It's not too early to be thinking about spring — specifically, one day in the spring, April 8. The day the total solar eclipse takes place in Cleveland.
It's going to be a big day, with a huge influx of visitors here to see the celestial event, and also other major city events coinciding with it, like the NCAA’s Women’s Final Four Championship and the Guardians home opener at Progressive Field.
RELATED: Once-In-a-Lifetime: Cleveland's Total Solar Eclipse Puts a Spotlight on Northeast Ohio
Our biggest piece of advice: Get your eclipse glasses and make your plans early. To help, we've put together this guide to some of the eclipse events happening in Northeast Ohio.
Wondering what to expect out of the big event? Hear from NASA researchers and Cleveland tourism officials here.
Hosting an eclipse party? Email nickoloff@clevelandmagazine.com with your event details to be considered for this list.
Cleveland
Baseball Heritage Museum
Hang out in the Baseball Heritage Museum’s bleachers for a home run of a solar eclipse event. The free party will allow visitors to be in a spot where “the magic of the sky meets the magic of the diamond,” the event description states. Registration is required, and the event is free, although donations will be accepted. 6601 Lexington Ave., Cleveland, April 8, 4 p.m., baseballheritagemuseum.org
Bookhouse Brewing
Astronomy and beer fanatics unite for the event of the year this April. Cozy up under a magnificent sky with your favorite brew and witness Ohio’s first total solar eclipse since 1806. Open to anyone and everyone, this event is free of charge with no reservations required all day. However, the first 100 people to purchase a beer will receive a free pair of viewing glasses, so plan accordingly. 1526 West 25th St., Cleveland, April 8, 9 a.m., bookhouse.beer
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Geek out with CMNH’s astronomers and other museum experts on a day for the history books. Our hub for all things history will be shining brightly amid this marvel of darkness, planning a weekend full of events ahead of the Monday spectacle. Start things early on Thursday with a late-night tour of the museum’s Visitor Hall and Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium, featuring a cash bar and celestial-themed food offerings. Take a trip to the museum on Saturday or Sunday to chat with eclipse experts and learn all you need to know ahead of the grand event on April 8. Featuring live music, interactive activities and other special programming, Wade Oval will be bursting with total joy for this light show. Tickets $5-$15, 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, April 4-8, cmnh.org
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Great Lakes Science Center
Who better to spend the total solar eclipse with than the experts of science themselves at the Science Center? Spanning over three days, everyone will have a chance to join in on the festivities at North Coast Harbor. Each day will provide outdoor family fun, including interactive activities and demonstrations, local food, vendors and other entertainment. Special features throughout the weekend include a free, space-themed performance from The Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday, and a lesson in studying the sun, followed by a live broadcast of the eclipse by NASA’s Glenn Research Center on Monday. Free, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, April 6-8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., greatscience.com
Music Box
With a stunning view of Downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River, the Music Box will be a hotspot on April 8. The party will feature a show by The Sunrise Jones, and tickets also include an open bar, grand buffet, dancing and pairs of solar eclipse glasses. Tickets $150, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, April 8, noon, musicboxcle.com
Nuevo Modern Mexican
Enjoy live music, cocktails and Mexican-Latin-fused cuisine in perfect harmony for a party on the rooftop. Folk and Americana band The Whiskey Drinks will be performing all afternoon, and margaritas from Nuevo’s tequila bar will be soaring through the soiree. While the event is free, purchases and donations are appreciated. Free, 1000 East 9th St., Cleveland, April 8, 1-5 p.m., facebook.com/nuevomodernmexican
Akron
Akron Art Museum
See the eclipse through the eyes of an artist with Akron’s curated collection of solar-themed art. Then, scope out the rest of the museum’s offerings, while sipping on some celestial-style refreshments. Eclipse-related activities, pop-ups and live music are also on tap for this special day. Museum members can enjoy an exclusive eclipse viewing area and other special benefits. Free, 1 South High St., Akron, April 8, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., facebook.com/akronartmuseum
Fairlawn Park
Fairlawn Park is suiting up for a day of food, fun and relaxation this April. Start off by sampling the array of food trucks onsite. Then, get loose for a long day of sightseeing with a standing yoga demonstration. A galactic scavenger hunt is also in the works, along with a host of presentations to prepare you for the grand event. Viewing glasses for the eclipse will be provided while supplies last. Free, 3303 Ridgewood Road, Akron, April 8, 12:30 p.m., facebook.com/fairlawnpark
