Total Eclipse of the Haute: 47 Eclipse Events for Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley in 2024

The total solar eclipse happening over Terre Haute and the surrounding region on April 8, 2024 is one of the biggest events of the century! Read on for ideas for how to celebrate and experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Pre-Eclipse Events

Friday, April 5. Opening reception of “Hello Darkness” exhibit with Arts Illiana. Let the eclipse-inspired masterpieces transport you into a world where art mirrors the cosmic allure, preparing you for the impending celestial spectacle. An evening of cosmic artistry awaits, bridging the gap between canvas and the forthcoming eclipse in Terre Haute. Immerse yourself in the beauty of ‘Hello Darkness.’

Friday, April 5-Sunday, April 7. Eclipse festival in MARSHALL, IL. Glow kayaking, hot air balloon glow, firework/drone show, and “kid day” with bounces houses, games, and movies.

Featured Event! Saturday, April 6. Music of the Heavens by Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

Celebrating Terre Haute’s total solar eclipse in April 2024, the THSO joins the community’s A Total Eclipse of the Haute collaborative event. The symphony will perform a wide variety of musical styles including selections from The Planets by Gustav Holst, John Williams favorites like E.T. and Star Wars, music from Apollo 13 by James Horner, the X-Files theme, and much more heavenly music. Integrated video projections will take us out of this world!

New info! At the Symphony event, the ISU Conservatory will have telescopes in the plaza in front of Tilson Auditorium for patrons to look at the sun before the concert and to gaze at planets/stars/moon after the concert in the dark. There will be several celestial photographs on display that patrons can enter to win in a raffle, and Eclipse Glasses to give to all patrons while supplies last!

Saturday, April 6. Solar Eclipse Preview Day at the WonderLab Museum in BLOOMINGTON, IN. Check out our eclipse toys and scientific tools in the WonderGarden and in the museum. Learn how to safely view the sun during an eclipse.

Saturday, April 6. Hammered Metal: Jewelry Class with ISU Community School of the Arts. The solar eclipse of 2024 has inspired some fashion! Artists in this beginners’ metal jewelry class will create sophisticated surface textures on two contrasting tones of metal sheet, learn how to create a curved surface, and layer those pieces of metal together. They will be able to add embellishments and a chain to turn the pieces into a very wearable necklace.

Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Total Eclipse of the Haute Eclipse Exhibit Finale!

Saturday, April 6-April 8. Roaring Solarbration at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center. We’ve got you covered from April 6th-8th with animal tours, local vendors, tasty food trucks, and prime viewing for the solar eclipse in our little slice of Indiana jungle. Don’t miss out on the fun – tours and vendors open at 10am every day!

Sunday, April 7. Total Eclipse of the Herd: An Alpaca Encounter. Our community will experience a total solar eclipse that will last approximately 2 minutes and 53 seconds. But what do animals do during this natural phenomenon? Will they head to the barn or coop? Will they be confused? Visit Saint Mary-of-the-Woods on the day before this once-in-a-lifetime event and meet our alpacas and chickens. Get up close with the animals and hear from our staff what the day will be like for our furry and feathered friends.

Sunday, April 7. Total Eclipse of the Haute Run/Walk/Fun Run. This special event celebrates the 2024 solar eclipse and is a fundraiser for a new water fountain for the Heritage Trail. Participation is $20 for the 3-mile event and $10 for the 1-mile fun run. All participants receive a commemorative shirt and medal.

Sunday, April 7. Special hours at Saratoga for Total Eclipse of the Haute.

Ongoing. When you pick up your copy of The Martian on launch day at the Main Library or attend any Wabash Valley Community Read program before Monday, April 8, you will receive a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses. Limited to one pair of glasses per person while supplies last.

Ongoing. Visit Total Eclipse of the Haute museum exhibit at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. The third floor exhibit is located in the museum’s rotating exhibit space and focuses on the science behind a solar eclipse.  Free with admission or membership!

Event organizers are calling this day a Total Eclipse of the Haute! Find more Terre Haute details on the Total Eclipse of the Haute homepage!

