Solar Eclipse Viewing Events and Activities in the Traverse City Area
Total eclipse Monday is almost here! In case you’ve missed it, on Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. You can watch the live stream of the total eclipse here.
An interactive map put out by NASA lets you put in your zip code to see how much eclipse coverage you can expect and what time the eclipse will be at its peak. Traverse City is listed as having a 87.7% max coverage. The eclipse will start at 1:58 and the peak eclipse will be at 3:12pm.
In Northern Michigan, we have plenty of fun ways for you to get in on the solar eclipse frenzy! Check out the listing of activities in and around the Traverse City area on Monday April, 8th!
Eclipse Viewing Event at the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes - 12-4pm
Park staff “will host activities about the sun, eclipses, and the solar system,” provide attendees with viewing glasses to use for safely watching the eclipse, and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring snacks, water, beach chairs, and blankets. The program is free, though participants will either need to have an annual park pass or purchase a day pass to enter the National Lakeshore.
Eclipse Crafts at Traverse City Main Library 2:00-5:00pm
Families are invited to craft with us as we celebrate the April 8th eclipse. Join us in Youth Services for two fun-filled crafts for all ages and then stop into our StoryRoom to view the LiveStream of today's historic eclipse.
More info
Solar Eclipse Live Stream at Traverse City Main Library - 1:00 - 4:00pm
Join the TC Library for NASA's livestream presentation of the April 8th eclipse. You'll be able to see the total eclipse during this livestream and hear commentary from NASA experts as it travels from Mexico across the United States to Maine.
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Solar Eclipse Watch Party - Elk Rapids 2:30-5:30pm
965 Green St, Elk Rapids, MI
Join us and take in the splendor of a rare solar eclipse! Special eyewear will be provided to safely view this cosmic event, as well as food and refreshments and family friendly games and crafts! Peak viewing time is around 3:15 so grab the kiddos after school and head on down for the fun! Open to the public, all ages welcome! No registration required.
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Eclipsefest at Benzonia Public Library - 10am-6pm
891 Michigan Ave. in Benzonia
Join Benzonia Library for fun crafts, STEM activities and coloring pages available all day. Book Reading and DIY Pinhole Camera Workshop at 11am & 2pm
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Solar Eclipseriffic Party at Betsie Valley District Library - 12-4:30pm
14744 Thompson Ave. in Thompsonville
Galactic story time from noon to 3 p.m. There will be crafts, science, technology, engineering and math activities and snacks.
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Eclipse Celebration at Benzie Shores District Library
630 Main St. in Frankfort
They will be hosting an eclipse celebration from 2-4 p.m. with galactic story time at 2:30 p.m. Crafts, science, technology, engineering and math activities will be available along with snacks.
Total Eclipse Viewing Event at Raven Hill Discovery Center - 10am-4pm
4737 Fuller Rd, East Jordan, MI
Spend the day with Raven Hill Discovery Center enjoying hands-on activities and explorations both indoors and outdoors focusing on science, history & the arts. $12 per person admission includes solar glasses.
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Celebrate the Solar Eclipse at Black Star Farms - All Day
Join Black Star Farms Suttons Bay for the first total solar eclipse since 2017. Celebrate with all-day happy hour specials in our tasting rooms, featuring half-off wines by the glass, 10% off bottle purchases, and complimentary eclipse glasses. This is your opportunity to put a wine spin on your eclipse viewing. Grab a glass, then get outside and experience this rare event surrounded by vineyards!
For more resources and fun activities to do at home, visit NASA's Space Place website for kids on the eclipse