TOLEDO, Ohio — Northwest Ohio is gearing up for a truly once-in-a-lifetime event: a total solar eclipse.
The astronomical phenomenon, which involves the moon casting a shadow onto a part of the Earth's surface, will draw visitors from around the globe to witness a brief few minutes when the moon blots out the sun's light on April 8.
For travelers and locals alike, WTOL 11 has compiled a list of the must-do events related to this event, which hasn't happened in our area since 1806.
Here's what events you'll want to check out before and during the eclipse. This list will be updated as more events are announced in the coming months.
Eclipse viewing events and festivals
City of Toledo Eclipse Encounter - April 8
The city of Toledo Parks and Youth Services is hosting eclipse parties at Promenade Park, Navarre Park and Joe E. Brown Park. Each party will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. and include music, games and food for everyone. Free eclipse glasses will be distributed to the public while supplies last.
Metroparks Toledo, April 8
Toledo's own Metroparks organization will host viewing events at the Beach Ridge Area of Oak Openings and at the Glass City Metropark.
University of Toledo Glass Bowl viewing event - Toledo, April 8
The University of Toledo will host a viewing event at its Glass Bowl stadium. Activities will begin at noon on campus, but the official viewing experience will begin at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to view the event from anywhere on campus.
Bowling Green State University watch party - Bowling Green, April 8
BGSU will hold its free solar eclipse watch party at the Doyt Perry Stadium from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. It will feature interdisciplinary events and activities. Some BGSU students will serve as eclipse ambassadors for the event. Click here to learn more.
Total Eclipse at the Zoo - Toledo Zoo, April 8
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Toledo Zoo will host a variety of special programming, before holding an eclipse watch party in the historic amphitheater. Admission is free for Lucas County residents who arrive at the zoo between 10 a.m. and noon. Admission is standard for non-Lucas County residents. Special eclipse viewing glasses will be available while supplies last.
Hensville Solar Eclipse Party - downtown Toledo, April 8
Hensville will host its solar eclipse party from noon to 6 p.m. The event will feature live music, eclipse-themed cocktails, food, games and more. A limited number of free Mudhens/Walleye-themed eclipse viewing glasses are available via RSVP.
National Museum of the Great Lakes - east Toledo, April 8
The museum will provide Great Lakes-themed activities at the Glass City Metropark. Additionally, the first 100 visitors to the museum between April 6 and April 8 will receive complimentary eclipse viewing glasses.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party - Whitehouse, April 8
The village of Whitehouse will hold a viewing party at Whitehouse Village Hall and Blue Creek Metropark. The public is invited to enjoy food trucks and bring lawn chairs during the event from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Glasses will be available in limited quantities. Parking will be available at Village Hall, along Providence Street and at Blue Creek Metropark.
"Un"Sunshine Eclipse Watch Party - Maumee, April 8
Sunshine Communities will host a solar eclipse watch party at their main campus from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Two of the community's supported individuals are also serving as trained eclipse ambassadors through Imagination Station. Learn more here.
Eclipse Watch Party at The Attic - downtown Toledo, April 8
The Adams Street bar will open at 1 p.m. and feature eclipse-themed cocktails and brews. Drink service will stop between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to allow staff to view the event, but the party will continue afterwards. More information here.
Cedar Point, Total Eclipse of the Point - noon to 6 p.m., April 8
Tickets are limited for this event at Cedar Point, which will feature eclipse-viewing opportunities from the beach and elevated decks at the amusement park.
The park also plans to have a limited number of rides on The Boardwalk and in Kiddy Kingdom available, as well as food and drinks at the Grand Pavilion Restaurant and Bar.
Season passes are not valid for the special event.
Tickets range from $99 to $199 and are available on the Cedar Point website.
Camping events - Multiple locations, April 8
Several sites in Seneca County are offering special camping opportunities, some of which include activities, events and more. Seneca County is in the heart of the path of totality, seeing as much as 3 minutes and 54 seconds of complete eclipse. Click here to find info on camping spots.
Camping (and glamping) opportunities will also be available in Springfield Township. Click here to learn more.
Twin Acres Campground in Whitehouse will also hold a solar eclipse campout. For reservations, call 419-877-2684 or email twinacrescampground@gmail.com.
Nacho Ordinary Mondays Eclipse Experience - Springfield Township, April 8
Enjoy daylong festivities and activities at Homecoming Park the day of the eclipse.
Blackout on the Bay - Oregon, April 8
The city of Oregon will host a solar eclipse viewing party at the Oregon Rec Soccer Fields. The free event is open to the public and solar eclipse viewing glasses will be provided by the city. For more information, click here.
Kelleys Island Solar Eclipse Party - Kelleys Island, April 8
Watch the total solar eclipse from the unique location of one of Lake Erie's islands.
Jet Express solar eclipse viewing - Lake Erie, April 8
See the moon pass in front of the sun from the waters of Lake Erie via way of the Jet Express. According to Shores and Islands Ohio, tickets for the event will go on sale soon.
Total Eclipse of the Towpath, Pre-Eclipse event - Maumee, April 7
This pre-eclipse family fun day takes place in the White Street parking lot along the banks of the Maumee River, near the towpath. During this event, visitors can learn about the eclipse, grab eclipse viewing glasses and try free yoga. Vendors, live music and children's activities will also be available.
This event is pet-friendly. Learn more about it here.
Total Eclipse of the 'Burg - Perrysburg, April 6
Live entertainment, music, kids activities, education, food and more will come to Perrysburg ahead of the eclipse from noon to 6 p.m. the Saturday before the eclipse. Read more here.
