Is The 2017 Solar Eclipse The New Super Bowl?

The total solar eclipse of 2017 is fast approaching. Come Aug. 21, millions of Americans will be packing up their picnic blankets and NASA-approved solar eclipse glasses and heading to the perfect spot to watch the moon pass in front of the sun in a way it hasn't done since 1918.

Where exactly is that perfect spot? We're glad you asked.

There are 12 states that will fall directly under the moon's shadow during the eclipse. States on this 70-mile "path of totality" will be cloaked in darkness in the middle of the afternoon. Eerie, right?

While there are plenty of places you can witness this strange and awe-inspiring sight, there are a few towns in particular that are really going all out for the big event. From music festivals to underwater dives and even vintage airplane rides, here are the biggest parties happening across the country in honor of the total solar eclipse of 2017.

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Note: We are not including Montana and Iowa, as both of these states will only see 95 percent totality (we have to be strict here, folks!)

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Hopkinsville, Kentucky

This small town boasts the highest duration of totality during the eclipse. That means a whopping 2 minutes and 41 seconds of darkness, and the town folk are definitely proud. (They're temporarily dubbing their hometown "Eclipseville.")

On the days leading up to the big event, you can attend the Kentucky Bourbon Mashery at the MB Roland Distillery, head to EclipseCon (basically an eclipse-themed version of ComicCon) or enjoy live bluegrass music at Burdoc Farms, where you can also rent camping plots for the eclipse. However, our favorite vantage point in Hopkinsville might just be Pennyroyal Scuba Center, where certified divers can actually view the eclipse while underwater!

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Carbondale, Illinois

In Carbondale, you can view the total solar eclipse from Southern Illinois University's Saluki Stadium for $25 a head. Adler Planetarium of Chicago and the Louisiana Space Consortium will also host on-campus events that day, which include the Crossroads Eclipse 2017 Research Workshop, an arts-and-crafts fair and Eclipse Comic Con 2017. SIU is renting out 200 of its dorm suites for those who want to stay overnight. Meanwhile, Carbondale's entire downtown section will transform into the Shadow Fest music festival starting on Aug. 19.

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Idaho Falls, Idaho

Idaho Falls is expecting up to 500,000 visitors during the days leading up to the eclipse, and it has planned accordingly. Farmers markets, stock car races and “cosmic swimming” at the Idaho Falls Aquatic Center are all on the weekend itinerary. You can also pull up your car or RV and listen to top country music singers perform at the Moonfest Music Festival.

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Casper, Wyoming

This mountainous town is dedicating the entire week to the total solar eclipse with a huge festival, making it one of the best places in the state to watch it. Watch the eclipse from the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds for vendors and music, or head downtown where you can also catch some live music, beer and food. As you wait to be covered in total darkness you can hop on a covered wagon ride or try your hand at the local golf tournament.

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Nashville, Tennessee

As the largest and possibly the most metropolitan city in the path of totality, Nashville will be an eclipse-viewing spot unlike any other. Visit the famous Grand Ole Opry House Plaza for live music, food and drinks, and backstage tours. Choose a rooftop setup for the big day at places like Acme and Watermark Restaurant, or head to the water for a three-hour BYOB eclipse cruise with the Pontoon Saloon. For a truly unique experience, you can go to the Nashville Zoo and watch the eclipse with your favorite animals.

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Columbia, South Carolina

There are more than 120 eclipse-related events taking place in or around the Columbia, South Carolina, area ranging from live jazz at Doko Meadow Park to a rock 'n' roll-themed EclipseFest 2017 at Music Farm Columbia. Old Mill Brewpub in Lexington, South Carolina, is even releasing a special double stout for the big day, which they describe as "black as the darkest night" thanks to cacao nibs and roasted chilis. Meanwhile, young ones can search for treasure on the Eclipse Geocaching Cointrail at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

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Brevard, North Carolina

Surround yourself with stunning natural landscapes as you wait for the eclipse in Brevard, North Carolina. You can hike in the Gorges State Park (the only state park in North Carolina where you can experience total darkness during the eclipse) or visit Rainbow Falls, one of the most breathtaking views in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Beatrice, Nebraska

What could be better than meeting Bill Nye The Science Guy? Well, meeting Bill Nye The Science Guy as he talks about solar eclipses during a total solar eclipse. And that's exactly what you can expect on Aug. 21 at the Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Nebraska. Another activity you won't want to miss is the back-to-back horror film screenings at the Gage County Fairgrounds.

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Atchison, Kansas

The Amelia Earhart Airport in Atchison, Kansas, is planning a one-of-a-kind Eclipse Aire Fest, where you can listen to music, drink beer and take a ride in a vintage open-air biplane before or after the eclipse. The coolest part about all of this? You can enter a raffle to take one of these flights during the eclipse — if you're feeling lucky and brave, that is.

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Mitchell, Oregon

For a true music festival experience (think Bonnaroo or Burning Man), visit the Ochoco National Forest for the Oregon Eclipse Festival. It will boast seven stages of music, art installations, hot air balloons and even yoga and dance workshops. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, you can head to the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

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Sedalia, Missouri

If you want to go on a two-hour trail ride on horseback during the eclipse, the Trails End Landmark in Sedalia, Missouri, is your viewing spot. While you're there, you can also get in on the music, food and horseshoe-pitching that they'll be offering during the event. Before the big day, be sure to check out the Missouri State Fair, which also happens to be in town this week.

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Sky Valley, Georgia

Throw your hat in the ring at the Sky Valley Golf Tournament, and you could become the first person to ever get a hole-in-one during a total solar eclipse (according to our research, no PGA champion has ever accomplished this feat). Afterwards, you can enjoy live entertainment and delicious food before heading to the 19th-Hole Afterparty.

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The Open Seas

For those of you who refuse to commit to a specific town for the eclipse, hop aboard the Royal Caribbean's Solar Eclipse Cruise. It departs from Orlando, Florida and will be positioned on the path of totality for the big event before heading out to eastern Caribbean destinations. But here's the big kicker: Bonnie Tyler, the singer of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" will be on the ship performing her 1983 hit during the eclipse. Can you think of anything more fitting?

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Watch: How an eclipse can mess with our weather and power grids

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