Little Rock Solar Eclipse Insider Guide
Apr 5, 2024
Uncategorized
You’ve probably heard the buzz – the eclipse is on its way! Little Rock is in ‘the zone of totality’ meaning locals will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience to view a full eclipse. Little Rock will see the eclipse begin at 12:33 p.m. and reach 100% coverage or totality at 1:52 p.m. The eclipse ends at 3:11 p.m. Before heading out to the many watch parties happening on Monday (we listed a few below, so don’t worry), staying safe during the celebrations is important. Here are a few tips to think about before April 8th:
- Don’t look at the sun without approved eclipse glasses. (We have a list below of where to snag approved sunnies) The only safe way to view a partially eclipsed sun is through eclipse glasses or viewers that meet international standard ISO 12312-2. Ordinary
sunglasses, glasses, unfiltered telescopes, and polarizing filters are not safe. - Put your eclipse glasses on before looking at the sun, then look away before removing them. If you ordinarily wear eyeglasses, put the eclipse glasses on over your regular glasses.
- If you have children, please educate them about the importance of safe viewing and carefully monitor their use of eclipse glasses.
- See your eye doctor immediately if you experience vision problems after viewing the eclipse.
Where to Score Safe Solar Glasses
- Gene Lockwood’s | 12101 W Markham St
- Museum of Discovery | 500 President Clinton Ave
- The Crown Shop | 10700 N Rodney Parham Rd Ste B1
- Ozark Outdoor Supply | 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd
- Bedford Camera & Video | 11400 N Rodney Parham Rd
- Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center | 11901 Pinnacle Valley Rd
- Arkansas Hospitality Association | 603 S Pulaski St
- Clinton Presidential Center Museum Store | 1200 President Clinton Ave
- Arkansas Retina Clinic | 9800 Baptist Health Dr #501
- Fuller and Son Hardware (6 locations in central Arkansas)
- Arkansas Capitol Gift Shop | 500 Woodlane St
- Central Arkansas Library System | All locations
- North Little Rock Public Library System | All locations
- Loblolly Creamery | 1423 Main St Suite C
- Electric Ghost / AR- Tees | 1218 Main St
Best Spots for Eclipse Viewing and Celestial Celebration
- The SoMa in the Dark: Path of Totality Eclipse Watch Party provides a viewing space for downtown Little Rock residents and visitors on historic South Main Street with a viewing area from 12th to 17th Street. Refreshments from Lost Forty Brewing, a science shopping experience at the Astro Market, DIY solar crafts, and much more! Festivities start at 11 am and will end around 3 pm.
- Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts– is hosting a viewing party on their Crescent Lawn from 10 am- 4 pm! Free to members and $10 for non-members. While waiting for the special moment to arrive, enjoy music mixed by a live DJ, grab a bite to eat, and party the day away in style. Ballet Arkansas hits the stage at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to perform electrifying Bravo and Swan Lake previews. The Museum will also be open, allowing you time to explore during the celebration. All guests will receive complimentary eclipse glasses. They will be celebrating every day leading up to Monday, so be sure to check out all their events this week here.
- The Museum of Discovery is counting down to the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, with fun events and resources for families and educators! The link lists all the family-friendly events happening this weekend and Monday.
- Pre-Party on April 7th at The Lost and Found Eclipse Market in East Village! 30+ Vintage Curators, Artists, Makers, and Beyond! Unique & limited-edition Eclipse art!
- Eclipse Pull-Up Tailgate Party at the Zoo– enjoy local entertainment, learn about solar eclipses with our experts, and watch this memorable phenomenon with our animals. They have a day of activities planned starting at 9 am that will be fun for the whole family!
- Enjoy an outstanding meal by the lake at Cypress Social during their viewing party with eclipse glasses, a special lunch service, themed cocktails, and more! Reserve your table today!
- Ahead of the celestial shift, visit Bella Vita Jewelry starting April 2nd through the 6th for their Celestial Soirée! Tickets are $5, including a pair of white eclipse glasses and materials to decorate your glasses, making your viewing totality DIY.
Hosting your eclipse gathering? Check out Box Turtle and Electric Ghost for some must-have, local swag. Another eclipse party must-have is a special eclipse-themed brew from Little Rock’s Lost 40 “Ar’ Clipse of the Heart” – they only made 800 cases. Happy Eclipse-ing!!
