Dark Sky WNY on April 8, 2024
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Welcome to Wyoming County - Your Dark Sky in Western New York!

A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024 - and we invite you to experience it like nowhere else. With minimal light pollution, plenty of open-air venues/locations and serene backdrop of our rolling hills - we are your dark sky destination!

This stunning phenomenon will occur in Wyoming County starting at 2:05pm and running until 4:31pm.
Totality will take place for 3 minutes 20 seconds at 3:19pm.

The eclipse takes place on a Monday, so you can plan a long weekend celebrating with our community, filled with activities, events, experiences - and culminating with this unique celestial event!

A total solar eclipse is one of the rarest and most spectacular events in nature. The sky becomes dark, bright stars and planets appear, and the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, shines around the black disk of the Moon's silhouette. During solar eclipses, there are noticeable changes in temperature, winds and animal behavior - especially during totality. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - join us in celebration!

* This page will regularly be updated with additional participating events & activities - so bookmark us and stay up to date! 

Dark Sky WNY Sponsor


Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens on April 8, 2024?
    • Western New York will experience a total solar eclipse. The eclipse will occur in Wyoming County starting at 2:05pm and running until 4:31, with totality taking place for 3 minutes 20 seconds at 3:19pm.
  • What will we see in WyCo?
    • There will be a total eclipse right here! The sky becomes dark, bright stars and planets appear, and the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, shines around the black disk of the Moon's silhouette. During solar eclipses, there are noticeable changes in temperature, winds and animal behavior - especially during totality which will last 3 minutes 20 seconds.
  • Where are special events for the eclipse?
    • Throughout the area, eclipse viewing parties, special events and unique business specials have been planned. See below for events, activities & more leading up to the eclipse!
  • Where do we get viewing glasses from?
    • Wyoming County Tourism provided glasses available to area schools, libraries and and businesses for viewing parties and for the general public. See below for a list of events and/or visit your local library for more info.
  • How can I experience the eclipse?
    • Bookmark this page as it will regularly be updated with new events, activities & more. Also be sure to follow Wyoming County Tourism on Facebook and Instagram for all your solar eclipse updates! 
  • Is it true that you should not look at the Sun even during a total solar eclipse?
    • When the bright photosphere of the Sun is completely covered, only the faint light from the corona is visible, and this radiation is too weak to have any harmful effects on the human retina. There is a misunderstanding that during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon has fully blocked the light from the Sun, there are still harmful rays that can injure your eyes. This is false.
    • During other types of solar eclipses, viewers must wear solar viewing or eclipse glasses or use an alternative viewing method the entire time, as at least part of the Sun is always visible. During a total solar eclipse, viewers should take those protective measures before and after the Sun’s visible disk is completely blocked. However, once it’s completely blocked – called totality – viewers can look directly at the eclipse without any special eye protection. (NASA Science)

Total Solar Eclipse in New York State


Eclipse Viewing Events & Activities

Experience the eclipse at one of these special events - and support our local business community! A full run down of events leading up to & including the day of eclipse can be found on our events page!

Arcade

  • Arcade & Attica Railroad
    • 278 Main Street, Arcade, NY
    • April 8th, 2pm
    • Experience the eclipse on a unique 2.5 hour rail-ride with the A&A Railroad. Seats are very limited and include a pair of eclipse glasses. The train departs the depot at 2pm and will stop at Curriers Station - ensuring plenty of time to fully enjoy eclipse totality (bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the eclipse!)
    • Purchase your tickets here.
  • Beer Justice Brewing Co. 
    • 3 Hurdville Road, Arcade, NY
    • April 8th, 12:30 - 6pm
    • Join the viewing party - and celebrate the eclipse with the unveiling of their new Totality Black IPA!
    • Lunch specials start at 12noon!

Attica

  • Village of Attica
    • Attica Memorial Park, Exchange Street, Attica, NY
    • April 8th, 1 - 5pm
    • Solar Eclipse Viewing Party and Vendor Show.
    • Glasses will be provided on site to view the eclipse. Come enjoy the weather with the community for this once in a lifetime event!

