Top 100 Things To Do In Indiana Total Solar Eclipse Events
With great excitement, I share the news of the total solar eclipse passing through Indiana on April 8, 2024. Having explored and documented the state’s attractions in my book 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die, I was particularly interested in which locations would celebrate this extraordinary event within the path of totality.
The list of locations participating in eclipse celebrations is truly impressive. Indiana is going above and beyond with a diverse range of events, festivities, and eclipse parties.
Check out Experiencing the Total Solar Eclipse here: https://fieldsandheels.com/experiencing-the…-in-henry-county/
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Discover how the top 100 destinations featured in 100 Things To Do In Indiana Before You Die prepare to offer unique experiences during this celestial phenomenon.
Museums and Historic Sites
On April 8, enjoy live performances from musical acts and dance companies and enlightened talks from renowned experts who will shed light on the science behind this mesmerizing event at the Conner Prairie Solar Eclipse. Special guests include Hoosier astronaut Mark Brown and YouTuber/Science Teacher Rick Crosslin. Entertainment will be provided by South Bend’s UZIMA! Drum and Dance, Stella Luna & the Satellites, and The Curious Life. Food trucks and Sun King’s special beer, “In the Path of Totality,” will be available.
Solar Eclipse Film Festival at the ArtCraft Theatre in downtown Franklin brings you the finest in astronomical, solar-oriented cinematic entertainment.
Indiana State Museum invites you to a day of celebration for the total solar eclipse. Participate in hands-on activities, witness live demonstrations, learn fun facts, collaborate on art projects, and engage in scientific experiments. Each visitor will receive complimentary solar viewing glasses until supplies run out. Alternatively, they can be purchased at the Indiana Store. Learn how to safely watch this uncommon celestial spectacle. Depending on the weather, gather on the front lawn at 3:06 pm to witness the eclipse.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis invites you to witness a once-in-a-lifetime solar phenomenon at its Eclipse Extravaganza. From 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., experience this astronomical event with various giveaways, activities, and festivities. Engage in fun eclipse-themed crafts, explore the STEMLab, and enjoy educational programming. NASA’s eclipse coverage will be live-streamed, and the eclipse can be viewed safely in the outdoor Sports Experience section, where sports equipment will be temporarily removed for the event.
IMS has the honor of being one of the few exclusive broadcast locations nationwide, and it has partnered with NASA to bring you an unforgettable experience. NASA and its experts will be hosting a live broadcast from the facility, where they will be available to address any inquiries regarding the scientific phenomenon. Brace yourself for track tours, awe-inspiring INDYCAR Demo Laps, engaging astronaut programming, and once-in-a-lifetime autograph sessions. Get ready for an extraordinary day at IMS!
The WWII Landing Ship Tank is hosting an EXCLUSIVE viewing party for the Solar Eclipse onboard the LST-325! VIP tickets include a pair of eclipse glasses, Tickets include pizza and macarons by Pangea Pizzeria, a ship tour, and a viewing spot on the LST’s deck.
On April 6–8, step into an awe-inspiring cosmos at Minnetrista! Embark on an unforgettable three-day journey celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse. Immerse yourself in captivating exhibitions, engage in interactive, family-friendly activities, and experience the magic of live performances.
Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum
To celebrate the eclipse, on April 6th, the Trails of Sculpture Trails Outdoor Museum staff will travel with their portable aluminum foundry to the Bloomfield Library. They will pour scratch blocks made by the Bloomfield community, but everyone is welcome to partake in this memorable event. Scratch blocks will be $30 each (cash or check).
The Hoosier Gym in Knightstown will host a Solar Eclipse Movie Night on April 3 and April 4, featuring a screening of the classic basketball film “Hoosiers.”
The University of Notre Dame will host a series of planetarium shows on April 4 and 5. An eclipse watch party on Monday, April 8, will be held on the Irish Green from 1 to 4:30 p.m. The total solar eclipse event in South Bend will begin at 1:53 p.m., peak at 3:09 p.m., and conclude at 4:08 p.m.
