April 8 is almost here and everyone is gearing up for the solar eclipse in Philadelphia, which will be reaching 90% totality in 2024. The event will be in full swing Monday from 2:08 to 4:35 p.m., but spots around Philly are beginning celebrations a bit early.
Glen Foerd
The 18-acre public park and historic site located along the Delaware River is celebrating the eclipse with a free watch party open to the public. The grounds hold unobstructed views to the sky, and there’s plenty of space to lay out and see the eclipse unfold.
The Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Glen Foerd will feature a discussion on the science behind solar eclipses, and attendees will be able to create homemade eclipse viewers (just bring your own shoebox and/or empty Pringles can, or similar objects), a release notes. Glen Foerd will provide all other necessary materials on a first-come, first-serve basis as well.
The event runs from noon to 4:30 p.m., locals can stop by any time throughout the duration of the activation.
5001 Grant Ave., glenfoerd.org
Wagner Free Institute of Science
Wagner will be hosting a viewing party in its outdoor garden to celebrate the solar eclipse in Philadelphia on April 8.
As a release notes, activities will include an opportunity to use household materials to create pinhole cameras for observation of the eclipse, a chance to watch NASA’s companion live stream of the event in the Wagner’s historic Lecture Hall, and a number of other ways to safely view the spectacle. During the 2017 solar eclipse, hundreds of people took part in Wagner’s programming, and they expect a similar result this year.
Registration is recommended.
1700 W Montgomery Ave., wagnerfreeinstitute.org
The Franklin Institute on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
There’s a way to enjoy the solar eclipse in Philadelphia and also partake in a free family-friendly party. Taking place on the front steps of the museum and also on the 20th Street sidewalk, the event will feature solar viewing stations (equipped with large solar filter tents or specially equipped telescopes), a beer garden, entertainment from DJ Ben Arsenal, and solar eclipse glasses available for purchase.
As a bonus, the first 200 guests will receive an exclusive TFI Solar Eclipse donut, in partnership with Federal Donuts & Chicken, to celebrate TFI’s 200th Anniversary.
222 N 20th St., fi.edu
Morris Arboretum & Gardens in Chestnut Hill
Those who head out to Chestnut Hill can find a solar eclipse viewing party at Morris Arboretum. Known as the official arboretum of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the public garden and grounds offers its own take on the great outdoors to ultimately, “bridge an understanding of the relationship between plants, people and place through education, research and horticultural display.”
For the solar eclipse in Philadelphia, the grounds will feature ways to make cereal box viewers for kids, while other visitors will receive glasses. The party is free with general admission, and guests are encouraged to bring a picnic along with them to enjoy.
100 E Northwestern Ave., morrisarboretum.org
