Eclipse viewing events planned – don’t get left out of the dark

        After much anticipation, the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is quickly approaching. Weather permitting (and fingers crossed!) the Monday, April 8, event will plunge parts of Ohio into total darkness as the moon passes between the sun and Earth.
        State officials expect an estimated 139,000-556,000 people to travel to Ohio to see the eclipse. More than 7,000,000 people live in the path of totality. Toledo is in that path and will see almost two minutes of totality.
        While many will watch the spectacle from their homes and workplaces, several viewing parties and events are being planned throughout the area for those who want to share the eclipse excitement.
        In Oregon, “Blackout on the Bay” will be held April 8 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Oregon Rec soccer fields.
        The celebration will feature hot dogs, refreshments, glow necklaces/bracelets and more. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided by the city.
        Attendees should feel free to bring lawn chairs. Parking will be available in the parking lots off Starr Extension by the rec soccer fields. Overflow parking can be found either at the Municipal Building at 5330 Seaman Rd. or at 5225 Starr Ext. by the pond.
        In Walbridge, a “Park in the Dark” eclipse viewing event will be  held from 1-4 p.m. at Railway Park, 101 Breckman St. Learn more at walbridgeohio.org.
        Find more eclipse events and celebrations in this calendar of events and in The Press. Destination Toledo also offers a range of eclipse event information at visittoledo.org/eclipse/.
        TourismOhio has launched an updated Total Solar Eclipse map to make planning for the event in Ohio easier. It’s available at ohio.org/home/eclipse.
 
        Ongoing: “Above and Beyond,” Imagination Station Toledo, 1 Discovery Way. Get a closer look at the advances that transformed aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to the latest inventions on Earth and in space. Featuring five galleries full of interactive, hands-on experiences. Combined with the science center’s new solar eclipse programming, the exhibit helps give visitors a detailed understanding of outer space and the eclipse experience area residents will have on April 8. imaginationstationtoledo.com.
        Through April 14: “The Brilliance of Caravaggio: Four Paintings in Focus,” Toledo Museum of Art, Canaday Gallery. Landmark exhibition pairs four theatrical paintings by the renowned Italian artist with four works by Italian, French, Dutch and Spanish artists in TMA’s collection who found inspiration in his technique and subject matter. toledomuseum.org.
        Through April 28: “Shore Leave,” an Exhibition of Paintings by Nate Lamp, The Arts Garage, 317 W. Perry St., Port Clinton. Gallery hours are Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.. gpcaac.org.
        Through Sept. 1: “Beth Lipman: ReGift,” Toledo Museum of Art, Gallery 18. Motivated by histories Lipman discovered in the archives at the TMA, the project features a three-quarter life-sized recreation of the parlor in Edward and Florence Libbey’s Old West End house. toledomuseum.org.
        Through Dec. 31, “Chasing Totality, The History of Science and Eclipses,” Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont. On April 8, Spiegel Grove and the rest of Sandusky County will be plunged into total darkness as the moon completely blots out the sun. The “Chasing Totality” exhibit looks at the science behind eclipses and the history of astronomy’s attempts to understand that science and takes a look at one particular solar eclipse that drove Americans across the country to the western territories during Hayes’s presidency. Included with regular admission. rbhayes.org.
        Through Aug. 30, 2025: “Africa Unmasked,” Toledo Museum of Art, Gallery 1. Exhibition commemorates 65 years of African art collecting and exhibiting at TMA. Featuring 16 works, ranging from the oldest to the most recent acquisitions, the display invites viewers to appreciate the permanent collection as both an example of African innovation and as an outgrowth of evolving European-American ideas about African culture. toledomuseum.org
        Through Aug. 30, 2025: “Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Character of a Nation,” Toledo Museum of Art, New Media Gallery. Installation celebrates, complicates, and above all, aims to instill curiosity and inquiry about American art. toledomuseum.org.
 
April
        April 2: Brit Floyd, Pink Floyd Show, Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 8 p.m. huntingtoncentertoledo.com/events/brit-floyd/.
        April 2: Job & Resource Fair, Terra State Community College Student Activity Center, 2830 Napoleon Rd., Fremont, 4-6 p.m. terra.edu/careerfairs, 419-559-2391.
