As celestial enthusiasts and curious onlookers prepare for a rare spectacle, Johnson County finds itself at the heart of an astronomical event of grandeur. On Monday, April 8, the total solar eclipse will cast its shadow over the county, enveloping it in cosmic wonder.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, obscuring the sun’s rays and casting a shadow on Earth’s surface. Johnson County, nestled within the path of totality, will witness a complete obstruction of the sun, transforming daylight into an ethereal twilight and unveiling the sun’s corona, a radiant halo of light surrounding the obscured solar disk.
The eclipse is slated to commence at 2 p.m., with the moment of totality expected to occur at 3:05 p.m. Spectators within the path of totality will experience a surreal darkness lasting for approximately four minutes, as the moon traverses its path across the sun.
Johnson County offers an array of prime viewing locations for eager eclipse gazers. Parks, open fields and elevated vantage points provide unobstructed views of the celestial spectacle. Experts recommend seeking out spots with clear skies and minimal light pollution to enhance the viewing experience.
Beyond its visual splendor, the total solar eclipse holds cultural and scientific significance. Throughout history, eclipses have captivated civilizations, inspiring myths, legends and scientific inquiry. Today astronomers seize the opportunity to study the sun’s corona, unlocking mysteries of our solar system and beyond.
In anticipation of the celestial event, Johnson County is abuzz with eclipse-themed activities and festivities. Local businesses are offering eclipse-themed promotions, while community organizations host educational workshops and viewing parties. The eclipse serves as a catalyst for unity, bringing together individuals of all backgrounds to marvel at the wonder of the cosmos.
Amidst the darkness of totality, memories are made and humanity is reminded of its place within the vast expanse of the universe. So, on April 8, let us all turn our glasses-covered-eyes to the sky and behold the beauty of a total solar eclipse, a fleeting moment of celestial harmony.
SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS & THINGS TO DO
Visit festivalcountryindiana.com and festivalcountryindiana.com/eclipse for information on these events and many more.
THURSDAY, APRIL 4
THE EXCEPTIONAL TOTALITY OF 2024: ONCE IN A LIFETIME CELESTIAL MARVEL
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Franklin College, 101 Branigan Blvd., Franklin
317-738-8050 | alumni.franklincollege.edu/e/eclipse
Guests of all ages are invited to join an enlightening evening with Franklin College Associate Professor of Physics Arbin Thapaliya, Ph.D. Thapaliya will provide an overview of the total eclipse on April 8. Attendees can participate in various engaging activities, including space demonstrations, virtual-reality experiences and the use of solar telescopes. Thapaliya will also delve into the impact of weather conditions and explore ways to maximize the totality time of the eclipse. Admission is free and open to the public. Held in the Branigin Room inside the Napolitan Student Center.
FRIDAY, APRIL 5
THE HISTORIC ARTCRAFT THEATRE SOLAR ECLIPSE FESTIVAL
April 5 – 8
2 p.m. – 9 p.m. 57 N. Main St., Franklin
317-736-6823 | historicartcrafttheatre.org
The Historic Artcraft Theatre will feature films focusing on sci-fi, space and the eclipse, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of eclipse weekend.
April 5 at 7:30 p.m.: “Flash Gordon”
April 6 at 2 p.m.: “Muppets from Space”
April 6 at 7:30 p.m.: “2001: A Space Odyssey”
April 7 at 5 p.m.: “For All Mankind”
April 8 at 5 p.m.: “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”
On April 8, the Artcraft will also feature theater tours throughout the day that include a showing of “A Trip to the Moon,” a legendary 1902 groundbreaking sci-fi film by Georges Méliès.
ON-STAGE LIVE! PRESENTS: COUNTRY DIVAS
April 5 – 20
916 E. Main St., Greenwood
317-300-0603 | onstagelivecabaret.com
Production Director Jennifer Richins’ incredible show features some of the most popular songs by iconic women of country music including Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, The Judds, Faith Hill, LeeAnn Womack, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton and many more! These homegrown diva songs will have you clapping, dancing in your seat, shedding a tear and ready to shout “Hell yeah!”
GRAFTON PEEK NIGHT MARKET AT GRAFTON PEEK SOCIAL HALL
5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
171 S. Madison Ave., Greenwood
317-502-8895 | graftonpeekgreenwood.com
Join us under the twinkling lights for an evening of fun. Explore a curated selection of locally crafted treasures from talented artisans. Enjoy live music while sipping a handcrafted beverage or savoring a delicious snack. Kids welcome! Don’t forget to wander into Grafton Peek Mercantile, open late just for you.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
ECLIPSE AT THE FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER
April 6 – 8
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
237 W. Monroe St., Franklin
317-736-3689 | franklin.in.gov
Live music, food trucks, a hot-air balloon, a race, and more. There will be eclipse posters and glasses at the visitor center at 66 South Water Street in Franklin. Among the events are a 5K on Saturday morning; a beer and wine garden, an eclipse market, and food trucks daily; a concert featuring My Yellow Rickshaw from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday; and hot-air balloons from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
SOAR & SOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL
April 7, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; April 8, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis
soarandsound.com
Join us at German Park and experience all the festivities. The Soar and Sound Music Festival is not just an event; it’s an immersive celebration that invites attendees to indulge their senses and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast capturing the kaleidoscopic sky or a music lover swaying to the rhythm of live performances, this festival promises an enchanting experience that transcends the ordinary. As we drum down the sun, the hot-air balloon glow will provide a backdrop to the evening’s musical performers. The vibrant hues of the hot-air balloons create a breathtaking spectacle providing a picturesque contrast to the night sky. Beyond the visual and auditory delights, the festival also offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. From food trucks to artisanal markets showcasing unique crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Thrill seekers can even take tethered balloon rides to experience the magic from a whole new perspective.
