PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – If you’re unable to make it to a spot in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse (Virginia is not in the path of totality), there are still many ways you can celebrate the rare celestial event, right here in Hampton Roads.
This is the first total solar eclipse viewable in the United States since 2017.
In the Hampton Roads area, the solar eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. and reach its maximum viewing around 3:20 pm. Hampton Roads will see about 80% of the sun covered.
Check out the list below to find a local event near you. If you have an event to add, please email us at this link.
VIRGINIA BEACH
First Landing State Park Eclipse Extravaganza
Where: First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA
When: April 8, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. (height of the eclipse)
Description: Purchase a pair of eclipse glasses from the camp store to enhance your viewing experience while you relax under the darkening presence of the moon covering 78% of the sun over First Landing. Standing parking/admission fees apply. No extra fees.
FALSE CAPE STATE PARK
Where: False Cape State Park, 4001 Sandpiper Rd., Virginia Beach
When: April 8, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Description: Watch the 2024 Solar Eclipse over Back Bay. We’ll take a tram ride from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge into False Cape State Park to view this rare and exciting event. The next solar eclipse visible from the US won’t be until 2044, so don’t miss out. From our vantage point we will get to witness a partial solar eclipse of 76% coverage. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will be available for purchase. Cost is $10 per person and $5 entrance fee for Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge per vehicle. Reservations are required. Please call 757-426-7128 to register.
VIRGINIA STATE PARKS
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation says 42 Virginia State Parks will be a great spot to watch the April 8 solar eclipse. Click here for the complete list and the peak eclipse viewing time for each location.
HAMPTON
Where: Chamberlin Hotel, on the grounds of Fort Monroe, Hampton
When: April 8, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m.
Description: The gathering will be on the Hygeia Lawn outside the Chamberlin Hotel starting at 3 p.m. Viewing glasses will be provided. There is no admission charge. The Chamberlin is located at 2 Fenwick Road. The eclipse is expected to happen at 3:20 p.m. Monday. This is projected to be the last solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2044.
NEWPORT NEWS
VA Living Museum Solar Eclipse 2024
Where: Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, VA
When: April 8, 2024 – Activities planned all day
Description: Gather on the Conservation Lawn from 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. to witness the eclipse (weather permitting) and learn from the VLM education staff about how eclipses work. You can safely gaze at the sun with solar-viewing glasses available for purchase (while supplies last) in the Wild Things Museum Store, or watch the live broadcast from areas of totality on monitors throughout the Museum. Come early for the “Eclipse 2024” planetarium show at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m. Click here for museum admission information.
Build a Moon Wall Light
Where: Virgil I. Grissom Library, 366 Deshazor Dr, Newport News, VA
When: April 8, 2024 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Description: Celebrate the eclipse by creating a beautiful moon wall light. All materials supplied for free! This is for adults 18+ and no experience is necessary. Registration is required. RSVP at this link.
Where: Main Street Library, 110 Main St, Newport News, VA
When: April 8, 2024 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Description: Meet at the Main Street Library, where members of the Back Bay Amateur Astronomer’s Club will be on hand to make viewing the solar eclipse an extra-special experience. The eclipse begins at 2:03 p.m., but the information session and activities begin at 1 p.m. inside the Main Street Library’s meeting Room. Eclipse glasses and activities provided by STAR Net SEAL and the Backbay Astronomer’s Club. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided on the day of the event! Supplies limited.
NORFOLK
Ocean View Eclipse Watch Party
Where: 414 W Ocean View Ave., Norfolk
When: April 8, 2024
Description: The Ocean View Fishing Pier will be opening for lunch Monday for an Eclipse Watch Party! Grab a galactic drink special from our bar and hang out on the top deck for an unobstructed view of the Eclipse! They will have NASA-approved viewing glasses for customers. (First come first serve; while supplies last)
WALLOPS ISLAND, VA
NASA Wallops Eclipse Viewing
Where: NASA Wallops Visitor Center, 175 Chincoteague Rd.
When: April 8, 2024 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. ET
Description: Safely witness the awe-inspiring Solar Eclipse, catch the thrilling launch of 3 Black Brant IX sounding rockets for the APEP-2 mission, and explore engaging solar-related activities throughout the visitor center. This event will take place rain or shine! All vehicles MUST fit within a standard parking spot for this event; no large or oversized vehicles will be permitted for entry. At the Wallops Visitor Center, the moon will block a maximum of 81.4% of the Sun’s light during this phenomenon. One sounding rocket will launch for each segment of the Total Solar Eclipse beginning approximately at 2:40 p.m. EDT and ending approximately at 4:05 p.m. EDT, yielding about 45 minutes between each rocket.
WILLIAMSBURG
Solar Eclipse Bring Your Own Picnic
Where: Williamsburg City Square, 412 N. Boundary St.
When: April 8, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Description: Bring your own picnic to experience this amazing astronomical event outside on City Square. Organizers will provide snacks, special eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last), and Joe’s Day Off Trio will provide live music.
Alewerks Brewing Ring of Fire Party
Where: Alewerks Brewing Company, 189 B Ewell Rd., Williamsburg
When: Monday, April 8 from 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Description: Alewerks Brewing is opening its main taproom early Monday. “Join us for an educational seminar led by our very own beertender Alyson! We’ll have special glasses on site for purchase so you can watch the eclipse safely, along with an exciting beer release and space snacks (while supplies last). Order the solar eclipse specialty flight while learning and having fun!”
WASHINGTON, DC
Where: National Mall between 4th and 12th Streets
When: April 8, 2024 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Description: This FREE event is hosted by NASA and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Event attendees are encouraged to bring their own solar eclipse viewers to the Festival. A limited number of solar eclipse glasses will be handed out during the event.
ELIZABETH CITY, NC
Where: All Campuses of College of the Albemarle
When: April 8, 2024 from 2 p.m. – 4 :30 p.m.
Description: On April 8, College of The Albemarle will be holding an event to view the partial solar eclipse. The event is being called “The Partial Solar Eclipse Party”. This event will be held from 2-4:30 p.m. at a designated location at each COA campus location. Because of safety concerns, each participant aged 18 and above must sign a waiver, and participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature to participate in the event using the eclipse glasses.
Prepare for SAFE Solar Viewing during this year’s Total Solar Eclipse by checking out NASA’s Eclipse Safety Page.