Experience the Eclipse in Dayton

There’s no better place to get “mooned” than in Dayton! As one of the Ohio locations in the path of totality, Dayton is gearing up for the Great North American Eclipse on April 8! The much-anticipated total solar eclipse will cast its spell over Dayton with 2 minutes and 43 seconds of total darkness. Conveniently located just minutes south of the Interstate 70/Interstate 75 interchange, Dayton is easily accessible from around the region. Here’s a quick guide to what Dayton has planned and how you can make the most of your eclipse experience.

Where To Go 

The biggest eclipse viewing party in town will undoubtedly be at Dayton’s iconic and free National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. It will serve as the area’s primary viewing location, offering easy access, ample free parking, and expansive open space for viewing the eclipse. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the wide-open views of the sky. 

It promises to be an unforgettable setting for this once-in-a-lifetime event, with food trucks, family activities, and more — plus access to the museum’s world-renowned collection, featuring 19 indoor acres of exhibits and more than 360 aerospace vehicles. Visitors can also explore the free co-located National Aviation Hall of Fame, purchase tickets to see a movie in the Air Force Museum Theatre, try out the museum’s simulator rides and get solar eclipse souvenirs (including eclipse glasses while supplies last) at the Air Force Museum Store.

What To Do

The eclipse falls on a Monday, so make it a weekend (or even weeklong) getaway in Dayton! Businesses and attractions throughout Dayton and Montgomery County are preparing eclipse-themed activities, performances and events, as well as special hotel, dining and shopping offers. 

Featured events include an eclipse-themed performance by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra on April 5 and 6, eclipse activities at Aullwood Farm, the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and Sunwatch Indian Village on April 8, opening weekend games for the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball team on April 5 through 7, and the Broadway show “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” at downtown Dayton’s Schuster Center from April 9 through 14.

Other Dayton-area attractions include Carillon Historical Park (featuring the Wright Brothers National Museum), the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, and the Dayton Art Institute, plus a diverse range of local restaurants and numerous craft breweries on the Dayton Ale Trail.

Plan Your Adventure

The Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau eclipse website, DaytonCVB.com/eclipse, is your go-to resource for an adventure in Dayton. From things to do and viewing tips, to dining and hotels, it features everything you need to plan your visit, including access to the free Destination Dayton Visitors Guide. You’ll find special eclipse hotel packages from the Marriott at the University of Dayton and the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Dayton South. Through March 9, you can also register to win an eclipse get-away in Dayton, featuring a two-night stay at the Drury Inn & Suites North Dayton on April 7 and 8.

So grab your eclipse glasses and get ready for a celestial spectacle like no other, right here in Dayton!