Events

Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary as we gear up for an awe-inspiring celestial event set to grace the skies of Windsor Essex.  Get ready to witness the dance of the sun and moon in perfect alignment during the upcoming solar eclipse...

Escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary as we gear up for an awe-inspiring celestial event set to grace the skies of Windsor Essex.  Get ready to witness the dance of the sun and moon in perfect alignment during the upcoming solar eclipse.  Whether you’re a seasoned eclipse enthusiast or a first-time observer, our comprehensive guide is your ticket to an unforgettable experience.  From prime viewing spots to captivating events, we’ve curated everything you need to make the most of this rare astronomical phenomenon.

The eclipse takes place Monday April 8.  It begins at 1:59pm and concludes at 4:29pm, with the total eclipse taking place from 3:13pm – 3:17pm in the Essex region, which will be the first region in Canada to experience this natural phenomenon.

Totally Light’s Out – Sleepover Package at The Grove Hotel & The Grove Motel

April 7 and 8
The Grove Hotel and The Grove Motel are excited to offer the ultimate Sleepover Package for the spectacular Solar Eclipse of 2024.  Here’s what they have in store for you:
~ Stay the night (or two) – Choose your comfort between The Grove Hotel’s historic vibe or The Grove Motel’s retro vibe
~ Eclipse Viewing Kit – Receive a pair of special eclipse glasses to view the eclipse safely, along with a guide to understanding this celestial wonder
~ VIP Party Access – It’s an all day, all eclipse, party!  Celebrate at their exclusive VIP Party in Colchester.  Socialize under the sun and enjoy live entertainment, refreshments and a toast to the cosmos.  A complimentary hourly shuttle will be available between Kingsville and Colchester.
~ Commemorative Souvenirs – Take home a piece of history with specially designed memorabilia marking the event
~ Stellar Snack Basket – Enjoy a curated selection of treats perfect for midnight cravings or daytime snacking

The Grove Hotel and The Grove Motel
12 Main St. E, Kingsville and 96 County Rd. 50 W, Colchester
Event Details
Book Now

celest-fest at the beach

April 8 from 9:00am to 4:30pm
Join in for a family friendly eclipse viewing event for the 2024 Great North American Total Eclipse, located on the shores of Lake Erie with 99.99% obstruction!  Your entry fee includes your pair of ISO- and CE-Certified eclipse glasses, which should be worn at all times during the eclipse viewing.  Activities include celestial themed kids craft, guided forest hike, snacks and beverages for purchase and wine by the glass for purchase from EPIC wineries.

Holiday Beach Conservation Area
6952 County Rd. 50, Amherstburg
Tickets $15

Day 1: Opening Ceremony – Solar Eclipse Viewing and more!

April 8 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary will be having an eclipse viewing party as part of the kickoff to National Wildlife Week.  The Sanctuary will be working with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Windsor Centre.  They will provide proper safety glasses to wear for eclipse viewing as well as offer information and insight on the eclipse.  Kids activities and crafts will be ongoing at the Learning Centre and all buildings are open for tours.

Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary
332/360 Road 3 West, Kingsville
Event Details

Experience the Great Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

April 8 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
The Town of Essex Arts, Culture and Tourism Committee invites you to experience the solar eclipse at Colchester Harbour.  This outdoor viewing event is free and will feature members of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Windsor who will be on hand with telescopes and expertise!  A limited supply of approved ISO glasses will be  available for purchase for $5 (cash only).

Colchester Harbour
100 Jackson St., Colchester
Event Details

*FREE* Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at GL Heritage Brewery

April 8 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime Solar Spectacle at GL Heritage Brewing Company on April 8th! This free event offers a family-friendly viewing party with interactive activities, food from Nat’s Wraps & Apps Food Truck, and beverages available for purchase. Reserve your spot for this unique experience!

GL Heritage Brewing Company
8728 Howard Ave, Harrow
Tickets FREE

Hillman marsh conservation area

April 8 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Hillman Marsh Conservation Area is located in the path of totality in Leamington, Ontario, just moments away from Point Pelee National Park of Canada.  While the Conservation Area is expansive with uninterrupted views, onsite facilities such as parking and washroom facilities are limited.  Parking will be allocated on a first come-first served basis.

Admission to parking lot – $10/vehicle based on availability
Walk-in admission – $5/per person

Please note that ERCA does not recommend parking along the roadside. Guests are responsible for securing their own eclipse viewing glasses.

Hillman Marsh Conservation Area
1826 Mersea Rd. 2, Leamington
Event Details

meadow viewing party

April 8 at 1:00pm.
Don’t miss this once in a lifetime total eclipse of the sun!  Book your spot  in the meadow for an unobstructed view while enjoying the expanse of Walnut Grove’s five acre meadow.  Solar viewing glasses provided for the first 15 people to book. Personal charcuterie board or vegan popcorn and beverage available for suggested donation of $20/person or more with proceeds to our local foodbank.  Overnight stay not necessary but rooms are available at this time.

