Local residents watch the 2017 solar eclipse from the front lawn of the White River Branch of the Johnson County Public Library as the eclipse reaches its maximum point. Businesses, churches and organizations all over the county are hosting viewing for the total solar eclipse on Monday.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
This is it.
Eclipse weekend is finally upon us. And if local residents are unsure how to spend one of the most unique experiences Johnson County has ever encountered, they’re in luck — there’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy.
From community festivals to special viewing events, eclipse-themed vendor markets to camping options, activities abound for every interest.
Here is a run-down on what’s going on:
Solar Eclipse Pop-Up Exhibit and Lecture, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday to Sunday, lecture at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Johnson County Museum of History, 135 N. Main St., Franklin; the museum will have a pop-up exhibit in our featured exhibit gallery through Sunday. Curator Karen Shank-Chapman and director David Pfeiffer will also give a talk on eclipse history.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre Solar Eclipse Festival, 2-9 p.m. Friday through Monday, 57 N. Main St., Franklin; local residents and visitors are invited to get in the spirit with special space-themed screenings at the Artcraft.
Garment Factory Events Eclipse Weekend, Friday to Monday, 101 E. Wayne St., Franklin; enjoy dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday with live music. On Saturday and Sunday, the center will be open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a cover charge. Franklin Folk Project will perform 2 to 5 p.m. and Tastes Like Chicken will perform 8 to 11 p.m Saturday. That ‘90s Band performs from 2 to 5 p.m. and Revery will perform 8 to 11 p.m. Sunday. Finally, on the day of the eclipse Monday, people can come from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a cover charge. There will be food and entertainment throughout the day. In addition, organizers will have a limited supply of free eclipse glasses.
Main & Madison Eclipse Event, 7:30 p.m. Friday-5 p.m. Monday, 100 N. Main St., Franklin; Friday — come between 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. for Kosmic Karaoke upstairs, along with food and cocktails; Saturday — for $150, enjoy a private welcome party with charcuterie board, souvenir cup, a complimentary beverage, viewing glasses and entertainment (including a magician and astrology readings) from 6:30 to 10 p.m.; Sunday — no reservations are needed for this event, which features $10 trivia and $10 henna tattoos, as well as the following items available for purchase: eclipse beer, wine, big dipper chip boards, an exclusive food and pastry menu, and more. This event is from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.; Monday — for $150 for an individual ticket or $675 for a VIP table, enjoy private outdoor eclipse viewing, eclipse glasses, a souvenir cup, a boxed lunch, a drink, live music and, for a whole table, a champagne toast and a shareable solar bucket of drinks. This event is noon to 5 p.m.
Total Eclipse in the Park, 4 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday, Johnson County Park Amphitheater, 3097 E. 32nd St., Nineveh; enjoy a DJ, yard games, food and beer vendors, kids area, yard games and more. Admission is free.
Franklin Eclipse Festival, Saturday to Monday, DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park, 161 W. Monroe St.; activities include a 5K race, food vendors, beer and wine garden, music by My Yellow Rickshaw, science presentations, hot air balloon rides and more.
Eclipse Handmade Market, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Take Root Country Store, 202 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood; celebrate the solar eclipse with a unique lineup of 40 handmade vendors and food trucks, and take the opportunity to pick up some locally made eclipse merchandise. Free parking and shuttle available at the Main Street and Madison Avenue parking lot. ATM available on grounds.
Dark Side of the Moon Celebration, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Farm Girl Mercantile, 436 E. Jefferson St., Franklin; food from Enedinas Taco Truck, wine from Mallow Run Winery, and staff from Restorative Touch Massage, as well as eclipse glasses.
Franklin Elks Eclipse Festival Skybox, noon to midnight Saturday through Monday, Franklin Elks No. 1818, 56 E. Jefferson St.; for $35 per day, people will receive a wristband so you can hang out on the second floor of the lodge, receive free eclipse glasses and have access to reasonably priced food and drinks. There will also be games for the kids and law enforcement onsite.
Eyes of the World Eclipse Camping, 3 p.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Monday, Patches Flower Farm, 1645 U.S. 31 S., Franklin; free live music, food, hiking trails, pond, restrooms, beautiful Young’s Creek, and an unobstructed eclipse view on 36 acres of natural surroundings. Eclipse glasses provided with rental. Primitive campsites, no hook-up, two-night minimum sites, $200 total. Four people per site.
GLOW, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood; live music by My Yellow Rickshaw and Tastes Like Chicken, food and drink throughout the event, which is free and open to the public.
Hillview Country Club Eclipse Event, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 1800 E. King St., Franklin; parking spots available to the public for $100. Along with the parking space (parking passes and wristbands distributed upon arrival) there will be several public viewing areas, including the expansive driving range and Big Woods Franklin Restaurant and patios. Both Big Woods Franklin and Lou’s Den, Hillview’s 19th Hole (carryout only), will have a specially curated food and beverage menu available, including themed cocktails and beer.
Solar Jam, 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. 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, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, Kelsay Farms, 6848 N. CR 250 E., Whiteland; enjoy music, kid’s activities, outdoor games, campfires and eclipse themed snacks. Parking is $25 for a vehicle and $100 for a camper. Purchase at kelsayfarms.com/eclipse-2024.
New Whiteland VFW Viewing Event, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 215 N. U.S. 31, New Whiteland; at this public viewing event, breakfast will be served, as will food and drinks throughout the day. Restrooms are onsite. Kids are welcome, and cornhole boards and darts available. The parking cost is $30, but is free for veterans.
