Bloomington is a top viewing location for the total solar eclipse April 8, with 200-300,000 people expected to visit the city. All Indiana University in-person classes will be cancelled, so here is a list of events going on in the city and on campus.
“There Goes the Sun” concert
The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and the City of Bloomington will host a free concert at 3 p.m., April 7, at Switchyard Park at 245 W. Grimes Lane. It will include music from “The Planets,” “Star Wars” and “Stardust.”
Science Fest
IU will host its annual Science Fest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 6, at various locations on-campus. Usually held in the fall, the free event moved to the spring and will prepare visitors for the eclipse. It will cover the eclipse’s impact, science and safety.
Hoosier Cosmic Celebration
Singer Janelle Monáe, actor William Shatner and astronaut Mae Jemison will be at the Hoosier Cosmic Celebration from 1-5 p.m., April 8, at Memorial Stadium.
Jemison and Shatner will appear before the eclipse, and Monáe will perform directly following the eclipse. The Marching Hundred and Department of Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance will also perform. Tickets are still available, starting at $19 for the public and $15 for students.
Fun (not) Under the Sun
IU’s Student Involvement and Leadership Center is hosting an event from noon to 7 p.m., April 8, at Dunn Meadow. Activities include games, food trucks, a Coca Cola interactive booth and live music.
Solar Eclipse at the Arboretum
IU will host several eclipse stations from noon to 4 p.m., April 8, in the Cox Arboretum. Stations include telescopes, eclipse models, puzzles, games, astrolabes and postcards.
La Casa Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
La Casa Latino Cultural Center will host a free viewing party from 1-4 p.m., April 8, at 718 E. Seventh St. Viewing glasses will be provided for the first 100 visitors.
Wonderlab Museum workshops and street party
WonderLab Museum will host a variety of events leading up to and during the eclipse. The museum will host an eclipse preview day and maker workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 6, at 308 W. Fourth St. The activities will be included with museum admission.
The museum will also hold a free street party from 2-4 p.m., April 8, at 308 W. Fourth St. The museum will be closed, but all ages are welcome to view the eclipse.
Celestial Spectacle
The City of Bloomington will host a free viewing party from noon to 4 p.m., April 8, at 406 N. Rogers St. Food trucks, live music, crafts, games and educational activities will be available.
“2001: A Space Odyssey” screening
Constellation Stage and Screen will host a screening of “2001: A Space Odyssey” at 7:30 p.m., April 8, inside Waldron Arts Center Rose Firebay Theater at 122 S. Walnut St. Tickets start at $8 in advance and $12 at the door.
Total Eclipse at the Patch
Fowler Pumpkin Patch will host a free viewing party from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 8, at 5060 N. Greene County Line Road. The event will be free of artificial light to allow better viewing of the eclipse and will include live music, food trucks and games.
Kirkwood Solar Livestream
The Kirkwood Observatory will host a free livestream of the eclipse April 8. Viewers will see a close-up view of the eclipse in real time.
Starlite Drive-In Viewing Party
Starlite Drive-In Theatre will host a free viewing party at 10 a.m., April 8, at 7640 S. Old State Road 37. No reservations are required, and limited concessions will be available.
“The Planets – An HD Odyssey” performance
The Jacobs School of Music Concert Orchestra will perform “The Planets – An HD Odyssey” 8 p.m. April 8, at the IU Auditorium at 1211 E. Seventh St. The performance will be narrated by astronaut Mae Jemison. Tickets start at $10 for students and $15 for the public.
