Ticketed events, parties in Central Indiana where you can see the April 8 solar eclipse
Central Indiana is planning a party for viewing the eclipse — actually, a lot of parties. They'll provide plenty to do while we wait inside the path of totality for the moon to block the face of the sun on April 8.
Scientists will be ready to answer questions, artisans will sell celestial-themed goods, drivers will thrill crowds with dragstrip races, and the list goes on.
You should note a few things before you head out. The first? Make a plan for your solar eclipse glasses because experts recommend that you wear them to avoid eye damage. Some venues provide glasses to everyone who attends, some only to a certain number of people and others ask that you bring your own.
Secondly, lots of venues require advance registration, so read the instructions on their website. Thirdly, do your best to make sure you don't have to be anywhere right after the eclipse ends because traffic will be ... something.
And so, here's IndyStar's list, which we'll continue to update, of specialized, ticketed events you can enjoy before and after the eclipse.
Related: Are your solar eclipse glasses safe? Here are three easy ways to check
Indianapolis eclipse viewing events
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Select broadcast location thanks to a partnership with NASA. Symposium on rockets, race cars, STEM careers and more. Demo laps by Ed Carpenter and other activities, brought to visitors by the speedway and Purdue University (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 4790 W. 16th St. $20 grounds access, $300 Pagoda Club suite access. Tickets at indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/eclipse)
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Art projects, the science behind the eclipse, giveaways and activities, like decorating your glasses. (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 3000 N. Meridian St. Included with museum admission. tinyurl.com/tvexc3ms)
Indiana State Museum
Art and science projects, DJs, a solar system model, kinetic sand and shadow play, and scientists on hand to answer questions. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 650 W. Washington St. Included with general admission and free for members. Registration required by April 5 at indianamuseum.org)
Newfields
DJs, fire performers, food, live music and more. Ticket includes entry to the museum and "Dalí Alive" at the Lume. Parking is sold out, according to the website. (11 a.m.-6 p.m. 4000 Michigan Road. $34 public, $29 members for adults, with discounts for other age groups. discovernewfields.org/calendar/eclipse)
Indiana State Fairgrounds
Live music; food trucks and concessions; and drinks that include the Cosmic Cooler, Moonbeam Mule and Blackhole Bourbon Smash. (Day's events start at 9 a.m. 1202 E. 38th St. $25 per vehicle with up to eight people. indianastatefair.com/events/2024/eclipse-2024)
Blackout at the Biergarten
Live music, dancing, food and Sun King's new brew called the Path of Totality. (11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Rathskeller Biergarten, 401 E. Michigan St. $15 adults, $10 ages 18 and under. athenaeumindy.org)
Hamilton County eclipse viewing events
Conner Prairie
Talks from experts, music, dance and more. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. $55 nonmembers, $40 members. connerprairie.org/solareclipse2024)
Ruoff Music Center's Total Eclipse Tailgate
Live entertainment, food trucks, inflatable obstacle course, dance party and guest speaker from NASA. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12880 E. 146th St. in Noblesville. $100 per vehicle. Tickets at tinyurl.com/4px22zzn. Eight-ticket limit.)
Moon Market at Strawtown Koteewi Park
Artisan market with celestial-themed crafts and educational display, hosted by the Taylor Center of Natural History. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12302 Strawtown Ave. in Noblesville. $5 county residents, $10 out-of-county visitors. Register at tinyurl.com/ysetd3ca)
Grand Park Sports Campus
Food, drinks, inflatables, viewing telescopes and a Moon Pie eating contest. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. 19000 Grand Park Blvd. in Westfield. $25 per standard-size vehicle, $100 for overnight camper and RV parking. Tickets required in advance at westfieldwelcome.com/solar-eclipse)
Park Side of the Moon at Cool Creek Park
Walking areas, live entertainment, crafts, food and activities. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2000 E 151st St. in Carmel. $10 county residents, $15 out-of-county visitors. tinyurl.com/ysetd3ca)
Hendricks County eclipse viewing events
Beasley's Orchard
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch from the farm. Games, music, food trucks and more. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2304 E. Main St. in Danville. $7. tinyurl.com/28hfc99w)
Hendricks Live
Entertainment, snacks, conversation, a cash bar and more at the arts center events space and terrace. (Noon. 200 W. Main St. in Plainfield. $25. Register at hendrickslive.org/hendricks-eclipse-live)
Murphy Aquatic Park
Party with bounce houses, activities, live music, food trucks and more. (1-5 p.m. 753 S. CR 625 E. in Avon. $5. Registration required. tinyurl.com/zmx5dpbp)
Johnson County eclipse viewing events
Mallow Run's Eclipse Fest
Food trucks, live music and refreshments from the Sycamore at Mallow Run. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. 7070 Whiteland Road in Bargersville. $75 per vehicle early bird price. mallowrun.com/eclipse-fest)
Looking for things to do? Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them
Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Eclipse 2024: Special events where you can watch in Central Indiana
