Grab your eclipse glasses! In what has already been a hectic year, New Yorkers are invited to come together on April 8, 2024 to slow down, look up, and appreciate the 2024 total solar eclipse. This rare occurrence, visible when the Moon blocks the Sun from our spot on Earth, will be the last of its kind visible from the United States until 2044. This year, parts of New York State fall within the path of totality, where the Sun will be completely obscured save for the slim ring of the corona. In these areas, viewers will experience multiple minutes of darkness. Other parts of New York, including New York City, are still in for a show as the moon will cover roughly 90% of the sun in the afternoon. Gather with fellow New Yorkers in one of these unique viewing spots, from a Brooklyn cemetery to Niagara Falls!
Aboard the Historic Lilac Steamship
Join Untapped New York Insiders and Captain Mary Habstritt, Museum Director of the Lilac Preservation Project, for a special viewing of this rare celestial event on the deck of the 91-year-old Coast Guard Cutter Lilac, docked in Hudson River Park! All participants will get free eclipse glasses to safely view the spectacle. The experience will begin with a tour of the boat where you’ll get to see areas not usually accessible to the general public. You can also bring a lunch or snacks to enjoy while watching the celestial show. This event is free for Untapped New York Insiders! Not a member yet? Become an Insider today with code JOINUS and get your first month free.
Solar Eclipse Viewing & LILAC Tour
Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY
Bring your friends and family to gather on the historic grounds of the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn for a perfect view of the solar eclipse. Equipped with special-edition glasses and telescopes, the Cemetery has crafted an amazing event full of music and activities for guests to enjoy.
Green-Wood Cemetery was founded in 1838. It is still an active cemetery, but is now also a cultural institution and outdoor museum, telling the tale of the plentiful internments buried there. Green-Wood’s 478 acres and open land make it the perfect viewing spot for this astrological rarity. Learn more here!
NYSCI Eclipse Watch Party, Queens, NY
Come out to Queens this April for an unforgettable experience watching the eclipse at the New York Hall of Science. The event will feature a variety of eclipse-inspired crafts and activities as well as safe eclipse viewing options. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to find a spot on NYSCI’s grassy land to watch the celestial event.
The NYSCI, a remnant of the 1964 World’s Fair, is the perfect place for your family to watch the eclipse if you want to combine education with entertainment. The museum has been a staple of Queens for many years, and its Festival Field has been home to many educational events.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruise with Classic Harbor
You can view the eclipse while sailing on the Hudson when you board one of Classic Harbor Line’s two Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruises on April 8th. They leave at 2:00 pm or 2:10 pm in order to get you on the water for prime viewing time. On board, you can sip on a delicious The Eclipse Cocktail made with layers of Goslings dark rum, pineapple, triple sec, and grenadine, mimicking the dark shadow of the moon passing over the sun, garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice, the darker center and outer yellow rind mimics the moon covering the sun.
Each passenger will receive protective eyewear and a complimentary beverage (or half-price first mixed drink cocktail). You can bring your own picnic or order from the full bar menu. The cruise heads south and down the Hudson River, passing Ellis Island, sailing out to the Statue of Liberty, then over to the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Book your ticket here!
Edge at Hudson Yards
Experience the solar eclipse from the tallest outdoor observation deck in this hemisphere! On April 8th, Edge at Hudon Yards will offer unparalleled views of the city skyline and solar eclipse glasses so you can safely observe the mesmerizing event. The bar will be serving a special cocktail available for purchase. Buy your tickets here!
The American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY
The American Museum of Natural History is an iconic establishment in New York City. Filled to the brim with science and history, this spot is perfect for taking in the eclipse and learning about it at the same time. Join the Museum before the eclipse for family-friendly educational activities and free eclipse glasses. Learn more here.
Wave Hill
The riverside garden of Wave Hill in the Bronx is a lovely setting for eclipse viewing. From 12 to 5 pm pn April 8th the garden will host family friendly activites including pinhole projection box workshops, live music, storytime, and celestial floral headband stations. This event is free with registraion. All registrants will recieve a pair of eclipse glasses.
Solar Eclipse Train Ride, Arcade, NY
The Arcade & Attica Railroad is offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this April. Join them for a unique rail riding experience on the A&A Railroad which passes through acres of open land perfect for viewing the solar eclipse. The train departs from Arcade Depot at 2pm and stops at Curriers Station for the totality viewing. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for the pit stop at the station.
The A&A Railroad was created during the peak of industrialism in the late 1800s as the farmers of Western New York saw the perfect opportunity to link to the big cities. Through bankruptcies and washouts, the railroad boomed in the 1930s and successfully persevered over the years. Today, the train runs regular freight service, passenger excursions, and events like this unique solar eclipse experience.
