Eclipse-O-Rama 2024

ABOUT THE
EVENT

Bill Nye invites you to join him and members of The Planetary Society for a rare and unforgettable celestial experience — a total eclipse of the Sun — at Eclipse-O-Rama 2024! We will spend two days (and up to three nights) in Fredericksburg, Texas, at the Lodge at Country Inn Cottages, a 200-acre private ranch that will be transformed into the ultimate Planetary Society member meet-up!

We'll offer two days of science, art, music, and space — all your favorite things! Our family-friendly festival will feature special talks on astronomy and planetary science, exhibitor and vendor booths, star parties, music, food, exhibitors, and an unparalleled view of the solar eclipse. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the next total solar eclipse that will be visible in the 48 contiguous states won't happen until August 2044!

Fredericksburg is located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and is nearly equidistant to both the Austin and San Antonio airports.

Worried about where to stay? We have some great options for you! They range from tent and RV camping to glamping, to your very own cottage.

An eclipse is one of the most powerful, magical experiences our solar system offers, and there's no better place to watch the eclipse than with all your favorite space friends. Come join us for Eclipse-O-Rama 2024!

Not a member? You can still join us! Simply join at our basic Explorer level ($50/year) as part of the registration process.

Lodge at Country Inn

Fredericksburg, TX
Resort Website

The Lodge at Country Inn Cottages is located on a beautiful 200-acre ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas, with sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country and, of course, the Eclipse!

At the ranch, we will feature multiple indoor and outdoor stages for presentations, a marketplace tent with a variety of commercial retail and non-profit space-related booths and exhibits, and our food court tent that will provide a shady retreat to sit and enjoy meals or snacks available for purchase.

We will also provide first aid EMTs as well as professional security on-site.

For personal amenities, we will provide a range of services such as portable restrooms, handwashing stations, trash service, and ice and water stations.

PROGRAM
SCHEDULE

Our program schedule is still being finalized with further announcements coming soon. This once-in-a-lifetime event will offer the opportunity to experience the solar system from spaceship Earth while your two feet remain firmly fixed on the ground. While accommodations are available beginning Saturday night, our Eclipse-O-Rama programming will begin with registration at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 7 and continue through the evening of Monday, April 8.

Participants will receive:

a shared opportunity to see the eclipse together with Planetary Society CEO, Bill Nye
access to vendor/exhibit booths and educational displays.
astronomy & planetary science presentations
star parties including daytime solar viewing via solar telescopes
music
on-site food vendors
parking for automobiles
Opportunities for local lodging:
- Affordable on-site car, tent, and RV camping opportunities
- Exclusive cottage, hotel, and glamping lodging opportunities
- Note that lodging is not included in main ticket price

Want to elevate your Eclipse-O-Rama experience? Take it to the next level by joining Bill and other Planetary Society leaders for our special VIP welcome reception and dinner on Sunday night. Hear inspiring words while rubbing elbows with our famous CEO, board members, staff, and hundreds of your fellow members at a festive, Texas-style celebration.

SPECIAL
GUESTS

TICKET
PRICING

Eclipse-O-Rama festival ticket - $325 per person. Covers programming beginning on Sunday through Monday night. Kids 5 and younger are free.

VIP Welcome Reception and Dinner (Sunday night) - $250 per person.

Shower passes - $30 per person.

Not a member? You can still join us! Simply join at our basic Explorer level ($50/year) as part of the registration process.

Cancellation Policy:

Partial refunds of 75% of the total registration are available up to January 5, 2024
Partial refunds of 50% of the total registration payment are available up to February 9, 2024
Partial refunds of 25% of the total registration are available up to March 8

After March 8, there will be no refunds for any reason, including no-shows, late arrivals, or early departures regardless of circumstance.

Due to the one-time nature of this event and the costs associated with it, there are no exceptions to this policy including illness, family emergencies, or inclement weather.

Please note that subject to cancellation policies, you may modify your registration by returning to our registration form, logging in with your email address, and updating your selections based on the options available at that time.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Society offers several different options for accommodations designed to offer different experiences at a variety of price points with the goal of providing options that keep the event accessible to a wide range of our members and guests. Parking is included with the accommodations and for anyone purchasing an event ticket only who has separate arrangements for accommodations. Note that all guests using our accommodations must also be ticket holders to Eclipse-O-Rama 2024.

