On August 21st, 2017, there will be a total eclipse of the sun, and here in Charlotte, we’re lucky that we’re so class to the path of totality. There are many places we can drive to in under two hours to experience this rare phenomenon. Read about the science of the eclipse, as well as see a list of eclipse events you might want to attend in the North Carolina mountains and upstate South Carolina.
If you do travel, be prepared for a lot of traffic.
If you’re not going to make the trip to the path totality, you can experience a partial eclipse of the sun here in Charlotte. We will experience a 98% eclipse.
Wherever you are, if you plan to even glance at the sun, make sure to wear special-purpose “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. To be safe, the viewer must meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for these products.
Here are some ways to experience the partial eclipse in the Charlotte area. Some require advance registration and might be sold out. Call ahead.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History Solar Eclipse Weekend
1500 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
Saturday, August 19th, through Monday, August 21st
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Regular admission price applies. ($4-5 for Gastonia residents, $6-7 for non-residents, free for members)
Explore the celestial event of the year at the Schiele. Come view the sun through solar telescope, discover the astronomy behind an eclipse and make a sun print. On Monday, watch a live video feed of the total solar eclipse. Plus, extra showings of our eclipse-focused planetarium show, “Totality” throughout the weekend.
Advanced Ticket Package: Advanced ticket packages for Solar Eclipse Weekend are now available to purchase. Call 704-854-6676 to purchase an advanced ticket package which includes: museum admission+ a planetarium show + solar eclipse glasses so you can safely view the eclipse. Limited advanced tickets available for August 19th and 20th.
Wingate University Ballantyne’s Great American Eclipse Viewing Party
Monday, August 21st, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Audubon Amphitheater, 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Place, Charlotte
Free
Besides the eclipse viewing, there will be music, food vendors, giveaways and more. Event parking is available at the amphitheater or in the parking deck at the Boyle Building (13034 Ballantyne Corporate Place.) Please follow the directional signage down to the amphitheater. For questions, contact Valerie Secker at v.secker@wingate.edu or 980-359-1024.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Camp North End
Monday, August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Camp North End, 1776 Statesville Avenue
Hosted by Renewable Energy Transition Initiative. There will be eclipse related activities. Sign up for RETI’s newsletter while there and you’ll get a free pair of eclipse glasses. Free snacks.
Free
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Monday, August 21st, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont
Solar Eclipse-related crafts for kids. Eclipse glasses for sale or to borrow (limited number.) View the garden before, during and after the eclipse.
Regular admission applies: $6.95 for kids 2-12 and $12.95 for adults
Eclipse viewing on Matthews Town Green
230 Matthews Station St,, Matthews
Monday, August 21st, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Free
Celebrate the solar eclipse with us on the Town Green in front of the Town Hall/Library. On the day of the event, there will be glasses for adults and teens who have registered and then other glasses while supplies last.
This program is a collaboration between the Matthews Branch Library and the Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Department.
Solar Eclipse Celebration at the Hyatt
Rooftop bar of Hyatt Place, 222 South Caldwell Street
Monday, August 21st, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Join us on the roof of Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown for a Solar Eclipse Celebration! In conjunction with our friends at Fahrenheit, we will celebrate this once in a lifetime moment with specialty cocktails, appetizers and viewing glasses.
Solar Eclipse Event at Plaza Midwood
Monday, August 21st, 2017, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
1623 Central Avenue
Free
We will be using pinhole cameras to safely view the 98% partial eclipse here in Charlotte. We ask that any children be accompanied by an adult during the event. We also have a limited number of solar viewing glasses and will set up some pinhole viewing stations outside the library, so everyone can experience the phenomenon in safety.
Solar Eclipse Celebration at ImaginOn
Monday, August 21st, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free
Join the Spangler Library staff for a celebration of the Great American Total Solar Eclipse! Self-directed activities will be available throughout the day for all ages. Kids ages 5-11 can join us at 1:30pm for a special staff-led program before heading outside to view the eclipse. A limited number of eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed for this event.
Solar Eclipse Party at Harrisburg Library
Monday, August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg
Free
Come to the library and experience a once in a lifetime event—The Great American Solar Eclipse. You will receive special glasses and instructions so you can view the eclipse safely, learn about the phenomena to watch for before and during the eclipse, participate in various astronomical activities for all ages, explore careers in astronomy, and more!
Solar Eclipse Party at Sycamore Brewing
Monday, August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Food truck, beer, King of Pops, more. Buy a beer, kombucha, wine or King of Pops pop and get a free pair of NASA approved eclipse glasses. Family friendly event.
Free
Solar Eclipse Viewing at University City Regional Library
Monday, August 21st, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
301 E W.T. Harris Blvd
Free
Enjoy games and science related activities as we celebrate the solar eclipse. Attendees will receive free glasses to view the eclipse together, while supplies last. This program is for all ages.
Solar Eclipse Tailgate Party at Discovery Place Nature
Monday, August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Discovery Place Nature, 1658 Sterling Road
Free
View the eclipse from the museum parking lot. There will be eclipse-related activities and educators from Discovery Place to answer questions. Solar eclipse viewing glasses are for sale at the store, while supplies last.
Solar Eclipse viewing at Sugar Creek Library
Monday, August 21st, 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Free
Enjoy games and science related activities as we celebrate the solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Party Mt. Pleasant
Monday, August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant Library, 8556 Cook St, Mt. Pleasant
Free
Come to the library and experience a once in a lifetime event—The Great American Solar Eclipse! You will receive special glasses and instructions so you can view the eclipse safely, learn about the phenomena to watch for before and during the eclipse, participate in various astronomical activities for all ages, explore careers in astronomy, and more!
Solar Eclipse Party at Mooresville Public Library
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
304 S Main St, Mooresville
Free
Today, a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States. Join us to witness this historic event to view one of nature’s most stunning displays. Learn about what a solar eclipse is, watch video feeds from NASA and get a pair of eclipse glasses to watch this event.
SOLD OUT: Discovery Place Solar Eclipse Party
August 21st, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
$22 for adults, $18 for kids, $20 for seniors, $5 for members
Price includes admission to Discovery Place and safe solar eclipse viewing glasses.
The event will take place on the roof of the parking deck. Educators will be on hand to guide you through the experience and answer questions. You can view the process through a special solar telescope.
There’s no seating, but you can bring your own chair. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase in Curio City Kitchen and may be brought up to the Parking Deck.
In the Museum throughout the day, guests will be able to engage in special eclipse activities, including making your own eclipse viewer in Thinker Space, the Museum’s new hands-on lab located on Level 3 (tickets are not required for this activity, just regular Discovery Place admission.)
Tickets are required to participate in the parking deck Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, and space is limited. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Tickets are non-refundable.
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