Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall

Mon Apr 8, 2024
12:00pm to 4:00pm ET
Age: All Ages
Price: Free
Location:
National Mall

Celebrate and observe the solar eclipse that will be visible all across North America on Monday, April 8! The National Air and Space Museum, in collaboration with other Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory presents an outdoor festival with activities for all ages.

Taking place along the National Mall between 4th and 12th Streets, this event includes activity stations to view the Sun in a variety of safe telescopes, and explore the different educational offerings from Smithsonian museums and partners. A list of partners and detailed map of activities will be released prior to the festival.

The eclipse will be visible in the Washington, DC area between 2:04 pm and 4:32 pm. Maximum eclipse will be at 3:20 pm, with the Sun 89% covered by the Moon.

This is an outdoor event. In the case of extreme weather, check this page for updates.

Event attendees are encouraged to bring their own solar eclipse viewers to the Festival.

A limited number of solar eclipse glasses will be handed out during the event. 

Sponsored by Phillip N. and Mary A. Lyons

Information on the event at the Udvar-Hazy Center is available here.

** Activity dates/times are subject to change. Please click through to the activity website to verify.