Solar Eclipse Events in Terre Haute Happening on April 8, 2024

Featured Event! Eclipse Festival in Downtown Terre Haute

A once-in-a-lifetime event is coming to West Central Indiana and Downtown Terre Haute will celebrate it with a memorable event, the Downtown Terre Haute Eclipse Festival. The festival will be held on April 8, 2024, beginning at 11 am and is free and open to the public.

The Downtown Terre Haute Eclipse Festival will feature all of the staples of a great community gathering along with new and exciting activities for residents and visitors of all ages. Activities include live bands, a DJ, an eclipse countdown clock, a beer garden, craft vendors, food trucks, kids activities, and a live weather studio featuring Jesse Walker.

“We could not be more excited to bring thousands of people downtown to experience the eclipse”, says Josh Alsip, Director of Community Engagement at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. “No matter the weather, we will have a fun party downtown with activities, music, and vendors.”

Downtown Terre Haute will close Wabash Avenue from 6th Street to 9th Street to ensure everyone can have a front-row seat to the main event happening above our heads. There will be limited seating provided so bringing a lawn chair is highly recommended.

A key partnership between the Terre Haute Children’s Museum and Downtown Terre Haute will provide plenty of fun activities and opportunities to learn about the eclipse.

“The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is very excited to hang out with our friends and family at the Downtown Terre Haute Eclipse Festival,” says Susan Turner, Executive Director of the THCM. “We will have hands-on activities for all to enjoy, be sure to visit our booth and get a picture in front of our 10-foot sun!”

Fowler Park’s Pioneer Village. Join from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Fowler Park to walk through the Pioneer Village and visit our volunteers in their 19th century cabins. There will be children’s science activities, food trucks, market vendors and more!

The Daytime Night Ride with Griffin Bike Park. What are you doing during the eclipse?? We are going to ride “through it” at Griffin Bike Park! We have beginner and intermediate rides planned. We are working on doing a Full Pull ride where we do EVERY trail in the park. The National Road Bike Club will also be hosting a road bike ride from the park as well.

Solar Eclipse Viewing with the Ouabache Land Conservancy. Bring chairs or blankets to experience a total eclipse of the sun at Atherton Island Natural Area. Viewing glasses and a telescope will be provided along with a tent that has a special film to view the eclipse through. Educational tables will be set up along with snacks and water. Music will be provided by the COON HOLLER KIDS from 2:00 to 3:30PM, with a break at total eclipse. Dr. Jim Nardi will lead a hike at 3:30PM to view the spring wildflowers around Atherton Island Natural Area. Because of limited parking space, RSVP by March 31.

A Total Eclipse of the Haute at CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center. Join CANDLES Holocaust Museum for a special 2024 eclipse viewing. We will gather in our parking lot and utilize a solar telescope, solar glasses, and binoculars provided by the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. Solar glasses will be provided to all registrants, additional glasses are available to purchase now in our giftshop. 2:00pm: CANDLES lobby and eclipse tent opens. (please note: the museum exhibits will not be available Monday). 2:45pm: All to eclipse tent for viewing the total eclipse. 3:30pm: Event concludes and CANDLES lobby closes

Solar Eclipse at Sycamore Farm. Food, cocktails, yard games, kids’ activities, specialty drinks, and more. General admission: $20.

Solar Eclipse Events at Sycamore Winery. Lakeside yoga and eclipse viewing party. This free event is open to all ages and will include area food trucks, eclipse themed drinks, viewing glasses, and wide open spaces for viewing!

CODA Solar Eclipse Block Party. CODA has the opportunity to be a solar eclipse ambassador with the Terre Haute Children’s Museum so we are going to PAR-TAY!! Join us on 17th Street as we celebrate this one-in-a-lifetime event with free food, live music, rock painting with Mental Health of American West Central Indiana, a bounce house, a foam party and MORE! Bring a lawn chair and get ready to have fun and watch the event of a lifetime. We will provide you with special glasses to safely view the eclipse, along with an eclipse sound machine for the vision impaired, a telescope and more science fun.