The Walnut Grove Bed and Breakfast
4000 McCormick Rd., Harrow
Event Details

Pavilion on Pelee Island – Eclipse Viewing

April 8 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
The Pelee Island Winery Pavilion on Pelee Island will be having a soft opening on the day of the Solar Eclipse!

Admission will be by ticket only and a waiver must be signed upon entry. The Pelee Island Pavilion will not be open to the rest of the public for tours or tastings at the time of the event.

Important notes:

• Please ensure you can secure a ferry ticket to the Island before ticket purchase.
• Link to purchase ferry ticket here: https://www.ontarioferries.com/reservations/login.php
• Ticket includes one 6oz glass of wine. A curated selection of wine will be available for purchase by the glass on the day of the event.
• If bringing kids, they will be required to have certified Eclipse viewing glasses or will not be permitted entry to the event.

Pelee Island Winery Pavilion
20 East West Rd, Pelee Island
Tickets $17

Sips and the Eclipse

April 8 from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Join Viewpointe for this once in a lifetime event.  Receive a complimentary wine tasting.  Viewing glasses available while supplies last.

Viewpointe Estate Winery
151 County Rd. 50 E, Harrow
Event Details

Solar Eclipse patio party

April 8 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Join in for an electrifying afternoon at the Solar Eclipse Patio Party at Cured Craft Brewing Co. Your ticket includes a pair of solar sunglasses, a delicious personal charcuterie board, a craft beer or a local glass of wine, and great company to enjoy while experiencing this rare celestial event (not happening again for 20 years!!) Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness the beauty of nature with us! Limited space is available so get your tickets now!

Cured Craft Brewing Co.
43 Mill St W, Leamington
Tickets $35

Solar Eclipse Viewing Party and Intention Setting

April 8 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.
Join in at Auntie Aldoo’s for an unforgettable solar eclipse viewing party and intention setting experience in their Secret Garden.  Limited tickets are available, so don’t miss out!  Your ticket purchase includes a pair of viewing glasses, a free beverage and some light snacks.  A small activity for intention setting will be provided.  The store front will also be open for additional purchases.  Get ready for an incredible celestial event!

Auntie Aldoo’s Kitchen’s Secret Garden
123 County Rd. 34, Cottam
Tickets $25

total eclipse of the (green) heart

April 8 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
To celebrate the solar eclipse in April, Green Heart Farms will be hosting Total Eclipse of the (Green) Heart!  Join in to watch the eclipse in action with safe solar glasses, lunch, smoothies, full access to the farm and woods and kids activities!  Individual and group packages will be available.  Contact Green Heart Farms to book your spot at hello@greenheartkitchen.ca or call at 519-712-9329.

Green Heart Farms
866 Road 2 W, Kingsville (Road 2 and McCain Side Road)
Event Details

Total Eclipse of the Park

April 8 from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Join in for a family-friendly eclipse viewing event for the 2024 Great North American Total Eclipse on the shores of Lake Erie.  Your entry fee includes your pair of ISO- and CE-Certified eclipse glasses.  The Homestead will open at 9am and guests are encouraged to arrive early as traffic volumes are expected to be high.  Tickets are only available for pre-purchase – no tickets will be available at the door.

Activities include:
– Big Sun, Small Moon – don sun and moon costume and act out your own eclipse
– Pinhole Projector – view the eclipse in this unique, old-fashioned way
– Time Telling and the Sun – make a sundial and learn about the pioneers’ Noon Notch
– Shadows and Light – communicate with light signals and have fund with shadow theatre

John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area
915 County Rd. 50, Essex
Tickets $15

town of kingsville watch party

April 8 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
The Town of Kingsville is hosting a watch party at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre and Mettawas Park.  This will include an afternoon of arts, music and youth activities.  ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses will be given out while supplies last.

Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre and Mettawas Park
103 Park St., Kingsville
Event Details

total solar eclipse picnic

April 8 from 10:00am – 5:00pm
Mark your calendars! Cindy’s is the prime spot to witness the magic of the path of totality – solar eclipse on April 8th! FREE parking, unobstructed views, and T-Jay’z Cookery Food Truck serving up delights! Don’t miss out on this celestial spectacle!

Cindy’s Home & Garden
585 Seacliff Dr, Kingsville

North 42 degrees estate winery total eclipse viewing party

April 8 from 1:00pm

Join North 24 Degrees Estate Winery for this incredible celestial occurrence and the solar eclipse viewing party on April 8th. Join Martin (Mr. Science) as he shares the science behind solar eclipses and answer questions about the cosmos. In addition to approved eclipse glasses, guests will be able to use a telescope equipped with special filters we’ve positioned on the upstairs balcony.

The culinary team has created special hors d’oeuvres to mark the occasion AND they’ve even created a new cocktail “Over the Moon” (available all week long starting Friday April 5th).

Each guest will receive a complimentary welcome taste of our 2021 Sparkling Riesling. Really, what better way to celebrate than with some sparkle.

