A rare celestial phenomenon is on the horizon — a bit higher than the horizon, actually — for Monday, April 8, 2024. During what many have dubbed “The Great North American Eclipse,” the moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun and creating a dawn- or dusk-like darkness. NASA says there won’t be another solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2044, so this is an event not to miss.
If you’re near the narrow path of totality, here are some top places to watch in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas. From small-town celebrations to stratospheric festivals, there’s still time to plan your eclipse celebration!
But first, a word from NASA …
To clarify, a partial eclipse will be visible throughout all 48 contiguous states, but the “path of totality” refers to where the eclipse will be darkest. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio created the video below to demonstrate the path of totality. Weather permitting, people along the path will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Atlas Obscura (the definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders) has organized a raucous four-day music, art, and science festival called Ecliptic in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This festival will have something for everyone, from astrologists and thinkers to magicians and storytellers to top performers. The festival site is near Hot Spring National Park; nature-immersed glamping and camping options are still available. Day, weekend, and camping passes for Ecliptic are available here.
Hot Springs is offering a bevy of other eclipse events, and you can view the full list here.
Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock will be full of revelry during and leading up to the eclipse. The SoMa (South Main) district will be ablaze from Friday to Monday for SoMa In The Dark. Festival programming will include nighttime float-centric parades, free concerts, a glow 5k run, a “Stellar Street Market,” a watch party, and science exhibitions.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts will host an eclipse-related happy hour, a watch party, storytelling, film screenings, and more. There’s a picnic and tailgate party at the Little Rock Zoo. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform a special solar eclipse concert, and First Security Amphitheater has three days of free concerts, too. For even more Little Rock eclipse info, head here.
Mena, Arkansas
The team behind many beloved U.S. festivals has put together eight days of eclipse fun at The Blue Zipline & Farm. Expect 160 acres of camping, concerts, food, fishing, ziplining, vendors, educational programs, and tranquil forest trails. Dr. P. Clay, Sherrod of Arkansas Observatory, will deliver some approachable astronomy presentations to shed light on the magnificent planetary phenomenon. Camping and ticket options are available here.
Jonesboro, Arkansas
From April 5 through 8, Johnny Cash Boyhood Home will host its 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival. Enjoy evening entertainment in nearby Wilson, Arkansas, and attend the festival’s diverse offerings like the 30-mile Roots (bike) Ride, Roots Music Festival, and NASA Lunch & Learn. More information and primitive camping reservations are available here. The city will welcome viewers to Craighead Forest Park as well.
Other Arkansas Solar Eclipse Destinations
From southwest to northeast, two-thirds of Arkansas will be in the path of totality. If the mentioned cities seem too confined for your group, Arkansas State Parks has put together an incredible list of 25 parks within the path of totality. For many, you can reserve a reservation. Click here for more information.
Paducah, Kentucky
Kentucky’s UNESCO-designated “Creative City” Paducah is hosting X Marks the Spot on April 7 and 8. The downtown street fair will be humming with eclipse-themed culinary delights, retail vendors, watch parties, family fun, and live entertainment. Paducah’s renowned National Quilt Museum has also planned a special watch party on its expansive lawn.
Spread out your quilts and your picnic and witness the eclipse in comfort. There will also be an interactive quilt-making project inspired by the eclipse. The total eclipse will last around one to three minutes in Kentucky. Morganfield and Sturgis in Western Kentucky are incredible viewpoints, too.
Henderson, Kentucky
Henderson will welcome eclipse enthusiasts to many organized viewing events within the rolling hills and along the Ohio River. Nine miles outside downtown Henderson, picturesque Boucherie Winery hosts View from the Vineyard, featuring roomy eclipse views, wine slushies, and more. Or, head to Historic Ellis Park for Track the Eclipse to experience the eclipse on a historic Thoroughbred track.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole crew. Farmer & Frenchman is throwing a ticketed event that includes a farm-to-table four-course lunch, solar eclipse glasses, and a wide-open countryside view for eclipse viewing. Other Henderson viewpoints include Red Banks Park on the banks of the Ohio River in downtown Henderson or Newman Park off Sand Lane.
