Next April, thousands of visitors are expected to descend on the metro Toledo area to experience the first total solar eclipse visible from Ohio since 1806. Many local schools are canceling classes and the next total solar eclipse in Ohio won’t be until 2099, so make your plans now to catch this rare and spectacular celestial event.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. In a total solar eclipse, the Sun, Moon and Earth are in a direct line and the Moon fully blocks the Sun’s light, causing the sky to become very dark as if it were night.
The total eclipse on April 8 will be visible to anyone training their eyes on the sky from within a narrow 124-mile-wide band crossing the northern part of Ohio. This band is part of a path of totality that will traverse 13 U.S. states. Larger Ohio cities in the path of totality include Toledo, Cleveland, Dayton and Akron.
All events listed below take place on April 8 unless otherwise noted. Bookmark this page and check back as it will be updated as event information becomes available.
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: What to know and how to prepare
The University of Toledo
The Assistant Director of the Ritter Planetarium & Brooks Observatory will offer tips and information about the solar eclipse.
March 27 at 3 p.m. | Carlson Library, The University of Toledo, 2801 Bancroft St., Toledo.
Explore fascinating eclipse stories, from long-ago scariness to amazing stories of discovery at Ritter Planetarium each Saturday through April 6.
2801 W Bancroft St., Toledo
This program at the Ritter Planetarium is all about eclipses, from lunar to total solar. Each Friday through April 5.
2801 W Bancroft St., Toledo
Eclipse Workshops at Imagination Station
Imagination Station has a variety of workshops and experiences that will educate, empower and excite you and your family for the total solar eclipse.
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
Family Think Tank Workshops: Solar Eclipse Science
Is your family ready to experience the total solar eclipse? Prepare with a family workshop at Imagination Station.
March 23 and March 30 | 1 Discovery Way, Toledo
Learn how to make and use a pinhole shadow box viewer to safely observe the eclipse with the Monroe County Museum System.
March 23 and March 30 | 126 S. Monroe St., Monroe
Solar Eclipse Safety and Photography
Explore the science and safety of solar eclipses with a Metroparks amateur astronomer volunteer, and learn where and how to safely view the eclipse.
March 28 | S. McCord Rd., Holland
Who Turned Out the Lights? Solar Eclipse Education with Saturn V Education
What happens during a solar eclipse and what safety precautions do we need to take?
March 21 | Maumee Branch Library | 501 River Rd., Maumee
March 23 | Oregon Branch Library | 3340 Dustin Rd., Oregon
March 25 | Toledo Heights Branch Library | 423 Shasta Dr., Toledo
March 28 | Reynolds Corners Branch Library | 4833 Dorr St.,Toledo
March 30 | Sanger Branch Library | 3030 W. Central Ave., Toledo
April 2 | Kent Branch Library | 3101 Collingwood Blvd., Toledo
April 5 | Lagrange Branch Library | 3422 Lagrange St., Toledo
Total Eclipse of the Run & Moon Walk
Step off at Stone Oak Country Club and run/walk through beautiful Springfield Township neighborhoods as part of Springfield Township’s eclipse celebration.
March 30 | 100 Stone Oak Blvd., Holland
Get ready for the big eclipse coming on Monday with a night of fun, space and eclipse-themed activities at the Hayes Museum.
April 5 | Spiegel Grove, Fremont
Eclipse Activities in the Museum
Eclipse-themed activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt, a reading station and craft activities, will be available at the Hayes Presidential Library & Museums.
April 6 | Spiegel Grove, Fremont
Live music, kids activities, eclipse education, food, festivities and more make this festival a community favorite!
April 6 | Downtown Perrysburg
Join the Springfied Township Eclipse celebration at dusk on April 7 at Homecoming Park to celebrate all those whom we love to the moon and back by purchasing luminarias for a $10 donation per item.
April 7 | 7807 Angola Rd., Holland
Viewing locations on April 8
Ritter Planetarium, The University of Toledo
Join The University of Toledo’s Ritter Planetarium to view the solar eclipse on Main Campus. An official event will be held in the Glass Bowl and fun activities start at noon.
April 8 | 2855 W Bancroft St, Toledo.
Along with providing educational programming throughout the region leading up to the eclipse, Imagination Station will host a viewing party on the day of the event.
April 8 | 1 Discovery Way, Toledo
Viewing events will be at the Beach Ridge Area of Oak Openings and Glass City Metropark. Metroparks Toledo also offers a variety of camping options on the day of the eclipse, from treehouses to tent platforms to traditional sites.
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green
BGSU is holding a watch party on campus during the eclipse. The event will include family fun such as educational activities, demonstrations, music, telescope viewing, food and more. They will provide free solar exclipse glasses for guests. Check the BGSU solar eclipse event page for the latest information.
