Your Guide to Experiencing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Downtown Akron

On April 8, we’ll get to have the incredibly rare celestial experience of viewing a total solar eclipse, with downtown Akron nested within the path of totality. You’ve probably already seen news articles or social media posts describing what might happen during the eclipse, like nocturnal animals waking up and the streetlights turning on, or what the human and vehicular traffic might be like in Northeast Ohio that day. This guide exists specifically to let you know what eclipse-related specials and events you can look forward to in downtown Akron—before, during, and after the moment of cosmic wonder. We’ll update it as we learn more information about what’s going on in the neighborhood.

Don’t forget: METRO RTA will be fare free the day of the eclipse!

To see eclipse events and specials listed on our calendar, click here.

Downtown Akron Pre-Eclipse Events

Stray Dog Cafe | Eclipse Gear for Sale

You’ll need a good pair of eclipse glasses this April, and Stray Dog Café has them for $3 per pair (or $5 for two pairs). They’ll also throw in a free pair of glasses with the purchase of one of their commemorative Akron Eclipse t-shirts. Items are available for a limited time, while supplies last. Order online, then pick up your gear at any of Stray Dog’s locations.

Akron Soul Train Gallery | Matt Kurtz: Drumroll for the Total Eclipse: A Preliminary Exhibition

February 21 - March 23

Local artist Matthew B. Kurtz will be giving a performance entitled Drumroll for a Total Eclipse at Chestnut Ridge Park in Kenmore on April 8. In advance of that, Akron Soul Train is showcasing Drumroll for a Total Eclipse: A Preliminary Exhibition, that blends place, nature, sound, rhythm, and movement in an attempt to understand the sublime. See Kurtz’s exhibition now through March 23. The Akron Soul Train Gallery’s hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm. Admission to the gallery is free.

Akron Children's Museum | Space-Themed Delight Nights

March 7, 14, 21, 28

Every Thursday, Akron Children’s Museum extends their hours for Delight Nights. From 5 to 8 pm, bring the kids for a fun evening of play and learning that includes full access to 25 exhibits, plus a couple of featured surprises. In anticipation of the eclipse, Akron Children’s Museum’s Delight Nights during the month of March will be outer space themed. Registration is not required. Regular admission costs $7 per person and is free for Akron Children’s Museum members.

Akron-Summit County Public Library | Main Event Many Voices: Dr. Philip Plait

March 25

Dr. Philip Plait is known as the “Bad Astronomer” because of his tendency to call out misinformation online, and on Monday, March 25, he’s giving a talk on his latest book, Under Alien Skies: A Sightseer’s Guide to the Universe. He’ll also talk about the science behind eclipses, debunk a few misconceptions, and share information on how to experience a solar eclipse safely. This event begins at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:15, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Akron Civic Theatre | Wish You Were Here: The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd Eclipse Tour

April 5

Wish You Were Here is a tribute band that’s been known as The Sight & Sound of Pink Floyd since 1995, and they’re stopping at the Akron Civic Theatre on April 5 as part of their Eclipse Tour 2024. They’ll play Pink Floyd classics and lesser-known songs, and there will be lasers. Ticket sales will benefit the Akron Children’s Hospital Haslinger Palliative Care Center, and each ticket holder will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses courtesy of Wish You Were Here. Reserve your $15 - $50 tickets online or by calling the Civic’s box office. The show begins at 8 pm.

Akron Bazaar | Total Eclipse of the (Market)

April 6

Akron Bazaar is the little sister of Cleveland Bazaar, an organization that’s been hosting pop-up market events since 2004. Akron Bazaar is bringing 10 market events to the heart of Main Street this year, each featuring a wide array of handmade goods for sale from local and regional creatives. The first Akron Bazaar event of the year is Total Eclipse of the (Market) on April 6. The market will be located inside the beautiful 159 South Main building and runs from 10 am to 4 pm.

