11 eclipse watch parties Monday in Columbia

If you haven’t nailed down where you want to watch Monday’s eclipse in Columbia, we’ve got several ways to do it. Here is a sampling:

“TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE PARK:” The Columbia Fireflies will have a “Total Eclipse of the Park” game and viewing event during the eclipse. The Fireflies will play at 1:05 p.m., with a STEM Festival featuring Columbia business leaders with interactive booths set up to teach kids about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math begins at 10 a.m. The game will pause at 2:41 p.m. for the eclipse and visitors will be given eclipse glasses. Standing room only tickets available. http://www.milb.com/ index.jsp?sid=t3705

TOTAL ECLIPSE TAILGATE: Total Eclipse Tailgate at the S.C. State Fairgrounds is an eclipse party. There will be parking, entertainment, food concessions, and a limited number of viewing glasses from the city of Columbia. Visitors can purchase advance single-day parking spots for cars, buses, and RVs in the fairgrounds parking lot, which will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A limited number of parking spots will be available for purchase the day of the event at the entry gates. www.scstatefair.org

USC: There will be discussions and viewings at roughly 10 spots around campus. Activities start at 12:30 p.m. Examples: At McKissick, join USC's Naturalist-in-Residence Rudy Mancke in exploring the nature of solar eclipses from 1-3 p.m. outside on the historic Horseshoe. Find details of USC events and locations at sc.edu/eclipse.

LEXINGTON COUNTY BASEBALL STADIUM: The stadium is opening up at 8 a.m. to allow people to view the eclipse. No charge for parking; a limited number of eclipse glasses will be offered. www.goblowfish.com

ECLIPSE DAY AT EDVENTURE: Come mingle with astronaut characters, learn the science behind the total solar eclipse and enjoy hands-on activities in advance of the main event in the afternoon. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at EdVenture Children’s Museum. www.edventure.org

BENEDICT COLLEGE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE EXPERIENCE: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Benedict’s Charlie W. Johnson Stadium, 2046 Two Notch Road. Educational seminars, food, drinks, solar games for the kids and a performance by the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction. Free; plus, free solar eclipse glasses to first 6,000 guests. Come tailgate starting at 10 a.m. http://www.benedict.edu

SOLAR 17 AT LAKE MURRAY: This event offers lakeside viewing of the eclipse on both sides of the Lake Murray dam. Pay normal park fees ($3 per car, $2 motorcycles, $5 buses) and get free solar glasses and water. The event is 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

TOTAL ECLIPSE MONDAY: This Blythewood event at Doko Meadows Park starts at 11 a.m. and includes a Freeway Music Battle of the Bands, along with vendors, food and other activities. Free. www.visitblythewood.com

ECLIPSE EXTRAVAGANZA: The Eclipse Extravaganza at Saluda Shoals is a family event with eclipse-themed games, activities, crafts and exhibits. Young scientists can do unique hands-on solar experiments. Everyone attending will receive a pair of eclipse glasses and a one of a kind Eclipse Snow Cone. Local NASA solar system ambassador Larry Metcalf will be on hand to help guide you through the event. www.icrc.net

CITY OF COLUMBIA PARKS: Starting at 10 a.m., free glasses will be distributed, while supplies last, at the following city of Columbia parks: Drew Park, 2101 Walker Solomon Way; Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St.; Owens Field Park, 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd.; Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St. (The north end is also available for viewing at 4122 River Drive); Southeast Park, 951 Hazelwood Road The parks also are designated as eclipse viewing locations. Restrooms, portable toilets, hand washing stations and manifolds (water stations) will be available on site. (803) 545-3100

PINK FLOYD’S DARK SIDE OF THE MOON: Starting at 1:30 p.m. at Foxfield Bar and Grille, 406 Howard St., a full rendition of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” will be presented, presented by more than a dozen Columbia area musicians. It will wrap up just before darkness occurs at 2:41 p.m.

This story was originally published August 21, 2017 at 5:00 AM with the headline "11 eclipse watch parties Monday in Columbia."