Let the celestial celebration begin.
Years and years of preparation have gone towards getting ready for the April 8 total solar eclipse. With Johnson County falling squarely in the path of totality, communities, businesses, organizations and local leaders have all take great care to put their best foot forward, both for local residents and for the expected thousands of visitors to the area.
And finally, the time for festivities is here.
Eclipse events take over Johnson County starting Friday, with music, food, drinks, science-based programming and more planned all over the area. Immerse yourself in eclipse-themed art in Edinburgh, watch hot air balloons launch into the ether in Franklin and Greenwood, and sit through some of the best space-themed movies of all time at a special film festival.
Here’s everything you need to know heading into the weekend. A total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; be sure to take full advantage of all that you can.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre Solar Eclipse Festival
Details: 2-9 p.m. Friday through Monday, the Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., Franklin
Space and science fiction inspires awe and wonder in so many people; though the solar eclipse will do so in real life, local residents and visitors are invited to get in the spirit with special screenings at the Artcraft. The lineup includes: “Flash Gordon,” 7:30 p.m. Friday; “Muppets from Space,” 2 p.m. Saturday; “2001: A Space Odyssey,” 7:30 p.m. Saturday; “For All Mankind,” 5:30 p.m. Sunday, and “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthor’s Court,” 5 p.m. Monday. In addition, all day Monday will feature theater tours that include a showing of “A Trip to the Moon,” a legendary 1902 groundbreaking sci-fi film. Tickets: historicartcrafttheatre.org.
Franklin Eclipse Festival
Details: Saturday to Monday, DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park, 161 W. Monroe St.
The center of the path of totality goes right through Franklin, and city officials have taken care to ensure the heart of local festivities are happening downtown. Start off the weekend with a special eclipse 5K at 10 a.m. Saturday, with food vendors and a beer and wine garden throughout the weekend. Rock out with My Yellow Rickshaw, which will kick off Franklin’s summer concert series a little early. Hot air balloon rides are all planned on Sunday, while people can shop for unique souvenirs at a “eclipse market,” and learn about the science of what’s coming with a presentation by a NASA expert. The day of the eclipse, organizers have planned a DJ, food vendors, kids activities and free face painting. A speaker from NASA will answer questions and give the scientific background for the eclipse. Visitors can count down to the start of the partial eclipse, until reaching totality shortly after 3:05 p.m.
Total Eclipse in the Park
Details: 4 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday, Johnson County Park Amphitheater, 3097 E. 32nd St., Nineveh
Get yourself to one of the area’s hidden gems, when Johnson County Park hosts three days of fun to celebrate the total solar eclipse. A DJ, yard games, food and beer vendors, and an adult Easter egg hunt are scheduled for Saturday; a DJ, kids area, yard games and food and beer vendors will be available on Sunday; and live music, food and beer vendors and an eclipse viewing party will unfold on Monday. Admission is free.
GLOW
Details: 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood
Get in the eclipse spirit with a pre-party in Greenwood. Live music by My Yellow Rickshaw and Tastes Like Chicken will keep the event lawn stage rockin’ while glowing hot air balloons on either side of the stage add a touch of whimsy to the event. Food and drink will be available throughout the event, which is free and open to the public.
Edinburgh Eclipse
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St.
Edinburgh’s event, Total Eclipse of the Art, brings a series of art-themed festivities to town. At the heart of the celebration, the town will help create a new mural for Edinburgh’s historic downtown. Artist Chelsie Liberati, whose previous work adorns the side of Gary’s Dam Bait Shop as visitors drive into the town, has designed a postcard-themed mural. On Monday, event-goers will put the finishing touches on the piece. Residents and tourists also can see a chainsaw carver create an eclipse-focused piece for the town, and take part in a chalk-art contest. Discussions are in place for a space-themed cookie contest as well. Food trucks and craft vendors will add to the carnival-style atmosphere surrounding the eclipse.
Solar Jam
Details: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairgrounds St., Franklin
Welcome the total solar eclipse with a day full of rock music, food, drink and more. Southern Accents, a Tom Petty tribute band, will serve as the headliner, with a variety of local and regional acts booked throughout the day. Interactive art installations are planned throughout the fairgrounds to serve as ideal photo opportunities. Food trucks will be set up, and a kids zone and workshops offer fun for all ages. Grandstand tickets are $25, while main floor admission is $50. A VIP package is also available for $100. Ticket prices do not include parking.
Kelsay Farms Eclipse Watch Party
Details: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Kelsay Farms, 6848 N. CR 250 E., Whiteland
The wide open spaces around Kelsay Farms makes for a ideal viewing spot for the total solar eclipse. Enjoy music, kid’s activities, outdoor games, campfires and eclipse themed snacks. All participants will receive viewing glasses. Specific event details will be sent directly to visitors prior to April 8 via email once parking passes have been purchased; parking is $25 for a vehicle and $100 for a camper. Purchase at kelsayfarms.com/eclipse-2024.
Eclipse Fest
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville
Take in the awesome astral show of eclipse day with live music, food trucks, cash bar and a total eclipse viewing party Party band The Doo! will provide entertainment from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Huckaby’s Smokehouse BBQ Steaks & Sweets will be on-site, and the Sycamore Bar will be available to purchase beer, wine, cocktails, and soda. Some additional snack plates such as fruit and cheese and charcuterie will also be available for purchase. Guests can also bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $85 per parking spot, and can be found at mallowrun.com/eclipse-fest.