Restaurants and Eateries
Chef Daniel Orr and FARMteam will have special Eclipse menus based on Chef D’s Eclipse music playlist, which will be available for dinner Friday through Monday and brunch Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. FARM will be open on Eclipse Monday for brunch from 8 am to 1:30 pm and dinner from 5 pm to 10 pm. Eclipse-themed cocktails and beverage specials will also be available. Reservations are strongly advised.
On April 8th, the festivities for the Total Eclipse Weekend will include brunch and eclipse parking for a panoramic view at Hard Truth Hills. The weekend will include live music, tours, a special lunch reservation, tastings, ATV expeditions, and mixology experiences.
Oasis Diner
For the eclipse, rent a patio table at Oasis Diner for $45, which includes unlimited soft drinks, tea, coffee, and water. Table rental is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Sign up at the host stand in the Oasis Diner or call us at 317-837-7777 to reserve your table (sign-ups are not available online). The Oasis Diner is also along the National Historic Road (Rt. 40).
St. Elmo’s will feature an eclipse-themed drink: Solar Storm: Tito’s, simple, lemon, lychee, and bitters, with an Aperol float and orange peel garnish.
Join the Biergarten for a celestial event like no other! Enjoy live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks under the open sky. Toast to the total solar eclipse with a specially crafted beer, The Path of Totality, by Sun King Brewery. General admission tickets include a commemorative beer glass and eclipse glasses. All ages are welcome.
Cities and Neighborhoods
Join Carmel’s official Eclipse viewing location at Civic Square from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Immerse yourself in a vibrant festival atmosphere with delightful food and drink options, captivating live music performances, informative, educational materials, live updates from eclipse experts, and breathtaking view of the total solar eclipse. This is a free public event.
The weekend before the eclipse will be brimming with a whirlwind of unexpected and captivating events in Columbus, featuring special musical performances, a renaissance fair, Comic-Con, vibrant downtown street festivals, fun-filled kids’ programming, and more. Additionally, the lineup continues to expand, with new events being added daily
Attend Historic New Harmony‘s Total Solar Eclipse VIP Fundraiser Watch Party from 10 am to 3 pm for the best view. Witness this dazzling celestial event on top of the internationally acclaimed Atheneum Visitors Center. Each ticket includes reserved parking, exclusive access to the Atheneum Visitors Center, rooftop balcony viewing, a boxed lunch catered by Black Lodge Coffee Roasters, and solar eclipse viewing glasses
Eclipse Safety
Parks and Outdoors
At Angel Mounds, enjoy breathtaking views and partake in informative sessions. Join them at 1 p.m. and again just after the eclipse to uncover the secrets behind the Middle Mississippian culture’s engineering of the mounds centuries ago. Explore the intriguing connection between these structures and the eclipse phenomenon.
Brown County State Park will hold events from March 31 to April 8 in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse. During these events, you can join a park naturalist to learn about eclipses and decorate your glasses.
Galactic Garfield, a special concert event during the Eclipse weekend, will take over the Garfield Park McAllister Amphitheater. Three beloved Indianapolis bands—Moon Goons, Ancient Days, and Shipwreck Karpathos—will perform live music. Bring your chairs, blankets, and a picnic to enjoy the show. Plan to arrive early and stay until after totality to make the most of your experience. Aim to be at the park by 10:00 am for the best parking spot.
At George Rogers Clark National Park, a Total Solar Eclipse Weekend awaits. It will feature family-friendly crafts, programs, and activities for junior rangers. Visitors can relax on the lawn with blankets and chairs, and the Memorial and Visitors Center will remain open during the eclipse weekend.
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari
The Holiday World Legend Parking Lot will offer free parking and viewing on the eclipse day. Complimentary solar eclipse glasses will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and restrooms will be accessible. Please note that the Holiday World theme park will be closed. Various food trucks will be on-site, and family-friendly music will be played leading up to the eclipse.
