Greetings, Rochester! ✨


A total solar eclipse is headed our way on Monday, April 8th — and you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! (Really. The next time the Rochester region will be within the path of totality is 2144!)


Choose downtown as eclipse central by planning ahead with our Downtown Guide. Below we've highlighted downtown eclipse events taking place in the lead up to the big day, (like our Moonlight Market at The Grove and the RPO's Eclipse Spectacular), as well as prime viewing locations (Parcel 5, Innovative Field, & Corn Hill Landing) that are sure to please!

All Week Long

Solar Spectacular: April Break Week

Through Monday, April 8th

The Strong Museum


Blast off into space this break week at The Strong! View one-of-a-kind outer space-themed displays, play with the planets, and remodel the space rover. Put your skills to the test and become an astronaut for the day at Astronaut Training Camp. Get to work on the control panels, do some research on moon rocks, or even strap into the spaceship and get ready for takeoff! Play your way through space as you take on the Arcade Challenge! Locate various space themed arcade machines in eGameRevolution and test your skills.


On Monday, April 8, The Strong offers even more activities: Get ready for the eclipse with specialty crafts in the Play Lab. Learn about the science and physics behind eclipses from astrophysicist Kamryn Griffith. Five thousand pairs of eclipse viewing glasses, provided by RG&E, will be available for guests as they exit the museum to view the eclipse.


Parking: The Strong Museum Garage


For info, click here.

Thursday April 4th

Exploration Stations: Eclipse Edition

Thursday, April 4th

1 - 3 PM, FREE

Central Library


Blast-off to the Children’s Center of the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County for Eclipse Exploration Stations as they explore stellar storybooks through hands-on activities in science, engineering, art, and more! Featuring WXXI & PBS KIDS resources, this free, drop-in program takes place from 1pm to 4pm. All materials will be supplied, while they last.


Parking: Court St. Garage, On-Street


For info, click here.

Saturday April 6th

Embracing the Eclipse: RPO's Sensory-Friendly Concert

Saturday, April 6th

2 - 3:30 PM

The Hochstein School


Embrace the Eclipse with your RPO before the big event! As part of the RPO's Care and Wellness Initiative, this concert is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for those with sensory sensitivities. It offers an experience tailored for music lovers who may benefit from a more relaxed and accommodating setting but still wish to engage in the excitement leading up to the RPO’s Eclipse Spectacular the following night. In this way, music lovers of all ages and abilities can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event in the lead-up to our area’s Total Solar Eclipse.


Parking: Parking Information, On-Street (Free on Weekends)


For info, click here.

Moonlight Market at The Grove

Saturday, April 6th

4 - 8 PM, FREE ENTRY

The Grove, 266 E Broad St.


Join Downtown Definitely and Buckingham Properties on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at The Grove for an open-air vendor fair. The event will feature an array of local vendors and artisans showcasing their unique products, from handcrafted goods to exclusive artworks, not to mention the participation of local businesses that currently reside within, or adjacent to, the space including: Branca Midtown, Unwine’d, 260 Wine + Spirits, Dice Versa, and Need + Co. Attendees can expect to find a variety of entertainment within the event from tarot readings to food trucks, fire pits, music, and more.


Parking: Midtown Garage, On-Street (Free on Weekends)


For info, click here.

Sunday April 7th

Eclipse Double Feature: MOON | SUNSHINE

Sunday, April 7th

Moon at 4:30 PM, Sunshine at 7:30 PM

The Little Theatre



Celebrate the great celestial convergence with two themed — and all-time great — indie sci-fi films at The Little, the day before the 2024 total solar eclipse. Beginning at 4:30 PM, The Little will screen MOON (2009), with a fantastic performance from Sam Rockwell, Duncan Jones’ debut feature Moon is a compelling mystery and underrated indie sci-fi gem. Following up at 7:30 PM, SUNSHINE (2007) re-teams director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire) with writer Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Ex Machina) for a hypnotic, transportive science-fiction thriller with an impressive ensemble cast: Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer), Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All At Once), Chris Evans (Captain America), Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), and more.


Parking: The Little Theatre Winthrop St. Lot, On-Street (Free on Weekends), East End Garage


For info, click here.

