Get ready to witness a celestial extravaganza right in our backyard! On April 8th, 2024, our community is in for a treat as we experience a total solar eclipse. But wait, there's more! We've put together a guide jam-packed with awesome events and activities for families like yours to enjoy during this cosmic spectacle.
From cool workshops to epic viewing parties, your eclipse experience is covered. So, grab your shades (the eclipse glasses kind, of course), round up the crew, and let's dive into an adventure out of this world!
Let's explore the wonders of the universe and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Where to Get FREE Eclipse Glasses
All CALS locations: Little Rock | Sherwood | Jacksonville | Maumelle
- When: Beginning March 4th
- How: Free Individual cardholders will be able to claim up to eight (8) pairs of eclipse glasses
- Note: CALS Libraries briefly close on April 8th from 1:30-2:30pm so staff can view the eclipse
Both North Little Rock Library locations + The Rover (Mobile Library)
- When: Begining in March
- How: Residents can request one free pair per immediate family member, while supplies last
- Note: North Little Rock Libraries will be closed all day on Monday, April 8, 2024.
- When: April 8th
- How: Various information booths throughout the city will distribute free eclipse glasses
Events leading up to eclipse day
Arkansas expects more than a million visitors for this once-in-a-lifetime event and most of them are arriving a few days early to settle in and see the sights. Traveling during the week leading up to the eclipse may take longer than usual due to increased traffic and those not familiar with our roads. Allow extra time for traveling and discuss potential routine changes with neurodiverse family members.
Ongoing Events:
April 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8
Arkansas Solar Eclipse 2024 | Old State House Museum | Little Rock
- When: Wednesday-Saturday, April 3-6, and Monday, April 8th
- Cost: Free, ISO-certified glasses will be available to guests while supplies last
- Note: Wednesday's Little Beginnings Pre-K Program is eclipse-related with stories, songs, activities, and more
April 5, 6, and 7
Total Eclipse of the Park Weekend with the Travs | Dickey-Stephens Park | North Little Rock
- When: Friday 7:05pm, Saturday 6:05pm, Sunday 1:35pm - Travs vs Springfield Cardinals
- Cost: Game tickets from $7
- Giveaway: Saturday and Sunday the first 1,000 attendees receive special edition, Travelers-themed eclipse glasses
April 5, 6, 7, and 8
Blackout on the Boulevard | 4-Day Eclipse Festival | Maumelle
- Lake Willastein
- When: Friday-Monday, April 5-8th
- Cost: Free
- Note: Carnival, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Local Entertainers, Merch, Hot Air Balloons, NCAA games on the big screen
April 5, 6, 7, 8
Solar Eclipse Balloon Festival | Morrilton
- Where: Petit Jean Farmers' Market, 1039 Winrock Dr., Morrilton
- When: Friday, April 5th-Monday April 8th
- Cost: From $20
- Note: The main event featuring vendors and activities is on Saturday, April 6th.
April 6, 7, and 8
Moon Block Party at Argenta Plaza | North Little Rock
- Where: 510 Main St., North Little Rock, 72114
- When: Saturday-Monday, April 6-8th
- Cost: Free to attend, Argenta has three, free parking lots near the plaza. Arrive early to secure a spot.
- Kid-Related Details: The Plaza and surrounding neighborhood are very walkable and safe. Main St. will be closed to vehicular traffic and there are many restaurants and shops to step indoors if you need a break from the excitement.
