On August 21, a total solar eclipse will be visible in portions of the United States. To see the eclipse in its totality, you”ll have to venture out of the Centennial State, but here in Denver, you”ll be able to witness a partial eclipse—the moon will cover more than 90 percent of the sun at around 11:45 a.m. To celebrate the celestial event, we rounded up a list of local places to watch the solar eclipse.
Remember, if you intend to watch the eclipse on your own, never, ever look directly at the sun. Appropriate (ISO-certified) solar eclipse viewing glasses are necessary to protect your eyes – regular sunglasses won’t cut it. The glasses are available for free in many locations around town, but are disappearing quickly. Glasses will be available at many of the events listed below while supplies last.
Eclipse Day at DMNS
Celebrate at the museum and safely observe the solar eclipse on Boettcher Plaza. Eclipse-themed activities will take place throughout the day, including NASA’s live stream of the total eclipse from different locations across the country. A limited number of free solar eclipse glasses will be available; glasses are also available for purchase for $3 in the gift shop.
Date: August 21
Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: activities are free with general admission
Website: dmns.org
Solar Eclipse Party
View the near-total solar eclipse, enjoy space-related activities and stories, and use special glasses and pinhole viewers to observe the eclipse. Reservations required.
Date: August 21
Location: Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Rd., Lafayette
Time: 11 a.m.
Cost: free
Website: cityoflafayette.com/librarycalendar
Viewing Events at Jefferson County Public Library
Head to any Jefferson County Public Library to safely view the eclipse. Some locations will have art projects and crafts for kids. Eclipse glasses will be available at all locations, while supplies last.
Date: August 21
Location: all Jefferson County Public Library locations
Time: hours vary based on location
Cost: free
Website: jeffcolibrary.org/events
Viewing Events at Douglas County Libraries
Enjoy activities for the whole family at all Douglas County Libraries locations (except Louviers, which is currently closed for renovations). Special eclipse viewing glasses will be available, while supplies last.
Date: August 21
Location: allDouglas County Libraries locations (except Louviers)
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: free
Website: dcl.org
Solar Eclipse Live Stream and Storytime
See a live stream of the total solar eclipse, followed by storytime, crafts, and activities from the library in the auditorium lobby.
Date: August 21
Location: Broomfield Auditorium, 3 Community Park Rd., Broomfield
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: free
Website: broomfield.org
Family Event: Solar Eclipse Viewing
View the eclipse from the second floor balcony, followed by kids” activities. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided.
Date: August 21
Location: Bear Valley Branch Library, 5171 W. Dartmouth Ave., Denver
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: free
Website: denverlibrary.org
Solar Eclipse Party
Observe the sun through solar viewing telescopes, tubes, and boxes, and watch a live feed of the eclipse from locations in totality. Planetarium shows will run in the center’s inflatable planetarium, and there will be an eclipse viewer craft for kids.
Date: August 21
Location: Space Foundation Discovery Center, 4425 Arrowswest Dr., Colorado Springs
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: all outdoor activities are free
Website: discoverspace.org
Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Walking Mountains is hosting a free Solar Eclipse Watch Party on the patio, with guided viewing and family-oriented activities including celestial crafts and themed games. The party is suitable for all ages, and glasses will be provided.
Date: August 21
Location: Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, 126 Riverfront Ln., Avon
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: free
Website: walkingmountains.org
2017 Partial Solar Eclipse Watching Event
Safely view The Great American Eclipse at Regis University. Talk with Regis astronomers, make pinhole projectors, and learn about astronomy. In case of cloudy weather, the eclipse will be live streamed in the Science Amphitheater. Parking on campus is free during event. Free solar eclipse glasses will be handed out while supplies last.
Date: August 21
Location: Regis University, North Boettcher Commons, 3333 Regis Blvd., Denver
Time: 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Cost: free
Website: regis.edu
Great American Eclipse Hike at Cheyenne Mountain
Join a guided hike during the first half of the eclipse on Racoon Ridge and Boulder Run trails at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Hike ends at the park’s amphitheater for an unobstructed view of the eclipse. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch. Eclipse glasses will be available in the park while supplies last, bring your own to ensure you’ll have a pair for viewing. Reservation required for hike: 719-576-2016, cheyenne.park@state.co.us. Viewing the eclipse from the amphitheater will not require reservations.
Date: August 21
Location: Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights, Colorado Springs
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $7 day pass required for all vehicles
Website: cpw.state.co.us
Solar Eclipse Experience at Cherry Creek
Safely watch the solar eclipse at the swim beach in Cherry Creek State Park. All ages. Protective eyewear will be provided.
Date: August 21
Location: Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S Parker Rd., Aurora
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $9 day pass required for all vehicles
Website: cpw.state.co.us
Solar Eclipse Experience at Castlewood Canyon
Safely watch the eclipse from the visitor center at Castlewood Canyon State Park and learn a few facts about the solar eclipse. Viewing glasses will be provided. All ages.
Date: August 21
Location: Castlewood Canyon State Park, 2989 S. State Hwy. 83, Franktown
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: $7 day pass required for all vehicles
Website: cpw.state.co.us
Solar Eclipse Viewing at Chatfield
View the solar eclipse from the Campground Amphitheater at Chatfield State Park and learn about cosmic science. To be safe, bring your own eclipse viewing glasses.
Date: August 21
Location: Chatfield State Park, 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Cost: $8 day pass required for all vehicles
Website: cpw.state.co.us
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party in Sondermann Park
Join the Catamount Institute for a solar eclipse viewing party in the park. Kids can enjoy an eclipse viewer craft and a dance party. Special viewing glasses will be available.
Date: August 21
Location: Sondermann Park, 740 W. Caramillo St., Colorado Springs
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: donations are appreciated
Website: catamountinstitute.org
Solar Eclipse at Florissant Fossil Beds
Join park staff at the visitor center to learn how to safely view the partial solar eclipse. Kids can make a pinhole camera.
Date: August 21
Location: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, 15807 Teller County Rd. 1, Florissant
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $5 per adult; free age 15 and under
Website: nps.gov