Out of the Dark | Glow 5K & Fun Run - Tiffin, April 6
This 5K and Fun Run in Tiffin kicks off on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tiffin Community YMCA. Its scenic routes will celebrate the total solar eclipse as dusk descends and glow sticks and accessories transform the night. Learn more and register here.
Total Eclipse of Sandusky Festival - Sandusky, April 5 - 8
Celebrate the total solar eclipse with the city of Sandusky. The three-day event will include musical entertainment, headlining acts, a specialty vendor market, science and more. More info here.
Ottawa County Fairgrounds festivities - Ottawa County, April 5 - 8
This event includes a full weekend of camping, events and fun, according to the organization's website.
Cosmic Eclipse Experience - Napoleon, April 8
This community viewing event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 303 W. Main St. in Napoleon. There will be activities, food, goodie bags for children and more will be available. More info here.
Divine Design over the 419 - Maumee, April 8
This event will be held at the Maumee United Methodist Church at 405 Sackett St. from 1-4 p.m. There will be free eclipse glasses and parking along with kids' games and snacks. More info here.
More events and learning opportunities
Pint Talk: Total Eclipse - Quenched & Tempered - Toledo, April 5
The downtown Toledo brewery will have an eclipse-themed event in which visitors can drink craft beer and listen to Jeffrey Kirkbride, a research engineer and scientist, talk about the total solar eclipse. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. upstairs at the brewery and admission is the purchase of one pint or other comparable menu item.
Imagination Station classes and workshops - Toledo, various dates and times
The Imagination Station in downtown Toledo will host several family workshops and activities that prominently feature the science of the eclipse. Click here to see the planned workshops and to sign up.
Solar Eclipse Workshops on Wheels - Multiple locations and dates
Toledo Lucas County Public Library is partnering with Imagination Station to host this crafty science workshop helping kids and teens understand the total solar eclipse. The workshop will be hosted on the following dates, times and locations:
- March 11: Holland Branch Library, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- March 20: West Toledo Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 25: Waterville Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 26: Point Place Branch Library, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- March 27: King Road Branch Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- March 30: Main Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- April 1: South Branch Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- April 3: Locke Branch Library, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- April 4: Heatherdowns Branch Library, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- April 6: Washington Branch Library, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Solar eclipse safety and photography - Multiple locations and dates
When witnessing this once-in-a-lifetime event, you may want to snap some photos to remember it by. Here's how you can do it safely. Below is a list of the locations and dates for the programming hosted by Metroparks Toledo. This event is aimed at teens.
- March 14: Mott Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 18: Kent Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 19: South Branch Library, 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Guest lecturer: "Mr. Eclipse" - University of Toledo, March 12
Learn more about the eclipse from a retired NASA astronomer and a leading expert on Eclipses, Fred Espenak, also known as "Mr. Eclipse". The event will be held at the Doermann Theatre at 7 p.m., with light refreshments beforehand. The event is free and open to the public. Registration details and more information is here.
Who Turned Out the Lights?! - Multiple Locations and dates
The Toledo Lucas Public Libraries are partnering with Saturn V Education to learn about the science behind eclipses and what precautions to take. This event is for people of all ages during the following dates, times and locations.
- March 12: Birmingham Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 14: Sylvania Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 23: Oregon Branch Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- March 25: Toledo Heights Branch Library, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- March 28: Reynolds Corner Branch Library, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- March 30: Sanger Branch Library, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- April 2: Kent Branch Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- April 5: Lagrange branch Library, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
5K Total Eclipse of the ... Run and Moon Walk - Springfield Township, March 30
Commemorate the eclipse with a 5K run/moon walk at the Community Homecoming Park in Holland, Ohio, hosted by Springfield Township. The registration link will be available soon, according to the township's website.
Toledo Symphony Orchestra performs 'The Planets' suite - Toledo, March 22 & 23
To celebrate the eclipse, the Toledo Symphony Orchestra has commissioned a suite of pieces to be paired with Gustav Holts' "Planets". ADJ*ective New Music, a composers' collective, will provide the compositions, which will be accompanied by on-screen visuals.
This event will take place on March 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle. To read more or buy tickets, click here.
Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Museum exhibit - Fremont, ongoing
Learn about the history and science of solar eclipses at this unique museum. The "Chasing Totality" exhibit will be at the museum, located in Sandusky County, until December 2024, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it even after the eclipse itself. Read more here.
Eclipse "Space Magic Show' - Metamora, April 8
A magic show is coming to the Evergreen Community Library at 10:30 a.m. the morning of the eclipse. The event is open to the public.
Free eclipse movies at the Ritz Theatre - Tiffin, April 7
The Ritz Theatre will show a free documentary and a free feature film in the afternoon of April 7. The times and descriptions of each, provided by Marketing Director Bruce Hannam are below:
- "Totality, The American Eclipse" - 1 p.m.
- Totality, The American Eclipse explores why a total solar eclipse has such a profound influence on those who witness it and how the 2017 American eclipse impacted towns across the U.S. as they prepared for their populations to quadruple overnight. It's not just about the rare occurrence of the sun, the moon and the earth being in perfect alignment; it's about coming to terms with this mesmerizing phenomena. Rated NR – Run Time 1h 3m.
"Little Shop of Horrors" - 3 p.m.
Meek flower shop assistant Seymour (Rick Moranis) pines for co-worker Audrey (Ellen Greene). During a TOTAL ECLIPSE, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood. The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey's boyfriend, Orin (Steve Martin), to the plant after Orin's accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant. Starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin. Rated PG 13 – Run Time 1h 34m.
MORE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE COVERAGE FROM WTOL 11