Ausable Chasm, Keeseveille, NY
Located in Keeseville, NY, the Ausable Chasm offers a path for adventure-seekers who want to hike, climb, or float. On April 8th, the Chasm invites guests to an unforgettable solar eclipse viewing experience right in the middle of the path of totality. Along with the eclipse viewing, you can spend the whole day in nature exploring 5 miles of scenic hiking trails. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to take advantage of this perk of admission.
The Ausable Chasm was formed nearly 200 years ago by glacial activity faults in the earth’s bedrock. This created the cliffs, caves, and other rock formations still visible today. The majestic two-mile gorge, made up of nearly 500 million-year-old sandstone, is a must-see the morning of or afternoon after the eclipse viewing.
Total Eclipse of the Park, NBT Bank Stadium, Syracuse, NY
Fans of the Syracuse Mets should be happy to hear NBT Bank Stadium will host the first-ever Total Eclipse of the Park event! Head to the stadium for an amazing view of the total solar eclipse at 2:30PM and stick around to watch the Syracuse Mets take on the Worcester Red Sox. Renowned astrophysicist Dr. Meredith Wills will be on hand to educate fans about the eclipse and other solar and lunar phenomena. With a capacity of 10,000 guests, this event is sure to be packed.
The Wild Center, Tupper Lake, NY
The Wild Center in Tupper Lake will host a free special event for the 2024 total solar eclipse! As part of a collaborative initiative with Tupper Lake, TWC welcomes the community for the day to promote accessible and safe viewing options for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Wild Center is a hub for science learning, combining interactive outdoor exhibits with educational programs. This event will include a full day of fun activities, from solar-powered maple tastings to live glass-blowing demonstrations. Adults can look forward to the event as well, with opportunities to get commemorative eclipse tattoos from hand poke artist Jane Romm.
Solar Eclipse at Canalside, Buffalo, NY
Upstate New Yorkers can experience the totality at beautiful Canalside in Buffalo! Amplify the beauty of the celestial event with a walk along the boardwalk this year. Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, and the site’s history is just as exciting as its future ahead.0
This solar eclipse event is one of many hosted on the boardwalk. Guests can partake in events such as a silent disco, free carousel rides at the Buffalo Heritage Carousal, and a unique eclipse viewing at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park.
Skydive Over Niagara Falls, Youngstown, NY
The total solar eclipse across the United States is crossing right over Niagara Falls and thus Skydive the Falls. To celebrate this celestial occasion, a number of jumps are available. Guests can choose between doing a pre-totality, during-totality, or post-totality eclipse jump. The totality jumps are timed perfectly so adventurous guests are under parachute during totality. Skydive the Falls is known for scenic jumps over Niagara Falls, perfect for daredevils with an appreciation for beauty.
In the days leading up to the eclipse, there will be tons of events at Niagara Falls including programming led by scientists and NASA astronauts. Head to the Niagara Falls website to learn more.
Totality in Tupper with the Adirondack Sky Center, Tupper Lake, NY
Tupper Lake, NY is guaranteed to be in the heart of totality for the total solar eclipse this April. For those wanting to experience a festival-like environment before, during, and after the eclipse, this town is “eclipse central”.
Children and adults alike can join together at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory for a plethora of family-oriented activities that combine education and fun for all visitors. A 36’ screen will provide multimedia experiences throughout the weekend, coupled with other activities like making cereal box viewers or measuring solar energy during an eclipse. Guest speakers from institutions like the Harvard-Smithsonian Observatory and Wesleyan University will be in attendance as well to circle the day’s activities back to science and learning.
ROC The Eclipse, Rochester, NY
The Rochester Museum and Science Center will celebrate the total solar eclipse this year with a 3-day festival called ROC The Eclipse. It will be a packed 3 days of activities ranging from Electricity Theater shows, telescope viewings, hands-on activities, science experiments, and so much more. The RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium will present an enticing new show, Eclipse 2024. The show was created to teach audiences about the mind-blowing phenomenon that is a total solar eclipse. Whether visitors choose to come for one day or all three, it is guaranteed to be a fun event for the whole family!
Whiteface Mountain Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Wilmington, NY
Come to Wilmington Mountain to watch this celestial event from the top of the mountain or with a great view from the Cloudspin Bar and Grill deck. Your ticket gets you a ride on the lift, live music, and giveaways throughout the event.
The Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort is home to one of the state’s highest mountains, making it a favorite skiing destination in the winter months. Sitting at a majestic 4,867 feet high, the mountain offers the perfect viewing spot for the total solar eclipse this April.
For those stuck at a desk during the eclipse or in a location outside the path, you can check out NASA’s livestream! If it is a nice, clear day, simply sitting in a lawn chair outside with solar-filtered glasses is guaranteed to be an enjoyable and relaxing way to view this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Check out a list of all New York Parks solar eclipse events here!
Next, check out The Hidden History of Grand Central’s Celestial Ceiling
