On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible across wide swaths of Mexico and the United States. The eclipse is being called the “Great North American Eclipse,” and the path of totality is running right above Cleveland, Ohio.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of event to be able to see in Cleveland – the next total solar eclipse to pass directly over the city won’t happen until 2444!
So if you’re curious about the what, when, where, and how of experiencing the 2024 solar eclipse in Cleveland, read on!
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse is a phenomenon that occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, lining up just right to completely block out the sun.
On Earth during a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens to the point of seeming like dusk or dawn, even though it may be mid-day. Viewers of a total solar eclipse will also be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer ring, which is normally not visible.
There are other types of solar eclipses, such as a partial solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse. In these events, the moon still passes between the sun and Earth, but it does not completely block it out.
A total solar eclipse is considered to be a more rare and unique phenomenon since the sun is completely blocked out and only its corona is visible.
Where solar eclipses are visible is dependent on lots of factors, including the time of year and path of the sun and moon. The last time a total solar eclipse was visible over the contiguous United States was in 2017, and the next one won’t be until 2044!
When is the 2024 solar eclipse?
The 2024 solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
The partial eclipse in the Cleveland area will begin at 1:59 p.m. EDT and last until 4:29 p.m. EDT. During this time, you’ll be able to see the moon partially covering the sun.
But the four-minute window from 3:13 p.m. EDT until 3:17 p.m. EDT is when you’ll want to make sure you’re outside and ready to view the eclipse, because that’s when totality will occur. Totality is when the moon is completely covering the sun, and you can see the sun’s corona.
Again, in Cleveland, the optimal viewing time will be from 3:13 p.m. EDT until 3:17 p.m. EDT. (And that’s considered a LONG length of totality, so we’re lucky!)
What is the path of totality?
Cleveland is located directly in the path of totality for the 2024 solar eclipse. This path is typically only about 100 miles wide, and describes the area that will experience the total solar eclipse. (Outside of the path of totality, only a partial eclipse will be visible.)
In the case of the Great North American Eclipse, the path of totality will begin on the Pacific coast of Mexico and pass to the northeast, all the way up to Maine.
Only cities in the path of totality will experience the full solar eclipse.
In the United States, the path of totality will move through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
According to NASA, these are some of the cities that will be in the path of totality for the eclipse:
- Dallas, Texas
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Evansville, Indiana
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Buffalo, New York
- Burlington, Vermont
The solar eclipse will be viewable in Cleveland starting around mid-day, with totality occurring from 3:13 p.m. EDT until 3:17 p.m. EDT in the afternoon.
Is Cleveland a good place to watch the eclipse?
To be honest, Cleveland probably won’t be the number one spot eclipse-watchers will flock to for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Why? Because in order to fully see and enjoy the eclipse, you need clear skies. And northeast Ohio isn’t exactly well-known for its reliably clear skies in early April.
Having said that, though, the majority of cities in the US that the path of totality crosses will be facing the same issue in April 2024 – that’s just springtime for you.
If you already live in northeast Ohio, there’s no need to travel for the solar eclipse. We’ll just all cross our fingers for a clear day!
Tips for watching a total solar eclipse
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to watch the solar eclipse in Cleveland:
1. You MUST wear eye protection
During a solar eclipse, it’s not safe to look directly at the sun, except for the brief minutes of totality when only the sun’s corona is visible. Look directly at the sun can cause severe eye damage, especially during an eclipse when you’ll probably be looking at it for a long time.
This means you’ll need a pair of eclipse glasses (the ones linked are by LUNT Solar Systems and are certified as safe) or a handheld solar viewing device. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
You also cannot view a solar eclipse through binoculars or a camera lens. If you’re using binoculars or taking photos of the eclipse, you’ll need a special-purpose solar filter over the lens of your device to protect your eyes. (Looking through a lens with your eclipse glasses on is not recommended, as it’s not fully safe; a dedicated filter is much better.)
Find a full list of approved solar filters, viewers, and glasses here.
2. Get there early
The best time to arrive for the total solar eclipse is well before the period of totality. While the partial eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m. EDT and last until 4:29 p.m., the four-minute window of 3:13 p.m. EDT until 3:17 p.m. EDT is when totality will occur.
It’s a good idea to get to your viewing location by at least 2:30 p.m. to make sure you don’t miss this rare and brief phenomenon. (And allow extra time to account for heavy traffic.)
Where to watch the solar eclipse in Cleveland
The good news for anyone planning to watch the total solar eclipse in Cleveland is that the path of the sun in early April and the timing of the eclipse (full totality above Cleveland will be from 3:13 p.m. EDT and 3:17 p.m. EDT) means that you should be able to get a decent view anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Having said that, though, the ideal place to be will likely be near the Lake Erie shore (or out on the water itself), since the exact center point of the path of totality will be over the water, and there might be a better chance of the skies being clear there.
