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Eclipsing Erie: The Path of Totality 2024
Community events on and surrounding the total solar eclipse
April 3, 2024 at 10:15 AM
SobinSergey
In case you haven't heard, Erie is about to be a part of something big. Our city lies within the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse happening on Monday, April 8 and a number of local businesses and nonprofits are taking advantage of the influx of people to host watch parties and educational events.
MONDAY, APR. 8
Some are calling it a rare celestial event, others a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a total solar eclipse will leave Erie in the path of totality on Monday April 8 at 3:16 p.m. This occurs when the moon's orbit comes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting darkness over certain parts of America. Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, which is otherwise obscured by the bright face of the sun.
Erie is the only city in Pennsylvania where one can experience this totality. The rarity of a solar eclipse is due in part to the fact that it can only occur during a new moon and when the moon's orbit is tilted five degrees to the Earth's orbit around the sun, according to the National Weather Service. The next total solar eclipse over the U.S. won't be until 2044.
The 2024 eclipse path will pass over more cities and densely populated areas than the 2017 path did (which cut a narrow swath across the central U.S. from northern Oregon to South Carolina), making it easier for more people to witness totality, with an estimated 31.6 million people able to experience totality this year, compared to only 12 million in 2017, with an additional 150 million people living within 200 miles of the path of totality. The upcoming eclipse will last up to 3 minutes and 21 seconds. NASA states that for safety, observers must wear a set of eclipse glasses that complies with the ISO 12312-2 international standard when viewing any solar eclipse. This provides protection that is 1,000 times darker than standard sunglasses.
Because experts predict a high volume of visitors to the Erie area (upwards of 250,000 by some estimates), locals are encouraged to choose a viewing event that is within walking or biking distance from your residence, to lessen the congestion of traffic and improve safety conditions. The following is a list of events (not exhaustive) happening in the Erie area. Choose one near you, and let's get ready to experience a historic celestial event together.
ERIE BAYFRONT
Liberty Park Amphitheater
828 W. Bayfront Pkwy.
Gates open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is a family friendly event that offers free eclipse glasses while supplies last that will be hosted by DJ Bill Page with food from Lombardo's Concessions.
130 E. Front St.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enjoy outdoor entertainment from DJ Josh, a round of mini-golf, and some brews on the bay while watching the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last and a limited food menu will be served up by Oliver's food truck. $20/person.
2 Lighthouse St.
1 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this eclipse watch party from the grounds of Erie's oldest lighthouse. The event is free but tickets are required. Enter a raffle to win one of eight spots to watch the eclipse from the top of the Land Lighthouse: truly an unforgettable Erie experience.
726 W. Bayfront Pkwy.
1 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy the eclipse by near the water of Presque Isle Bay. Entertainment is provided by ReignMaker. $5.
1 W. Dobbins Landing
2 to 5 p.m.
Take the opportunity to view the solar eclipse from the water aboard the Victorian Princess. With the price of a ticket, attendees will receive a pair of eclipse glasses and get to enjoy music, signature specialty drinks, and an Erie-themed food buffet, featuring a variety of dishes inspired by local cuisine. Tickets are $100 or upgrade to the top deck viewing experience for $125.
ERIE DOWNTOWN
Downtown Erie at 5th and State
In addition to hosting a number of events pre-eclipse (including eclipse-related art at Glass Growers Gallery, special challenges and deals at Ascend climbing gym, and a Spring Market at Copper Carriage's new location on Saturday, April 6) the Flagship District will also be holding a couple of eclipse day events. Bricks American Steakhouse is hosting a watch party with specialty themed cocktails and the Flagship City Food Hall will have themed specials and eclipse glasses available.
101 Boston Store Place
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Voodoo will host their eclipse watch party from their patio and will have a specialty cocktail menu for patrons with eclipse glasses available while supplies last.
