Details to be updated for Solar Eclipse events for 2024. See information about the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse here.
The Total Solar Eclipse of 2024 is happening on Monday, April 8, 2024 and the whole country is getting excited about it! Parts of Ohio are along the path of totality, so everyone can catch a partial solar eclipse, and many will be able to see a total solar eclipse with a little driving!
If you can swing it, take a day trip to see the total solar eclipse along the path of totality within driving distance. If you’re sticking around Columbus, read on for a list of Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties around Columbus.
Solar Eclipse glasses note: The most important thing to know about the solar eclipse is that you must have proper eyewear to view the eclipse, or you could suffer permanent eye damage, whether you are witnessing the total or partial solar eclipse.
Many places have sold out of the glasses and it can be hard to tell which ones are real and fake, but watch parties listed below will have some available (please check the links to ensure details and/or glasses availability have not changed on Monday). You can also make a pinhole viewer to safely see the eclipse, which can be a great craft for kids to make over the weekend. Regular sunglasses WILL NOT provide sufficient protection!
Museum and Parks Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties around Columbus
Details tba for 2024 – the following are from 2017
- COSI: Join us for a fun-filled day at COSI and safely view the eclipse. COSI Educators will be on-hand to explain the science behind the eclipse from noon-4 pm
- Dawes Arboretum in Newark: Join the Central Ohio Astronomical Society (COAS) from 2-4 pm to safely watch this rare, astronomical event! An eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, obstructing the Sun to a viewer on Earth. From start-to-finish, the eclipse will last for nearly an hour, with the peak occurring at 2:30pm. COAS will provide telescopes and viewing glasses.
- The Works in Newark: All members of the public are invited to view the solar eclipse with expert guidance from The Ohio State University at Newark faculty member Dr. Michael Stamatikos, assistant professor in the Department of Physics, Department of Astronomy and Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particles Physics. All ages are welcome. The event will take place on Monday, August 21, 1-4 p.m., in The Works’ LeFevre Courtyard, 55 S. 1st Street, Newark. This event is free and open to the public. In the event of inclement weather the event will be cancelled. To safely view the eclipse, The Works will be selling solar eclipse glasses during the event for $1 each. The Works Museum will be closed during the event. Refreshments and restrooms will be available at The Grill at The Works on S. 2nd Street.
- SPI Mount Vernon: 1-4 pm We will have safe viewing glasses just outside SPI in the lot on Gay St. We will do related science activities and data collection
- Columbus Metro Parks: Hosting programs at the following parks from 1-4 pm. Watch the moon’s shadow darken the sun during the solar eclipse. Limited number of solar glasses will be provided. Warning: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection.
- Battelle Darby Creek
- Blacklick Woods
- Blendon Woods
- Homestead
- Inniswood Gardens
- Rocky Fort
- Scioto Grove
- Three Creeks
Library Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties around Columbus
- Columbus Public Libraries at 20+ branches: Experience “The Great American Solar Eclipse” at the library. COSI Educators will give demonstrations and provide hands-on activities to show the science behind the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be provided for safe viewing. Events are from 1-4 pm.
- Bexley Public Library: Come celebrate the eclipse with a party on our patio from 2-3 pm! Here in Bexley, the sun will be 90% covered at around 2:30 p.m. Kids are invited for a space-themed storytime and eclipse crafts. ALL are invited to pick up your special eclipse glasses and see the eclipse in all its glory.
- Westerville Public Library: 12-4 pm, Discover the wonder of the partial solar eclipse from the library’s front lawn. Stop by Youth Services before heading outside to learn about solar eclipses and pick up a pair of free safety glasses (one pair per attendee, while supplies last). Want to know more? Attend Getting Ready for the Solar Eclipse.
- Upper Arlington Public Libraries at Tremont Atrium: Solar glasses will be available on a first come first serve basis for safe viewing along with safety information. We’ll have pinhole viewers available for sharing throughout the eclipse as well. They will also have events at branches in the week leading up to the eclipse, as well as the opportunity to pick up solar glasses
- Plain City Public Library: Show us your library card and get a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses
- Southwest Public Libraries at Grove City: From 1:30-2:30 pm, join us for the solar eclipse. Storytime, crafts, and the solar eclipse! We’ll be giving out special solar eclipse glasses. We’ll also be giving out the glasses at Westland Area Library August 14-21.
- Marysville Public Library: Drop in on August 19 to make some crafts that will teach you about the Solar Eclipse. Bring a shoe box and you can make your own eclipse viewer. Crafts will be set-up from 9:30-4:30. Pick up free eclipse glasses to safely view the eclipse on August 21, while supplies last.
- Granville Public Library: At 1pm, GHS Physics teacher Mike Bait will talk about what to expect and give instructions on safe viewing practices. Solar eclipse viewing glasses provided by StarNet via the Moore Foundation will be distributed. While the eclipse is in process, kids can enjoy crafts and activities. Mr. Bait will help teens and adults photograph the eclipse using their own phone cameras. The solar eclipse peaks at 2:30pm. Beginning Monday, August 14, glasses will be available at the front circulation desk while supplies last. Limit 2 pair per family. You must show a Granville Public Library card or a library card from the from a library in the SEO Consortium to get the glasses.
Eclipse Viewing Parties in the Community
- DogTap Columbus in Canal Winchester: Grab a blanket and come watch the world go dark. DogTap is serving up a space-themed specials menu and the beer will be flowing.
- The Hills Market in Worthington: Join us Monday, August 21, from 12:30-3:30 pm as we grill up Hills Own Brats & Hand Pattied Burgers. We’ll also be serving ice cold beer and wine by the glass, and we’ll have proper solar eclipse glasses to safely view this natural phenomenon. For more information on this event, please contact Fran at 614.846.3220
- Solar Eclipse Celebration at Easton with COSI: Experience this spectacular event with COSI at their solar eclipse viewing party at Easton! From 1-4 PM on the Town Square, COSI will provide safe viewing glasses and lead hands-on activities. Want to make it known you were around for the 2017 solar eclipse? Show it off with a tee from Homage or Buckle. Make sure to stop by Flip Side for lunch or dinner and take advantage of their total eclipse burger and beer special!
Important: Don’t forget solar viewing glasses!
Many events listed above offer solar eclipse viewing glasses free for attendees or for pickup before the day of the event. You can also pick them up in stores or order them online, but please read this article regarding NASA’s warning about unsafe eclipse glasses so that you know you are getting a legitimate brand.
Locally, Perkins Observatory has partnered with Half Price Book for eclipse glasses sales. All 5 Columbus, Ohio locations carry them. Check with your local HPB store to ensure these are still in stock!
If you can’t get out of the office or you don’t have proper safety eyewear or a viewing device, you can watch it on your computer with NASA’s Live Stream of the event.
admin says
Wow – thanks for letting me know! Not sure where the 17th came from, other than that is my birthday 🙂
Teresa says
Great list, thanks. Heads up, you say it’s Monday Aug 17, but that’s not a Monday. Might want to edit the date.