April 3
Family Solar Eclipse Survival Kits at Argenta Library | North Little Rock
- When: Wednesday, April 3rd, 4pm
- Cost: Free event including eclipse glasses giveaway (while supplies last)
- Kid-Related Details: Learn how and why to use eclipse glasses and enjoy fun crafts
Illuminating Native Narratives - Stories of the Eclipse at Argenta Library | North Little Rock
- When: Wednesday, April 3rd, 4:30-5:30pm
- Cost: Free event -- Learn stories told by native people about the eclipse
April 4
Eclipse Readiness Night at Laman Library | North Little Rock
- When: Wednesday, April 4th, 5pm
- Cost: Free event including eclipse glasses giveaway (while supplies last), Eclipse Trivia, and Eclipse Oil Pastels
- Kid-Related Details: Learn how and why to use eclipse glasses and enjoy storytime
- Teens: Encounter Big Eclipse Energy in The Loft (self-care tips, journal prompts, and tarot spreads)
April 5
Plum Bayou Archeological Mounds | Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe and Making Memories | Scott
- Where: Plum Bayou Archeological Mounds State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., Scott 72142
- When: April 5th, 11-11:30am
- Cost: Free
Stargazing at Murray Park | Eclipse Education, Family-friendly activities | Little Rock
- Where: Murray Park, 5900 Rebsamen Park, Little Rock 72202
- When: April 5th, 6-8pm
- Cost: Free
Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center | Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe and Making Memories | Little Rock
- Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitor Center, 9600 Highway 300, Roland
- When: April 5th, 10:00am - 11:00am & April 7th, 2pm-3pm
- Cost: Free
Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center | Eclipse Crafts | Little Rock
- Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Visitor Center, 9600 Highway 300, Roland
- When: April 5th, 3pm - 4pm & April 7th 3pm-4pm
- Cost: Free
Lake Catherine State Park | Eclipse Tips: Staying Safe and Making Memories | Hot Springs
- Where: 1200 Catherine Park Rd., Hot Springs 71913
- When: Friday, April 5th, 1-1:30 pm | Saturday, April 6th 1-4pm
- Cost: Free to attend
AMFA | Storytelling: Native Americans and the Eclipse | Little Rock
- Where: 501 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 501-372-4000
- When: Friday, April 5th, 6-7:30pm
- Cost: Free to attend
- Note: Geared toward older teens and adults.
SOMA (In the Dark) After Dark 2.29mi Glow Run | SoMa District
- Where: Starting at 12th and South Main, running to 17th and Main, and looping around through the neighborhood.
- When: Friday, April 5th, 4-9 pm
- Cost: Free
- Note: This is a celestial-themed take on the popular "SoMa After Dark" series with shops/restaurants, pop-ups, and more!
April 6
AMFA | Creative Saturdays: Eclipse Edition | Little Rock
- Where: 501 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 501-372-4000
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 10am-1pm
- Cost: Free to attend
- Kid-Related Details: Make stylish eclipse glasses!
Historic Arkansas Museum | Eclipse 1834 | Little Rock
- Where: 200 E. 3rd St., Little Rock, 72201
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 10am-4pm
- Cost: Free
SoMa in the Dark: Path of Totality Eclipse Festival | Downtown Little Rock
- Where: South Main St. (12th- 29th Streets), Little Rock
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 11am-9pm
- Cost: Free to attend
- Kid-Related Details: Float Parade, Entertainment, and Crafts
AMFA | Teen Takeover: Eclipse Edition | Little Rock
- Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Performing Arts Theater, 501 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 501-372-4000
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 3pm - 5pm
- Cost: Free
Old State House Museum | A Celestial Spectacle: Concert w/ Brae Leni | Little Rock
- Where: Old State House Museum, 300 W. Markham St., Little Rock 72201
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 7-9pm
- Cost: Free, includes refreshments and eclipse-related hands-on activities for guests
Robinson Center | Holst's The Planets - The Solar Eclipse Concert | Little Rock
- Where: Robinson Center, 426 West Markham, Little Rock AR 72203, (501) 244-8800
- When: Saturday, April 6th, 7:30 PM, Sunday, April 7th, 3:00 PM
- Cost: Student Tickets $15, Adult tickets start at $19
Lake Catherine State Park | Eclipse Viewing Techniques | Hot Springs
- Where: 1200 Catherine Park Rd., Hot Springs 71913
- When: Friday, April 5th, 1-1:30 pm | Saturday, April 6th 1-4pm
- Cost: Free to attend
April 7
Plum Bayou Archeological Mounds | Eclipse Journaling | Scott
- Where: Plum Bayou Archeological Mounds State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd., 72142
- When: April 7th, 2:45-3:15pm
- Cost: Free
Barkus on Main: Pre-eclipse Pet Parade & Celebration | Little Rock
- Where: Main Street Creative Corridor, 500 Main Street, Little Rock
- When: April 7th, 12pm-5pm
- Cost: Free to attend
- Kid-Related Details: Kids zone with jump houses, kids' dance floor, giant bubbles, and face painting
AMFA | Film Screening: Fantasia (G-1940) | Little Rock
- Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Performing Arts Theater, 501 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 501-372-4000
- When: Sunday, April 7th, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
- Cost: $15 for Adults / $10 for Seniors (65+) and Children (2-11)
AMFA | Film Screening: 2001: A Space Odyssey (G-1968) | Little Rock
- Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Performing Arts Theater, 501 E. 9th St. Little Rock, 501-372-4000
- When: Sunday, April 7th, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Cost: $15 for Adults / $10 for Seniors (65+) and Children (2-11)
Stargazing at War Memorial Park | Eclipse Education and Family Activities | Little Rock
- Where: War Memorial Stadium, #1 Stadium Drive, Little Rock 72205
- When: April 7th, 6-8pm
- Cost: Free
ECLIPSE DAY ~ APRIL 8, 2024
Where is your city on the path of the eclipse?
