St. Louis Mom Guide to the 2024 Solar Eclipse

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the moon covering the sun in a solar eclipse

GET READY FOR THE ECLIPSE

Where to Get Eclipse Glasses

Ensure your eclipse glasses come from reputable sources that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

If you still have glasses from the 2017 eclipse, do not use them. The materials break down over time, and glasses over three years old won’t give you the protection needed to gaze at the sun.

St. Louis Science Center: Eclipse Passport 

5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

On April 8, 2024 the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States for over 21 years will pass south of St. Louis over southern Missouri and Illinois.

Use your passport to learn some quick facts, myths, and historic events connected to eclipses, to uncover why this event is so important.

Pick up safety tips for safe solar observation.

Become a citizen scientist by documenting your firsthand experiences during the eclipse.

Download your 2024 Eclipse Passport and assemble it at home for this special astronomical event!

St. Louis Science Center: Eclipse at the McDonnell Planetarium 

5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

ECLIPSE, the McDonnell Planetarium’s newest live Star Show, prepares audiences to experience the upcoming solar eclipses visible in the United States on April 8, 2024.

Eclipses are awe-inspiring events that involve the two largest objects in our sky – the Sun and Moon. Beyond simply being beautiful to witness, eclipses have enabled many scientific discoveries throughout history. Early observations of eclipses lead to humanity’s understanding of the Earth/Moon/Sun system, and more recent eclipses allowed for the discovery of helium, provided evidence for Einstein’s theory of general relativity, and more.

This show explores the motion of the Sun and Moon in our sky to guide our understanding of solar and lunar eclipses. Learn how to safely view the annular solar eclipse and prepare for witnessing the last total solar eclipse in the United States until 2045 on April 8, 2024.

Each ticket to ECLIPSE, includes a pair of solar glasses to safely view these upcoming solar eclipses on your own. Solar glasses become difficult to find close to eclipses, so get yours today!

Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer + Kids Eclipse Countdown

Tucker Theater inside visitor center at Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO 63102

Saturday, March 10 | 2 PM

Recommended for the general public

The Park’s Sky Ranger will discuss where, when, and how to safely view the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse. The path of totality will cut across the United States from southwest to northeast, passing less than 30 miles from the Park. The group will then complete selected activities in the Eclipse Explorer booklet, earning a special badge.

Free eclipse glasses will be available. Call 314-655-1704 to reserve your kids’ place!

Arts + Crafts: Melted Suns

Carondelet Library: 6800 Michigan Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63111

March 14 | 4 – 5 PM

Celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse by making a sun out of melted crayons. Best for grades 2-6.

The Great American Eclipse of 2024

St. Louis, MO 63102

Saturday, March 23 | 2 PM

Recommended for the general public

Junior Ranger Eclipse Explorer Events at the St. Louis Gateway Arch will feature talks on how to view the eclipse safely, where and when it will occur, and everyone will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses.

These events are geared for kids 4-13 and their families. See website for more info.

Reservations are required for the March 10th event by calling 314-655-1704.

Out of this WORLD Solar Eclipse Party

600 Troy Road, Edwardsville, IL 62025

March 17 | 6:30 – 8 pm

Join ECM and the RiverBend Astronomy Club at the Nickel Plate Depot for an ‘Out of this WORLD Solar Eclipse Party!’

REGISTRATION NEEDED FOR CHILDREN ONLY

Open House Style

Learn all about outer space and get prepared for the solar eclipse that is occurring on April 8th!

• Comet demonstrations at 7:00p and 7:45p with Miss Amanda

• Storytime at 7:20

• Crafts

• Dramatic Play

• Receive a pair of NASA approved Eclipse glasses! (limited availability)

• & much more!

https://square.link/u/lSoDo7ai

Solar Eclipse Art

St. Louis County Library: Grant’s View Branch: 9700 Music Road, St. Louis, MO 63123

Friday, March 29, 2024 | 10 am

Create artwork to celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8.
Ages 8 and up.

Walk-ins only while supplies last.

Kids Solar Eclipse Program

Central Library: 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

Friday, March 29, 2024 | 2 – 4 pm

How do you organize a Space Program? You planet! Don’t miss your chance to prepare for the cosmic event happening on April 8th. Central Library will be hosting an Eclipse program with fun activities, interesting explanations, and more!

Saturday Story Time: Solar Eclipse

St. Louis County Library: Rock Roads Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074

April 6, 2024 | 10 am

Celebrate the upcoming Solar Eclipse at the library! Join us for books, activities, and songs about the sun and sky. All ages. 

a woman gazing at the sun with eclipse glasses on

LOCAL ECLIPSE WATCHING EVENTS

Kids Solar Eclipse Watch Party

Central Library: 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, NO 63103

April 8, 2024 | 1 – 3 pm

Join us at the library to celebrate an amazing astronomical event! Central Library is close to the path of totality for the Solar Eclipse. Glasses will be provided.