Experience the total solar eclipse from the rooftop terrace of the Ohio Building. Rooftop views, charcuterie, and more.

Hoosier Aviation is hosting a Totality Fly-In. Advanced reservations are required. Call today and join for a fun time!

Eclipse Party with Mt. Pleasant Church. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience a total eclipse. Terre Haute is in the path of totality, and we are hosting a party for our church, Grace Unlimited and preschool families. Bounce houses, activities, music, snacks. The first 250 will receive free viewing glasses. There will also be a specially-equipped viewing tent for our friends with special needs.

Dark at the Ballpark at Terre Haute Miss Softball America. There will also be hands-on activities, demonstrations and other interactive elements! Concession stand will also be open.

A Total Eclipse of the Haute at Herz-Rose Park. Come enjoy a cookout from 11:30am to 1:30pm, an obstacle course, a bounce house, music, snacks and fun! Eclipse glasses will be provided! A telescope and binoculars onsite to enhance the viewing experience.

Total Eclipse of the Haute at Prairieton United Methodist Church. Predicted to have no traffic, lots of family activities, and food provided by the Federal Prison Employee’s Club!

Solar Eclipse at the Drive-In. Join for a stellar solar eclipse experience at the Moonlite Drive-In! The drive-in is thrilled to invite you to witness the awe-inspiring solar eclipse from the comfort of the Drive-In. Gates open at noon. Free admission! Bring your friends and family for a day filled with wonder. You’ll have to bring special eclipse glasses available for safe viewing, and concession stand will be stocked with all your favorite snacks.

Total Eclipse of the Haute-Solar Fest at Central Christian Church. $20 per car. Activities include: ISO certified glasses, music, games, educational activities, story telling, bounce house, food trucks, restroom facilities, raffles for family astronomy activity fun baskets which may include telescope, astronomy books, star finding wheels, astronomy sting bags, red flashlights, and more!

The Mill Terre Haute. Looking for a place to view the eclipse? We’ve got you covered! We are opening our lot to you and your friends. $5 event parking. Restrooms available. The gates will open at 11am. Please feel free to use our lot, just note that our venue will not be open so plan accordingly!

Solar Eclipse Camping. Make your reservations with Vigo County Parks and Recreation for camping at Fowler Park, Prairie Creek Park, and Hawthorn Park.

Eclipse Fest at ISU Credit Union. Free eclipse glasses (while supplies last)! Bring your own lawn chair. Eclipse themed snacks, cornhole, music, telescope, binoculars.

School’s Out-Y’s In. Path of Totality Childcare. Breakfast and snack included!

Terre Haute Parks:

Solar Eclipse Events in the Wabash Valley Happening on April 8, 2024

Solar Eclipse Celebration with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce in BRAZIL, IN.

Total Solar Eclipse Festival at Billie Creek Village near ROCKVILLE, IN. Primitive camping, day passes, t-shirts, viewing glasses, food vendors, music, and more!

Solar Eclipse Viewing Event at Rockville Lake Park. Come out and experience a historic event for the Midwest. Expect activities, vendors, viewing glasses (while supplies last, families might have to share), a telescope with a solar viewing lens, and staff will be present to help answer any questions. This event is free to the public.

Sole Festa (Solar Festival) in Clinton, IN. Live music, activities, and wine!

Eclipse Party on the Party on the Patio. Mojo’s Hideaway in BRAZIL, IN.

Total Solar Eclipse hosted by Lincoln Trail State Park near MARSHALL, IL.

Solar Eclipse Party in Montezuma. Enjoy free activities like using solar-filtered telescopes, binoculars, free solar glasses, and more.

Solar Eclipse of Sullivan Festival. Join for a fun day with music, food, and drinks! Sullivan is in the path of total solar eclipse! Admission is FREE! Solar viewer glasses will be available for purchase.

Eclipse in the Sticks at MauMee Riding Park near SULLIVAN, IN.