Castile

  • Buried Barrel Hard Cider
    • 6517 Denton Corners Rd, Castile, NY
    • April 8th, 12 - 6pm
    • Located 1 mile from Letchworth State Park, this family friendly event kicks off at 12PM. They will have Mountain Top Concessions on premise serving loaded dogs & other goodies! Buried Barrel will also have approved glasses available for the eclipse viewing at no charge!
  • Three Falls Cider
    • 29 East Park Rd, Castile, NY
    • April 8th, 12 - 6pm
    • Join Three Falls Cider for the Solar Eclipse and enjoy a special sensory cider tasting while you take in this breathtaking event. Enjoy a selection of sweet, semi sweet, and dry ciders to match the changing characteristics of the outdoor environment. They’ll have food and cider cans to go, along with eclipse viewing glasses available while supplies last. 

Java 

  • Beaver Meadow Audubon Center
    • 1610 Welch Rd, North Java, NY
    • April 8th, 11am-5pm
    • Buffalo Audubon and the Buffalo Astronomical Association will hold a fun family event with safe solar viewing at Beaver Meadow Nature Center on April 8th, 2024 to observe the total solar eclipse! Details include:
      • Admission & parking for one passenger vehicle
      • Solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last)
      • Presentation from Buffalo Astronomical Association
      • Sneak peek at Nature Center Renovations
      • Nature themed scavenger hunt
      • Program: How an Eclipse Affects Plants & Animals
      • Box lunches (purchased separately) 
    • Tickets are $25 per car to attend - click here to reserve your spot at the Dark Sky WNY epicenter!

Nunda

  • Woodlynn Hills Golf Course & Pub
    • 8780 N State St, Nunda, NY
    • April 8th, 1-5pm
    • Join Woodlynn Hills for an eclipse viewing party. Adult tickets are $10 and include eclipse glasses, parking, one cocktail/beverage, souvenir cup, yard games and more. Kids tickets are $5 and include souvenir cup, eclipse glasses and a free mocktail or beverage. 
    • Hotdogs, hamburgers, pulled pork & sides will also be available. 
    • Call (585) 990-8780 to buy tickets.

Perry

  • Charcoal Corral - Eclipse Camping Event
    • 7037 Chapman Ave Perry, NY 
    • Overnight Camping Available for the Nights of April 6th and 7th (campers & tents welcome)
    • Saturday and Sunday Evenings: Free Space Themed Movies for All Campers at the Drive-In 
    • Live Music on April 7th (weather permitting). Musicians are TBA
    • Up to Four Free Pairs of Glasses for All Camping Vehicles
    • Live Streamed Eclipse Viewing on the Movie Screen in the Event of Cloudy Weather
    • Selections of Local Brewery Beer and Hard Cider (Weather Permitting)
    • 24/7 Bathrooms Will be Available & Security Throughout the Evening
    • Other amenities include:
      • Charcoal Corral Restaurant, Corral Pizzeria, and Corral Deluxe Ice Cream Parlor Featuring Eclipse Themed Specials
      • Breakfast Items Available Sunday and Monday (7:30am-10:30am)
      • Family Video Arcade
      • 18 Hole Championship Miniature Golf Course Featuring Moon Glow Golf and Corral Mining Co. 
    • Click here for more details and to register!
  • Wyoming County Community Action Eclipse Party
    • 6470 Route 20A, Perry, NY
    • April 8th, 2-5pm
    • Activities include fun for kids, DJ playing music, free eclipse glasses, parking & food provided by Warsaw Moose (for an additional charge).
    • For more info, call 585.237.2600 or email Krysta at  

Varysburg

  • Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets
    • 2357 Humphrey Rd, Varysburg, NY
    • April 7-8th, TIME TBD
    • Book an overnight stay and enjoy food & activities taking place Sunday and Monday leading up to & after the eclipse. 
    • Activities include:
      • Food, music, beer from Windy Brew, solar eclipse glasses & more!
    • Visit the events calendar for full details including overnight accommodations and solar eclipse activities.

Warsaw

  • Yummies Ice Cream
    • 12 Center St, Warsaw, NY
    • April 8th, TIME TBD
    • Experience this celestial event with specials and a solar eclipse-inspired ice cream flavor!

Nearby Parks & Green Spaces for Eclipse Viewing

Click here to map out your 2024
Dark Sky WNY Eclipse Experience!

 

Become an Eclipse Ambassador!

