COLUMBUS, Ohio — Since parts of Ohio will experience a few brief moments in totality during the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, communities are preparing viewing events and watch parties to celebrate the once-in-a-lifetime event.
At many of the viewing events, solar eclipse glasses will be distributed. But, if you'd like to secure yours ahead of time, 10TV has a list of places where you may be able to find them.
In anticipation of the big day, many central Ohio schools have canceled classes for the day so kids have the opportunity to see the full event. You can find the full list of school closures here.
Community events
Hilliard
Hilliard's Station Park | 4021 Main St, Hilliard
At the city's free solar eclipse event, solar eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last, a DJ will there as well as snack and photos with an astronaut. The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and lasts until 3:30 p.m.
New Albany
Bevelhymer Park | 7860 Bevelhymer Rd.
New Albany residents are invited to the viewing party at Bevelhymer Park from 1 to 5 p.m. There will be food trucks, science-based activities and free eclipse glasses for the first 2,000 attendees.
Richland County
Malabar Farm State Park | 4050 Bromfield Rd.
This free event from 3-5 p.m. will be open to the public. Parking will only be available on gravel and blacktop areas. Mt Jeez will be open to foot traffic only.
Westerville
Hoff Woods Park | 556 McCorkle Blvd.
A solar eclipse viewing party will take place toward the back of the park from 2 to 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and eclipse glasses.
Worthington (2 locations)
Northwest Library Backyard | 2280 Hard Rd.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., you can sit in the library's backyard and make pinhole eclipse viewers, play cosmic trivia and more.
Old Worthington Library Meeting Room | 820 High St.
Stop by the library meeting room from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the sun with crafts and activities.
Other eclipse events around central Ohio
*Please note: Locations may charge an admission fee.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | 4850 W Powell Rd.
The zoo is hosting a "solar-bration" from noon to 4 p.m. in celebration of the eclipse. There will be a meet-and-greet with character ambassadors and eclipse viewing glasses will be available while supplies last. The event is included with zoo admission.
COSI — The Columbus museum is holding a viewing event on April 8 with hands-on activities. Staff members will also be handing out free eclipse glasses to attendees.
Delaware County Historical Society
Barn at Stratford | 2690 Stratford Rd.
The historical society's "Eclipse Traditions" will take place at 11 a.m. with and will have three speakers presenting. Ticket information can be found here.
Lawrence Orchards in Marion | 2634 Smeltzer Rd.
The Marion apple orchard will host a "Appleclipse of the Sun" viewing party. Parking will be free and the orchard is selling solar glasses for $2, with 200 available at the start of the event. There will also be yard games for people to enjoy and barnyard animals nearby. Wagner's Pork Concession will be available for lunch.
The MAiZE at Little Darby Creek | 8657 Axe Handle Road
From noon to 6 p.m. the MAiZE at Little Darby Creek is opening up its farm for people wanting to watch the eclipse. Admission is free and there will be live music and Tortilla Food truck and the BAR will be serving up drinks and good. There will also be a cornhole tournament.
Mitchell's Berries & Blooms | 9331 Mitchell Dewitt Rd.
"Daffodils in the Dark: Eclipse Watch Party" will begin at 1 p.m. and last until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 a car and reservations for the event can be made here. Each car is able to get up to four eclipse glasses. There will also be yard games, live guitar and snacks.
Morrow County Fairgrounds | 195 S Main St.
The Morrow County Fairgrounds will open its gates for local residents to enjoy the eclipse in its more than 130 acres of unobstructed viewing. This event costs $15 per car load for non-locals and $10 per car load for local residents. Event organizers have a limited number of glasses available for purchase.
Ohio Caverns | 2210 OH-245 E, West Liberty
Fans of cave exploring will enjoy this event hosted by Ohio Caverns in honor of the total solar eclipse. Visitors can watch the skies go dark above ground and then explore crystals below ground. Tickets are $40 each. You can find more information here.
Ohio History Connection
John & Annie Glenn Museum | 72 West Main St, New Concord
Watch a once in a lifetime event from the home of America’s first orbiter, John Glenn. Visitors can tale a tour of the museum and grab some free refreshments and eclipse glasses.
Ohio Northern University | 300 W College Ave., Ada
Interested in attending Ohio Northern University? The school is hosting a solar eclipse visit day on campus as it is located near the centerline for the total eclipse. Families are invited to stop by that day for lunch, solar eclipse programming and an afternoon viewing. Special ONU solar eclipse glasses will be provided.
Richland County Fairgrounds | 750 Home Rd N
The Richland County Fairgrounds will let spectators in for the "OHclipse." More than 2,500 prime seats will be available facing the eclipse. There are also glasses available, campsites, kids activities, food trucks and more. Tickets for the day of the eclipse start at $20. More information can be found here.
Where else can I watch the solar eclipse for free in central Ohio?
Columbus Metro Parks
Those who want to go somewhere to watch the eclipse, but don't necessarily want to attend a viewing party or go to an event can visit any of Columbus Metro Parks to watch the celestial event. According to the Metro Parks website, the path of totality will pass over Prairie Oaks and Glacier Ridge Metro Parks.
- Marysville Reservoir Park
- Uptown Marysville
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The path of totality
According to NASA, in Cleveland, a partial eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m. and end at 4:29 p.m., but the totality begins at 3:13 p.m. and ends at 3:17 p.m. Solar eclipses happen when the path of the moon crosses directly in front of the sun.
Parts of the state will be in total darkness for a few brief moments during totality and the remainder of the state will see the sun at least 95% blocked by the moon.
Will you be able to see the eclipse in Columbus?
Columbus residents and anyone southeast of the city will need to make a short drive to Dublin to see the partial eclipse. If you are interested in seeing the total eclipse, you could drive to 90 miles northwest to Wapakoneta in Auglaize County.
How to safely watch the solar eclipse
For those wanting to see the eclipse, NASA suggests wearing eye protection. The only time it's not needed is during the brief total phase when the moon completely blocks the sun's bright face.
NASA says viewing any part of the sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. For those looking up at the sun, it's necessary to wear eclipse glasses or a safe handheld solar viewer.
It's important to note that eclipse glasses are not the same as sunglasses. Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker.
NASA also warns not to look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury.
For more information on safely watching the 2024 solar eclipse, click here.