April 8 1-4:30 p.m. | Doyt Perry Stadium. 1610 Stadium Dr, Bowling Green
Armstrong Air & Space Museum, Waponkoneta
Experience the Great North American Eclipse in Neil Armstrong’s hometown, which is almost directly in the path of totality and will experience the longest period of darkness. The museum will have special activities and tours in the days leading up to the eclipse, and host viewing of the eclipse on its grounds for visitors. Visit the museum’s eclipse event page for the latest details or check out Wapokenta eclipse event page for more happenings in the area.
April 8 8:30am-6:30pm | 500 Apollo Drive, Wapakoneta
Total Eclipse Fest 2024, Cleveland
Join Great Lakes Science Center, and its partners NASA’s Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra, from April 6-8 for the Total Eclipse Fest 2024, a three-day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland. This outdoor, family-friendly event will feature hands-on science activities, a free community concert performance by The Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday, April 7, food vendors, entertainment and free eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last). NASA TV will be broadcasting live from the event.
April 6-8 | 601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland
While Fort Wayne is just outside the path of totality, Science Central will offer programming on Eclipse Day designed to expand the public’s understanding and appreciation of the eclipse. Tickets are available online. Visit Science Central’s eclipse page for the latest details.
April 8 | 1950 N. Clinton St., Fort Wayne.
The University of Findlay will be hosting the community on campus during the eclipe. Check out their website for updated details.
April 8 | 1000 N. Main St, Findlay.
Springfield Township will be holding several activities revolving around the solar eclipse. They will be hosting rustic vehicle and tent camping at Homecoming Park. There will games/activities, events, food trucks and more before the main event on April 8. See all of the event online.
April 6-8 |7807 Angola Rd, Holland.
AMP Concerts LLC is hosting “Solar Express 2024” presented by Michigan Marijuana Seed Club at the Poe Road Music Sanctuary. Magic Beans is headlining the festival. Kids 12 and under are free. Eclipse glasses are included with purchase of a ticket.
April 4-8, (Monday April 8th is free to the public for Eclipse viewing) | 24401 Poe Road Grand Rapids.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Parkside Drive-In
Reserve your personal tailgate space with an unobstructed view of the sky for the Solar Eclipse.
4500 Navarre Ave., Oregon
School’s Off, Parks On! Mini Camps: Exclusive Eclipse Mini-Camp
School is out for the day, so join Metroparks Toledo at Oak Openings for a lunar look at this stellar space event. Registration is required.
4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton
There will be animal demos, character meet-and-greets, a bounce house, musical entertainment, and other fun activities throughout the day. During the partial and total eclipse, guests can also work with zoo staff to observe and research animal behavior.
2 Hippo Way, Toledo
Join Franklin Park Mall and explore the science behind the eclipse with interactive crafts and activities. Following the Kids Club, families are invited to a Solar Eclipse Watch Party on the roof of the parking garage. Registration for Kids Club is required.
5001 Monroe St., Toledo
Solar Eclipse Party at Hensville
There will be live music, food and eclipse-themed cocktails for purchase, yard games, science demonstrations, and more!
36 N St Clair St., Toledo
Eclipse Cruise on the Glass City Pearl
Come aboard the Glass City Pear for a 4-hour cruise on Lake Erie and witness the 2024 total eclipse of the Sun with an unobscured view!
1 Jefferson Ave., Toledo
This event provides a family-friendly, safe, and exciting environment. Ticketed.
213 S Dixie Hwy., Portage
Eclipse Viewing with the Appold Planetarium
Join staff from Lourdes University’s Appold Planetarium for a casual eclipse viewing party at Wildwood Metropark.
5100 W. Central Ave., Toledo
This park is in or near the range of totality for the solar eclipse.
1750 State Park Road #2, Oregon
Wood County Parks
Staff will be present at three Wood County Parks to help remind you of the safest ways to view a solar eclipse. Some eclipse glasses will be available but quantities are limited.
The Great 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at Bradner Preserve | 11491 Fostoria Rd., Bradner
The Great 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at William Henry Harrison Park | 644 Bierley Ave., Pemberville
The Great 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at Carter Historic Farm | 18331 Carter Rd., Bowling Green
“UN”Sunshine Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Sunshine Communities becomes “UN”Sunshine to celebrate the total solar eclipse. There will be food trucks, music, free eclipse sunglasses, science activities, games and more.
7223 Maumee Western Rd., Maumee
Enjoy a day of festivities at Homecoming Park in Holland.
1032 South McCord Rd,. Holland
Enjoy food from some of the area’s best local eateries, games, hands-on science activities and prime viewing for the solar eclipse at Imagination Station.
1 Discovery Way, Toledo