Little Rock - begins 12:33pm, 100% at 1:52pm, ending at 3:11pm
Totality length and times vary slightly along the path. How many minutes will you be in the dark?
- Little Rock - 2:20
- Jacksonville - 2:28
- Benton - 2:38
- Maumelle - 3:17
- Conway - 3:53
For up-to-date traffic information, visit http://www.idrivearkansas.com.
Planning Tips for Parents:
- Get all the details about your viewing location, especially parking details, and consider carpooling to events.
- Shop now for groceries, and any dietary or medical necessities.
- Arrive early to allow for traffic and road closures and plan to leave after the first wave of people depart.
- North Little Rock is expecting 70,000 visitors for this historic event and many will arrive before the big day to sightsee and enjoy the amenities of our beautiful state. Let's show them our Southern hospitality and grace.
FREE Public Events
Dickey-Stephens Park | North Little Rock
- Where: Home of the Arkansas Travelers
- When: April 8th, gates open at 11am
- Cost: Free admission | Parking adjacent to the stadium will be available for purchase on the day of the event
- Note: Pre-register your telescope online for a $5 donation. This event has a clear bag policy and telescope bags will be searched upon entry to the stadium.
Shadow Over Sherwood | Sherwood Sports Complex
- When: April 8th, 11am-4pm
- Cost: Free admission, securing your spot is first come, first served
- Note: Concessions are available for purchase or you may bring your own. No alcohol, smoking, or pets.
Jack Stephens at UA Little Rock Campus
- Where: Jack Stephens Center, UA Little Rock Campus at 2801 South University, Little Rock
- When: April 8th, 10am-4pm
- Cost: FREE and open to the public; 30,000 free eclipse glasses
- Huge Family-Friendly Festival with 50 telescopes designed for kids, science events for all ages, indoor/outdoor activities, an accessible Viewing Station for the visually impaired, food vendors, a water station, and more!
- Special Notes: The event has a clear bag policy.
Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party w/ Little Rock Rangers | War Memorial Stadium | Little Rock
- Where: War Memorial Stadium, #1 Stadium Drive, Little Rock 72205
- When: April 8th, 11am-3pm
- Cost: Free Admission, $5 parking, gates open at 11am
- Kid-Related Details: Blow-Up Soccer Fields, Food Trucks
- Note: Live Music, Flyway Brewing onsite, Clear Bag Policy
SoMa Eclipse Watch Party | Downtown Little Rock
- Where: South Main St. (12th- 17th Streets), Little Rock
- When: Monday, April 8th, 11am-3pm
- Cost: Free to attend
- Kid-Related Details: Kid diorama contest! Seats, telescopes, refreshments, viewing glasses, and other amenities.