Cleveland eclipse day tips
Note that the City of Cleveland is predicting A LOT of traffic on eclipse day (it’s also right after the NCAA Women’s Final Four events, and the same day as the Guardians home opener), so if you’re planning to drive into the city, give yourself LOTS of extra time.
In downtown Cleveland, road closures and parking restrictions are planned for April 8th. Some planned closures include:
- Route 2 Westbound ramps will be closed at I-90.
- Alfred Lerner Way/Erieside will be closed from W 3rd to E 9th. (There will still be access to the Great Lakes Science Center garage, however.)
- E 9th north of Erieside will be closed; both sides of E 9th Street from Erieside to the cul-de-sac will be a food truck zone.
- St. Clair and Lakeside will be a No Parking/No Stopping Zone from W 9th to E 9th.
- W 3rd, W 6th, and W 9th will be No Parking/No Stopping zones North of Superior.
- Huron and Prospect west of E 9th to Ontario will also be No Parking/No Stopping zones.
- W 25th from the Shoreway to Lorain will be a No Parking/No Stopping zone.
- W 25th from Clark to I-71 will be a No Parking/No Stopping zone.
- Euclid Ave from Chester to Mayfield will be a No Parking/No Stopping zone.
More info about closures at this link.
(And if you’re hoping to park downtown this day? Definitely be prepared to pay sky-high special event parking prices.)
How to get downtown on eclipse day
Driving downtown (and back out of downtown) Cleveland is going to be an exercise in patience on April 8. If you don’t want to drive, know that there will be some extra public transit options.
RTA’s rail and bus services will be available and the RTA’s Waterfront Line (light rail) will be running April 6, 7, and 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., which connects Tower City (which is served by other RTA lines) to North Coast Harbor and the Great Lakes Science Center.
I would highly, highly recommend planning to use the RTA lines to get downtown on April 8th if you’re not already going to be there. Most light rail stations in Cleveland suburbs have free park-and-ride options.
Cleveland solar eclipse events
There are many organized watch areas/parties planned for the eclipse. Some of the biggest include:
Total Eclipse Festival 2024 – Sponsored by the Great Lakes Science Center and NASA Glenn Research, this 3-day festival will take place at North Coast Harbor from April 6-8. There will be entertainment, science activities, food vendors, and more, including a free concert by the Cleveland Orchestra on April 7. NASA TV will be doing a live broadcast from here on the day of the eclipse. (Cost: FREE)
Total on the Oval – The Cleveland Museum of Natural History and University Circle are hosting a community eclipse watch party on April 8th on Wade Oval. The event will run from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with special programs inside CMNH until 2 p.m. There will be live music and family-friendly activities. (Cost: FREE)
Lights Out in The Land – Hosted by Cleveland 19 News and the Lake Erie Crushers, this eclipse watch party event will take place at Crushers Stadium (2009 Baseball Blvd in Avon) from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on April 8th. 19 News will be broadcasting live from the event, and free protective eye glasses will be provided by North Coast Eye Care. (Cost: $30)
Solar Fest – Happening over 4 days (April 5-8) at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, this event is part music festival and part eclipse watch party. On April 8th, there will be a special (ticketed) watch party for the eclipse on the plaza in front of the Rock Hall.
Total Eclipse of the Arboretum – The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland will be hosting its own eclipse event from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 8. There will be food trucks and activities, and you’re encouraged to bring blankets and a picnic. The Canopy Walk will be open during event hours, and the Emergent Tower will be open from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Cost: $15 for members, $30 for non-members)
Solar Eclipse Rooftop Party – Lago Custom Events is hosting its Diamond In The Dark: Cleveland Solar Eclipse Rooftop Party starting at 1 p.m. on April 8. The party is taking place on the Veranda at Lago East Bank in the aLoft Hotel in the Flats, and should offer great views. Tickets include food and a pair of eclipse glasses. (Cost: $25)
Tailgate the Eclipse – For anyone familiar with tailgating for Browns games at the Muni Lot, the lot (at 1500 South Marginal Road) will be open on April 8th for tailgating and eclipse viewing, too! The lot opens at 5 a.m., and parking spots are $50 each for the whole day. Regular tailgating rules apply (such as no fires or grills, and no alcohol).
Plus, lots of bars and restaurants around the city will also be hosting parties and events, like Punch Bowl Social, BrewDog, Bar 32, Viking Public House, Truss Event Venue, Swenson’s in Brooklyn, The Madison, and even the Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park.