In case of rain, the event will remain inside in the upstairs dining room and together with Martin watch the NASA live stream.

North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
130 Essex County Rd 50, Harrow
Website

SOLD OUT EVENTS
DETAILS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

Flash Opening “Soar Into the Eclipse” – SOLD OUT

April 8 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm – SOLD OUT
Join in at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards for an unforgettable celestial event!  Witness the magic of a solar eclipse amidst the serene beauty of the vineyard.  Sip on award-winning wines and a small snack and immerse yourself in the captivating spectacle of nature.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the eclipse in style at Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards.

Cooper’s Hawk Vineyards
1425 Iler Rd., Harrow
Tickets $20

EClipse Viewing Party at Oxley – Howl at the Moon in the Afternoon! – SOLD OUT

April 8 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
Join Oxley for a total solar eclipse viewing party with extended dining hours from 12 to 5pm.  Eclipse viewing glasses provided (while supplies last) for safe viewing. Participate in the Blind Tasting experience for a chance to win a special gift!  See you there for a fun cosmic celebration.  Call 519-738-3264 or book online.

Oxley Estate Winery
533 County Rd. 50 E, Harrow
Book Now – SOLD OUT

Solar Eclipse Viewing at Pelee Island Winery – SOLD OUT

April 8 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm – SOLD OUT
Pelee Island Winery invites you to experience the wonder of a solar eclipse in a truly unique setting.  They will be hosting a special event where you can enjoy the solar eclipse while sipping on exquisite wines.  The event will be held on the heated patio to ensure your comfort while enjoying the eclipse.  Included in the ticket price is a six ounce glass of wine and a pair of glasses for safe eclipse viewing.  Additional wine and pizza available for purchase.  Space is limited, buy your tickets in advance!

Pelee Island Winery
455 Seacliff Dr., Kingsville
Tickets $12.95

total eclipse Sailing On the Pelee Islander II – SOLD OUT

April 8 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm – SOLD OUT
Board the Pelee Islander II to witness the spectacular celestial event.  Depart Leamington Terminal at 1pm and arrive at West Dock, Pelee Island at 2:30pm.  Watch the eclipse from the ferry or from the West Dock.  Depart Pelee Island Terminal at 4pm and arrive back to Leamington Terminal at 5:30pm.  Only 300 passenger fares available.  Six passenger fairs per booking.  Reservations by phone only.  Regular ferry operations, vehicles permitted.

Additional Pelee Island Information: 

The Pelee Shop will be open for the day on April 8!  Visit The Pelee Shop to rent a bike and explore the island for a few hours while you check out the eclipse!  Pre-book rentals online at The Pelee Shop website.

The Dog and Goat Restaurant and Cornwall House Inn will be open for the day.

The majority of businesses on Pelee Island will remain closed.

Pelee Island Transportation Services
ontarioferries.com
1-800-661-2220
Event Details

Solar Eclipse Viewing Glasses Available at the Chimczuk Museum – sold out

The Chimczuk Museum is now offering solar eclipse viewing glasses for purchase provided by the Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project.  Available in the museum gift shop.  Entry to the gift shop is free and open during regular museum hours.

Chimczuk Museum
401 Riverside Dr. W, Windsor
Website

Sprucewood Shores Eclipse Viewing Party- sold out

April 8 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm – SOLD OUT
Mark your calendars and join in at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery for an unforgettable celestial experience.  Witness the mesmerizing beauty as the moon casts its shadow on the sun creating a full solar eclipse.  The winery is in a prime location with unobstructed views, comfortable seating and of course award-winning wine to sip while you soak in this spectacle over Lake Erie.  Wear your sun and moon inspired outfits to receive a discount!  They will have an eclipse lunch patio experience that includes a charcuterie board, two glasses of wine and two pairs of approved safety glasses.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Email info@sprucewoodshores.com or call 519-738-9253 to reserve your table.  Eclipse viewing glasses will be available for a fee while supplies last.

Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery
7258 County Rd. 50 W, Harrow
Event Details

cruise the river: solar eclipse viewing cruise – sold out

April 8 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm – SOLD OUT
A Solar Eclipse Viewing Cruise Experience onboard the Macassa Bay!  The cruise will depart from Amherstburg Navy Yard Park and will be a fully commentated cruise. They will sail out to the western end of Lake Erie near the Detroit River Lighthouse to witness this once in a lifetime event of a total solar eclipse!  Solar eclipse glasses will be provided for all passengers.  Boarding is at 12:45pm.

Windsor Premier Cruises
268 Dalhousie St., Amherstburg
Tickets $30 Children 4 – 12, $55 Adults 12+

*Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has provided complimentary ISO 12312-2 Standard glasses to several events within the region. The glasses meet the requirements for eclipse viewing, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island will not be held liable if injury occurs with use of the glasses. You can learn more about the eclipse and about viewing it safely from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the American Astronomical Society.