Thousands of visitors are expected to visit The Natural State for a rare viewing of a total solar eclipse April 8, 2024. Arkadelphia, Arkansas, has plenty of eclipse-related events that promise fun for the entire family.
Arkadelphia, one of many Arkansas cities in the path of totality, will be dark for 2 minutes and 14 seconds beginning at 1:49:34 p.m. on Monday, April 8. An estimated 1.7 million Arkansans reside within the path of totality, and it’s estimated that somewhere between 70,000 to 281,000 visitors are expected in Arkansas to view the eclipse.
Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkadelphia is home to about 10,000 residents and two four-year universities. Dining options abound in Arkadelphia. The city is conveniently located on Interstate 30 between Texarkana and Little Rock. Outdoor recreation is plentiful in the area, from walking and biking trails to canoeing or kayaking on the Caddo or Ouachita rivers.
The nearby city of Caddo Valley also has several dining options, is home to several chain hotels, and is the gateway to DeGray Lake, whose glistening waters welcome thousands of regular visitors to its state park and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. In fact, the lake will have even more time in the path of totality, with some campgrounds experiencing more than 3 minutes in darkness.
The Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is actively compiling an ongoing list of local events ahead of the big day. Check out this page in the coming weeks to see the most recent lineup of events. The following events were announced by March 1:
Eclipse Event at HSU
Join Henderson State University during the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 from 12:30-3:30 p.m.
There will be telescopes set up, and solar glasses will be distributed for the first ones who show up.
More information on this event will be announced at a later date.
Public lecture at OBU
Ouachita Baptist University will host Dr. Jim Spann, senior scientist for space weather for NOAA’s NESDIS Office of Space Weather Observations, for a public lecture on Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. in the Walker Conference Center. Spann is a Ouachita alumnus.
Eclipse celebration at Big Betty’s
Betty’s Big Country Dance Hall, in Caddo Valley, is celebrating the Total Solar Eclipse with live music, dancing and corn hole tournaments.
Events begin Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m. and will conclude by midnight Saturday, April 6. See the venue’s Facebook page for more information.
Epic Eclipse Event
The V Bar & Grill, in Caddo Valley, will have music bingo with prizes. The Wreckoning will perform live, and there will be specials on food and beverages.
The celebration lasts from 4-10 p.m. Sunday, April 7.
Planetarium Show: Secrets of the Sun
Visit Henderson State University’s Planetarium in the Reynolds Science Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6, and/or Sunday, April 7, for Secrets of the Sun.
The free show allows audiences to experience an intimate look at the role the sun plays in the life of our solar system, from the nuclear forces churning at the heart of the sun to the mass ejections of solar material into the surrounding space.
Late admittance is not allowed, so arrive early.
Solar Sunday Spectacular
The Arkadelphia Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event similar to the annual Holiday Open House, in which visitors and residents alike can take part in special deals at local businesses.
Stay tuned to the chamber’s Facebook page for store announcements and hours.
Eclipse on The Ridge
Suttle Ridge at DeGray will feature Three Seven Catering during its April 8 eclipse event, Eclipse on The Ridge.
Tickets are $25 and are available by calling 501-538-7098. Event lasts from noon to 4 p.m. Visit Suttle Ridge at DeGray’s Facebook page for more details.
Cosmic Campout 2024
Join the new Caddo Co-Op, 107 Valley St., for its pre-opening event during the eclipse April 6-8.
There will be drinks, food trucks, camping, yard games, music and more.
The upcoming venue is offering primitive camping for astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers. Reserve a spot and learn more at the venue’s Facebook page.
As mentioned above, this is a working list. To include an event, contact the chamber office at 870-246-1460 during regular business hours, or visit the chamber’s website.