<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>The Great American Eclipse will make its way across the country on Monday, April 8 and it’s a celestial event you don’t want to miss because it won’t happen here again until 2044.
While we are not in the path of totality in Tampa Bay (where the moon blocks out the sun entirely), we will get a partial view with about a 60% occlusion of the sun, so it will be noticeable.
If you remember the last eclipse to pass by Tampa Bay in October, it almost felt as if it were dusk outside but less pink in color and more brown.
What time is the solar eclipse in Tampa Bay?
The eclipse will begin in Tampa Bay at about 1:43 pm, peak at about 3 pm before ending at 4:15 pm.
This is probably pretty obvious, but we’ll mention it anyway — do not look directly at the sun. You will need special solar eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard to view the eclipse.
Hillsborough County Public Library locations and Warby Parker are handing out free solar eclipse glasses at select locations while supplies last through April 8.
But, honestly, the easiest way to see it is by looking down at the shadows of leaves that will slowly turn into crescents as the eclipse passes.
*Our friends at Tampa Bay Parenting recently spoke with the experts at MOSI to learn more about the solar eclipse in Tampa Bay.
Another great way to view it is by attending a solar eclipse watch party in Tampa Bay! We’ve gathered up a few to help you find one near you.
Solar Eclipse Watch Parties in Tampa Bay
MOSI
Monday, April 8 from 1:30 pm-4 pm
4801 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa
MOSI will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Celebration where guests can join in on Sun-themed science activities, watch live streams of the eclipse along the exhibit path, and use Sun-safe solar telescopes that are staffed by a team of MOSI astronomers.
The event is included with general admission. Eclipse glasses will be available for purchase.
Sugar Sand Eclipse Party on Clearwater Beach
Monday, April 8 from 1:45 pm-4:15 pm
1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater
The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival is teaming up with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater to host this solar eclipse viewing party during the festival. They will be handing out free specailly designed solar eclipse viewing glasses at the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater booth.
St. Pete College Planetarium Eclipse Viewing
Monday, April 8 beginning at 1:30 pm
6605 5th Avenue North, St. Pete
You can view the solar eclipse through the lenses of specially equipped telescopes and even solar eclipse glasses courtesy of St. Pete College! The party will be near the “quad area” of the St. Pete/Gibbs near the Natural Science Building. Free planetarium shows will also be offered. You will want to park in the north and west lots only, which you can access from 69th Street and 5th Ave N. See map here.
John F. Germany Public Library
Monday, April 8 from 1 pm-3:15 pm
900 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa
Head to the library to view the solar eclipse as it’s streamed live from NASA TV.
Seminole Community Library at St. Petersburg College
Monday, April 8 from 12:45 pm-4:15 pm
9200 113th St., Seminole
Experience the solar eclipse behind the library. While supplies last, one pair of eclipse glasses per person (ages 3 and up) will be provided beginning at 12:45 pm. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and water. No tents or canopies allowed. Learn more about this event here.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing at Safety Harbor Library
- Monday, April 8 from 1:30 pm-4 pm
- 101 2nd St. N, Safety Harbor
Watch the eclipse at Waterfront Park on Veterans Memorial Lane by Safety Harbor Library. Free viewing glasses will be passed out (while supplies last).
Solar Eclipse Celebration at Hudson Regional Library
Monday, April 8 from 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
8012 Library Road, Hudson
The Hudson Regional Library will be handing out free solar eclipse glasses so everyone can enjoy this celestial show together!
Tarpon Springs Library
Monday, April 8 from 1 pm-4 pm
138 E. Lemon St., Tarpon Springs
Watch NASA’s live broadcast of the total solar eclipse. Free solar eclipse glasses will be available at the library starting on April 6 (while supplies last).
Bok Tower Gardens
Monday, April 8 at 2 pm
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Head to the Singing Lawn Garden to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse. Peak viewing time begins at 2 pm. Free for members and $20 for non-members (includes admission to the Gardens all day). The first 100 visitors will receive a pair of Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses.
‘Total Eclipse of the Park’ at Bonnet Springs Park
Monday, April 8, 1pm – 3pm
Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33815
Head to Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland for eclipse-themed activities, grab $4 sunglasses, and enjoy the BEST mountain view for full visibility. FREE admission and FREE parking. We recommend arriving early.
Where to Get Free Solar Eclipse Glasses and Specials Around Town
Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes for direct solar viewing. You must use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard or a welder’s mask that is shade #12 and that is free of lens scratches.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
April 3-8
615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
305 W. Palm Ave., Tampa
Jeni’s will be giving away solar eclipse glasses with the purchase of their limited edition Punk Stargonaut ice cream starting April 5. They will also be available online starting April 3. While supplies last.
Smoothie King
March 27-April 8
Various Locations
Smoothie King is celebrating with a themed drink called the “Eclipse Berry Blitz.” The smoothie is made with bananas, wild blueberries, apples, blueberry juice blend, white grape lemon juice blend, protein blend and blue spirulina.
When you buy an Eclipse Berry Blitz at a participating Smoothie King location, you’ll also get a free pair of eclipse glasses while supplies last.
Sonic Drive-In
Through May 5
Various locations
Sonic will offer customers a Blackout Slush Float to celebrate the momentous occasion. The drink will be available through Sunday, May 5. They’ll also be hanging out free solar eclipse viewing glasses with every purchase of the float, while supplies last.
More things to do in Tampa: 40+ Best Things to Do in Tampa Bay this Week