RPO Eclipse Spectacular: A Symphonic Celebration

Sunday, April 7th

7 - 9 PM

Blue Cross Arena


Join the RPO at Blue Cross Arena on Sunday April 7th, the day before the 2024 eclipse (Monday, April 8), when the arena transforms into a space-themed spectacle for an out-of-this-world experience! Led by Music Director Andreas Delfs, Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik, and Assistant Conductor Jherrard Hardeman, the orchestra performs amid a giant screen displaying vivid space visuals. Cutting-edge lighting and effects will accompany Rochester City Ballet dancers, PUSH Physical Theatre artists, Troupe Vertigo aerialists, Madrigalia Festival Chorus, and more!


Parking: Civic Center Garage, Sister Cities Garage


For info, click here.

Monday April 8th (Eclipse Day!)

Branca Midtown: Eclipse Lunch

Monday, April 8th

12 - 4 PM, FREE ENTRY

Branca Midtown


Fuel your adventure at Branca Midtown for a special solar eclipse lunch and happy hour, featuring food and drink specials, and the best seat in town! Lunch will be served from 12 - 4 PM, with special happy hour selections at the bar from 2 - 3 PM. Book now - reservations will fill up quick!


Parking: Midtown Garage


For info, click here.

Party in the Dark: An Eclipse Viewing Event

Monday, April 8th

12 - 4 PM, FREE ENTRY

Parcel 5


This free event will be held at Parcel 5 in Rochester, which is a prime viewing area. Be a part of this historic moment on Monday, April 8, from noon to 4 PM. At Party in the Dark, you can enjoy a NASA live stream and concert streams on a large outdoor screen. They'll have seating areas with fire pits that will make your viewing experience even more enjoyable. Plus, enjoy free glow sticks, necklaces, and safe solar viewing glasses available for your use. You are welcome to bring blankets and portable seating to make yourself comfortable during the event.


Parking: Midtown Garage, St. Joe's Garage, Mortimer St. Garage, South Ave. Garage


For info, click here.

SOLARPALOOZA

Monday, April 8th

12 - 5 PM

Innovative Field


The Red Wings present SOLARPALOOZA at Innovative Field. This event promises to be a unique experience for fans of all ages. Festivities include live music, arts and crafts stations, captivating photo backdrops, face painting, autograph sessions featuring Spikes and Mittsy, Rochester Red Wings players, and special character appearances. Attendees can also look forward to a live NASA video feed on the largest video board in town, raffle prizes, and an array of other celestial-themed attractions. The first 3,000 people in attendance will receive eclipse glasses, but you are encouraged to bring your own.


Parking: Innovative Field Surface Parking, High Falls Garage


For info, click here.

Solar Eclipse Party at Corn Hill Landing

Monday, April 8th

All Day, FREE ENTRY

Corn Hill Landing


Join Corn Hill Navigation and the Corn Hill Landing businesses for a day of celebration in honor of the Great North American Total Solar Eclipse! Corn Hill Navigation will have 1,000 FREE eclipse glasses available, live music on the patio from 1:30 - 3:00 PM, hands on activities from 2:30 - 4 PM, and beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks available for purchase. Stop in to participating Corn Hill Landing businesses for even more action! Check out Neutral Ground Coffeehouse, Flight Wine Bar, and Rabbit Hole Tavern for more information!


Parking: Corn Hill Landing, Civic Center Garage, On-Street


For info, click here.

Affirmations After Party

Monday, April 8th

3:30 - 5:30 PM, FREE ENTRY

Need + Co.


Join Need + Co. for an Affirmations Afterparty in Downtown Rochester following the total solar eclipse. Immerse yourself in a positive and empowering atmosphere. Design a mini vision board, explore their curated shop So Eclectic, have your aura and chakras read (spots limited), enjoy the non-alcoholic bar, dance, set intentions, and connect with a community dedicated to embracing new beginnings. This event offers a unique opportunity to affirm your dreams and manifest a brighter future. Don't miss this uplifting post-eclipse celebration at Need + Co.!


Parking: Midtown Garage


For info, click here.

La Bola After Party

Monday, April 8th

4 - 7 PM, FREE ENTRY

La Bola


Following Party in the Dark on Parcel 5, head over to the Mercantile on Main, where La Bola will host an after-party from 4 - 7 PM. The event will feature specialty eclipse-themed wine, cocktails and Rohrbach's Totality Black Lager to purchase. Additionally, tarot card readers and psychics will be available for guests to enjoy. Entry is free and first-come first-serve. Space is limited.


Parking: Midtown Garage, St. Joe's Garage, Mortimer St. Garage


For info, click here.

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