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Avon
Lights Out in the Land
Join the Lake Erie Crushers at their home base for a day full of games, food, music and solar-powered fun. In partnership with Fusion. Marketing Group, the venue will host an interactive “game show” for a chance to win prizes while learning more about the eclipse. Grab a “Planet Passport” and spend the day exploring outer space through various activities and crafts, and you might just win a prize. Then, for the grand event, join your friends and family on the Crushers’ field with your eclipse glasses and take in the views. Tickets $30, 2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, April 8, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., lakeeriecrushers.com
Railroad Brewing Company Center Station
A jam-packed day of “Tracks and Totality” is in store at Avon’s premier brewery. Offering food, beer, and live music from Twin B, enjoy local flare amid a worldwide spectacle. Tickets to reserve a table, food, drinks, and eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased in advance for as low as $25. Tickets $25-$300. 820 Center Road, Avon, April 8, 1-6 p.m., railroad.beer
Avon Lake
Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Located on the centerline of totality for the upcoming eclipse, Avon Lake is making sure to bring the heat. Starting a day early, they will be hosting the Eclipse Chaser 5k on April 7 to ring in the festivities. Then, April 8’s celebration at Avon Lake High School Memorial Stadium will boast local food trucks and vendors, special eclipse glasses and merchandise, an inflatable play area for kids, and live music from Audiophile and Follow the Sun. Local astronomers and other eclipse experts will also be on-site to make this event equally educational and fun. Coming from out of town? The city has spots for RVs and campers available to reserve, so you can make Avon Lake your home away from home for the day. Watch party tickets $15-$25.,175 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m., avonlakesolareclipse.com
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Barberton
Ignite Brewing Co.
Bask in the darkness at Ingite’s blackout eclipse viewing party. Put on your best black outfit and complimentary eclipse glasses and toast to this unforgettable moment with a special Black Magic Black IPA. Free, 600 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, April 8, 1:30 p.m., ignite.beer
Bay Village
Solar Bay Village Day
Kick back like it’s a holiday! Bay Village’s mayor has officially coined April 8, 2024, as Solar Bay Village Day, which warrants a major celebration. Join friends and neighbors at the city’s Cahoon Park for the solar phenomenon of a lifetime. Stay tuned for more details on this event. 303 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, Noon, facebook.com/groups/secretbayvillage
Berea
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Berea is sure to be beaming with joy this April, with an otherworldly array of events in store for the total solar eclipse. Tickets are available to purchase per vehicle, giving you access to eclipse viewing glasses, music, food, crafts and games. Lawn chairs and other personal seating are permitted. $20, 276 E. Bagley Road, Berea, April 8, 12-3:30 p.m., facebook.com/stpaullutheranchurch
Berlin Heights
Quarry Hill Vineyard
Wine and dine for the event of the year with Quarry Hill. Opening its doors to the public, the winery’s extensive food and drink menu will be on-tap with special offers, in addition to live music from Brian Hager. Be sure to RSVP so you don’t miss out on the fun; more details will be announced closer to the big day. 10860 Humm Road, Berlin Heights, April 8, Noon-5 p.m., facebook.com/quarry.winery
Brunswick
Ignite Brewing Co.
Ignite Brewing Co. will be in on the celebration for this April’s eclipse, and the theme is Blackout! Sport your best all-black outfit while sipping on the company’s very own Black Magic Black IPA, and wait for darkness to break the daylight. Other brews and bar foods will be available for purchase. Free, 1255 N. Carpenter Road, Brunswick, April 8, 1:30 p.m., ignite.beer
Chardon
Chardon Square party
Spend a day in the square to celebrate the total eclipse. The day starts with featured presentations at the square’s Heritage House from 12:45-1:45 p.m., and the festivities will continue with other eclipse-related games and activities, food trucks and vendors. The City of Chardon will also be hosting an out-of-this-world art contest for participating students. 101 S. Hambden St., Chardon, April 8, 12:30-3:30 p.m., facebook.com/cityofchardon
Eleventhree Brewing
Join friends, family, and neighbors at Chardon’s premier brewery and taproom for a day full of treats. The festivities start right when doors open at noon, with the release of a brand new beer. Then, stay parked for good food from Cousin’s Maine Lobster Truck all day and live tunes by Emma Nicholas from 1 to 4 p.m. Watch the eclipse transform the sky while snacking on a complimentary Moon Pie, for the full cosmic experience. Free, 211 Cherry Ave, Unit 3, Chardon, April 8, Noon-9 p.m., facebook.com/eleventhreebrewing
