North Little Rock Tourism announced today it will host a free three-day Moon Block Party to celebrate the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at Argenta Plaza, at 510 Main Street in North Little Rock Saturday, April 6, 2024 – Monday, April 8, 2024.
“By offering a weekend of activity, we hope to entice visitors to come early before the eclipse on Monday, April 8, to help minimize traffic the day of as well as support our local economy,” said Erica Warden, Director of Market Development for North Little Rock Tourism. “The concept for the plaza is for it to be a hub, a gathering place with food and entertainment all weekend.”
Beginning Saturday, April 6, 2024, Moon Block Party at Argenta Plaza will be free to the public with food trucks, yard games, craft beer by Flyway Brewing, vendor market and entertainment. A more detailed schedule of events will be announced soon. On Monday, April 8, 2024, Argenta Plaza will be open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for people to experience the eclipse.
North Little Rock, Arkansas, is one of the locations in the narrow swath of totality during the Total Eclipse on April 8, 2024. The eclipse begins at 12:34 p.m. with maximum coverage at 1:52 p.m. and concludes at 3:12 p.m. With its central location in Arkansas, easy access from major U.S. highways and less than 20 minutes from Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, North Little Rock will be one of the most convenient cities in the U.S. for experiencing the solar eclipse. North Little Rock is expecting an estimated 70,000 visitors passing through or staying in the area.
Aside from events at Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock will have viewing parties throughout the city. Dickey-Stephens Park, Rockwater Marina, Burns Park, Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum and St. Joseph Center of Arkansas are some of the locations that will be hosting paid viewing parties.
“These locations will be excellent for out-of-town visitors, helping them to plan their visits ahead so they have a dedicated viewing spot, parking and hopefully come early to avoid congestion,” said Stephanie Slagle, Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications for North Little Rock Tourism. “However, we strongly encourage locals to minimize travel as much as possible that Monday. Don’t get out if you don’t have to, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.”
North Little Rock Tourism has developed a S.O.L.A.R. graphic to encourage residents to plan:
- S – Shop ahead. Pick up medicine and necessary items before the weekend. It will be a brief period, so no need to panic or stockpile.
- O – Observe safely. To view the eclipse safely, you need eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard. Eclipse glasses are also now available for purchase for $1 each at the North Little Rock Welcome Center at 600 Main Street in North Little Rock. The welcome center is also offering four free glasses with a purchase of $10 or more for a limited time. For bulk ordering and pricing, email shannon@northlittlerock.org. The welcome center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- L – Learn and be present. This natural phenomenon won’t occur in the U.S. again until 2045! Eclipse resources are available through the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society and North Little Rock Public Library System.
- A – Adapt and adjust. Plan ahead, postpone activities until later in the week and prepare for traffic delays citywide. For up-to-date traffic information, visit www.idrivearkansas.com.
- R – Reduce travel. Carpool, use public transit, walk, cycle or work remotely if possible on Monday, April 8, particularly between noon and 4 p.m.
For more information about the eclipse in North Little Rock, visit northlittlerock.org/2024-solar-eclipse-in-north-little-rock or join the Facebook event.
About North Little Rock Tourism
Overseen by the North Little Rock Advertising & Promotion Commission, North Little Rock Tourism’s mission is to develop, market and advocate to drive tourism in North Little Rock. It accomplishes this through advocacy, tourism product development, industry partner relations, community relations, activations and events, direct sales, content creation, advertising, media relations and research and strategic planning. For more information about where to stay, where to eat and what to do in North Little Rock, visit https://northlittlerock.org or follow @exploreNLR on social media.
