n’ roll bands with Synchronicity (The Police) and Hey Johnny Park! (The Foo Fighters). To close the night, these two groups will be joined by Columbia musicians to perform Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.”
Where: Music Farm Columbia, 1022 Senate St.
When: 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Cost: $10
Summer’s End Solar Run
Kick off the solar celebration with a 5K run and 1-mile fun walk through Saluda Shoals Park. Cool off during the run in misting stations, and finish up with the Summer’s End Celebration with local food, live music and craft beers. Proceeds benefit the Saluda Shoals Foundation. All ages are welcome.
Where: Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Road
When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
Cost: $30 (If you don’t want to walk or run, you can still join the fun for $5 per person.)
This story was originally published July 19, 2017 at 1:50 PM with the headline "7 events for nighttime fun during 2017 eclipse weekend in Columbia."