Indiana Dunes State Park will host Solar Eclipse 101. Interpretive programs catered to different age groups will be offered. An engaging eclipse craft program will run for the kids from 10 am to 12 pm, providing an enjoyable and educational experience.
Gather at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to be a part of history. Each guest will be provided with a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses. The Sunrise and WTHR news teams will be present on the grounds to provide coverage and host family-oriented activities. A stage featuring live music, a bar serving refreshments, and local food trucks offering eclipse-themed delicacies will also be available in all parking areas.
Limberlost State Historical Site
At Limberlost, relish the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse! Set up your camp chairs and blankets on the cabin grounds or the adjacent open field, allocating the space on a first-come, first-served basis. Gather at the visitor center at 1:30 p.m. to hear our Site Naturalist, Curt Burnette, explain how animals respond to this natural event. The visitor center will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Please be aware that parking is limited, so plan accordingly. This event has exceeded capacity and is completely sold out.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
The Lincoln Boyhood Memorial, in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, is set to host a thrilling weekend of hands-on space science demonstrations and activities at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial Visitor Center from April 6 to April 8, 2024. The educational program will include a Star Party event showcasing the wonders of the night sky, Junior Ranger programs catering to young explorers, and engaging ” make-and-take SpaceCraft” workshops.
Oinking Acres invites the public to watch the moon “gobble” up the sun at the Total Eclipse at the Barn at Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary! The field will be open for a small, exclusive viewing party, and all ticket proceeds will directly support the animals in our care at OA. Soul Shine Vegan Café will sell sandwiches, wraps, treats, drinks, and snacks at the Back Forty Farm Market and General Store.
Visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods the day before this once-in-a-lifetime event and meet our alpacas and chickens at our “Total Eclipse of the Herd: An Alpaca Encounter at White Violet Farm Alpacas.” Get up close with the animals and hear from our staff what the day will be like for our furry and feathered friends on April 7 from 1 to 4 pm.
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
The LUNACY! Solar Eclipse Festival at White River State Park will feature the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in a brass quintet performance starting at 2:30 p.m.
The eclipse will start at 1:49 p.m. in the park, and totality will occur at 3:05 p.m. The Turkey Run State Park will offer Eclipse-viewing glasses, commemorative T-shirts, food trucks, various vendors, sun-related crafts, and activities. Visitors can also make cotton candy and purchase a Whoopie “It’s an Eclipse” Pie. Live music will also be part of the event.
White Rock Park, located right in the path of totality, offers camping and day passes for an unforgettable eclipse viewing experience!
Enjoy the eclipse at Wolf Park’s open spaces in the company of wolves! The celestial event is scheduled to start at 3:01 PM and conclude at 3:12 PM, with our region experiencing it around 3:06 PM ET. Pack a blanket and a picnic basket to make the most of this extraordinary experience!
Inns and Shopping
On April 8, the hotels may be fully booked. However, the French Lick Resort will be open to the public, featuring special viewing areas and other attractions surrounding the eclipse, welcoming guests and non-guests to view the event.
An Eclipse Festival is happening at Story Inn in Brown County from April 7th to 8th. It features reserved primitive and camper parking options, ensuring a comfortable experience. Enjoy live music and concerts, specially designated observation stations for the best views, arts and crafts, appetizing food vendors, and access to local recreational and historical sites.
From April 6th to 8th, Warm Glow will have extended hours, from 8 am to 8 pm. Prepare to indulge in irresistible sales, enjoy delicious food truck offerings, savor wine samples, and immerse yourself in the special Eclipse music and drinks. And an opportunity to grab limited edition Eclipse Candles. And on April 8th, gather on the lawn for an unforgettable Viewing Party.
Indiana eclipse guides and helpful tips:
- Eclipse Viewing Q&A: Ensuring Eye Safety During The Eclipse
- Experiencing the Total Solar Eclipse in Henry County
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