Waco, Texas
Eclipse Over Texas is shaping up to be one of the most significant eclipse events along the southern part of the path. This festival will feature telescopes, educational activities, and space programs led by onsite Lowell Observatory and Baylor University astronomers. There will be food trucks and lots of family fun. General admission tickets are $20 and include solar glasses. Click here for more information.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas will have myriad prime eclipse viewing locations, including parks, observatories, rooftops, and open spaces. Join astronomers and fellow enthusiasts at the Perot Museum or Frontiers of Flight Museum. Head to Downtown Dallas for their organized celebration, or pick from dozens of hotels and bars hosting luxe rooftop viewing parties. More official viewing locations and events will be on their ultimate list here. Some Texas experts explain the eclipse and where to see it in Dallas.
Grapevine, Texas
Historic Grapevine sits within the path of totality, and the town is going all out for visitors. Filled with galactic-themed food, drinks, and music, Grapevine’s parks, Historic Main Street District, and Nash Farm are three fabulous venues to set up your viewing space. Grapevine Vintage Railroad is even hosting a memorable scenic train ride on eclipse morning. For more info and VIP tickets, click here.
Austin, Texas
Dozens of ATX bars, hotels, and breweries are throwing eclipse viewing parties across the city, or you could set up your viewing area in a city park. Visit Austin will host Total Eclipse of the Park in Republic Square with live music and celestial treats, or head to the Long Center lawn for another massive (and free) viewing party. Vampire Weekend is playing a special daytime eclipse concert at Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park.
San Antonio, Texas
The largest city on the path of totality, San Antonio, is hosting a city-wide Fiesta del Sol on April 8 and the weekend leading up. Many participating hotels, parks, and restaurants will offer special eclipse events. You’ll want to head to the city’s Northwest/La Cantera area and the nearby Hill Country to get into the darkest area.
Burnet, Texas
At nearly four and a half minutes of darkness, the Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet will be one of the longest totality events. This experience will feature music, art, space, and technology programs over four days, set in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, just a short drive from Austin and San Antonio. The packed lineup includes funk, electronic, and indie rock groups like Big Gigantic, LP Giobbi, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, and Neil Francis. Beyond the music, there will be speakers, scientists, and wellness programs galore. Check out tickets and camping add-on options here.
Other Texas Hill Country Solar Eclipse Events
Fredericksburg is a central point in the popular Hill Country area, and there will be a lot going on here. Grapetown Vineyards will host a hot air balloon festival with a farm dinner, wine tastings, polo matches, and weather-dependent hot air balloon rides. In nearby Dripping Springs, Lucky Arrow Retreat hosts the Hill Country Solar Eclipse Fest with astrologer-led programs, fireside music, poolside cabana rentals, and beer/wine tastings. Here’s a great list of events that farms and vineyards are hosting. This region will likely be flooded with people, and planning ahead will be essential.
ECLIPSE VIEWING & SAFETY TIPS
- Get your eclipse glasses ready! While many of the mentioned events supply glasses, having some backups on hand doesn’t hurt. Order your eclipse-ready glasses early, as they will likely sell out.
- Protect your peepers: Special eye equipment is necessary to view solar eclipses. Regular glasses, no matter how dark, are not appropriate. Viewing any part of the bright Sun (even when obscured in an eclipse) through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
- Plan your viewing spot. As traffic will likely be heavy, consider staying near the path the night before the eclipse. Give yourself plenty of time to park and get settled. Don’t stop on the side of the highway or road to view the eclipse.
- Be ready for traffic. Fill up your gas tank, and bring plenty of food and water. Traffic before and after the eclipse will likely be heavy.
- Check local weather. Tune into local radio and news before and after the eclipse. Cloud coverage, rain, and temperatures might affect viewing.
- Check for bathrooms. Restrooms will be prime and necessary for this event, so make sure your plan includes access!
Happy eclipse chasing, y’all! Don’t miss this one!
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