A once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse is uniting Western New York in totality

This once-in-a-lifetime celestial event will not happen again in Buffalo for more than 100 years, says Kevin Williams, director of SUNY Buffalo State University’s Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium and associate professor of geosciences.

“It would be great if people can plan to take their time experiencing the eclipse, because it is something they’ll remember for the rest of their lives,” he says.

The economic boost

According to Patrick Kaler, president and CEO at Visit Buffalo Niagara, Erie County hotels have only single rooms available. Several thousands of rooms have been booked by group tour operators. Unlike most events, Kaler jokes that Buffalo did not have to bid on this one.

“It just fell into our lap. We didn’t invest any dollars into marketing because it was just happening organically,” he says. “We know from other cities’ experiences that there’s so much interest in being present at a total solar eclipse. That’s why we’re preparing for it. Hopefully this will also spur a longer period of time to come and stay in Buffalo or plan a repeat visitation.”

With the potentially unprecedented number of visitors to the region, traffic will be difficult, so both Kaler and Williams encourage planning ahead.

How to prepare

Williams and Kaler recommend staying close to home and avoiding long car trips. If you do travel to experience the eclipse, plan to arrive a few hours early.

Kaler says Visit Buffalo Niagara has been in talks with government and law enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and access for emergency vehicles—plans informed by lessons from other cities located in the path of totality during previous eclipses.

The safest way to view the eclipse during the partial phases will be with special eclipse glasses. Buffalo State will provide 50,000 to Buffalo Public Schools faculty and students. Erie County made 300,000 glasses available for free at the Buffalo Museum of Science and all 37 Buffalo & Erie County Public Library branches. They’re also available for purchase at local retailers and Amazon.

What to look for

While the sun will only be completely covered for a few minutes, Williams encourages people to observe the partial phases of the eclipse as well—during the hour leading up to totality and the hour afterward.

While this event carries obvious scientific significance, Williams also celebrates the human aspect.

“It’s an opportunity to just remember that in our busy, daily lives, we are part of this much larger solar system,” says Williams. “Today, there’s a lot that divides us, but here’s something where everybody is doing the same thing almost at the same time. It’s this unifying event.”

Where to watch

There are many opportunities throughout the region to gather and experience the eclipse on April 8. Here are just a few:

Eclipse Fest

SUNY Buffalo State University

The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium will have 2,500 tickets available for its event on Buffalo State’s campus. The event will feature entertainment, food trucks, swag and keepsakes from 1-5 p.m.

Learn more: planetarium.buffalostate.edu/eclipse-fest

Total-ity Fun at the Fairgrounds

Hamburg Fairgrounds

The Fairgrounds will offer safe parking, certified viewing glasses, access to restrooms, live music, kids crafts, food trucks and more.

Learn more: the-fairgrounds.com/eclipse

EAclipse Celebration

Knox Farm State Park

This family-friendly event will include educational STEM programming, safe-viewing guidance, live music, food and beverage vendors, and EAclipse merchandise.

Learn more: friendsofknoxfarm.org

Eclipse Bash

Resurgence Brewing Co.

Buffalo’s Resurgence Brewing Co. will host a viewing party, featuring live music, vendors and activities, plus the release of a new eclipse-themed beer.

Learn more: resurgencebrewing.com/resurgence-eclipse-event

Visit go.Buffalo.com/eclipse to check out a full list of viewing locations.