        April 4-8: “Be Mooned” – Camping at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds in celebration of the total eclipse, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. Camping, food and more. sanduskycountyfair.com.
        April 4-9: Eclipse over Ottawa County, Ottawa County Fairgrounds, 7870 SR 163, Oak Harbor. A full weekend of camping, events and fun to celebrate the solar eclipse. 419-898-0479.
        April 5-6: Toledo RC Swap Meet, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. The indoor R/C fun fly will again begin Saturday morning and the R/C auction will start promptly at the conclusion of the swap meet and expo on Saturday. glasscitycenter.com.
        April 5: #5poets5parks, Glass City Metroparks, 1505 Front St., Toledo, 6:30 p.m. Metroparks Toledo is celebrating National Poetry Month by spotlighting five poets who have written poems in honor of five Toledo Metroparks. metroparkstoledo.com/5poets5parks.
        April 5: Glass City Wranglers,  semi-professional basketball team vs. West Virginia Grind, Bowsher High School 2200 Arlington Ave., Toledo, 7 p.m. glasscitywranglers.com.
        April 5: Spiegel Glow, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 7 p.m. Get ready for the big eclipse coming on April 8 with a night of fun, space and eclipse-themed activities at the Hayes Museum. Hors d’ oeuvres will be served. rbhayes.org.
        April 5: KANSAS: Another Fork in the Road - 50th Anniversary Tour, Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo, 7 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Fans will hear songs spanning 50 years of KANSAS music. stranahantheater.com.
        April 5-8: Total Eclipse Celebration, Lakeside Chautauqua, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside. To complement this milestone event, Lakeside will offer family-friendly programming, including live-streamed events from across the globe, scavenger hunts, a game night, out-of-this-world art activities, eclipsed-theme trivia, special movie showings, and more. lakesideohio.com.
        April 6: Elephant Baby Bash, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, 10 a.m.-noon. Celebrate the newest member of the Zoo’s herd. Visit Tembo Trail to meet the calf, see some special enrichment at 10:30 a.m. and hear from keepers at 11:30 a.m. There will also be games and activities. Check out our elephant baby registry on Amazon if you'd like to bring a gift for the new bundle of joy. There will be two gift drop-off locations. toledozoo.org/events/elephant-baby-bash.
        April 6: Total BrewClipse,  Imagination Station, 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, 6-10 p.m. Sample over 15 different types of eclipse-inspired brews created by the 419 Ale Trail Breweries. Enjoy the Solar System Experience, a live, interactive planetarium-style show in the KeyBank Discovery Theater. imaginationstationtoledo.org/solar-eclipse-2024/the-total-brewclipse-2024/.
        April 6: Eclipse Activities in the Museum, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, Eclipse-themed activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt, a reading station and craft activities, will be available in the museum. rbhayes.org.
        April 6: Racing into Totality, Fremont Speedway, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. Gates open at 4 p.m.; races start at 7 p.m. fremontohspeedway.com.
        April 6: Professional Bull Riders, Huntington Center, Toledo, 7 p.m. See top cowboys and cowgirls rising stars and established veterans compete for top prize money. huntingtoncentertoledo.com/events/pcbr-bull-riders/.
        April 7: Breakfast With the Animals, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo. An exclusive breakfast experience with animals across the zoo. Each breakfast includes a unique animal experience and keeper chat. Tickets include zoo admission and parking. toledozoo.org/events/breakfast-with-the-animals.
        April 7: “A Musical Eclipse” concert presented by Toledo Swiss Singers, The Chalet at Oak Shade Grove, 3624 Seaman Rd., Oregon, 3 p.m. Featuring songs themed for the solar eclipse and traditional Swiss songs. Doors open at 2 p.m. Desserts and snacks sold before and after the performance. toledoswiss.simpletix.com.
        April 7: Solar Street Fair, downtown Woodville, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Join Main Street Woodville businesses as they gear up for the solar eclipse. Participating businesses will have special vendors; restaurants will offer special menu items, visit the kids’ zone and join in the “Guess the Rock Weight Contest,” from Matin Marietta.
        April 7: LIVE at Jazz Alley, Cakewalkin’ Jass Band, Glass City Center, 405 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 3-5 p.m. Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with the Cakewalkin’ Jass Band as Jazz Alley, a first-floor corridor in the Glass City Center, continues its series of free concerts.