416 W. 12th St.
Beginning at noon
The folks at Erie Ale Works are hosting their Black Hole Sun Eclipse Parking Lot Party. With local brews, cocktails and mocktails, and local food truck Taqueria Montes.
Perry Square, 550 State St.
Noon to 4 p.m.
The Erie Downtown Partnership and the expERIEnce Children's Art Museum will host an eclipse event in Perry Square. The groups will have several teaching representatives from NASA on hand to speak to attendees about how the sun and moon cause a solar eclipse. Attendees will also hear from astrophysicist Zach Lewis about the science behind eclipses, the planets, and more.
The Children's Museum will have STEAM activities available and the Erie County Library Bookmobile will also be on site to promote education. Penn State Behrend and Gannon University will be in East Perry Square providing a special sunscreen window for small children to be able to safely view the eclipse without having to struggle to keep their glasses on.
831 French St.
Gates open from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Erie SeaWolves will host an eclipse block party at UPMC Park, presented by CVS Health and Erie Events. This free community event will be headlined by Emmy-winning TV personality, country music artist, and Erie-native Katie Linendoll. She will perform live with The Roads Behind beginning at 1 p.m. This event will also include youth activities, inflatable games, and autograph stations with SeaWolves players. Eclipse glasses will be available for the first 1,000 attendees. Concession stands and the SeaWolves ticket office and team store will be open for the event.
1307 State St.
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (after-party until 10 p.m.)
The brains behind the latest exhibit at FEED Media Arts Center, Eclipsing Stars, are holding a free watch party in nearby Griswold Park. Featuring a media art slideshow, trivia, music, a science talk, artist projects, projections, and (of course) the eclipse. Bring your own eclipse glasses and join the crew after the event in FEED's building for music, projections, and a laser show ($5-$15 for the after-party).
GREATER ERIE
LEAF - Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park
1501 W. 6 St.
Noon to 5 p.m.
The Park Side of the Moon eclipse event happening at LEAF is free and open to the public. LEAF offers lots of space to watch the natural phenomenon, and will provide eclipse safety and art activities for all ages. Erie Ale Works will be offering beers, Altered State Distillery will have cocktails, and coffee and tea will be provided by LZ's Barista Express. Food from the Que Abides, Atacolypse Food Truck, and Donatos Pizza will also be on hand. Live music from Phunkademic and Friends will perform a Pink Floyd tribute from 2 until 3:16 p.m. when they will recess for totality, returning to the stage at 3:30 p.m.
423 W. 38th St.
Noon to 5 p.m.
The Erie Zoo will be hosting Zooclipse: Solar Safari, a family friendly event with activities, entertainment, and some of the zookeepers educating attendees about the relationship between the animals and the moon. The event is included with the price of admission or free with an Erie Zoo Membership. The event is rain or shine.
6008 Knowledge Pkwy. and 4102 W. Lake Rd.
Beginning at 1 p.m.
At the Knowledge Park location, attendees will be able to view the eclipse from their lake overlook. At the West Side location, the back parking lot will be open and drafts and cans will be available for purchase out of their draft trailer. Both locations are offering free eclipse glasses for the first 100 people.
8161 Oliver Rd.
1 to 4 p.m.
There will be an eclipse watch party with viewing glasses available while supplies last from Erie News Now. DJ Amy Sas from HAPPI 92.7 will be playing music. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet members from the Erie News Now team and discuss fun facts and myths about the eclipse. Food and drink will be available to purchase (no outside food or drink is permitted).
4701 College Dr.
1 to 4 p.m.
Penn State Behrend's campus will be open to all visitors during the eclipse, with viewing areas available on multiple lots and open spaces. Dr. Warren Williams, professor of physics and astronomy will be giving a scientific play-by-play of the eclipse, meteorologist Tom Atkins will be on hand, and there will be multiple concession stands and public restroom facilities available.
