Celest-Fest at the Beach – Holiday Beach Conservation Area

Join us 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% obscuration! What does this mean? The moon will eclipse 99.99% of the sun - only .01% of the sun will be visible! Your entry fee includes your pair of ISO- and CE-Certified eclipse glasses, which should be worn at all time during the eclipse viewing.

Holiday Beach Conservation Area 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-purchasing only – no tickets will be available at the gate.

Activities Include:

• Celestial Themed Kids’ Craft
• Eclipse Edu-tainment Corner
• Guided Forest Hike
• Windsor-Essex Storm & Environment Enthusiasts
• Snacks and beverages available for purchase

The eclipse begins at 1:59pm and concludes at 4:29pm, with the 99.99% 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. Holiday Beach Conservation Area is an excellent viewing area from which to observe this event, with its beach-front location and limited light polution. Pay attention to your surroundings and listen to the ambient sounds of nature while you watch the total solar eclipse 2024. In addition to the darkness, temperatures may drop. Animals like birds that are usually silent at night may stop singing. Animals like crickets that are active at night may start chirping.  This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to witness first-hand how much of an impact the sun has on the planet and its inhabitants.

Admission - $15 per person (20% discount for Seasonal Pass holders, with promo code)

 -- Frequently Asked Questions: -- 

1) Can I view the eclipse without special viewing glasses?

Never look directly at the Sun without using protective filters that comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard. Even when almost the entire Sun is covered by the Moon, light from the remaining crescent Sun is intense enough to cause a retinal injury. Solar eclipse viewers and glasses are designed to give a safe comfortable view of the partly eclipsed Sun.

2) What should I bring to Celest-Fest at the Beach?

Consider bringing chairs for your comfort while viewing the eclipse.

3) Will food and beverages be available for purchase on site?

A selection of food and beverage options will be available for purchase on site, including EPIC wines by the glass, coffee/tea/hot chocolate, and the delectible offerings from THE HUB.r

4) Are there washroom facilities?

Yes, heated and accessible washroom facilities are available.

5) Are pets allowed?

Well-mannered pets, on-leash, are welcome at Holiday Beach Conservation Area. Owners are responsible for their pets and must maintain control of their animals at all times. Papered service animals are always welcome. Visitors with pets in violation of these rules may be removed from the event at any time with no refund.

6) What if it’s cloudy, rainy, or I otherwise can’t see the eclipse due to the weather?

We certainly hope for a clear viewing of the eclipse.  That being said, we cannot guarantee the weather and no refunds or exchanges will be made under any circumstances.