Akron Zoo | Galaxy Fest

April 6 & 7

On the two days leading up to the eclipse, Akron Zoo will hold Galaxy Fest, an out-of-this-world event that will feature oodles of galactic activities, music, a scavenger hunt, science demonstrations, photo opportunities, animal encounters, and more. Visitors are encouraged to wear their best sci-fi themed attire. General admission rates apply for this event.

The Nightlight | Asteroid City

April 7

For one day only, The Nightlight is bringing back Wes Anderson's Asteroid City in celebration of the eclipse. In this film, the itinerary of a 1950s Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention, happening in an American desert town, is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. Purchase tickets to one of two showings on The Nightlight's website.

Things to Do the Day of the Eclipse (April 8)

Akron RubberDucks | Party in the Park till It's Dark

10 am - 4 pm

The Akron RubberDucks, in partnership with Majic 105.7, have plenty planned to commemorate the eclipse. Concession stands will be open all day, and beginning at 1:30, attendees can head onto the outfield grass to watch the eclipse. Fans are encouraged to bring blankets. Tickets to Party in the Park till It’s Dark cost $5, but for $20, you can get a time slot to take batting practice on the field. The first 1,500 who arrive at Canal Park will receive free eclipse glasses, and anyone who hits a home run over the outfield wall during batting practice will win a free RubberDucks season ticket.

Akron Art Museum | The Sun, the Moon, and the Art

11 am - 5 pm

Watch the eclipse from the beautiful Bud & Susie Rogers Garden at the Akron Art Museum’s The Sun, the Moon, and the Art event. The museum will have a collection of eclipse-related art on display, as well as opportunities to engage in art activities, live music, eclipse-themed refreshments, and other exciting pop-ups. Tickets cost $5 and are non-refundable. Due to limited space and high demand, a maximum of three guests per reservation is allowed.

Akron Zoo | Total Eclipse of the Zoo

11 am - 5 pm

The Akron Zoo has tons planned for their Total Eclipse of the Zoo event, like crafts, zookeeper talks, training demonstrations, and educational stations where visitors can learn more about eclipses and outer space. You can also participate in one of the zoo’s citizen science projects. Tickets range from free (for infants) to $24 (for non-member adults). Tickets must be purchased in advance, and guests are encouraged to carpool.

The Daily Pressed | Solar Eclipse Brunch Party

11 am

The Daily Pressed, a European-style café and cocktail bar, invites visitors to join them for brunch, drink specials, and a party. Eclipse-themed cocktail specials include the Cosmic Cooler, the Eclipse Martini, and the Sun and Moon Mimosa. The party starts at 11 am.

Street Craftery | Total Eclipse Candle Making

12 - 7 pm

Street Craftery will hold workshops all day long on April 8, when visitors can sign up for time slots to create their very own 10-ounce candles to commemorate the eclipse. Select from more than 90 different fragrances and tons of different vessels to make it your own. The cost for the workshop is $38, and you can sign up on Street Craftery's website.

El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine | Tequila & Totality

1 - 5 pm

El Patrón is offering a rooftop eclipse-viewing experience, Tequila & Totality, complete with tequila talks, food, games, music, vendors, and giveaways. A limited number of tickets is available on Eventbrite for $50 apiece, the cost of which includes three street tacos, a pair of eclipse glasses, and two Tequila Komos cocktails of your choice.

City of Akron | Downtown Akron Eclipse with Us

1 - 8 pm

The City of Akron invites visitors to witness the magic of the eclipse on the south side of downtown, at 510 S. Main St. They’ll have music, food, and plenty of space—perfect for setting up your lawn chair or blankets. Lawn chairs will be available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis, and restrooms are available on site. Registration is required and is free. Each registered guest will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses.