City of Jacksonville Eclipse Watch Parties
- Jacksonville Farmers Market - 9 Municipal Drive
- Dupree Park - 1700 S. Redmond Road
- Paradise Park - 1 Paradise Park Road
- Pleasure Park Complex - 201 Martin Street
- AGFF/Jacksonville Shooting Sports Complex - 2800 Graham Road
- Reeds Bridge Battlefield - AR Hwy 161
City of Little Rock Eclipse Watch Parties
- 3720 W. 18th Street, Little Rock
- (501) 603-9974
- 10:00am - 3:00pm
- 8616 Colonel Glen Road, Little Rock
- (501) 379-1890
- 11:00am - 3:00pm
- 6401 Baseline Road, Little Rock
- (501) 918-3975
- 12:00pm - 3:00pm
- 1001 W. 16th Street, Little Rock
- (501) 376-1084
- 12:00pm - 2:30pm
- Special Notes: All are welcome to enjoy crafts, games, music, and delicious food.
🎟️ Ticketed Events 🎟️
Total Eclipse Along the Arkansas River | Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum | North Little Rock
- Where: 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock, 72114
- When: April 8th, 7:30am-4pm
- Cost: $25 Parking Pass, $15 Barge/Boat seating
- Where: Park Plaza Mall, 6000 W Markham, Little Rock
- When: April 8th, 11am-3pm
- Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 5-17), Free for children under 5 years
- Special Notes: *Limited tickets are available - purchase now!* All tickets must be pre-purchased, no cash ticket sales.
Little Rock Zoo
- Where: 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock
- When: All-day event
- Cost: $30 per person, 2 and under free.
- Special Notes: * Limited tickets are available - purchase now* -- Parking is NOT guaranteed for this event and is first come, first serve! A large turnout is expected for this event and other events happening in and around War Memorial Park so please plan accordingly.
AMFA: MacArthur Park | Crescent Lawn: Eclipse Viewing Party | Little Rock
- Where: MacArthur Park, 503 E. 9th St, Little Rock (501) 766-2264
- Hosted by: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
- When: April 8th, 10am-5pm
- Cost: $10.00 for Non-Members and free for AMFA members and children 10 and under
- Special Notes: Guests will receive complimentary eclipse glasses, aero props, and moon pies
First Tee | Eclipse Twilight Golf | Little Rock
- Where: 1 First Tee Way, Little Rock (501)562-GOLF (4653) or (501) 350-4229
- When: April 8th, 7am-6pm
- Cost: $12.00 with cart rental (kids 12 and under play free)
- Special Notes: Enjoy complimentary range balls to perfect your swing before hitting the course.
Krause Farm | Solar Eclipse on the Farm | Paron
- Where: 28000 Kanis Rd, Paron, AR, (501) 257-0747
- When: Monday, April 8th, 10am-4pm
- Cost: $5 per person
- Kid-Related Details: Yard Games, bring lawn chairs and picnic, food will be available to purchase.
🎶 BIG KIDS ONLY 🎶
If you don't have the kids on April 8th, here are two fun events geared toward the older crowd.
Lindsey's BBQ and Hospitality House | Adult-Themed Eclipse Block Watch Party | North Little Rock
- Where: 207 Curtis Sykes Dr., North Little Rock, 72114
- When: Monday, April 8th, 10am-4pm
- Cost: $50 for Guest Eclipse Experience Pass: Swag Bag, $15 Lindsey's Gift Card, Complimentary Parking, Live Music, DJ performances, Outdoor Seating (first-come, first-served). Those without reservations will be accommodated but wait times may be long. You can also call (501) 374-5707 or email: lindseybbq@gmail.com for reservations or information.
- Note: While children are welcome, the party offers a more relaxed, adult-themed atmosphere compared to other similar events in the area.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center | Eclipse Day Party w/ Rodney Block and the Cool Kids | Little Rock
- Where: 501 W. 9th St., Little Rock 72201
- When: Monday, April 8th, 11 am
- Cost: $25, includes wine, beer and light hors d'oeuvres. ISO-certified eclipse glasses will be provided to guests.
- Note: The museum is also open for guests and food trucks will be onsite.
🏞️ Overnight Accommodations 🏕️
St. Joseph Center of Arkansas | North Little Rock
Downtown Riverside Park | North Little Rock
Faulkner Lake Orchard | North Little Rock
🌞 🌕