        April 7: Solar Eclipse Sunday Concert presented by Terra State Jazz Ensemble, downtown Fremont amphitheater, 209 S. Arch St., 4-6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the free concert. downtownfremontohio.org.
        April 8: Run the Eclipse, Williams Park, E. Stone Street, Gibsonburg. A 4.824 K run or walk on the paths inside of Williams Park that starts at 2:55 p.m. Event is part of the Run The Eclipse Virtual Run taking place across the country on April 8. Runners and walkers will be on the course during the Solar Eclipse Entry and fees paid at runtheeclipse.com. Contact Marc Glotzbecker at 419-637-2634 or m.glotzbecker@gibsonburgohio.org
        April 8: Parkside Drive-in Viewing Party, Parkside Drive-in, 4500 Navarre Ave., Oregon. Gates open at 8 a.m. Pass includes one carload entry, four pairs of viewing glasses, one $10 concession voucher and one commemorative popcorn bucket (with popcorn). Event is rain or shine, including cloudiness and all weather events. Spaces are first-come, first-parked day of event. Parking is guaranteed for ticket holders. All proceeds from the event benefit the nonprofit, Save Our Screen. parksidedrive-in.com.
        April 8: Imagination Station Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Festival Park (next to the science center), 1 Discovery Way, Toledo, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. An outdoor celebration for the countdown to totality — happening at 3:12 p.m. Food, games, hands-on science activities and prime viewing for the solar eclipse. imaginationstationtoledo.org/solar-eclipse-2024/solar-eclipse-viewing-party/.
        April 8: Total Eclipse at the Zoo, Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy animal demos, character meet-and-greets, a bounce house, musical entertainment and other fun activities throughout the day. Guests can also work with zoo staff to take part in animal observations and research to see how animal behaviors may change during the partial and total eclipse. Admission is free for Lucas County residents 10 a.m.-noon, with proof of residency.
Grab free eclipse glasses (while supplies last) and head into the historic amphitheatre to watch the eclipse take place. toledozoo.org/events/total-eclipse.
        April 8: University of Toledo Solar Eclipse Viewing University of Toledo, Glass Bowl Stadium, 1745 Stadium Dr, Toledo, noon. Join The University of Toledo's Ritter Planetarium on April 8, 2024 to view the solar eclipse on Main Campus. An official event will be held in the Glass Bowl, but the public is encouraged to watch the eclipse from anywhere on campus. Fun activities will start at noon on campus, but the official viewing will not take place until 2 p.m. utoledo.edu/eclipse/.
        April 8: Solar Eclipse Party at Hensville, 36 N. St. Clair, Toledo, 12-5 p.m. Head to Hensville and Fifth Third Field to watch the eclipse. The celebration will include live music, food and eclipse-themed cocktails. hensvilletoledo.com.
        April 8: Eclipse Cruise on the Glass City Pearl, J&M Cruise Lines, Glass City Pearl, 1 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 12:45-4:45 p.m. jmcruiselines.com/glass-city-pearl.
        April 8: Parks Eclipse Encounters at Toledo City Parks, 1-5 p.m. Live DJ, games, food trucks and fun for all. Free certified safety viewing glasses while supplies last. Bring chairs, blankets, and non-alcoholic refreshments to Navarre Park (between Woodville Road and E. Broadway, behind the E. Toledo Family Center); Promenade Park, 400 Water St., Toledo and Joe E. Park, 150 W. Oakland St., Toledo. /toledo.oh.gov/events/total-solar-eclipse.
        April 8: Total Eclipse of the Point, Cedar Point, Sandusky, 12-6 p.m. A celestial celebration. Experience the thrill of select rides on The Boardwalk and savor specialty food and drinks at the Grand Pavilion Restaurant & Bar, plus a live DJ, kids’ activities, games and more. A ticketed event. cedarpoint.com/events/total-eclipse-of-the-point.
        April 9-14: Toledo Mud Hens vs. Indianapolis Indians, Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St., Toledo, milb.com/toledo.