Eclipse Watch Party at the Moonrise Hotel

6177 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112

Monday, April 8, 2024

11 am – 4 pm

$10 general admission

Come join us for an unforgettable experience at the Moonrise Hotel! Witness the magic of a solar eclipse with fellow enthusiasts. Guests will recieve eclipse watching glasses, access to the rooftop and a wristband upon arrival. Come enjoy the celestial show from our Rooftop Garden, we will have food and drinks available for purchase. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see the eclipse in style! See you there!

Defiance Ridge Vineyards: Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

2711 South Missouri 94, Defiance, MO 63341

Monday, April 8, 2024

11 am – 4 pm

On April 8, 2024 the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States for over 21 years will pass south of St. Louis over southern Missouri and Illinois. Join us for a day of fun as we celebrate the unique viewing experience at Defiance Ridge! The first 100 attendees will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses for the main event! Seating will be open on a first come first serve basis and our kitchen and bar will be open all day!

Lost Hill Lake Eclipse Event

2300 Mill Hill Road, St. Clair, MO 63077

Monday, April 8, 2024

11 am – 3 pm

$20 per car, in advance or at the gate

As the moon moves across the sun, join us in a celebration of celestial wonder surrounded by nature. Gather with fellow enthusiasts under the open sky, armed with solar glasses (available for purchase onsite) and excitement, as we marvel at this rare astronomical event.

Prior to the solar event, don’t forget to swing by the Lost Hill Lake Bar. We’ll be serving up some light snacks, and while you’re at it, be sure to check out our vendor market for some unique finds. The lakeside will be open for hikes, fishing, kayaking and more.

a solar eclipse seen above the earth

ECLIPSE WATCHING OUTSIDE OF ST. LOUIS

Astral Valley Art Park: Solar Strings

Astral Valley Art Park, 10288 Koester Springs Road, French Village, MO 63036

April 5 – 8, 2024

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse ~ Passes over our Missouri Ozark festival grounds on Monday April 8th, 2024 around 2pm. We offer an intimate wide open location to view this natural phenomena included in your ticket purchase, as well as a very special set featuring original 300+ year old string instruments the morning of the eclipse to set the stage for this cosmic experience. This will be the 2nd time in less then a decade that Astral Valley will fall in the path of totality and offer up a special Eclipse Festival for the occasion.

This 4 Day Family Friendly Camping Event will also feature Guided Meditation and Sound Journeys by SiraAtma Kaur, Fire & Aerial Shows by ReKinection, Yoga, Healers, late night Bon Fire Pickin’ Sessions, Morning Tea and “Jam” at the N’General Store, Live Painters, performances by the Astral Gypsies Giant Puppets, Large Interactive Art Installations, Unique Craft Vendors, Conscious Workshops, Gifting Culture, Tasty Culinary Delights & More!

Arcadia Valley Solar Eclipse Festival

Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site: 118 E. Maple, Pilot Knob, MO

April 7, 2024 | 8:30 am – 10 pm

April 8, 2024 | 8:30 am – 8 pm

There will be vendors, food trucks and activities in downtown Ironton on Sunday and Monday. There will also be educational activities at Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site on Monday, culminating in observing the eclipse from the historic battlefield.

Missouri Eclipse Festival

Hawks Bluff Campground:10346 Murphy Road, Blackwell, MO 63626

April 5 – 8, 2024

Just one hour South of St. Louis! Join us for a long weekend of connecting in nature.  Explore over 300 acres of lush grounds including 2 natural springs, a pond, breathtaking bluffs, private access to Mill Creek, countless trails, hidden arrowheads and home of Hawk’s Bluff Crazy Lace Agate, druzy and quartz rocks. Hang out with the property goats, cows and horses!

Explore the Missouri Eclipse Festival, where healing intertwines with adventure and genuine connections through art, music, classes, camping, and nature. Under the open sky, we embrace the raw, unfiltered essence of life.


Come as you are; leave transformed.

Total Eclipse of the Arts

Cedarhurst Center for the Arts: 2600 E. Richview Road, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

April 6 – 8, 2024

While a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the entire United States, including much of the rest of Illinois, the special characteristics of a total solar eclipse can only be experienced within the narrow path of totality – specifically in areas such as Mt. Vernon.

Cedarhurst has leaned into this unique position and developed three days of quality programming to help all ages learn more about this phenomenon.

 

Ste. Genevieve Eclipse

Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

April 7 – 8, 2024

This year, we’re planning a two-day event surrounding the eclipse.  On Sunday, April 7th, bands will play from 12pm to 8pm at Valle Catholic Dessert in the heart of Downtown for our “Dancin’ in the Dark” jam fest.  We’re providing everything but lawn chairs, so be prepared for a day of food and fun.  A biergarten will be open on site, and bounce houses will be set up for kids.  Keep an eye on this page as we will update the lineup for Sunday soon. That same day, our N. Main St. shops are inviting people to dress up in eclipse-themed costumes to walk our “Little Bohemia” district where you can enjoy art, street-side fire pits, and more food.  They’re serving up a different flavor, there.

