The Total Solar Eclipse will be taking over Erie on Monday, April 8. Erie is in the path of totality, meaning Erie will have a front row seat for the natural phenomena.

Many residents are wondering where they can get eye protection or eclipse glasses for the event. It's important to wear ISO-certified eclipse glasses so you can safely view the eclipse.

The following locations will be giving away eclipse glasses for free ahead of the Total Solar Eclipse: 

  • I-90 Pennsylvania Welcome Center (at PA/NY border): April 5-8, first come first served basis.
  • I-79 Rest Stop (near Edinboro, northbound): April 5-8, first come first served basis 
  • Erie Visitor Center at Tom Ridge Environmental Center: April 5-8, first come first served basis 
  • Erie News Now Watch Party at Erie Sports Center: 5,000 glasses, first come first served basis
  • Country Fair: Starting March 25, one pair of eclipse glasses given away with each purchase, while supplies last. 
  • Eclipse Fest, Clarion Hotel & Steelbound: Complimentary Eclipse Eyeglasses Available started March 13 for all Dunkirk residents at no cost. 
    • Pick up locations include the city clerk, treasurer and youth and recreation offices at Dunkirk City Hall located at 342 Central Avenue.
  • Erie SeaWolves 'Block' Party: Eclipse glasses will be available for the first 1,000 attendees.  
  • Chautauqua County: 
    • Ashville Fire Department
    • Bemus Point Village Office
    • Brocton Fire Department
    • Brooks Memorial Hospital
    • Cassadaga Fire Department
    • Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce
    • Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (Mayville, Jamestown, Dunkirk)
    • Chautauqua County Executive's Office
    • Chautauqua County Health Department
    • Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport
    • Chautauqua County Landfill
    • Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office
    • CHQ Transit
    • Chautauqua County Veteran Services
    • Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau
    • County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency
    • ChautauquaCattaraugus Library System (multiple branches)
    • Chautauqua Fire Department
    • Chautauqua Institution
    • City of Jamestown
    • Dunkirk City Hall
    • Ellery Fire Department
    • Ellington Fire Department
    • Falconer Fire Department
    • Findley Lake Fire Department
    • Fluvanna Community Historical Society
    • Fredonia Fire Department
    • Frewsburg Fire Department
    • Hanover Center Fire Department
    • Jamestown BPU
    • Jamestown Community College
    • Kiantone Fire Department
    • Maple Springs Fire Department
    • Mayville Fire Department
    • Ripley Fire Department
    • Silver Creek Fire Department
    • Stockton Fire Department
    • Sunset Bay Fire Department
    • Town of Chautauqua
    • Town of Clymer
    • Town of Dunkirk
    • Town of Ellery
    • Town of Ellington
    • Town of Hanover / Silver Creek
    • Town of Harmony
    • Town of Kiantone
    • Town of Poland
    • Town of Portland
    • Town of Villenova
    • Town of Westfield
    • UPMC Chautauqua Hospital
    • Village of Falconer
    • Village of Fredonia
    • Village of Lakewood
  • Staples: Sold in all stores nationwide for $2.99 

Are we missing any locations giving away free eclipse glasses? Let us know.