18 Unique Solar Eclipse Party Ideas

Solar eclipses are international events where everyone is eager to see what the sky has to offer! The sun vanishing behind the moon is something we might only see once in our lives. So how about a few solar eclipse party ideas to make the occasion really something special? From food to music, Peerspace’s list of solar eclipse party ideas will have you well prepared for the next big one.

1. Study the stars with astrology readings

There’s more than one way to see what the heavens have to show us! One fun solar eclipse party idea is to have an expert tarot card reader or astrologer come and do readings for everyone. Someone in your friends’ circle probably has a bit of experience at this already. If not, think about hiring an astrologer or tarot card reader for a few hours of fun for the party.

2. Choose a party venue with a great view

It doesn’t do you any good to throw an eclipse party someplace where the trees or city buildings block your view of the sky. So try to book a space well in advance where you’ll have an unblocked view of the sky; eclipse dates are known years in advance so good spaces get booked months early.

If you live in the city, book a rooftop venue where you’ll get to see the eclipse above the glittering skyline of your home. Have you seen some of Peerspace’s best rooftop venues yet? This rooftop deck in Boston, MA, offers unbeatable views alongside cozy chairs and a BBQ grill for the party!

3. Choose a stellar music playlist

There is so much music out there celebrating the warmth of the sun, the majesty of the moon, and the mysteries of the stars. Make a playlist that’s timed for each important part of a solar eclipse, from the disappearance of the sun’s disk to totality to the eventual return of daylight. Check out this collection of music from Dana Vento to get you started on the perfect solar eclipse playlist!

4. Set out some educational content

Solar eclipses bring out the inner scientist in us all! So how about some educational content to read and watch before and after the eclipse? Many magazines will have articles on the upcoming eclipse, including the science behind them and maps of where to see future ones. Online videos, apps with cloud-piercing views of the eclipse, and other digital content are also valuable for the party!

Looking for more party inspo? Then you need to see our far-out space party ideas that bring the galaxy to your guests.

5. Serve solar eclipse-themed food

You need to set the tone when planning a themed special event through decorations, music, and of course, the food selection. So no list of solar eclipse party ideas would be complete without a few eclipse-themed food ideas. You’ll find recipes for moon pies, galaxy bark, lunar lemonade, and other thematic additions to the party table on our list of Peerspace’s solar eclipse food ideas for the next big one!

6. Make some moonshine for the party

Old movies make a big deal out of homemade moonshine; what could be better for an upcoming solar eclipse? One of the key characteristics of any good moonshine is that it’s simple to make. Following this recipe, all you need is corn, sugar, and yeast, plus patience and a space where you can let the brew ferment for 1 to 2 weeks. Once you get the basics down, start adding flavors to create your own custom moonshine! 

7. Paint some space rocks

Who doesn’t love some DIY crafts at a party? Make some memorable keepsakes by painting some space rocks with your friends as the eclipse draws near! All you need are some rocks, paint, and a few decorative additions. Glitter, sequins, streamers, and other touches will give each rock a celestial look. You can gather your own rocks or pick up some black lava rock from a garden store for a perfect crater-packed moon rock look.

8. Give out solar eclipse viewing glasses

It’s dangerous to look at an eclipse without eye protection. Even partially obscured, the sun can permanently damage your eyes. The same goes for cameras. So how do we look at the eclipse as it happens? Give out some solar eclipse viewing glasses! These are significantly darkened so you can stare at the sun without fear of blindness. Eclipse viewing glasses are inexpensive and easy to obtain in bulk for even a large viewing party.

9. Dress up as astronauts and aliens

If you want to add a little quirkiness to your solar eclipse party ideas, make it a costume party! People can come dressed as astronauts, aliens, NASA scientists, big names from space scientific history…Whatever they feel best fits the theme! The best part about costume parties is that you can have a costume contest as well for guests to show off a little and maybe win a prize for their efforts.

10. Create an eclipse photo booth

Everyone who comes to your solar eclipse party is going to want to come away with a few photographic memories. Make taking selfies and couples shots easy with a photo booth or station setup with eclipse-themed decorations! A photo booth can include a small Polaroid camera so your guests get a physical print to stick on their fridge or other convenient spot.

11. Make some galaxy t-shirts

Solar eclipses can take a few hours to get going. So how about making some galaxy t-shirts while you wait? You’ll need a few supplies but nothing you can’t get from your local arts & crafts supply store. Starting with the black background of outer space, see what kind of celestial patterns your guests come up with using the paints you supply.

12. Capture reactions through photography

Eclipses are rather rare events; you might not ever see one again in your lifetime! So why not document the party and people’s reactions with some photography? You could rely on your smartphones to document the day but an even better idea is to hire a professional event photographer. That way, you’re free to enjoy the show with your friends and you can rely on top-quality images to appreciate for decades to come.

13. Send out solar eclipse-themed invitations

Solar eclipse party ideas have to include eclipse-themed invitations. That way your guests know without a doubt what kind of event you’ll be hosting. A solar eclipse is a rare event, depending on where you live, so make it feel special from the very beginning with some custom invites! Etsy is where we’d start looking for some fun editable eclipse invitations.

14. Create DIY pinhole viewers for the eclipse

Maybe you don’t have time to grab a bunch of solar eclipse viewing glasses before the party. Or you want to include a DIY project for the day. In that case, let NASA give you a hand with a pinhole viewing projector! You can instead project a 2D image of the eclipse onto a flat surface for safe viewing using these instructions! Surf the net to find alternative designs using homemade DIY materials, including shoebox and other cardboard box eclipse viewers.

If you haven’t picked a party venue for the occasion yet then Peerspace is right here to help as well! We have hundreds of event venues near you with outdoor decks, rooftop viewing areas, and other amenities that are ideal for a solar eclipse party.

How much does it cost to rent a rooftop? Learn everything you need to know here!

15. Prepare for the weather

Eclipses can happen any time of the year. The last one in the USA was in April 2024, which meant that much of the country was still a little chilly. Bring enough blankets for everyone if you decide to reserve an outdoor viewing area for the party.

A venue with a firepit is a lot of fun for extending the party into the evening even when the eclipse has passed. You might also set up warm beverage stations like a hot chocolate bar or warm cider jugs for extra toasty goodness!

16. Wear solar eclipse-themed clothes

If an alien or astronaut costume is a little too much for you and your guests, wear some eclipse-themed outfits instead. These can be as simple as an eclipse t-shirt, viewing glasses with some fancy trim, or a sweater with some eclipse science on the front!

17. Host a space trivia event

See who the nerdiest guest is among you with a trivia event before or after the eclipse! You can use question-and-answer lists like this one from Icebreaker Ideas to run a trivia event. Trivia events can be team activities where the winning group gets a special prize for their knowledge as well.

18. Capture the sky with some nebula jars

DIY keepsakes are a delight for all partygoers! How about taking home a bit of the night sky with some nebula jars? All you need are mason jars, cotton, paint, and a bit of glitter! Be sure to provide plenty of different shades of color so everyone gets to make a truly unique nebula jar.

Solar eclipse party ideas: conclusion

Solar eclipse party ideas can include so much more than simply looking up at the sky! From solar eclipse-themed food ideas to making some homemade keepsakes, there are many ways to make this a truly memorable affair. We hope Peerspace has inspired you with a few of our favorite ideas listed here! And if you haven’t already, check out some of the party venues near you we have for eclipse parties, birthdays, and other gatherings.

Find unique event venues for your solar eclipse party on Peerspace