Columbia Station
Red Wagon Farm
Join Red Wagon Farm and Brewing Company on April 8 for a major day of firsts. Witness the first total eclipse in our lifetimes, and stick around for the unveiling of a brand new beer from the brewery. Good food and entertainment are also in store, featuring live music from Charles Geil & His Ghost Band. 16079 E. River Road, Columbia Station, 1-6 p.m., redwagonfarm.com
Copley
Copley Community Park
Head to Copley Park, grab a cool treat from the Ice Buck and watch the sky as the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, entering the path of totality in this spectacular, rare event. Both 200 adult and 200 children's eclipse glasses are available at the park for viewing safety while supplies last. Free, 3149 Copley Road, Akron, April 8, 2-4 p.m., facebook.com/copleytownship
Euclid
Eclipse Festival
Come for the eclipse, and stay for the fun. Though the total eclipse will only grant four minutes of darkness, Euclid City Schools, The City of Euclid and Euclid Public Library are coming together to provide hours of celebration for this phenomenon. While you witness history from Euclid Community Stadium, enjoy the sounds of live music and the smells of a plethora of food trucks, with more activities to come. All attendees will also be given a pair of glasses to watch the eclipse safely, so all you have to bring is yourself. Euclid Community Stadium, April 8, 1 p.m., facebook.com/CityofEuclid
Fairport Harbor
Total Eclipse of the Port
Get your cosmic fix all weekend long at the Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park. The village has planned an exciting weekend, coinciding with the annual spring open house for local businesses on April 6. The festivities continue on April 8 with the Village of Fairport Harbor hosting an Eclipse Viewing Party on Lighthouse Hill from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy music and delectable offerings from food trucks in anticipation of the main event around 3:15 p.m. April 6-8, 301 Huntington Beach Dr., Fairport Harbor, fairportharbortourism.com
Geneva
Darkroom Brewing Co.
Call off work and drink in the dark for Darkroom’s eclipse viewing party and beer release. Embrace the darkness with their new brew, Throwin’ Shade, along with a few other featured dark beers to sample. 32 North Broadway, Geneva, April 8, 1 p.m., darkroombrewingco.com
Geneva-on-the-Lake
The Cove Niteclub
If you’re looking for an excuse to go to the club on a Monday afternoon, look no further. Grab some friends and join the viewing party on the patio. Glasses will be provided, and no prior registration is required. 5326 Lake Road, Geneva-on-the-Lake, April 8, 11 a.m., thecoveniteclub.com
Green
Solar Eclipse at MAPS Air Museum
Take in all the marvels of the sky when you spend a day at Northeast Ohio’s beloved aviation museum to watch the total solar eclipse…all from the comfort of your car! Just make sure to turn off your lights when the day goes dark! Purchase of admission gets you a guaranteed parking spot for an unobstructed view of the eclipse, all-day access to the MAPS Air Museum, and viewing glasses. Lunch will also be provided. Tickets $40. 2260 International Parkway North Canton, April 8, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., mapsairmuseum.org
Huron
Farmer Lee Jones
If you’re in need of a spot to watch the total eclipse, Farmer Jones Farm at The Chef's Garden will be hosting a watch party for those in the area. Glasses will be provided. 1517 Scheid Road, Huron, April 8, Noon-4 p.m. farmerjonesfarm.com
Kent
Kent Eclipse
Make a weekend trip out of the eclipse and spend the weekend soaking in all the activities in Kent. With laser light shows, guest speakers, planetarium viewings and more, the weekend will be jam-packed with all things Total Eclipse related. Expect more fun to be announced soon. 1195 Holiday Dr., Kent, April 6-8, kenteclipse2024.com
Kirtland
Holden Arboretum’s Total Eclipse of the Arboretum
Be one with nature while you celebrate one of nature’s coolest sensations. Kick back with your friends, family, and pets and bask in the arboretum’s 3,500 acres of outdoor beauty for this April’s total solar eclipse. Pack your own picnic, or dine with one of the many food trucks slated to be on site. Purchase of admission will get you access to food, music, complimentary viewing glasses, and all the priceless sounds and sights of the grounds. Tickets $25. 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, April 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., holdenfg.org
Lakewood
Beck Center for the Arts
As a Great Lakes Science Center Community Eclipse Ambassador, the Beck Center for the Arts will host a free event of science and arts on the day of the eclipse. Attendees can enjoy band performances, arts activities and more on the Beck Center’s campus. Free, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, April 8, 1-4:30 p.m., beckcenter.org
Lorain
Bascule Brewery