On the big day, the focus will turn to the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center where the public can set up their own personal tailgates on the grounds to take in an unobstructed view of the eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Brentwood Park

2924 Brazeau Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63144

April 8, 2024

noon – 2 pm

Join us at Brentwood Park to watch the magic of the solar eclipse! Our new Destination Playground will be open just in time for this spectacular event! Free glasses will be provided along with games and crafts. Bring some extra cash if you would like to buy a snow cone from KONA ice to enjoy while you watch the solar eclipse.

Eclipse Viewing Party: The Dew Drop Inn

710 US-61, Bloomsdale, MO 63627

April 8, 2024

noon – 4 pm

Join us on Monday, April 8, 2024, starting at 12:00 PM (Central Daylight Time), we will be hanging out at The Dew Drop Inn for this special event!

We will have beer and food specials running all day + live music on the green space + eclipse t-shirts + and of course, yard games!

2024 Solar Eclipse Picnic at Johnson’s Shut-Ins

148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656

April 8, 2024

noon – 3 pm

Join us for a picnic in the valley while viewing the eclipse! Be sure to bring picnic blankets or camp chairs to comfortably watch the eclipse in our spacious viewing area. Activities and crafts will be hosted at the Black River Center from noon to 3 p.m.

The eclipse will begin at 12:40 p.m., and the two-minute, 19-second period of totality will start at 1:57 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party: Charleville Brewery + Winery

16937 Boyd Road, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670

April 8, 2024

11 am – 4 pm

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party! Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse. This in-person event will take place on Mon, Apr 08, 2024 at Charleville Brewery & Winery.

Fireside- Reserve a fire pit under the open sky for 6 people this will include 6 pairs of eclipseglasses for $50 (only 7 available)

The Lounge- A reserved space on the patio with oversized couches and chairs for 10 people this will also include 10 pairs of eclipse glasses for $80 (only 2 available)

Picnic Table – Reserve a picnic table for 8 – this includes 8 pairs of eclipse glasses as well (8 available).

FREE seating – a seat your self option at any open seat or bring a blanket and hang out on the lawn!

Glasses are included in the fireside, and lounge options. We will also have a limited amount of glasses available for purchase.

Perryville Solarfest

508 N. Main Street, Perryville, MO 

April 6 – 8, 2024

With out-of-this-world themed activities — like hands-on science demos, balloon launches and unobstructed viewing sites — Solarfest is the perfect place to view the eclipse. The three-day festival also features live entertainment, food vendors and a hot air balloon glow.

Solar Eclipse Watch Party

207 N. Jackson Street, Perryville, MO 

April 8, 2024

1 – 4 pm

Join us for an awesome Solar Eclipse Watch Party at The Warehouse Entertainment District! Get ready to witness the mind-blowing celestial event with fellow space enthusiasts. We’ll have a prime viewing spot, so you won’t miss a thing. Bring your friends, family, and even your pets (if they’re into astronomy) for an unforgettableexperience. Don’t forget to bring your eclipse glasses (limited glasses provided) and cameras to capture this rare phenomenon. Let’s gather together and marvel at the wonders of the universe!

Solar Eclipse Totality Party: Apple Creek Vineyard + Winery

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery, 1930 Co Rd 401, Friedheim, MO 63747

April 8, 2024

11 am – 4 pm

Join Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery for wine, food and live music in celebration of The Great North American Eclipse!

Solar Eclipse 2024 at Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

113 Bollinger Mill Road, Bufordville, MO 

April 8, 2024

10 am – 4 pm

Join us for the day to experience more than four minutes of solar eclipse totality!

We will be hosting members of the Washington University faculty and representatives from the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. Faculty will provide stations with telescopes, and notable planetary scientists will give short talks about the science and history of eclipses. There will be a booth with planetary globes and information about the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences, planetary science initiatives and current missions WashU personnel are working on. 

Activities will be located throughout the day-use area – on both sides of the river – and BBQ to the Rescue will be on-site with its barbecue truck. The eclipse will last from 12:41-3:17 p.m., and totality will begin at 1:57 p.m. 

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Carol Kerber
Carol is married with four kids, who range in age from 10 to 20-years-old. She moved to St. Louis when she was 12, and except for four years living in Southern California as a newlywed, she’s lived here since. As a Mizzou graduate, Carol began her post-college career in publishing, and then switched gears to teach early elementary. Since having kids, she has been lucky enough to stay home with them. The Kerbers call Castlewood Stables in Ballwin their home, and all of their neighbors run around on four legs. While this lifestyle seems a bit foreign to her nature, being part of the STL Mom team is just the opposite. Carol has always loved to write but had never really given that dream wings until now. Being part of the St. Louis Mom team fulfills both the editor and writer in her spirit, and she gets to write about what she knows best: being a mom.