Legendary Eclipse Viewing Experience, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, The Legends Golf Club, 2555 Hurricane Road, Franklin; reserve a parking spot for $75 and enjoy free eclipse glasses, the chance to purchase trails access, fishing access, golf and more. There will be restrooms, indoor dining and more. This is open to the public.
St. Rose of Lima Eclipse Viewing Area, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 114 Lancelot Dr., Franklin; the public is invited to park in the church’s parking lot and view the eclipse from their field. Access is on a first come, first served basis, with a $20 donation for parking. There will be food trucks and portable toilets. Free eclipse glasses will be provided.
Whit’s End Eclipse Party, 9 a.m.-midnight Monday, 1020 U.S. 31 S., Whiteland; party-goers can take advantage of free eclipse glasses, live music featuring Edge of Midnight at 1 p.m. and a “dark side of the moon” drink special — a black-and-tan beer made with Blue Moon
Kings Highway Church Eclipse Viewing Party, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 5557 E. SR 44, Franklin; the church will feature concessions, portable toilets and activities. The first 200 people get eclipse viewing glasses.
New Hope Church Eclipse Viewing Site, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, 5307 W. Fairview Road, Greenwood; the church is offering overnight and day sites for campers, RVs, tents and cars on Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. Find information at new-hope.churchcenter.com.
First Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Viewing Site, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 952 W. SR 44, Franklin; the church is opening up its parking lot and lawn to view the eclipse. Parking is $10 and is first come, first served. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Restrooms and free eclipse glasses are available. Cars only. No RVs.
Taxman Eclipse Event, noon-10 p.m. Monday, Taxman Brewing Co., 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville; a community event featuring experts from NASA and Southern Illinois University providing special telescopes for guests during the eclipse. Complimentary eclipse glasses will be available for attendees, while supplies last.
Eclipse the Creek, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 803 W. Indian Creek Dr., Trafalgar; experience the total eclipse at Indian Creek High School, where you can reserve a spot for a vehicle for $50 or an RV for $100, have access to restrooms, free eclipse glasses, trash cans, and food from food trucks. Note that alcohol and tobacco are prohibited on school grounds.
Total Eclipse Cookout, 10 a.m.-sold out Monday, Franklin City Hall, 70 E. Monroe St.; load up on hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sodas while waiting for the eclipse to start.
Vino Villa Eclipse Event, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday, 200 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood; the shop will offer a themed menu on April 8, including blackout sangrias and a wine tasting from Midnight Cellars. Café Euclid, located next door, will be also have an eclipse-themed drink and guests can watch the eclipse from their property.
Edinburgh Eclipse, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St.; the art-themed celebration includes helping finish a new eclipse-themed mural, chainsaw carving, chalk-art contest and more.
Eclipse Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville; live music by The Doo!, food trucks, cash bar and a total eclipse viewing party. Tickets are $85 per parking spot, and can be found at mallowrun.com/eclipse-fest.
Hurricane Community Church Eclipse Viewing, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, 4592 N. Hurricane Road, Franklin; the church is opening its parking lot for eclipse viewing. There will also be a food truck and an available playground. Tickets $50, proceeds benefit Interchurch Food Pantry. Find information at facebook.com/hurricanecommunitychurch.
Who Turned Out the Lights 2024, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Cornerstone Church, 1000 W. CR 375 S., Trafalgar; enjoy an eclipse viewing party, with food, games and more.
Impact Christian Church Viewing Site, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 2800 N. Graham Road, Franklin; the church is offering 74 paved spots that you can reserve in advance, indoor bathrooms, playground, yard games, security, food, free eclipse glasses and first aid stands. The cost is $50.
Turning Point Church Viewing Site, noon-5 p.m. Monday, 3600 N. Morton St., Franklin; the church is hosting an eclipse viewing site featuring free parking and lawn seating, opening at noon. Donations will be accepted. Porta-potties, music, concessions, eclipse glasses and T-shirts will be available.
Solar Eclipse with Winters Heating and Cooling, noon-5 p.m. Monday, 3065 RJ Pkwy Suite B, Franklin; experience the eclipse and enjoy barbecue from Hickory Hills, gourmet cookies and an ice cream truck.
Johnson County Shrine Club Eclipse Viewing, noon-6 p.m. Monday, 751 W. King St., Franklin; club has 110 parking spots which it will open up for eclipse viewing, and they plan to serve food, provide public restrooms, and provide free eclipse glasses as well.
SmockTown Brewing Eclipse Party, noon-6 p.m. Monday, 223 W. Main St., Greenwood; live music by Clayton Lewis, drinks, food and eclipse viewing.
Solar Eclipse at the Franklin Flying Field, 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 3477 CR 200 E., Franklin; snack on hot dogs and hamburgers, play pickleball and enjoy free eclipse glasses at the wide-open space of the Franklin Flying Field.
Solar Eclipse RC Fly-in, 1-5 p.m. Monday, Hurricane Creek Airpark, 3795 CR 700 N., Greenwood; the public is invited to celebrate the eclipse with the Indianapolis RC South flyers.
Eclipse Viewing Party and Yoga Nidra Class, 3-5 p.m. Monday, Coffeehouse Five, 10 Plummer Ave., Bargersville; people are invited to sit on the patio and lawn to watch the eclipse. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket as patio seating is limited. Eclipse-inspired treats will be available for purchase. Immediately following the eclipse, Bargersville Wellness will be hosting an all levels, relaxing Yoga Nidra class. The yoga class is donation-based with all proceeds being gifted to Johnson County Public Library’s STEAM programs.
