Experience the celestial spectacle of a lifetime in Erie, PA, as the total solar eclipse casts its shadow on April 8, 2024.
Events last added on March 27, 2024.
This event is expected to be one of the most significant tourist days in Erie County's history.
Below, find details including where to get glasses, events leading up to the eclipse, and free and low-cost events happening the day of the eclipse. The totality phase will begin at 3:16 p.m., and last a little under four minutes.
Here's hoping for cloud-free skies!
A BIG thanks to Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics for sponsoring this guide.
Our sponsors help keep Macaroni KID Erie a FREE resource for Erie families. Read more about Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics at the end of this guide!
Where to Get FREE Eclipse Glasses
It's important to wear ISO-certified eclipse glasses as you safely view the eclipse. Here's where to get glasses:
- Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics has 5,000 pairs of glasses to give away. Stop by their office at 3900 Zuck Road on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. to enter their Solar Eclipse Trivia Contest and get a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Available now.
- Erie County Public Library branches will have free eclipse glasses to hand out while supplies last. One pair of glasses per library card. Beginning March 18
- Country Fair will give away one pair of eclipse glasses with each purchase while supplies lasts. Starting March 25
- VisitErie will distribute "The Ultimate Sunblock" eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis at three locations: I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center (at the PA/NY border), the I-79 Rest Stop (near Edinboro, northbound), and the Erie Visitor Center at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. April 5-8
- Penn State Behrend is donating 50,000 pairs of eclipse glasses to schools in Erie, Crawford and Warren counties in advance of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse. Most schools are off that day so expect children to bring these glasses home.
Learn how to DIY a pinhole viewer.
Events leading up to eclipse day
Want to learn about the eclipse? Here are free educational events happening in Erie before the total eclipse on April 8.
We will keep adding events as details are announced. If you know of an event we're missing, you can submit it here.
Ongoing: TOTALITY at Yahn Planetarium: Learn about Erie's eclipse. Recommended for ages 9 to adult. Free eclipse glasses available to those in attendance while supplies last.
Dates: Wednesday, Feb. 21, 5:30 p.m. • Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. • Thursday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. • Saturday, March 9 at 11:30 a.m. • Friday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. • Saturday, March 16, 11:30 a.m. • Friday, March 22, 6:30 p.m. • Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. • Saturday, March 30, 11:30 a.m. • Saturday, April 6, 1:00 p.m.
Other events leading up to eclipse:
April 1, 3 and 5
FREE: Make a Solar Eclipse Bag at Blasco (Registration required)
April 6
STEAM Activity Weekend + Eclipse Fun at ExpERIEnce Children's Museum
'Totality!' at Yahn Planetarium
FREE: NASA Presents The Moon and Water and You at Blasco Library
Eclipse Farmers Market
April 7
Eclipse Farmers Market
STEAM Activity Weekend + Eclipse Fun at ExpERIEnce Children's Museum
MoonGLOW Mile in North East
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FREE public events on the day of the eclipse
Things to keep in mind: Get there early! Big crowds are expected so arrive early enough to find parking and a viewing spot. While the total eclipse won't start until 3:16 p.m. on April 8, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:02 p.m. so plan on arriving to your location in time to see the whole astronomical show.
Plan to stay late! Many people will probably rush for the exits as soon as the eclipse has ended. Avoid the crowd and the traffic by hanging back a bit. On total eclipse day, it's okay to be one of the last to leave.
And lastly: Remember there will be many out-of-towners among the crowd. Make them feel welcome, and give them a reason to come back to Erie to stay another weekend.💛
Erie News Now Eclipse Watch Party at LECOM Sports Park
Parachute to the Moon at Lincoln Library
Experience the 2024 Eclipse at Mercyhurst
Eclipse Educational Fair For Kids at Perry Square
View the Eclipse at PennWest Edinboro
Eclipse Watch Party at Presque Isle Downs & Casino
FEED Eclipse Watch Party at Griswold Park
Park Side of the Moon Celebration at Frontier Park
Eclipse Viewing at Penn State Behrend
Eclipse Farmers Market at Legacy Hydroponics
Zooclipse: Solar Safari at Erie Zoo
Total Solar Eclipse at the Peek'n Peak
Ticketed kid-friendly events
Total Eclipse Festival at Lake Erie Speedway
Edinboro Eclipse Festival at Goodell Gardens
Eclipse Watching Party at Burch Farms
Splashclipse Party at Splash Lagoon
Eclipse On The Farm at Port Farms (Advance ticket purchase required)
Know of a free or low-cost eclipse event we're missing? You can add it our event calendar here!
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Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics
Thanks so much to Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics for making the Macaroni KID Erie Eclipse Viewing Guide possible. Partners like Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics make it possible for Macaroni KID Erie to remain completely free for the Erie community. Please support Iszkula Orthodontics, a locally-owned family business, when you're in the market for orthodontics!
At Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics, our primary objectives are to provide you with the highest level of orthodontic care, superior customer service and comfortable financial options. Our team understands that a beautiful smile means so much! A smile can brighten your day, give your self-confidence and help to make a lasting impression with others. With a focus on offering orthodontic treatment for children, teenagers and adults, our team is committed to a fun-filled orthodontic experience in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. There are now two orthodontists on staff at Iszkula Orthodontics: Dr. Steve Iszkula and Dr. Kevin Murray!
We offer teens and adults the options of Invisalign® and Invisalign Teen™ clear aligners, traditional braces and clear braces. Murray & Iszkula Orthodontics can give you the smile you've always wanted.
