Eclipsing Expectations: Prepare for the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse in Little Rock

There’s more to the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse than just a few minutes of totality, or even the two-and-a-half hours of partial totality. Little Rock is the perfect place to spend the entire eclipse weekend (April 6, 7, and 8). First, here’s some facts: The eclipse will pass through Little Rock on Monday, April 8, from 12:33 p.m. to 3:11 p.m. The eclipse will be at full totality for a shorter period, just three minutes from 1:51-1:54 p.m. The remaining time will be a partial eclipse.

Remember to keep up with the latest updates to eclipse weekend activities and attractions here, and be sure to take a lot of photos to capture the show-stopping memories and views.

What is there to do in Little Rock the weekend of the eclipse?

The answer is: a lot! One of the most exciting attractions will be a three-day concert series spanning the weekend of the eclipse. This concert series will be taking place at the First Security Amphitheater, along the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock’s River Market District. Here’s the weekend lineup:

Jazz and funk group Rodney Block Collective & All-Star Friends will perform from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, April 6. Gates will open at 5 p.m.

Country musician Ward Davis will perform from 8-9:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 7. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

The Machine Performs Pink Floyd will perform on Monday, April 8. Gates will open at 11 a.m. The band is slated to perform from approximately 12:40-1:40 p.m., pausing for a 20-minute intermission ahead of full totality between 1:51-1:54 p.m. The band will then resume their performance from 2-3 p.m., with partial totality concluding at 3:11 p.m.

Also, another fun activity planned for eclipse weekend is the 6th Annual Barkus on Main, a Mardi Gras-themed dog parade taking place at noon Sunday, April 7, in the South Main neighborhood of Little Rock. This is a fun, family-friendly event, and there’s still time to register your dog to participate in the parade.

From where in Little Rock should I view the eclipse?

That’s totality up to you! You have several options. Downtown Little Rock is expected to be very crowded. (But isn’t that part of the fun?) Consider viewing the eclipse from Riverfront Park along the Arkansas River.

The South Main neighborhood is also planning an elaborate eclipse-day celebration with the SoMa in the Dark: Path of Totality Eclipse Watch Party. The event includes a viewing area from 12th to 17th streets complete with seats, telescopes, refreshments, viewing glasses and other amenities down the center of Main Street.

Another option is Eclipse Day at the Little Rock Zoo. Tickets can be purchased online (and must be purchased in advance) and include zoo admission and glasses that will allow you to view the eclipse safely.

Do I need to wear special glasses to view the eclipse?

Yes! Keep safety in mind and protect your eyes when viewing the eclipse. There’s still time to secure eclipse-viewing glasses for you and your family. Don’t wait until the last minute and find yourself panicking for a pair.

Check online for retailers of eclipse-viewing glasses. Click here to view an approved list of vendors from the American Astronomical Society.

Why should I visit Little Rock to view the eclipse?

Have we not convinced you yet? Little Rock is directly along the eclipse’s path, and a fun city to enjoy all weekend long. After all, Little Rock isn’t expected to see another total solar eclipse until 2044. We don’t know about you, but we don’t want to wait that long for the next one!