As cities around the country gear up to celebrate the total solar eclipse on April 8, Columbus invites visitors to experience the near totality (99.6%) in Ohio’s capital city. For the first time since 1806, Ohio will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse. From unique viewing parties at rooftops downtown to an Eclipse-inspired craft beer from Land-Grant Brewing Company, here’s what’s happening in the 14th largest city in the U.S.:  

• Eclipse viewing party at the #1 science museum in the country: Celebrate the eclipse at COSI, named the #1 science museum in the country for four consecutive years by USA Today 10Best. Located downtown in the path of near totality, the museum is hosting a day of fun, hands-on activities. They are also giving away thousands of free eclipse glasses. For those who cannot attend in person, COSI will live-stream the eclipse, supported by expert commentary and explanations during the event.  
   
• Say cheers to the historic event with an eclipse-themed craft beer: One of Columbus’ favorite craft breweries, Land-Grant Brewing Company, is celebrating the occasion with a special beer in honor of the eclipse. Totality is a Black IPA and an exclusive COSI collaboration. Visitors can try the beer on tap during their viewing party starting at 11 a.m. The watch party includes free eclipse glasses, interactive experiments with the COSI team, cosmic-themed music and food from local food trucks.   
   
• Step into the path of totality at the zoo: Located in nearby Delaware County, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is in the path of totality where experts anticipate the totality will last around 1 minute, 45 seconds. Join them for a special Solar Eclipse Solar-Bration from noon to 4 p.m. and take in the historic sight amidst the wonders of wildlife. Visitors will get viewing glasses and enjoy character greetings and hands-on activities. 
   
• Attend other watch parties at top attractions: In addition to COSI and Land-Grant's watch parties in Downtown Columbus, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum will host a viewing party on their expansive rooftop.  
  
• Grab glasses at Columbus’ visitor centers: Experience Columbus is selling glasses so you can safely enjoy the solar eclipse for just $1. Stop by and grab a pair at the Visitor Centers located at Easton Town Center or in the Arena District. 
   
• Stay in Columbus’ celestial-themed hotel: Whether you’re planning to enjoy the near totality in downtown Columbus or drive the short distance northwest from Columbus into the path of totality, consider making Columbus your home base and staying at the celestial-themed Hotel LeVeque. Located in the historic 47-story LeVeque Tower, once Amelia Earhart's aerial lighthouse, the hotel boasts celestial details from lobby to guestrooms. Each of the 149 rooms features a telescope, ensuring a unique stargazing experience, and visitors can enjoy nightly turn-down service with a star machine projecting the night sky onto the ceilings.  
   
  Or choose from one of dozens of other hotels in Columbus. Book a two-night stay through Experience Columbus and you’ll get the choice of a $100 Delta voucher (stay must be a minimum of $250+), two tickets to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, two tickets to the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens or a $25-$50 Lyft credit. 
   
• Special solar science kits: No matter where you live you can learn more about the solar system with COSI Connects Solar Kit. Recommended for grades 2-5, the kit offers a fun way for kids to learn about our solar system’s star—the sun. Explore the science of light and magnetism and make your own artwork showing the corona during a solar eclipse. Every kit includes solar glasses. 
  

Learn more about all of the solar eclipse happenings in Columbus at www.experiencecolumbus.com/eclipse. 

About Columbus, Ohio 
Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio's capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus' blend of neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, noteworthy music scene, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who eagerly await and warmly welcome visitors. Columbus is proud to have hosted the 2023 U.S. Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in June 2023 and PCMA Convening Leaders 2023, which brought together the world's business events professionals in January 2023. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at www.ExperienceColumbus.com. Visitor information is also available on Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus, Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Threads: @ExperienceColumbus and  
TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus. 

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Media Contacts:  
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145 
Cameron Tirado, ECI: ctirado@experiencecolumbus.com | 610-389-6833