Many local schools are closing on Monday, April 8, because of the total solar eclipse – when the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun for about four minutes. And more free community eclipse watch parties are popping up.
Remember, it is never safe to look at an eclipse without certified protective eyewear or by viewing it though a pinhole camera.
Here are some options for families who want to safely view the eclipse on April 8 without breaking the bank.
Beachwood
2 to 4:30 p.m. at Beachwood High School, 25100 Fairmount Blvd.
The free Beachwood watch party is open to all ages with games, crafts, a livestream/movie truck, snacks, refreshments and a DJ. Free eclipse viewing glasses, courtesy of Crestmont, will be available while supplies last.
Cleveland
10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wade Oval
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the University Circle community are hosting a free community watch party with live music and activities.
Lakewood
1 p.m. at Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave.
Beck Center for the Arts is hosting a free eclipse event with food, live music and arts experiences. RSVP here.
Traffic info A partial eclipse will begin as early as 1:59 p.m. and last until 4:29 p.m. on Monday, April 8. If you plan to drive in the City of Cleveland, pay attention to road closures and parking restrictions. Traffic “officers will be out across the city at lights and ramps helping people get where they are going safely,” the city said on its website. Click here to find a list of all the parking bans and closures in Cleveland. The Ohio Department of Transportation created a map to help drivers navigate roads on April 8, when a lot of visitors are expected to converge on Northeast Ohio for eclipse viewing. See the map and various scenarios based on the number of visitors.
Find additional news and information about the April 8 solar eclipse here.