Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Tampa Bay

The Great American Solar Eclipse will put on a celestial show on Monday, April 8, 2024, and you can celebrate this unique event with the kids at one of several solar eclipse watch parties in Tampa Bay.

Even though we are not in the path of totality where the moon blocks the sun completely, we will still get a partial view and it's something you don't want to miss because it won't happen again in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Fun Fact: The Tampa Bay region will be within the totality of a solar eclipse in 2045.

The eclipse will begin in Tampa Bay at about 1:43 pm, and peak at about 3 pm before coming to an end at 4:15 pm.

While you can view it at home with the kids using special solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard to view the eclipse, it would be a unique experience to view it with others and even through the lens of a specially equipped telescope!

So, let’s dive in and explore what’s on schedule!

Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Tampa Bay

MOSI Solar Eclipse Watch Party

• Monday, April 8 from 1:30 pm-4 pm
• 4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa

MOSI will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Celebration where guests can join in on Sun-themed science activities, watch live streams of the eclipse along the exhibit path, and use Sun-safe solar telescopes that are staffed by a team of MOSI astronomers.

The event is included with general admission. Eclipse glasses will be available for purchase.

Great Exploration Children’s Museum Solar Eclipse Party

• Monday, April 8 from 2:30 pm-4:00 pm
• Crescent Lake Park and Great Explorations Children’s Museum: 1925 4th Street N, St Pete

Celebrate the eclipse by watching it from Crescent Lake Park –you will need to bring your own solar eclipse glasses or pinhole camera which you can easily make. Check their link here to learn how to make a pinhole solar eclipse projection box. And then, head to the museum for a planetarium show. Admission to the park is free, however, non-members will need to pay general admission to enter the museum.

• Monday, April 8 from 1:45 pm-4:15 pm
• 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is teaming up with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater to host this solar eclipse viewing party during the festival. They will be handing out free specially designed solar eclipse viewing glasses at the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater booth.

• Monday, April 8 beginning at 1:30 pm
• 6605 5th Avenue North, St. Pete

You can view the solar eclipse through the lenses of specially equipped telescopes and even solar eclipse glasses courtesy of St. Pete College! The party will be near the "quad area" of the St. Pete/Gibbs near the Natural Science Building. Free planetarium shows will also be offered. You will want to park in the north and west lots only, which you can access from 69th Street and 5th Ave N. See map here.

• Monday, April 8 from 1 pm-3:15 pm
• 900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa

Head to the library to view the solar eclipse as it's streamed live from NASA TV.

• Monday, April 8 from 12:45 pm-4:15 pm
• 9200 113th St., Seminole

Experience the solar eclipse behind the library. While supplies last, one pair of eclipse glasses per person (ages 3 and up) will be provided beginning at 12:45 pm. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and water. No tents or canopies allowed. Learn more about this event here.

• Monday, April 8 from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
• 8012 Library Road, Hudson

The Hudson Regional Library will be handing out free solar eclipse glasses so everyone can enjoy this celestial show together!

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center Solar Eclipse Party

• Monday, April 8 at 1 pm
• 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, Odessa

The Starkey Ranch TLC is teaming up with the MAPS Museum to celebrate this special event. Kids can get their picture taken with the MAPS Moon Mobile and learn about the wonders of space and the solar eclipse. Tickets are $5 per child which includes solar eclipse glasses and a space toy.

• Monday, April 8 from 1 pm-4 pm
• 138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs

Watch NASA's live broadcast of the total solar eclipse. Free solar eclipse glasses will be available at the library starting on April 6 (while supplies last).

• Monday, April 8 at 2 pm
• 1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales

Head to the Singing Lawn Garden to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse. Peak viewing time begins at 2 pm. Free for members and $20 for non-members (includes admission to the Gardens all day). The first 100 visitors will receive a pair of Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses.