Your DC-Area Guide to Celebrating the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

Are you ready to celebrate a celestial spectacle right here in the DC-area? On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the United States, and we’re gearing up for an unforgettable experience. According to NASA, this year’s eclipse will pass over more populated areas than the 2017 total solar eclipse and will last longer. While the DC area isn’t under the path of totality, more of the sun – about 87% – will be blocked and it is expected to make our area noticeably darker along with a slight drop in temperature. Scheduled to last from 2:04 to 4:33 pm, the eclipse will reach its peak at 3:20 pm. Here’s your guide to enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime event locally, from where to get eclipse glasses, to the best spots for viewing.

First, Safety!

Ensure you’re equipped to safely view the eclipse by securing a pair of certified eclipse glasses. Here’s where to find them based on your location:

Washington, DC

• DC Public Library: Beginning on April 1st, DC residents can snag a pair of free eclipse glasses at their local library branch. Available while supplies last until April 8. 
• National Air and Space Museum, National Mall: If you’re planning to visit the Museum with the required ticket, each person may pick up one free pair of eclipse glasses. They will be available on the first floor left of the museum store until Sunday, April 7, between noon and 4pm. 
• Smithsonian Museums, National Mall: If free glasses run out, a set of three pairs may be purchased for $6 at the following museums: the National Museum of African Art, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Asian Art, National Museum of Natural History, National Postal Museum and Hirshhorn Museum.

Virginia

• Fairfax County Public Library: The Fairfax County Public Libraries are offering free solar eclipse glasses at their locations from April 1 to 8. Find out more here.  
• Arlington County Central Library, Arlington: In addition to offering free solar eclipse glasses, the Arlington County Central library is hosting a “Solar Eclipse Extravaganza” on Saturday, April 6. Visitors will discover NASA’s Eclipse Soundscapes and have the opportunity to make their own Eclipse Pinhole Viewer.
• David M. Brown Planetarium, Arlington: On April 6 and 7, along with offering free glasses, the David M. Brown Planetarium is presenting a show titled “Lights Out! Eclipses: Whys, Wonders and Wows.” The kid-friendly event will delve into captivating scientific narratives and the remarkable transformations witnessed during eclipses.
• Virginia State Parks, various locations: Solar-viewing glasses will be sold for $1 plus tax at all 42 state parks in the state.

Maryland

• Montgomery County Public Library: Find your free glasses at several Montgomery County Public libraries by searching “eclipse” then select relevant dates on the events calendar webpage.
• Warby Parker, various locations: The eyeglass retailer is providing free and ISO-certified eclipse glasses at all stores. Find a location here.
• College Park Aviation Museum: Along with the Museum’s free eclipse viewing event on Monday, they will give out complimentary eclipse glasses, as long as supplies last. 

Local Viewing Events

The DC area offers a variety of fantastic locations for getting together for this cosmic phenomenon. Here’s our guide to local events celebrating the total solar eclipse: 

Washington, DC

• Solar Eclipse Festival on the National Mall: This free family-friendly festival runs from noon until 4pm and is located between 4th and 12th Streets on the National Mall. In collaboration with Smithsonian museums, NASA, NOAA, and the National Science Foundation and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, this is DC’s biggest celebration of the cosmic event. View the eclipse safely through solar telescopes and sun spotters, watch live NASA video from the path of totality, or see the sun through a satellite’s ultraviolet cameras. Hear about how ancient civilizations thought about eclipses, create art with a pinhole, and learn about color patterns in sunlight by using prisms and a spectrograph. Attendees are encouraged to come prepared with their own glasses as a limited number will be available at the event. 

• The Ven at Embassy Row: The Ven at Embassy Row is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party from 1 to 4 pm on Monday, April 8th. Featuring eclipse-themed drinks for an extra-cosmic kick, tickets are $10 per person to attend and include eclipse eyewear. 

• Hotel Zena: Hedy’s Rooftop located at Hotel Zena is hosting a viewing party from 2 to 6 pm. Tickets are $15 per person to attend. 

Virginia 

• Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: The Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly is also hosting a sky-watching party outside its main entrance, using solar telescopes and projectors. The museum recommends viewers bring their own safety glasses. The event is from 2 to 4 pm, with free admission and parking $15. Find out the details here.
• Gateway Park in Arlington: Courtesy of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club, this event will celebrate and view the eclipse on Monday from 2 to 4 pm and hand out complimentary solar glasses. 

• Franklin Park Arts Center in Purcellville: This special event features hands-on activities like art, improv, planetarium exploration, and a number of viewing apparatuses. Registration is encouraged for Purcellville’s free celebration that runs from 2:30 to 5 pm on Monday. 
• The Turner Farm in Great Falls: The Turner Farm is pleased to put on its solar viewing event at 1:30 pm on Monday. Attendees will get free solar viewing glasses. Registration for this event is $10 per person.

Maryland

• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center: The visitor center at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center opens its doors from noon to 4 pm for activities that include viewing the sun with sun spotters and solar glasses, art projects, and talks by solar scientists. Glasses will be given out while supplies last. In case of cloudy weather, NASA’s live footage of the eclipse will be shown in the visitor center theater. Discover more here. 

• Observatory Park in Gaithersburg: View the 2024 solar eclipse at the park with hands-on activities and free solar glasses (while supplies last).

• University of Maryland: Students, teachers, and faculty alike will gather on the front lawn of Glenn L. Martin Hall between 1:45 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. to view the eclipse. 

Build Community 

As you prepare to experience the 2024 total solar eclipse in the DC-area, remember to prioritize safety, enjoy the moment, and marvel at the wonders of the universe unfolding right before your eyes. Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about celestial events, this rare cosmic spectacle is sure to leave a lasting impression. At Jennifer Young Homes, we value the abundance of beauty and community events that bring everyone together and create a vibrant life in DC, Virginia, and Maryland. If you are in the market to buy or sell a home in this wonderful area, reach out to us today at (703) 651-5655!