Cleveland area suburbs are also planning local watch parties, including in Cleveland Heights, Beachwood, Avon Lake, Euclid. You can also find an event at the Geauga County Fairgrounds.
Can I see the eclipse if it’s cloudy?
If the skies above Cleveland are completely cloudy on the day of the total solar eclipse, you won’t be able to see the actual eclipse itself (i.e. the moon passing in front of the sun and the cool corona this produces), but you’ll still experience the rest of the eclipse.
The sky will get eerily dark like it’s suddenly twilight, the temperature will drop, and birds and other wildlife will go silent. I’m not gonna lie: it’s kind of eerie! But it’s cool to experience, and you’ll be able to see/feel all of those things even if the skies are cloudy.
Are you planning to watch the total solar eclipse in Cleveland in 2024?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’s sharing her love of the Cleveland area, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.
Thanks so much for this fantastically helpful information! Our kiddo’s favorite city is Cleveland and we are planning to make the trip there for the eclipse. This was perfect! ????
Happy to help! Fingers crossed for clear skies on April 8!
I am coming from the South. I am considering doing tourist/Eclipse events in Cleveland Friday, Saturday and Sunday then observing the eclipse in an area with less street ights that will automatically come on. We are staying in Beachwood, do you have suggestions of towns having events, bathrooms, food trucks, etc that is close by?
I don’t know of any planned events in Beachwood or any nearby smaller towns yet. There may be some, but I haven’t seen them advertised just yet. Most of what I’ve seen centers around Cleveland and smaller spots along the Lake Erie coast. I will keep this post updated with events as I learn about them, though.
Beachwood Blackout — Solar Eclipse Watch Party 4/8/2024 2pm – 4:30pm Beachwood High School
Thank you for that!
Will there be a location to park cars & take public transportation into the lakefront area on eclipse day?
Good question! As far as I know, there aren’t any plans for special/extra public transit options on that day. Cleveland does have a light rail line, however the waterfront line only runs on Browns football game days. You could park further out along the Green Line or Blue Line (both go all the way out past Shaker Square) and take the light rail to Tower City and then walk to the lakefront downtown. As for other parts of the lakefront, you’d need to consult bus schedules and I’m not an expert on all those lines! The RTA site is here: https://www.riderta.com/
Hi! Thank you for all the great information. Are there any Eclipse bike tours or runs in Cleveland? Thank you.
I haven’t heard of any bike rides. I have seen a couple 5Ks mentioned – there’s one in Tremont and one in Avon Lake for sure – but those seem to be taking place on April 7, and not on eclipse day itself.
Excellent info. I’m coming from Philly and had planned to watch from the science center. I just read the festival rules, though, and it says you can’t bring chairs. Surely they don’t expect you to stand through the whole event, do they?
If the rules say no chairs, then possibly! You could perhaps bring a blanket?
Happy Saturday! I’m driving from Detroit to Cleveland on April 8, 2024. Where should I go to see the solar eclipse?
There’s going to be a ton of traffic that day for the event, so it honestly might come down to where you can get to in time. Anywhere with an unobstructed view to the north will work! Along the lakeshore will probably have the best view if it’s clear, but it’s gonna be busy!
I learned that, indeed, you can’t bring chairs or blankets or tripods, telescopes, etc. To the Science Center. However, you CAN bring all of that to the “Total on the Oval” at Wade Oval. There are lots of cool things happening at the Museum of Natural History as well. I am getting rather worried it will be too cloudy for the eclipse, though. I may have to drive back to Philly to see the partial eclipse.
Amanda, is there a good way to get from the Science Center to Wade Oval via public transportation?
There are ways… but not necessarily “good” or fast ways. There are buses, though I am not super knowledgeable on the best routes and would default on asking Google Maps for that. You can also sort of take the light rail – Waterfront Line to Tower City, and then the red line to Little Italy, and then it’s a 15 minute walk from Little Italy. But that will take you about an hour, so I wouldn’t necessarily call it a great option.
Bummer. I guess we’ll Uber.
Any events or issues on the west side of Cleveland (Lakewood and west)?
Avon Lake is having an official event, but I can’t find anything official listed in Lakewood, Rocky River, or Bay Village. However I’m sure it will still be busy with lots of people going to parks and areas along the lakeshore to watch. So if you’re headed that way, I would just prepare for traffic backups regardless of any organized events.
Is there a place (town, park, etc) to watch the Eclipse from right off of an interstate, and not downtown? Don’t want to get suck in traffic on two lane roads very long if we can avoid it. Thanks.
Literally almost any park, parking lot, or open space north of Akron should work, as long as trees aren’t blocking the sky. (We have lots of highways leading into Cleveland, so there’s not one specific place I can recommend.)