Jilly's Music Room | Eclipse Party

1 pm

Jilly’s Music Room is throwing an all-ages eclipse bash in the Northside District. Get ready for plenty of live music with Mr. Jeff and Umojah Nation, children’s programming provided by Northside Marketplace, outdoor food stations, eclipse-themed DORA beverages, eclipse glasses, eclipse merch from Rubber City Clothing, and more. Registration is required to manage event capacity and is free.

BLU-Tique Hotel | Eclipse Cocktail Specials & Viewing

1 pm

The 1 Food & Spirits, located inside BLU-Tique Hotel, will open early at 1 pm on April 8 for guests to enjoy the eclipse. They'll have four special eclipse-themed cocktails, as well as a newly updated menu of small plates and sandwiches, and a limited supply of free eclipse glasses for guests.

Akron-Summit County Public Library | Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

12 - 4 pm

Gather in the Main Library’s outdoor amphitheater to watch the eclipse outside, or get comfortable in the auditorium while watching NASA’s livestream of the event. Eclipse glasses will be available for pick up at the Business, Government & Science desk on the first floor of the library beginning March 30 and are free, while supplies last.

The Mustill Store | Eclipse Party

1 - 5 pm

Cascade Locks Park Association will celebrate the eclipse at the Mustill Store with live music by Elijah Blower, free cosmic goodie bags, free eclipse glasses, crafts, prizes, and more. Bring a picnic and stay for the day!

The Green Dragon Inn | Celestial Afterparty

7 pm

After the eclipse, spend the evening at The Green Dragon Inn Board Game Bar & Café, where there will be eclipse- and space-themed board games, an eclipse-themed cocktail, and a special D&D one-shot adventure based on the eclipse. Tickets to play D&D are $10 and can be reserved by calling the Inn at 234-231-1534.

Post-Eclipse Events

Summit Artspace | In the Shadow: Artwork from the Total Solar Eclipse

May 24 - June 15

Summit Artspace will be hosting a special exhibition from May 24 to June 15—In the Shadow: Artwork from the Total Solar Eclipse. If you feel inspired by the eclipse and are moved to create art as you reflect on it, consider submitting your work, in any medium, to Summit Artspace. They’re looking to display as much artwork as possible in the Welcome Gallery and Hallways throughout the building. Submissions are open April 5 – May 3, and those accepted will be notified on May 10.

Other Eclipse Specials & Happenings

Chill Ice Cream & Indulge Chocolates

Chill Ice Cream will offer two special eclipse-themed ice cream flavors: MoonPie, which consists of chocolate-covered graham crackers in a creamy marshmallow ice cream, and Hello Darkness My Old Friend, which consists of coconut ash ice cream and has hints of vanilla and coconut. Chill’s sister company, Indulge Chocolates, will offer special Eclipse Bars—crescent moon-shaped chocolate bars coated on one side with nonpareils.

Zeber-Martell Clay Studio & Gallery

Zeber-Martell Clay Studio & Gallery is creating a limited number of mugs to commemorate the eclipse. The mugs will be part of their signature Akron collection that generally features the city’s skyline, sunset colors, and blimps. On these mugs, though, the blimp’s place is taken by an image of the sun and moon. Mugs cost $45 and can be purchased by calling 330-253-3808.

Black Culture Candles

Black Culture Candles, located inside Northside Marketplace, is creating limited edition eclipse candles to capture the essence of the upcoming celestial event. Candles can be preordered at blackculturecandles.com, and will be delivered by April 30. Be sure to check out Black Culture Candles' space inside the Marketplace, too, for more goodies.

Other Important Things to Remember

It is essential to take proper safety precautions when viewing a solar eclipse, as failure to do so can cause irreparable damage to your eyes. NASA has a set of safety guidelines that will be helpful to familiarize yourself with.

Additionally, the County of Summit Emergency Management Agency has recommendations for safety resulting from the heavy vehicular traffic expected on April 8. Locals are encouraged to either view the eclipse from home (or walk, bike, or take public transit to a nearby park), or, if they come downtown, to arrive early and stay late in order to avoid traffic caused by out-of-towners.