10 Events To Book For October’s ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse—While You Still Can

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When is the next eclipse” It’s on Saturday, Oct. 14 and for the best views you’ll need to be in the U.S. Southwest, Central or South America.

That’s because a 125 miles wide path stretches from Oregon to Texas, via California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico. Everyone else in the U.S. will see just a regular partial solar eclipse, which has caused thousands to make travel plans.

Best Places For The ‘Ring Of Fire’ Solar Eclipse 2023

Here are 10 events that still have room—many with lodging options:

1. EclipseFest 23, Oregon

Southeast of Crater Lake National Park is Klamath Falls, Oregon, which will be home to EclipseFest23, a five-day event (October 10–15) that includes camping, music and food trucks.

2. Running Y Resort, Oregon

Held at the Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls, Oregon is a two-day event called “Eclipse Into Nature.” Preceded by an evening of stargazing with telescopes and lectures, the big day begins at 6:00 a.m. PDT with live music and a breakfast buffet before a “ring of fire.” Solar eclipses glasses will be provided.

3. Schellraiser, Nevada

Seasonal camping on this 80-acre property in the cool high desert of far Eastern Nevada’s Steptoe Valley—near the small town of McGill just north of Ely—includes four RV/tent sites ($18/night) on a private campground and 58 dispersed RV/tent sites on a reclaimed gravel pit.

4. Glamping Weekend Retreat​, Utah

This private glamping retreat at Glamping Canyonlands near Monticello, Utah (Oct. 13-15) includes a converted school bus bar, professional chef starlit dinner, astronomy tour, cocktails and more.

5. Goosenecks State Park, Utah

A deep canyon above a meander (gooseneck) in the San Juan River, Goosenecks State Park’s Ring of Fire Fest event will have telescopes, solar binoculars, food booths and some free solar eclipse glasses. $5 entry

6. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, New Mexico

You might think the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—dead on the centerline—might be somewhere all booked-up by now, but Balloon Fiesta Park still has luxury glamping tents while Camp 505 has tent camping.

7. Rio Rancho, New Mexico

The Rainbow Park Observatory in Rio Rancho, just north of Albuquerque, will host an event organized by the Rio Rancho Astronomical Society complete with telescopes equipped with solar filter for safe observation of the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be for sale and the observatory will open to the public at 8:30 a.m. MDT.

8. Eclipse Party, Texas

Fischer Park Amphitheater in Fischer Park, New Braunfels will host a viewing party complete with a telescope equipped with a solar filter and fun family activities.

9. Eclipse UTOPiA, Texas

The Four Sisters Ranch near Bandera, Texas is hosting Eclipse UTOPIA, a campout, promising music and unparalleled views and eclectic music for a maximum of 1,500 guests. Return on April 8, 2024 to experience a total solar eclipse at the same location.

10. Ring of Fire Eclipse Firewalk and Star Party, Texas

This scenic camping event at Luminous Heart Ranchette neat Tarpley, Texas costs $293 for two nights (Oct.13-15). After the “ring of fire” a path of glowing embers will be prepared for a barefoot firewalk.