Blackout in the biergarten and celebrate the eclipse with the brewery’s annual release of the Swamp Lily Black IPA. Guests will receive a commemorative beer glass in honor of this memorable experience. More details to come soon. Free, 1397 Colorado Ave., Lorain, April 8, 1 p.m., basculebrewery.com
Black River Landing
Get a prime viewing of the eclipse at Lorain’s beloved Black River Landing. Lorain will be in the eclipse’s line of totality, promising almost 4 minutes of darkness, so get comfortable. A jam-packed day of food trucks, vendors, and other out-of-this-world events is in the works. Free, 421 Black River Ln., Lorain, April 8, noon, facebook.com/blackriverlanding
Lyndhurst
Legacy Village
Join friends, family, shoppers and eclipse-lovers alike at Lyndhurst’s favorite strip mall for an afternoon on the Lawn. Live music, food trucks, vendors, and other activities will be the main attraction, with shops around the village ready for when you need some retail therapy. Free, 25010 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst. April 8, 2-4 p.m., facebook.com/legacyvillage
Madison
Debonne Vineyards Dinner in the Dark
A few days ahead of the eclipse, graze your way through the eclipse with a four-course, candlelit progressive dinner, featuring a solar-themed menu. The first course and wine pours will begin at Debonné Vineyards and move on to Grand River Cellars for a full-serve main course, finishing with dessert served at Cask 307 with additional wine pours. Prior registration and tickets are required. Tickets $70. 7840 Doty Road, Madison, April 5, 6 p.m. debonne.com
Medina
Castle Noel
Get transported to another festive world as totality reaches Castle Noel in Medina, with a watch party full of celestial offerings ready for takeoff. Enjoy 19 holes of 3D mini golf alongside aliens and other galactic scenes, tubular tunes from a live DJ, and a host of solar-themed snacks, all while watching the sun meet the moon in perfect eclipse harmony. Reservations are required, with limited tickets available for purchase. $20, 260 S. Court St., Medina, April 8, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., facebook.com/castlenoel
Mentor
Happy Moose Restaurant
Gather with friends and enjoy a drink and take part in Happy Moose’s Total Eclipse Watch Party. Drink specials will be offered, and guests are asked to bring their own viewing glasses. This event is free and open to the public; no registration is required. 7693 Reynolds Road, Mentor, April 8, 2 p.m., happymoosebarandgrill.com
Port Clinton
Cedarlane RV Resort
Make the most out of this cosmic celebration by taking part in Solar Eclipse Camping. Cedarlane RV Resort will be opening up early to allow guests to enjoy a unique camping experience. 2766 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, April 8, 2 p.m., cedarlanervresort.com
Sandusky
Total Eclipse of the Point
Thrill-seekers take note: Cedar Point will open early for the season, just for the solar eclipse. Guests can visit The Boardwalk and go on select rides while visiting the Grand Pavilion Restaurant & Bar. More details, including ticket prices, will be announced. 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, April 8, cedarpoint.com
Streetsboro
Streetsboro City Park
Don’t just watch the eclipse: learn about it with the Friends of Streetsboro Parks who are trained in eclipse education and designated Eclipse Ambassadors. Grab lunch from the local food trucks and kick off an afternoon of galactic fun. Limited telescopes and viewing glasses will be provided. Free, 9000 Kirby Ln., Streetsboro, April 8, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., facebook.com/streetsboroparksfriends
Wakeman
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
Take in the sights of the once in a lifetime solar eclipse in style at the Vermilion Valley Vineyards. Listen to live music from Jim Gill, and taste food and drinks from Mellow Yellow Pizzeria and Ono Brew Cafe. At 3:12 p.m., the full eclipse will pass over the vineyards, covering the area in total darkness. Free, 11005 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman, April 8, 1-6 p.m., vermilion-valleyvineyards.com
Westlake
Total Eclipse of the Park
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of a total solar eclipse at Crocker Park. Complimentary eclipse-viewing glasses will be provided. A live musical performance by Apostle Jones will enhance the experience and specialty sales will be taking place at various shops throughout the property. Registration is not required, and the event is free. Viewers coming from out of town will be able to purchase a room at the Hyatt nearby. 117 Market St., Westlake, April 8, 2 p.m. crockerpark.com
Willoughby
Willoughby House
Gather with a lawn chair or blanket for a total eclipse celebration at Willoughby House and view this historic moment from a historic venue. Enjoy food prepared by Jose Coronado, executive chef of Julia’s 1902, with the purchase of food and drink tickets. Tickets include admission, eclipse glasses, and live music. $16, 37819 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. April 8, 1-5 p.m. willoughbyhouse.com
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