The Buffalo Astronomical Association is holding FREE Eclipse Ambassador Training at Beaver Meadow Audubon in North Java for ANYONE who would like to assist a local business of venue to help them understand the science and safety view the total eclipse.
 
Trainings are every Saturday from 10am-12noon - running until the eclipse on April 8, 2024. Click here to book your free training!
 
Note: each training class will require a minimum of 5 attendees - if the class minimum is not met by the prior Friday at 9am, the class will be canceled and attendees can select another time slot.

Letchworth State Park Updates

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will put much of New York State in twilight-like totality, including Letchworth State Park starting at about 3:20pm. While this locally rare natural phenomenon will occur across the state and country, many people are already planning to view the eclipse at Letchworth due to its well-known natural beauty.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • As usual for early April, there will be no vehicle use fee to enter the park on the day of the eclipse.
  • No camping will be available. Limited cabin offerings are already booked. Please find other local accommodations.
  • The best and most available eclipse viewing will be in the Highbanks Recreation Area at the north end of the park, near the swimming pool.
  • There will be very limited parking in the area of the large river waterfalls at the south end of the park. This area is expected to reach parking capacity and close to vehicle traffic several hours before the eclipse begins. Overflow traffic will be redirected to the Highbanks Recreation Area.
  • Please plan at least one backup location in the park to view the eclipse. Park maps are downloadable here.
  • Bring your own ISO certified eclipse glasses (never use sunglasses to view an eclipse). 
  • Heavy vehicle traffic and long lines are likely on the day of the eclipse, for both arrival and departure from viewing sites.
  • Restrooms will be available on site, but long lines are possible.
  • Prepare to follow special traffic directions from park staff.
  • Parking is allowed in paved parking spaces only. No roadside parking.

The goal is for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience. New York State Parks Police officers and New York State Parks rangers will be on site alongside education staff. In a medical or public safety emergency, dial 911.

Solar Eclipse Safty & Viewing Glasses

We are partnering with local schools and libraries to provide glasses to kids and members of our community. Interested in getting a pair? Contact these participating libraries starting February 16th to get a pair! (while supplies last)

Our glasses are ISO certified, which means they will safely protect your eyes as you enjoy the eclipse. Click here for information on how to view the eclipse safely.


Can you look at the Sun even during a total solar eclipse?

When the bright photosphere of the Sun is completely covered, only the faint light from the corona is visible, and this radiation is too weak to have any harmful effects on the human retina. There is a misunderstanding that during a total solar eclipse, when the Moon has fully blocked the light from the Sun, there are still harmful rays that can injure your eyes. This is false.

During other types of solar eclipses, viewers must wear solar viewing or eclipse glasses or use an alternative viewing method the entire time, as at least part of the Sun is always visible. During a total solar eclipse, viewers should take those protective measures before and after the Sun’s visible disk is completely blocked. However, once it’s completely blocked – called totality – viewers can look directly at the eclipse without any special eye protection. (NASA Science)
 

BOOK YOUR OVERNIGHT STAY

Plan an ECLIPSE WEEKEND in WyCo!

 

Specials overnight packages include:

  • Charcoal Corral - Eclipse Camping Event
    • 7037 Chapman Ave, Perry, NY 
    • Overnight Camping Available for the Nights of April 6th and 7th 
    • Saturday and Sunday Evenings: Free Space Themed Movies for All Campers at the Drive-In 
    • Live Music on April 7th (weather permitting). Musicians are TBA
    • Up to Four Free Pairs of Glasses for All Camping Vehicles
    • Live Streamed Eclipse Viewing on the Movie Screen in the Event of Cloudy Weather
    • Selections of Local Brewery Beer and Hard Cider (Weather Permitting)
    • 24/7 Bathrooms Will be Available & Security Throughout the Evening
    • Other amenities include:
      • Charcoal Corral Restaurant, Corral Pizzeria, and Corral Deluxe Ice Cream Parlor Featuring Eclipse Themed Specials
      • Breakfast Items Available Sunday and Monday (7:30am-10:30am)
      • Family Video Arcade
      • Our 18 Hole Championship Miniature Golf Course Featuring Moon Glow Golf and Corral Mining Co. 
    • Click here for more details and to register!

FIND FOOD & DRINK

Celebrate the eclipse with local faire!

 

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