WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, HOW?

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross over North America. Burlington is in the direct path of totality. The partial eclipse begins at 2:14 pm, and the total eclipse begins at 3:26 pm and last until 3:29 pm. The partial eclipse ends at 4:37 pm.

We’re hosting astrophysicist Dr. Alain Brizard for a brief presentation about the history and science of eclipses, Sunday, April 7 from 5:30-7pm. RSVPs for this event are now closed as we have reached capacity. Learn more here.

VIEWING

You can catch the eclipse from just about anywhere with a view of the sun! For our guests, we’re hosting an Eclipse Viewing Party on our Harbor Terrace. Festive sips, tunes, and eclipse glasses will be plenty. We encourage you to explore programming across the city as well.

Obscura BTV is hosting official viewing sites at Waterfront Park, Battery Park, Perkins Pier, City Hall Park, Roosevelt Park, Leddy Park, and Oakledge Park. Pop-up viewing parties can be found at businesses around the city including ECHO Leahy Center, Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Vineyard, Farmhouse Tap & Grill, Hula Lakeside, Dedalus, Spirit of Ethan Allen, The Pinery, and more.

We will provide glasses to our guests, but if you find yourself out in the city and in need of an extra pair, eclipse viewing glasses will be available at all Obscura BTV locations for $3. These sites will be activated with programs and events throughout the weekend, so please visit the Obscura BTV events page for full details. Since there’s no stopping this cosmic occurrence, all Obscura BTV events are happening rain or shine.

Remember, viewing the eclipse without special eclipse glasses can cause permanent eye damage. Please refer to Seven Days’ eclipse viewing safety guide.

PARKING

Hotel Vermont guests can park in the city owned parking garage for $16 per day through our front desk on a first come, first served basis. We do anticipate the garage to fill up quickly. If you are checking in on Monday, April 8, we recommend arriving early as eclipse viewers from across the region make their way to the city. Please register your car with us as soon as possible upon arrival to avoid ticketing in the city parking garage before heading out to enjoy the city.

If needed, Downtown Burlington has several other parking options (visit www.parkburlington.com). Given the expected demand, the city will close Route 127 on April 8 beginning at 10am to activate this space for paid parking beginning at 12pm. Parking here will cost $30. From here, quick shuttle busses will move people to Battery Park and back. All cars must be moved from Route 127 by 8pm.

ADA-accessible parking is available at the Pease Lot near Waterfront park. No other parking will be allowed in this area west of Battery Street at the Waterfront.

ROAD CLOSURES

To provide ample room for people to congregate, walk, and park, the City is strategically closing and modifying the following streets to vehicular traffic:

• College Street, from S. Winooski Avenue to the Waterfront, on April 8 from 11 am to 6 pm. Access to the Downtown Garage will be via Cherry Street, so we anticipate some traffic congestion near the hotel.
• Lake Street will be closed to vehicles from 11 am to 6 pm.
• The following will be closed from 11 am-6 pm: Battery Street from Main Street to Park Street; Park Street from Battery Street to Sherman Street; Sherman Street from North Champlain Street to North Avenue; and North Avenue from Sherman Street to North Street.
• Park Street, from Manhattan Drive to Sherman Street, will be closed to regular traffic to accommodate our shuttle bus route on April 8, from 11 am to 6 pm.
• Monroe Street, Sherman Street, and Poplar Street, between North Champlain and Park Streets, will be closed from 11 am to 6 pm, due to Park Street being closed.
• Route 127 (The Beltline) will be closed in both directions, from Manhattan Drive to Plattsburgh Avenue, from 10 am to 8 pm on April 8. The City is making this a controlled parking zone to alleviate parking issues in the Downtown. Shuttle busses will move attendees from Route 127 to Main Street from 12 pm to 7:30 pm.
• St. Paul Street, from Main Street to College Street, will be closed on April 8 from 10 am to 8 pm to accommodate the Obscura After Party in City Hall Park.

Other intersections will be controlled by uniformed traffic officers throughout the City. Please allow for extra travel time and remain patient. Please revisit this information as we get closer to April 8 as some plans may shift as we work with several stakeholders. To download a map of all road closures, click here.

OTHER NOTES

What about public buses?
The public bus line, Green Mountain Transit, is augmenting their mid-day bus schedule on some routes due to planned travel disruptions and their partnership in the City’s Route 127 Park and Ride program. Click here for information about specific bus routes on April 8.

Will school be in session?
Burlington Public Schools will be closed on Monday, April 8. UVM is not holding regular classes on this day.

How many people are coming?
Cities that have experienced total solar eclipses in the past have seen “eclipse chasers” increase their populations by proportions of one to five times. Based on hotel reservations and data from the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport, it is possible that Burlington could see between 35,000 to 50,000 visitors. Please note that this figure may be significantly higher or lower, depending on weather and other factors.

Will there be bathrooms available downtown?
The City is renting many portable toilets. On Monday, April 8, there will be additional toilets at Waterfront Park (30); Battery Park (16); Roosevelt Park (5); Oakledge Park (3); and on the Route 127 parking area (4). There will also be four extra units on Cherry Street (just west of Church Street) and three extra units on Main Street (near City Hall) from Friday to Monday, April 5-8.

EVENTS WE’D RECOMMEND

SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL AT ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain
Enjoy a variety of sun-safe viewing techniques including sun-oculars, telescope projections, and eclipse glasses. Explore ECHO’s special exhibit Mission Aerospace and a total eclipse pop-up exhibit.
April 5 – 7, 2024

ILLUMINATE VERMONT
Enjoy cocktails, food trucks, live music, and shopping at this indoor/outdoor market. Admission is free!
April 5-6, 2024 | 5pm-9pm |180 Market Street, South Burlington, VT

ECLIPSE WEEKEND PARTY AT THE PINERY
each day with 5+ Food Trucks, Music, and More!
April 6-8, 2024 | 11am – 8pm

STAMP YOUR OWN SOLAR ECLIPSE SUN CATCHER at AO Glass
Stamp your own Sun Catcher in 2,100ºF molten glass and pick up your piece the next day. $35 per piece.
April 6, 2024 | 11am – 3pm 

SCENIC NARRATED CRUISE ABOARD THE SPIRIT OF ETHAN ALLEN III
April 6-7, 2024 | 12pm, 2pm, 4pm

SHADOWS OF THE SUN
Think giant neighborhood party with an epic eclipse as the backdrop, featuring a super special keynote speaker, art, activities, local food and fun. Tickets required.
April 7th, 2024 | 3–5pm SHADOWS OF THE SUN @ Hula | Building 50, Reef
April 8th, 2024 | 12–5pm TOTALITY @ Hula | The Great Lawn + The North Parking Lot