The total eclipse will thrust Little Rock into darkness for a magical two minutes and 20 seconds on April 8.
You ’ve purchase yourcertified - safe eclipse spectacles , requested the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. off from work , and listened to Bonnie Tyler on loop-the-loop for weeks to get in the mood for thecelestial events of Monday , April 8 , 2024 . But with a million - plus visitor look todescend upon Texas , you may be assay somewhere else to know totality . Less than five time of day away , Little Rock , Arkansasoffers a gorgeous backdrop of rivers , bridges , roll hills , and mountains , correctly in the path of totality .
The eclipse in Little Rock and North Little Rock originate at 12:33 pm and ends at 3:11 autopsy . But the total occultation will force the city into wickedness for a magic two minutes and 20 minute between 1:51 pm and 1:54 pm . Fortunately , the capital urban center extend out - of - this - humans effect all weekend leading up to the main spectacle on Monday .
Little Rock ’s occultation festivitiesspan the region and include everything from outdoor dangerous undertaking and music to food and family - friendly fun . The SoMa District sound off thing off with a glow streak and first Friday series as part of theSoMa in the Dark : route of Totality Eclipse Festival . Grab a riverside bum for a free three - daytime concert series atFirst Security Amphitheater . Or head to the Robinson Center for a stellar execution ofGustav Holst ’s The Planets performed by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra .
Viewing the solar eclipse in Little Rock|Courtesy of Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau
Party like an animal ( and with them too ) at theDefeat the Beast Black Rodeoor theBarkus on Main : Bark Side of the Moon , a Mardi Gras - theme positron emission tomography parade complete with zydeco music , a crawfish boiling point , and stunt - performing dogs . Or go totally wild at the Little Rock Zoo for theParty on the Path Picnic , which includes sports meeting - and - greets with embassador brute .
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts will host a storytelling event , Native Americans and the Eclipse , and a specialCreative Saturdays : Eclipse Editionwhere Kid can adorn and personalize their eclipse glass . The museum will also screen two occultation - appropriate movies , Fantasiaand2001 : A Space Odyssey . The Museum of Discovery will also hostthree Clarence Day of special programmingwith animal encounters and experience with other born phenomena , admit earthquake and tornados .
Additional eclipse - watch events will take place at theWilliam J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum , theMosaic Templars Cultural Center , aboard a hoy and gravy boat at theArkansas Inland Maritime Museum , and at theMacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History .
For outcome in the great outdoors , events will take place atPinnacle Mountain and 24 other state parks , Rebsamen Golf Course , Jim Dailey Fitness and Aquatic Center , theWitt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center , Krause House Farms , andFirst Tee of Central Arkansas . For one of the most unique viewing options , rule book a kayak fromRock Town River Outfittersand get the eclipse from the gentle Little Maumelle River .
Enjoy baseball game - themed activities and concession atTotal Eclipse of the Park at Dickey - Stephens , intellectual nourishment and happy 60 minutes specials atSterling Market , and wine galore and lively medicine atRusty Tractor Vineyards . UA Little Rock Jack Stephens CenterandPark Plaza Mallalso have big plans for viewer .
Drive time
4 hours 44 minute from Dallas
More things to do in Little Rock during the eclipse
Reconsider any preconceived notions about guided tours and book a walk throughLittle Rock Central High School National Historic Siteto learn about the excruciating tale of the Little Rock Nine , a group of heroic nestling who dared to be the first Black students at an all - white school during the onrush of integration . TheMosaic Templars Cultural Centerenhances the experience with a fresh vivify permanent art gallery and interactive showing that preserve , interpret , and observe African American account and culture in Arkansas .
For a lighthearted museum experience , theESSE Purse Museumtells a visual storey of how womanhood in the twentieth one C acquire as evidenced by the bag they persuade and what ’s was inside .
Clear your mind with a satisfying dose of refreshing , pine - scented breeze atPinnacle Mountain State Park , with more than 15 miles of trail ( including seven for tidy sum biking ) across 2,356 acres . Do n’t missPetit Jean State Park , which epitomise Arkansas ’ slogan , “ Natural State . ” The falls , trees , and stone organization will take your breath away .
Riverfront Park in Little Rock, Arkansas ahead of the eclipse|Courtesy Little Rock CVB
Where to eat in Little Rock during the eclipse
Start the morning with coffee fromFidel and Co.near Hanger Hill . All your burning question about Ark - Mex food will be answered ( including cheese magnetic inclination , the state ’s variant of queso ) atTaco & Tamale Co.in the Heights . Sims Bar - B - Quehas been serve up rib and traditional ' pool cue since 1937 and now operates two locations . Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co.keeps things unsubdivided and delightful with a low , focussed menu of Formosan dumpling and noodle dishes in business district Little Rock . NearbySamantha ’s Tap Room & Wood Grillserves up a tasty lunch , plus 32 beers and 20 wines on tap .
Come dinner party sentence , get originative dishes and presentment atBrave New Restaurantin Cedar Hill Terrace . Eco - consciousTrio’sserves creative newfangled American fare in Andover Square with delightfully low-priced slyness cocktails . Local Limein the Villages of Wellington offers a variety of tacos and one of the good salsas ever spiked with roasted zucchini and gullible chile . El Sur Street Food Co.in SoMa rack up the smear for a mix of Honduran and Latin American favorites . Cachein River Market lay out hunky-dory dining in an graceful atm that still manages a casual , welcome vibration . check that to redeem way for ice ointment ( particularly the vegan coconut - based PB Crunch kind ) fromLoblolly Creameryin SoMa , then bolt down across the street for wine ( and maybe more snacks ) atBread Cheese Wine . Knock back some brewskis atFlyway Brewingin North Little Rock , Lost Forty Brewingdowntown , andStone ’s Throw Brewingin MacArthur Park . For something stiffer , head word toRock Town Distilleryfor vodka , noose , Moon , and their key signature Bourbon Cream .
Where to stay in Little Rock during the eclipse
situate in North Little Rock , The Bakerwas built as a high-minded secret home in 1886 , but today guests can make themselves at dwelling in one of its five gorgeously appointed room or the picturesque on - site cottage . The auberge boasts everything you have it away about full - Robert William Service hotels combined with the privateness of anAirbnbthanks to self - substantiation - in and unparalleled code to get at each of the habitation ’s rooms and suites .
In West Little Rock , theBurgundy Hotel(part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton ) offers well - name rooms andTable 28 , a eating place that many locals name as a out of sight jewel for incredible dining .