        April 10: National Museum of the Great Lakes Spring Lecture Series – “50 Years of History and Science,” 1701 Front St., Toledo, 7 p.m. NOAA’s Great Lake’s Regional Coordinator, Jennifer Day, join us to chronicle half-century of history and science on the Great Lakes. Offered as a hybrid event, participants can choose when registering to take part in person at the museum or online via Zoom. Registration required. nmgl.org/event/spring-lecture-series-50-years-of-history-and-science/.
        April 10-14: Disney’s “Frozen,” Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Boulevard, Toledo. americantheatreguild.com/toledo/shows/frozen/.
        April 11: Beer & Wine Tasting, Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S. Rd., Elmore. 6:30-8 p.m. $38 per person. Reservations required. schedel-gardens.org/calendar.html,
        April 13: Taste of Schedel Bridal Show, Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S. Rd., Elmore, 12-3 p.m. Meet photographers, planners, musicians, transportation experts, florists and other vendors in the tent in the lower-level gardens. Take a peek inside the Brown Welcome Center, an indoor facility which is popular for engagement parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. $5 admission includes a complimentary mimosa for attendees over 21. schedel-gardens.org/calendar.html.
        April 13: Metroparks Takeover of Toledo Library, 325 Michigan St., Toledo, noon-4 p.m. Try tree climbing, archery, rock climbing, and much more. Metroparks outdoor skills experts will be on hand to guide attendees at this free, inclusive event. Call 419-407-9700.
        April 13: Toledo Walleye vs. Fort Wayne Komets, Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, 7:15 p.m. toledowalleye.com.
        April 13-14: Fremont Flea Market, Sandusky County Fairgrounds 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. sanduskycountyfair.com.
        April 19: Toledo Zoo Wine Tasting, Toledo Zoo Malawi Event Center, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, 7-9 p.m. Partake in a mix of wines from around the world, hors d'oeuvres, live music and more. All participants must be age 21 or older; valid ID will be required. toledozoo.org/events/wine.
        April 19 and 21: Toledo Opera – “Ragtime,” Valentine Theatre, 410 Adams St., Toledo. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. toledoopera.org.
        April 20: Healthy Kids Day, YMCA of Sandusky County, 1000 North Street, Fremont, noon-2 p.m. Featuring vendors, activities, a bounce house, scavenger hunting and more.
        April 20: Rollie Beale Classic USAC Silver Crown Series Race, Toledo Speedway, 5639 Benore Rd., Toledo, 3 p.m. The season opener for both Toledo Speedway and the USAC Silver Crown Series. toledospeedway.com.
        April 20: Fremont Speedway Races, Fort Ball Pizza Palace - Future Racers Night, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. Gates open at 4 p.m.; races start at 7 p.m. Times and schedules are subject to change. fremontohspeedway.com.
        April 21: Glass City Wranglers vs. London Lightning, 2200 Arlington Ave., Toledo, 3 p.m. glasscitywranglers.com.
        April 22-28: Toledo Mud Hens vs. Worcester Red Sox, Fifth Third Field, Toledo, milb.com/toledo.
        April 26: Spiegel Grove Tree Tour, Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, Arbor Day Sunrise Tree Tour, departs the Hayes Home Verandah at 7:30 am. Enjoy sweet treats and learn about Arbor Day and the ever-developing landscape of Spiegel Grove. Tickets are required and are available at rbhayes.org.
        April 26-28: Jurassic Quest, Glass City Center, 401 Jefferson Ave., Toledo. Hours are 12-8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Walk with the larger-than-life dinosaur herd. tickets.jurassicquest.com.
        April 27: Fremont Speedway Races, Gressman Power Sports - Level Engines - Super Hero Night,, 901 Rawson Ave., Fremont. Gates open at 4 p.m.; races start at 7 p.m. All times and schedules are subject to change. fremontohspeedway.com.
        April 28: Mercy Health Glass City Marathon, University of Toledo, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, 6:30 a.m. One of the fastest marathon courses in the Midwest, annually boasting Boston Qualifying times for 25% of the field. The 26.2 mile, one-loop course takes runners on a tour from UT through surrounding suburbs, Wildwood Metropark and University Parks Trail to a finish inside the Glass Bowl Stadium. glasscitymarathon.org.
        For more events, be sure to visit presspublications.com, visittoleddo.org, shoresandislands.com or sanduskycounty.org. Submit event information to twalro@presspublications.com.