31 Mar 2024 501 LIFE Eclipsed
Cities throughout Central Arkansas are planning special events for the total solar eclipse that will occur the afternoon of April 8. This celestial phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun.
The entire 501 area code will experience three to four minutes of total darkness. The good news for those of us who live in Central Arkansas is that all we have to do is put on special glasses and look up! Consider viewing this once-in-a-lifetime event with friends and family in one of our 501 communities.
CONWAY
The University of Central Arkansas will host events across campus. One of those is the Eclipse Kickoff Party on The Stripes (Estes Stadium). At 1:40 p.m., four-time Grammy nominee, zydeco legend, and artist-in-residence Sean Ardoin will lead everyone through the line dance steps of his song “Kick Rocks,” culminating with a group performance. LUNA, the Eclipse Superhero, a 25-foot-tall, inflatable sculpture, will be unveiled. Plus, the dog-friendly Barkanalia Eclipse Party on campus. Visit uca.edu/eclipse/events.
GREENBRIER
Piccolo Zoppé presents The Eclipse Circus from April 4-8 at Matthews Park. In addition to the popular family troupe of performers, the event will feature the high-wire artistry of Blake Wallenda, who will do a skywalk over the pond on April 8. The Flying Cortez family will also entertain, along with canines and majestic horses. Visit piccolozoppe.com for dates and times. Use code ECLIPSE2024 for 20% off the April 4 show.
HOT SPRINGS
The weekend before and day of the eclipse, special events are planned in locations all around the national park, including at the Mid-America Science Museum, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Garland County Library, Oaklawn Racing Casino and several other locations around the city. Special opening and closing times are in place. Live music by popular artists can be found at venues all around the city. Learn more at hotsprings.org/events/eclipse.
JACKSONVILLE
Jacksonville Parks and Recreation staff invite guests to view the eclipse from one of its beautiful parks. Parks and Rec staff will be stationed at information booths throughout the city to share eclipse info and to hand out free eclipse-viewing glasses. The parks include Jacksonville Farmers Market, Dupree Park, Paradise Park, Pleasure Park Complex, AGFF/Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex and Reed’s Bridge Battlefield.
MAUMELLE
BlackOut on the Boulevard Solar Eclipse Festival begins April 5 and continues until April 8 at Lake Willastein. The festival includes live music, a kiddie zone, food trucks, vendor booths, a fishing derby, hot air balloon rides and a carnival. On Sunday, April 7, there will be a church service, a Day of Giving and a fireworks display, along with live music. Visit maumellechamber.com/2024-solar-eclipse.
MORRILTON
The community will host concerts, a food truck festival, and a hot air balloon event atop Petit Jean Mountain, along with a pop-up market and kid’s games and activities. Visitors are welcome to bring bikes to ride around the city as part of the fun. There are also many restaurants, a movie theater and a brewery in the area. Learn more at cityofmorrilton.com/eclipse. Popular artists can be found at venues all around the city.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
The Moon Block Party at Argenta Plaza is a free, three-day event at 510 Main Street. There will be food trucks, yard games, a vendor market and entertainment. A Silent Disco will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 6. On Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., the band Mayday by Midnight will perform. On April 8 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., a watch party is planned. Other viewing parties are planned throughout the city. Visit northlittlerock.org/april-6-april-8.
PERRYVILLE
All events are family-friendly and free. On April 6, the Ain’t Got Nothin Band will perform at the City Park from 6-8 p.m. On April 7, The Rusty Roosters Band will provide music for a street dance on the courthouse square from 6-9 p.m. On April 8, Dales Stokes Music will perform at the Perryville City Park from 4:30-7 p.m. Providence Baptist Church will also host a camp meeting on their grounds each night at 6 p.m.
SEARCY
Galaxy Fest: Return of the Sun will happen 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 8 at the Searcy Event Center. Visitors to the Star Wars-themed festival will experience a 35-ft. fire dome, cosplay with headliner Galactic Empire, a DJ, a Padawan training academy by FarFan Taekwondo, an Area 51 ride, bounce houses, LED robots, fire performers, vendors and food. Learn more on Facebook at Galaxy Fest: Return of the Sun.
SOMA LITTLE ROCK
As a celestial-themed take on SOMA’s popular, first-Friday-of-the-month “SoMa After Dark” series, shops and restaurants will be open late with specials. On April 6, a dazzling nighttime parade will be held. Then on April 8, a Watch Party will begin at 11 a.m. from 12th to 17th Streets, complete with seats, glasses and refreshments. Attendees will be both educated and entertained. Visit somalittlerock.com to learn more.
QUITMAN
The 120-acre Sherwood Farm at 1755 Bivens Road East offers the perfect backdrop for this celestial event. Secure a spot for your tent or RV and immerse yourself in nature. With six ponds teeming with fish, ATV trails and the chance to saddle up for a horseback ride, there’s a lot to look forward to. The concession stand is ready to serve delicious treats. Book an unforgettable adventure at sherwoodeclipse.com.
