Arts & Entertainment
Solar Eclipse Chicago: 12 Watch Parties on Aug. 21
A total solar eclipse, which is when the Moon completely covers the Sun, will occur across 14 states in the continental U.S. on Aug 21, 2017. (Credit: NASA)
You don’t need to trek all the way to southern Illinois to revel in the solar event of the century. Just before noon on Aug. 21, the moon will block the Chicago area’s view of the sun, covering up to 87 percent of it by 1:19 p.m.
Not sure where to go to watch the action? Here are 12 places in and around Chicago where you can celebrate the eclipse. Go here to get tips for safely watching the eclipse.
(Click on each point for location details. Parties are listed in more detail below map.)
Edgewater
Marvel at the eclipse along Lake Michigan’s shore on the North Side, at one of the Chicago Park District’s 20 solar eclipse viewing parties. Grab a pair of viewing glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium, while supplies last.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Free. | Event details
Loop: Hancock
Dance to the beat of space-themed music as the solar eclipse envelopes the city. Enjoy unobstructed views from the John Hancock’s 94th floor.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the 360 Chicago observation deck at the John Hancock building, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Tickets are available at the door only: $10.25; $6.75 for kids ages 3-11; free for kids under 3. | Event details
Loop: Daley Plaza
The Adler Planetarium’s satellite eclipse party includes telescope viewing opportunities and solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last).
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., Free.
Navy Pier
Why watch on land when you can watch by boat? Shoreline Sightseeing, Seadog, Odyssey and Mystic Blue are all setting sail for the eclipse and will be providing passengers with specialty glasses.
Details: Boarding and cruise times vary. All ships depart from Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Prices vary.
Museum Campus
Geek out at Chicago’s biggest eclipse block party featuring all things solar at the Adler Planetarium. The daylong party includes free admission to the museum’s exhibits, including its “Chasing Eclipses” exhibit that prepares visitors to experience an eclipse.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Free. | Event details
Logan Square
Grab some lawn chairs or a blanket and get comfortable on the lawn as the sun fades away. More of an indoor person? A live feed of the full eclipse will be projected inside.
Details: 11:30 a.m.-2:45 p.m. at Comfort Station, 2579 N. Milwaukee Ave. Free. | Event details
Lincoln Park
One of the Chicago Park District’s 20 solar eclipse viewing parties. Grab a pair of viewing glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium, while supplies last.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West, Free. | Event details
Jackson Park
Head to the beach to watch the eclipse at one of the Chicago Park District’s 20 solar eclipse viewing parties. Grab a pair of viewing glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium, while supplies last.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at 63rd Street Beach, 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Free. | Event details
Oak Park
Create your own pinhole projector to view the eclipse, participate in a science experiment and rock out to tunes from School of Rock.
Details: 11:30 a.m.-2:54 p.m. at Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park. Free. | Event details
Clearing
One of the Chicago Park District’s 20 solar eclipse viewing parties. Grab a pair of viewing glasses, courtesy of the Adler Planetarium, while supplies last.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd St. Free. | Event details
Glencoe
Immerse yourself in nature as you revel in the solar eclipse. Free special viewing glasses will be distributed beginning at 10 a.m. while supplies last.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Free; parking fees apply. | Event details
River Grove
Triton College offers several different methods to watch the solar eclipse. You can also look for sunspots using a special solar telescope.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Triton College Cernan Earth and Space Center, 1736 5th Ave., River Grove. Free. | Event details
Do you plan on documenting Monday’s solar eclipse? Use this form to upload your images to our online gallery. We may also use your photos on air!
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Total Eclipse Brings Rare Spectacle to Illinois Aug. 21
Aug. 3: All you need to know to get ready for the coming total eclipse of the sun.
Adler Astronomer Discovers Previously Invisible Star Formations
July 25: A team led by Adler Planetarium astronomer Grace Wolf-Chase used a telescope instrument to discover infrared light undetectable to the human eye, revealing new stars in the Milky Way.
Adler Planetarium Offering Free Admission for Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse
July 12: Are you ready to party like it’s 1925? That’s the last year Chicago experienced a solar eclipse like it will next month. To celebrate, the Adler Planetarium is hosting a daylong block party, and you’re invited.