AN AFTERNOON WITH EMILY P. FREEMAN AND SHANNAN MARTIN HOSTED BY WILD GEESE BOOKSHOP
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
The Historic Artcraft Theater, 57 N. Main St., Franklin
317-494-6545 | wildgeesebookshop.com
Emily P. Freeman is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of six books, including “The Next Right Thing” and “How to Walk Into a Room.” As a spiritual director and workshop leader, her most important work is to help create soul space, and offer spiritual companionship and discernment for anyone struggling with decision fatigue. Shannan Martin is a mom, wife and neighbor living in Goshen, Indiana. She is a voracious reader, a wannabe gardener, a news geek, a thrift-store stalker, a justice fighter, and an aficionado of not-too-spicy salsa. Shannan is author of “Start with Hello,” “The Ministry of Ordinary Places” and “Falling Free.”
GREENWOOD ECLIPSE FESTIVAL
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood
317-881-4545 | facebook.com/greenwoodparks
Join us for a night of celestial celebration at the Event Lawn in Craig Park. As we gear up for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, we’re throwing a pre-eclipse party that promises an unforgettable experience for eclipse enthusiasts and our vibrant Johnson County community. Enjoy live music from My Yellow Rickshaw and Tastes Like Chicken, food, drinks, and tethered hot-air balloon rides the day before the eclipse. Return the next day to watch the eclipse in the park.
MONDAY, APRIL 8
SOLAR JAM AT THE JOHNSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
250 Fairground St., Franklin
Franklinsolarjam.com
Visit the Johnson County Fairgrounds for eclipse viewing, live music by Southern Accents (a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band), food vendors, drinks and more. Parking and upgraded packages will be available for purchase.
KELSAY FARMS ECLIPSE WATCH PARTY
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
6848 N. 250 East, Whiteland
kelsayfarms.com
Relax, unwind and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience at Kelsay Farms! View the eclipse from wide-open spaces and enjoy music, kids 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 the parking passes have been purchased.
TAXMAN BARGERSVILLE ECLIPSE EVENT
12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville
317-458-0210 | taxmanbrewing.com
Taxman Bargersville is partnering with NASA and Southern Illinois University for a special eclipse viewing party, complete with telescopes for up-close viewing and free eclipse glasses. In addition to the eclipse viewing, Taxman will launch two limited-edition beers – Totality and In the Black – crafted specifically for the occasion, further enhancing the experience for attendees.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
AN EVENING WITH KRISTY CAMBRON HOSTED BY WILD GEESE BOOKSHOP
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Johnson County History Museum, 135 N. Main St., Franklin
317-494-6545 | wildgeesebookshop.com
Kristy Cambron is a vintage-inspired storyteller writing from the space where beauty, art and history intersect. She’s a Christy Award-winning author of historical fiction, including the bestselling novels “The Butterfly and the Violin” and “The Paris Dressmaker,” as well as nonfiction titles. She also serves as vice president and literary agent with Gardner Literary.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
GALA FOR THE GROVE
6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
317-881-9326 | centergrovefoundation.org
Join us for a wonderful evening supporting Center Grove students and teachers. Proceeds from the gala allow the Center Grove Education Foundation to provide additional learning experiences and resources for Center Grove students and teachers.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
DEATH & TAXES DAY
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Taxman Brewing Company, 13 S. Baldwin St., Bargersville
317-458-0210 | deathandtaxesday.com
Death & Taxes Day is an outdoor beer release and tasting festival, featuring 40-plus esteemed Indiana-proud breweries, select wineries, live music and local food trucks. Join them for a day full of sampling the finest beers, wines and ciders from around Indiana. Taxman Brewing Co. will release a special beer for the event, Deadline. Dive into the depths of this Belgian-style stout, enriched with the flavors of Indonesian vanilla beans and matured in Kentucky whiskey barrels for months.
SATURDAY, APRIL 27
ROCK THE BLOCK RUN 2024
8:30 a.m.
Center Grove High School Student Activity Center
2717 S. Morgantown Rd., Greenwood
317-697-1717 | rocktheblockrun.org
Rock the Block includes a 10K (timed), 5K walk/run (family-friendly) and free Kids Run. The event includes scenic courses, food, music, vendors, awards and giveaways – guaranteeing fun for everyone! Proceeds benefit organizations serving youth and families in Johnson County.
10K run starts at 8:35 a.m.
5K walk/run starts at 9:00 a.m.
Free Kids Run starts at 10 a.m. (up to age 11)
Rain or shine event.