Solar Eclipse Viewing and Activities with Martinsville Ag Fair. The Martinsville Ag Fair in Illinois is offering a location to watch the Solar Eclipse on April 8th. Finalizing plans soon but camping available for the weekend, food, shopping vendors, and U of I Astronomy Club with several telescopes for viewing.

We are waiting for more eclipse info from:

• Ryves Youth Center
• Swope Art Museum

Find more Indiana Eclipse details here.

The fun has ended for these great events:

Tuesday, March 12. Art Adventures: Oil Suncatchers at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 2–5: Introduce your preschooler to the sun, moon, and stars. Begin by capturing the light of Earth’s closest star—the Sun—with an easy-to-make suncatcher and learn more about the largest, brightest object in the sky at Art Adventures! 

Wednesday, March 13. RocketShip Creations at the Swope Art Museum in conjunction with the Vigo County Public Library.

Saturday, March 16. SkyDome Planetarium at the Vigo County Public Library. Ages 5 & Up: Are you ready to blast off? Take a trip through the galaxy with the SkyDome Planetarium! Start your journey with a flight through our solar system and learn about the Sun and planets closest to Earth before you head off to the stars, where you’ll discover the Greek heroes who inhabit the night sky. End your voyage by watching how the constellations change during the year and enjoying views of night from different areas of the world. A few spots available or add your name to the waitlist!

Wednesday, March 20. 5:30 PM at the Swope Education Center. Grades k-6 are invited to Cardboard Rocket Ships: inspired by “Mae Among the Stars” by Roda Ahmed. Hosted in conjunction with the Vigo County Public Library.

Saturday, March 23. Resin moon phases wall hanging class with ISU Community School of the Arts. Celebrate the upcoming eclipse with a moon phases project in a unique medium- resin! In this class you will create a one-of-a-kind resin wall hanging featuring the phases of the moon!

Sunday, March 24. Celebrate the Total Eclipse with MuseArt at Pizza King! Create colorful spacey drip paintings depicting your own take on the beautiful solar event! This is perfect for creatives of any age, so kids are welcome! MuseArt will also provide pizza, breadsticks, drinks, and space-themed trivia!

Tuesday, March 26. Teen Eclipse Collage. Ages 12–18: Construct your own celestial montage with the Swope Art Museum at Teen Eclipse Collage at the Vigo County Public Library. Collect and cut out images of the stages of a solar eclipse and arrange them to create a visually interesting progression, then add your own flair to your artwork with other painted or drawn elements. The stars are the limit!

Wednesday, March 27. 2:00 PM at the Swope Education Center. Grades k-6 are invited to “Exploring Light and Shadow: inspired by “Eclipse” by Andy Rash.” Hosted in conjunction with the Vigo County Public Library.

Thursday, March 28. Learning Lab at the Terre Haute Children’s Museum: Ready, Set…Eclipse! Discover how U.V. energy comes from the Sun and why solar glasses are so important. Get dizzy exploring how everything moves in space to create a solar eclipse. Create shadows and the path of totality as you model a solar eclipse. Weather permitting, experience solar viewing to understand sunspots and see the Sun through a solar filter. Become the solar eclipse expert for friends and family as you get ready to experience a once in a lifetime event from your own backyard. This is a drop-off program. Each participant will receive a commemorative button.

Saturday, March 30. A Total Eclipse of the Haute…and What to Expect! On April 8, 2024, Terre Haute will experience a total solar eclipse. No traveling necessary, just step out your back door and enjoy. In collaboration, the Terre Haute Children’s Museum and the Vigo County History Center will offer an educational program about the eclipse. This program will prepare you to enjoy the eclipse safely through awareness and educational opportunities. You will also experience a scale model of the sun and receive a pair of eclipse glasses so you may safely view the upcoming eclipse.
Information session is FREE!

Saturday, March 30. Moon loom weaving with ISU Community School of the Arts. Celebrate the approaching eclipse with a unique weaving class! Students will create a moon shaped weaving to take home and display! Weaving is a versatile and fun skill appropriate for adults and teens. Join us for a fiber art extravaganza!