In collaboration with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the Dayton Convention & Visitors Bureau is preparing for an unforgettable experience that promises to captivate skygazers and astronomy enthusiasts from near and far. As the celestial bodies align, plunging the region into temporary darkness, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring event firsthand: The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8.
Primary Viewing Location & Immersive Activities
Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024! The path of totality, stretching from Mexico to Canada, will intersect Dayton, offering observers approximately 2 minutes and 43 seconds of complete darkness starting at 3:09 p.m. This momentous occasion marks Ohio's first total solar eclipse since 1806, making it a historic event for the region.
Events and activities will be happening throughout Dayton and Montgomery County, and the world-renowned National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, known for its extensive collection of aviation history (19 acres with 350+ aerospace vehicles & missiles), will serve as the primary viewing location for the eclipse. Situated on a sprawling campus with unobstructed views of the sky, the museum offers the perfect vantage point to witness the eclipse's progression. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and viewing glasses as they settle in to experience this natural wonder in comfort and style.
In addition to the main event, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has planned a series of immersive activities and educational programs scheduled from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. for eclipse enthusiasts of all ages:
- Hands-on Educational Activities:
- Make a Moon Phases Calendar & Calculator
- Model a Solar Eclipse
- When Do Lunar Eclipses Happen?
- How to Make a Pinhole Camera
- Eclipse in a Cup
- 5 Steps to Creating Your Own Solar Eclipse Glasses
- Rocket Launches presented by the Wright Stuff Rocketeers
- 3 launches scheduled throughout the day, including a special Glow Launch during the Eclipse
- Hot Air Balloon Glow from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
- Live-streams of NASA's Eclipse Coverage
- Expert Presentations
- Food Trucks
The benefit to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force hosting an eclipse viewing? The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is FREE! You read that correct, FREE admission AND parking!
Planning Your Visit
Ready to attend the museum's event but not from the Dayton/Montgomery County area? We've got you covered! Three of our Montgomery County hotels are offering special packages for the event:
- Marriott at the University of Dayton
- King or Queen room with Breakfast for 2
- Eclipse Viewing Glasses
- Eclipse Themed Snacks
*No Booking Minimum Required
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Dayton South
- King or Double Suites
- Breakfast included
- Moon Pies & Milky Ways
*2 Night Minimum Stay Required
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Dayton
- King, Double or King with pull-out sofa
- Welcome Basket for 2 including snacks & eclipse glasses
*2 Night Minimum Stay Required
For more information regarding these options, visit our Solar Eclipse Hotel Packages page!
Numerous other hotel options are available through Montgomery County as well - visit the hotels section of our website for a full list.
Enter to Win a Dayton Total Solar Eclipse Getaway Package
Embark on your extraordinary celestial journey ... on us! You could win a two-night stay at the Drury Inn & Suites North Dayton on April 7 & 8 and more.
Conveniently situated off I-75, just 10 minutes from downtown, Drury Inn & Suites offers a comfortable retreat with complimentary breakfast. And when you arrive, be greeted by your Dayton Solar Eclipse basket that includes:
- 1 Box of Dayton's Esther Price chocolates
- 2 Solar Eclipse Glasses
- 2 tickets to the Air Force Museum Theatre
- 2 Dayton Solar Eclipse t-shirts
- Dayton Visitors Guide
- Bag of Cheez-It® crackers (they were invented in Dayton, you know!)
- 2 Dayton-themed bottled waters
To enter the contest, complete and submit the form on our website no later than March 9! We wish you the best of luck!
