Erie’s Total Solar Eclipse: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
On April 8, 2024, Erie will witness an extraordinary celestial phenomenon: a total solar eclipse. For nearly four minutes, the afternoon sky will darken as the moon aligns perfectly between the sun and Earth. Erie is the only major city in Pennsylvania to experience this rare event in its entirety.
During totality, the sky will turn dark, and the sun’s corona (outer atmosphere) will become visible. While nearly everyone in North America will witness some part of the eclipse, only those within the path of totality will see all stages of this awe-inspiring event. Erie is one of those fortunate locations.
Erie boasts the longest duration of totality in the state!
Don’t miss this cosmic spectacle in Erie, where the sky will briefly turn dark, and the sun’s corona will reveal itself. Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse chaser or a curious traveler, Erie promises an unforgettable experience!
What Should I Listen to During the Erie Eclipse?
Open our free iHeartradio app and listen to your favorite Erie eclipse party LIVE on the air!
STAR 104: Available on your radio at 103.7fm, Elvis Duran’s Official Eclipse Party will set the mood for your eclipse with a non-stop dance groove
ROCKET 105: We’ve sync’ed up Pink Floyd’s entire “Dark Side of the Moon” album to coincide perfectly with the eclipse. Listen on your radio at 104.9fm
94.7 BOB FM: A completely unpredictable list of “eclipse” songs, from Dancing in the Dark to Bad Moon Rising. See if you can guess what’s coming next!
93.9 THE WOLF: We ain’t goin’ down ‘til the sun comes back! Go Fishin’ in the Dark with the best country eclipse songs
When will the eclipse happen in Erie and how long will it last?
· Date: Monday, April 8, 2024
· Partial Eclipse: 2:02 to 4:30 p.m. (EDT)
· Totality Start: Between 3:16 and 3:19 p.m. (EDT)
· Duration of Totality: Up to 3 minutes and 44 seconds
Where should I park to see the solar eclipse in Erie?
· Arrive early to avoid traffic and make the most of your weekend getaway.
· Parking: Find a list of downtown public parking garages here
Where can I get ISO-certified eclipse glasses? Here are the convenient locations where you can obtain these specialized glasses:
Safety Reminder: Always use ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses or solar filters to safely view the partial eclipse before and after totality.
VisitErie Distribution Points : April 5 - April 8
I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center (at the PA/NY border) Hours: Staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
I-79 Rest Stop (near Edinboro, northbound): Hours: Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. / Monday, 8 a.m. to noon
Erie Visitor Center at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center: Hours: Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Monday, 8 a.m. to noon
Accommodations in Erie County:
Exclusive Offer: “The Ultimate Sunblock” eclipse glasses have been provided to Erie County accommodations.
Allocation: Each room receives two pairs of eclipse glasses for the night of April 7, 2024. Reach out to your hotel for details on how to collect your complimentary glasses
Country Fair Locations:
Availability: Starting March 25, 2024 (while supplies last). Country Fair stores throughout northwestern Pennsylvania will distribute eclipse glasses free with every purchase.
What Traffic Issues should I be aware of during the eclipse?
Our iHeartradio stations will provide traffic reports twice an hour from 6am through 6pm. Listen to Rocket 105, 93.9 The Wolf, Star 104, 94.7 Bob FM, WJET AM1400 and Fox Sports 1330AM for the latest real-time updates from the iHeartradio Traffic Center all day
Complimentary Shuttle Service:
EMTA will operate a free shuttle from the Erie Intermodal Transportation Center starting at 9 a.m. until traffic clears.
The shuttle will serve Perry Square, French, and Holland, returning to the Intermodal.
Reserved Parking Lots:
The parking lots at the Bayfront Convention Center, Sheraton, and Courtyard Erie Bayfront Hotel garages will be exclusively reserved for:
Hotel patrons
Staff
Guests and staff of Pier 6/Bay House restaurant
Street Closures:
State Street north of the Bayfront Parkway will be closed to vehicular traffic (except for hotel guests) starting at 8:30 a.m..
Holland Street, Ore Dock Road, and Port Access Road will also close north of the Bayfront Parkway once their respective public lots are full.
What about Presque Isle?
Due to only one point of entry/exit, we are recommending other locations to watch the eclipse. Presque Isle is a perfect weekend getaway for your entire family, so come visit another weekend and enjoy our world-class beaches!
For a list of great watching locations: - Erie's Total Solar Eclipse - VisitErie