SURROUNDING AREAS
10760 Donation Rd., Waterford
Mound Grove is offering a day-of viewing package that includes breakfast, games, and mingling. Also included is a buffet lunch and a beautiful location from which to view the eclipse for $50. If you want to come for the view only, expect to pay $20 a carload for parking and $15 per person for the buffet lunch.
10700 Delmas Dr. North East
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Total Eclipse Festival at the Lake Erie Speedway will include Crazy Monkey rides and inflatables, food, and live music from Dan Baney & Stone Quarry Road and the Breeze Band, with a break for the eclipse. The event will also include drifting and monster truck rides. This event is rain, cloudy, or shine, but rides and inflatables will not operate in inclement weather. A fee for on-site parking, admission is pre-sale $10, $20 day of.
5901 Millfair Rd., Fairview
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The church will provide parking for up to 399 vehicles with an unobstructed view of the northern sky facing Lake Erie. $20 per vehicle ($40 for oversized/RV), eclipse glasses for $5, public restrooms, and food for sale. This event is cash only. It is advised that you bring your own lawn chairs.
12270 Edinboro Rd., Edinboro
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The golf course will have mini golf, the driving range, and go-karts open for fun, weather permitting. They will also have their arcade and candy shop open during the event.
1925 Stone Quarry Rd., Waterford
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy everything that Port Farms has to offer including their goats, rope course, jumping pillows, slides, ball zones, barnyard fort, and ball zones. There will be food available for purchase from Jerry's Smokehouse & Grill, Harvest Barn Cafe, and food trucks (Marty's Nacho Mama, Pgh Crepes, and Cousins Maine Lobster). There will also be campfires located throughout the farm with music from a DJ on the front porch and an acoustic band in the events barn.
1357 Lane Rd., Waterford
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Legacy will host a free farmers market leading up to the eclipse, with free glasses while supplies last. They're offering adult beverages and food for purchase, as well as craft vendors and live music.
1457 Olde Rd., Clymer N.Y.
Noon to 4 p.m.
The resort is open to the public and will host a viewing party on the lodge deck starting at noon. Visitors can enjoy fire pits, music, and drinks for purchase. There will be several viewing stations including the main lodge, lower golf course trails, the sugar shack and more. They will also be hosting a Blue Moon after-party at Bistro 210.
221 Waterford St., Edinboro
1 to 6 p.m.
The Edinboro Eclipse Festival will feature an art show by astrophotographer and amateur astronomer Jackson Froman, who will also live-stream his astrophotography process during the eclipse, Goodell will also host vendors, food trucks, and more. Only 300 tickets are available for $15 general admission or $10 for members of Goodell Gardens & Homestead. Rain or shine, no refunds for inclement weather.
1 Fountain St., Cambridge Springs
1 to 7 p.m.
The eclipse party at Riverside Brewing Company will have live music from Juvenile Characteristics at 2 p.m. There are several ticket options that include a full buffett from 4 to 7 p.m. and appetizers from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with eclipse glasses. Prices range depending on the package chosen.
The following is a list of parks and open community spaces from which to view the eclipse:
Asbury Park, 4106 Asbury Rd.
Bayview Park, 598 W. 2nd St.
Belle Valley Park, 5300 Henderson Rd.
Dobbins Landing, 1 State St.
Erie Bluffs State Park, 11100 W. Lake Rd., Lake City
Gravel Pit Park, 10300 W. Main St., North East
Greene Township Park, 9333 Tate Rd.
Gridley Park, 598 Liberty St.
Griswold Park, 150 W. 14th St.
Harborcreek Community Park, 5850 Firman Rd.
Lighthouse Park, 2 Lighthouse St.
McClelland Park, 2600 E. 26th St.
PennWest Edinboro, 124 Meadville St., Edinboro
Pleasant Ridge Park, 8271 Barker Rd., Fairview
Rodger Young Park, 1750 Buffalo Rd.
Wesleyville Memorial Park, 1807 Eastern Ave., Wesleyville