Events, activities in central Arkansas for the Great American Eclipse
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – April 8 is the big day as a total solar eclipse crosses the Natural State with thousands of events planned for the celestial celebration.
Thousands of events are taking place throughout the state. This list hits some of the high points on that day, although multi-day events are taking place, some having started on Thursday.
The end of the world as we know it? Myths about the solar eclipse
The eclipse in Little Rock will start at 12:33 p.m. and ends at 3:11 p.m.
The central Arkansas list:
LITTLE ROCK
Eclipse in the River Market: The Machine [band] performs Pink Floyd, free, 12:40 to 3 p.m.
SoMa in the Dark: Path of Totality watch party, 12th to 17th streets, live music, refreshments, viewing glasses and more, reserved area for residents, collab with Lost 40 Brewing, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A Celestial Spectacle: Eclipse Activities at the Old State House Museum, family-friendly hands-on activities, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center Eclipse Events, learn about Arkansas mammals, crafts in the theatre, nature center feeding, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Eclipse Viewing Party at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts: $10 ticket, DJ, Ballet Arkansas performance, free glasses, celestial-themed art in the galleries, more, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eclipse Day at the Zoo: $30 ticket, food, local entertainment, eclipse learning, watch the animals react to what’s going on, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Solar Eclipse at the Clinton Presidential Center, two packages, $250 or $100, each includes admission, one with buffet lunch and complimentary eclipse glasses, $20 reserved parking, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UA Little Rock, Jack Stephens Center, face painting, food vendors, bounce houses, telescopes, academic presentations, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A full list of Little Rock events is on the Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
In the eclipse path of totality? How you can make some extra cash
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
Moon Block Party at Argenta Plaza: Live music, activities, vendors and food trucks, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Total Eclipse in the Park” parking passes at Burns Park soccer complex and Riverfront Park Maritime Museum for viewing along the river, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Total Eclipse of the Park (note the naming difference from above), Dickey-Stephens Park for ticketed fans, themed merchandise and prime viewing, no time listed.
Solar Eclipse Watch Party at The Innovation Hub at Winrock International, drop-in activities, including print-your-own-t-shirt and button pins, shaow theatre, Argenta Arts District Solar Walk, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Watch the Eclipse on the Farm, St. Joseph Farmstead, watch party, RV parking, rooms and camping space, no time listed.
2024 Eclipse Escape at Faulkner Lake Orchard, meals for purchase, farmer’s market store, camper/RV parking, no time listed.
A full list of events is at the North Little Rock website.
CONWAY
Eclipse 2024 Watch Party at the University of Central Arkansas, arts and crafts vendors, food concessions, yard games, NASA TV on the big screen, Estes Stadium 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2024 Hendrix Solar Odyssey at Hendrix College, Young-Wise Memorial Stadium, music, dance, telescopes, kid’s zone, food, merchandise, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A full list at the Visit Conway website.
Why is the 2024 total solar eclipse so unique?
BENTON-BRYANT
Benton Animal Control and Adoption Center Sun Dog Adoption event, adoption discounts, no time given.
Eclipse Extravaganza at Another Man’s Treasures, free glasses, 10 a.m to 3 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Family Fun Fest at Marketplace Center, food, drinks, bounce house, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Full list at EclipseArkanas.org.
HOT SPRINGS
Hot Springs National Park, working with NASA, NOAA and Earth to Sky for events, programs and presentations, no times given; viewing at the Arlington Lawn, Hot Springs Mountain Tower parking lot, West Mountain Summit Overlook.
Atlas Obscura’s Ecliptic Festival at Cedar Glades Park, art installations, DJs, films, more, part of a multi-day event, no times given.
Ron Coleman Mining Eclipse Festival, $50 per day music festival, camping, digging at the mines, all day.
Eclipse 2024 at Garvan Woodland Gardens, $75, $50 for children, food trucks, children’s activites, live music and entertainment, swag bag.
Full list of Hot Springs events and activities at TotalEclipseArkansas.com.
Arkansas eclipse map: Which cities will have the best view?
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism has a state-wide overview at Arkansas.com/Natural- State/Eclipse.
Remember, eye protection is a must for eclipse viewing, and that includes protection for the camera and telescope lenses.
Sun’s corona will be visible during total solar eclipse: How to see it
Also, according to ARDOT, a lot of traffic, a whole lot of traffic, is expected. Be patient, pack snacks, gas up and leaving an hour early is recommended, as well as keeping an eye on iDriveArkansas.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