For those needing an additional parking space, please contact Tracey Ireland at Tireland@Helmsbriscoe.com to make arrangements.

If you are planning to stay in the Cottages or glamping opportunities, you will receive the contact information for booking the Cottages and/or Epic Glamping in the confirmation email. You should be prepared to share your confirmation number if asked. If you are planning to use our on-site camping options, you will select your preferred option directly in the registration form.

CAMPING OPTIONS

There will be a variety of ways to stay while attending the Eclipse-O-Rama! If you're looking for a weekend that you'll never forget, then you should try camping on the ranch at The Lodge at Country Inn Cottages! Any type of camping in any location is great, but there's something special about the Lone Star State. Texas offers some of the best and most diverse countryside and scenery in the U.S.

For our Eclipse event, the venue proprietors are opening the entire ranch to glamping, RVs, car camping, and primitive tent camping to house hundreds of more guests. Note: all options include three nights (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights) at a set price whether or not you need or are able to use all three nights.

CAMPING GUIDELINES: For more information on camping guidelines, click here.

For those who choose glamping, camping, and RVing, we will provide on-site parking, food (at an additional cost), restrooms, handwashing stations, shower trailers, and ice and water stations.

Glamping

Glamping options for a 3-day stay (Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights) may be booked directly through Epic Glamping and contact information will be provided with your registration confirmation. Note: for the 3-day reservation, total costs range from $700 to $2,200.

RV CAMPING

Any vehicle or vehicle with a trailer measuring 16’ or more. You cannot purchase an RV spot unless you are bringing an RV. Each RV occupant must have a ticket to the event. RV sites are approximately 40 by 25 sq ft. Note: for the 3-day reservation, total cost is $750.

Primitive Tent Camping

Tent Camping sites are approximately 20 by 20 sq ft and parking for one car is included with the tent camping site. Note that these are unimproved, open-air campsites. If you need additional parking, you may purchase that separately. Note: for the 3-day reservation, total cost is $400.

CAR CAMPING

One spot per car, not per person, and each occupant must have a ticket to the event. If you have a group arriving in more than one car, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to park next to other vehicles in your party, though we will work with you to try to make that happen. Sites are approx 30 by 25 sq ft. Note: for the 3-day reservation, total cost is $500.

HOTEL OPTIONS

For a more comfortable stay, the proprietors of our venue offer more traditional hotel options on-site and in town. Note: the County Inn and Cottages require a 4-day minimum stay with total costs (including occupancy tax) ranging from $3,400 to $5,200 for the minimum stay.

The Country Inn Cottages

SOLD OUT

THE COUNTRY INN

SOLD OUT

Our venue also has rooms available off-site at their in-town hotel, The Country Inn, just a few short miles away. While limited in availability, rooms may be booked directly through The Country Inn.

IN THE
AREA

Looking for something to do before or after the eclipse? Fredericksburg is located in central Texas, known for its rolling hills, bluebonnets, wineries, and the city's German heritage.

The founders knew this was someplace special when they settled here in 1846. Behind the elegant shops and fine dining, you can feel the authentic German soul and see reminders of our heritage in the historic buildings along Main Street, the German cuisine at local restaurants, and the welcoming spirit of our people in the city of Fredricksburg.

To find out more about the area, places to visit, and other things to do, visit www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

FAQs

We will expand our FAQ as we accumulate questions.

Does the RV camping include a power hook-up? Pump & dump? Water refills?
The RV camping does not include hook-up and therefore is a boondocking experience.

Can I bring my pet?
While service animals (as defined under the ADA) are permitted, due to liability concerns and logistical issues, we unfortunately cannot allow pets at this event. We will provide referrals to local pet hotels that may provide a solution for members and guests traveling with a pet.

Are kids free?
Kids 5 and under are free.

Are there ADA-compliant accommodations & sanitation requirements?
The built facilities at the Lodge at Country Inn Cottages are accessible and include several accessible room including easy access showers. Portable bathrooms will include accessible options. It is important to note that the general outdoor areas of the ranch are in a natural, unimproved state. The Society will have staff available to assist with mobility needs using a golf cart as needed.

Are we allowed campfires?
Individual campfires are not permitted, though campers may use propane camping stoves to prepare food. The Lodge may provide several group campfire sites for people to gather and enjoy the evening.

Planetary Society Solar Eclipse Event