Mark your calendars. Here are some of the biggest events happening in 2024

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Alexa, play "Auld Lang Syne."

With 2023 coming to a close, it's time to take a moment to look ahead to next year. From the U.S. Presidential Election to the Summer Olympics, plenty of newsworthy moments are in store for 2024.

Here's a rundown of what to expect in the next 366 days (yes, you read that correctly.)

The 2024 U.S. presidential election

The 2024 United States presidential election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The 2024 United States presidential election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The 2024 United States presidential election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

In addition to the U.S. presidency, 34 of 100 Senate seats and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives are on the ballot this year, according to Ballotpedia.

Some dates to remember:

  • July 15-18: Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

  • Aug. 19-22: Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

  • Election Day: Nov. 5.

Important election dates in Ohio:

  • Presidential primary election: March 19

  • Special Election Day: Aug. 6

  • General Election Day: Nov. 5

  • The deadline to register to vote in an upcoming election is 30 days before the election.

Leap year

When is Leap Day 2024? Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.
When is Leap Day 2024? Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Leap years, which help keep our calendars in line with the earth's orbit, typically occur every four years: 2024, 2028 and 2032, for example, will all be leap years. This means that February will have a 29th day, also known as Leap Day.

In 2024, Leap Day will occur on a Thursday. Although it's not an official holiday, deals and lots of hype surround this special day, per Florida Today.

Donald J. Trump's trial begins

Former President Donald J. Trump waits to take the witness stand during his civil fraud trial at New York Supreme Court. Trump’s first criminal trial will begin on March 4, one day before Super Tuesday.
Former President Donald J. Trump waits to take the witness stand during his civil fraud trial at New York Supreme Court. Trump’s first criminal trial will begin on March 4, one day before Super Tuesday.

The New York Times reports that Former President Donald J. Trump's first criminal trial will begin on March 4, one day before Super Tuesday, when most states will hold primary elections or caucuses. Trump is being charged with election interference.

In May, Trump will also be tried on charges of obstruction of justice.

Total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse, the biggest astronomical event of 2024, will take place on April 8.
A total solar eclipse, the biggest astronomical event of 2024, will take place on April 8.

The biggest astronomical event of 2024 will occur on April 8. On this date, the moon will slide in front of the sun and block it out, creating a total solar eclipse. According to astronomer Dean Regas, the narrow path of totality includes Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, New England and into northeastern Canada.

Nearby cities such as Indianapolis and Cleveland will experience totality. Cincinnati and Columbus are just outside the path.

2024 Summer Olympics

Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle, a midfielder for the U.S. Women's National soccer team, will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle, a midfielder for the U.S. Women's National soccer team, will compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

Paris will host the 2024 Summer Olympics one century after the city hosted the international sporting event in 1924, per The New York Times.

Among the thousands of competitors is Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle, a midfielder for the U.S. women's soccer team.

NASA's Artemis II mission takes off

The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission are photographed suited up for the first human spaceflight mission to the moon since 1972. From the left NASA astronaut Christina Koch, NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and at the center NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman.
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission are photographed suited up for the first human spaceflight mission to the moon since 1972. From the left NASA astronaut Christina Koch, NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, and at the center NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman.

For the first time in 52 years, four astronauts will embark on an expedition around the moon for 10 days. The crew includes pilot Victor J. Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch, the first Black and female astronauts to make the journey. An official date for the mission has yet to be announced, but it will likely occur in or after November.

Other dates to watch in 2024

Here's a list of predicted and scheduled events occurring in 2024, per Wikipedia.

  • Jan. 1: Copyrighted works published in 1928, such as Disney's Steamboat Willie and early versions of Mickey Mouse, will enter the public domain.

  • Jan. 7:  The 81st Golden Globe Award in Beverly Hills, California.

  • Jan. 8: The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

  • Jan. 14: Miss America 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

  • Feb. 4: The 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

  • Feb. 11: Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.

  • Feb. 18: The 64th Daytona 500 and the 2024 NBA All-Star Game will begin.

  • March 10: The 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

  • April 8: The 2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament finals in Glendale, Arizona.

  • May 26: The Indianapolis 500.

  • June 4–30: The first ICC Cricket World Cup held in the United States.

  • June 20–July 14: The United States will host the 2024 Copa América, the world's oldest international soccer tournament.

  • July 16: The 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

  • July 15–18: The 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

  • July 16: The 2024 MLB All-Star Game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

  • Aug. 19–22: The 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

  • Nov. 5: The 2024 United States presidential election.

  • Dec. 6: The infamous Fyre Festival returns. Per USA Today, the festival's first iteration occurred in 2017 and was met with much scrutiny after founder Billy McFarland was found guilty of defrauding investors of $26 million.

Federal holidays in 2024

  • Monday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day.

  • Monday, Jan. 15: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

  • Monday, Feb. 19: Presidents Day.

  • Monday, May 27: Memorial Day.

  • Wednesday, June 19: Juneteenth.

  • Thursday, July 4: Independence Day.

  • Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day.

  • Monday, Oct. 14: Columbus Day.

  • Monday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day.

  • Thursday, Nov. 28: Thanksgiving Day.

  • Wednesday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New Year 2024: Biggest events to watch out for this year