Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Solar eclipse on April 8—viewing parties, food specials + more in The Magic City
Reading time: 3 minutes
This Monday, April 8, Birmingham will experience a phenomenon—a solar eclipse!
Celebrate the rare eclipse with these viewing events and limited specials in the Birmingham area. The next total eclipse in North America will not occur for another 20 years, so you won’t want to miss out.
View the solar eclipse April 8
When the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, it blocks the Sun, casting a large shadow over parts of the Earth. This year’s eclipse on April 8 is unique in that the duration of totality will reach four minutes and 27 seconds—nearly double the length of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017.
Here are some things to know:
- Birmingham Totality: 87.9%
- Birmingham Eclipse Start: 12:40PM
- Birmingham Eclipse Peak: 2PM
Want to be prepared? Get your eclipse glasses ASAP.
Events
Viewing party at Habitat Feed & Social
Presented by the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook, visit Habitat Feed & Social in Lane Park for an eclipse party full of food, music and fun. Beginning at noon, attendees will receive viewing glasses for an unparalleled rooftop view and enjoy eclipse-themed cocktails, including:
- Moon Shadow Martini
- Eclipse Elixir
- Solar Flare Sipper
Eclipse Watch Party at TrimTab Brewing Co.
What better way to enjoy the eclipse than with a tasty Birmingham beer in hand? The event will feature local food trucks, music from DJ Mellow Mellon and an eclipse-themed tap takeover.
Here is a peek at TrimTab’s featured beers for the event:
- Moon Boot Goofin (Moon Pie Stout)
- Galaxy (Dry Hop Lager)
- Solar flare (Pineapple Hazy IPA)
- Stardust (Blueberry Hibiscus Sour)
Specials + promotions
Blackout Slush Float at Sonic
In honor of the upcoming eclipse, Sonic has unveiled its Blackout Slush Float—an all-black slush with a “sweet, cotton candy and dragonfruit flavor.”
The black slush, topped with vanilla soft serve and galaxy sprinkles, also comes with a free pair of eclipse glasses.
Jeni’s Ice Cream eclipse-themed flavors
One of Birmingham’s most beloved creameries, Jeni’s Ice Cream, is known for its indulgent, creative flavors and eclipse season is no exception. Get into the spirit with these special flavors:
- Supermoon: Candied violet + marshmallows (tastes like cereal milk)
- Nebula Berry: Blueberry, raspberry + elderflower
- Purple Star Born: Concord grape + blackcurrant
- Cosmic Bloom: A tropical blend of mandarin, kiwi + passionfruit
Eclipse Doughnut at Krispy Kreme
To celebrate this year’s eclipse, Krispy Kreme has debuted its own eclipse-themed doughnut. Picture this: an original glazed doughnut dipped in black chocolate icing, topped with silver sprinkles, piped with Oreo buttercream and topped with a whole Oreo cookie in the center.
This limited-time special will run from April 5 to April 8.
Where are you watching the eclipse? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know!
