THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED THE APRIL 8, 2024 ECLIPSE WITH US. PLEASE VISIT FESTIVAL COUNTRY INDIANA AGAIN!
The Perfect Place to View the Eclipse in Indiana
Do you want to experience solar eclipse totality in the place with the longest duration of totality – and celebrate it at the place that’s a little more festive?
When the solar eclipse occurs on April 8, Franklin, Greenwood and the other communities in Festival Country Indiana, located just south of Indianapolis, will be smack dab in the middle of the path of totality. In Festival Country, you’ll get more than two and a half hours of the eclipse, including more than four minutes of totality.
The eclipse is from 1:50 to 4:23 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, with totality from approximately 3:05:52 to 3:09:54 p.m. (all times are Eastern time)
We’re planning an epic bash to celebrate the eclipse with activities all weekend and into Monday. Get your FREE eclipse glasses at the Festival Country Indiana visitor center, located at 66 S. Water St., Franklin, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Monday, April 8. There is a giant-sized pair of glasses with which you can get a selfie! On eclipse day, there will an "I survived the eclipse" selfie station.
Don't want to leave your house? Get your official eclipse merchandise (and a FREE pair of eclipse glasses with each item purchased) here.
Eclipse events and camping
Franklin
There will be live music, food trucks, a hot air balloon, and more April 6, 7 and 8 at the amphitheater at 237 W. Monroe St., Franklin. There will be eclipse posters and glasses at the visitor center at 66 S. Water St., Franklin. Also, there will be a beer and wine garden, games and food located near the courthouse, behind Sharp Graphics. Click here for details.
Join the race of the century, a 5K through scenic Franklin on April 6 to celebrate the total solar eclipse. Click here to register.
The Legends Golf Club, 2555 Hurricane Road, is open to the public for viewing, golf, great food and more. Click here to reserve a spot.
Come to Patches Flower Farm, 1645 S. U.S. 31, for a weekend of eclipse viewing, live music, camping and free eclipse glasses. This beautiful 36-acre property features trails, woods, a creek, a pond, and restrooms for you to use. Primitive campsites only at $200 total for two nights. There will be a Grateful Dead tribute band 6 to 10 p.m. April 7. Click here link to reserve a spot.
In addition, St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 114 Lancelot Dr., is inviting the public to park in their parking lot and view the eclipse from their field. The lot and field are along Jefferson Street, directly across from Johnson Memorial Health. This will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, April 8 only (no overnight parking) and will be on a first come, first served basis, with a $20 donation for parking. There will be food trucks and Porta-potties. Free eclipse glasses will be provided. Click here for details.
Also, First Mt Pleasant Baptist Church, 952 W. State Road 44, Franklin, is opening up its parking lot and lawn from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8 to host those who want to view the eclipse. Parking is $10. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. Restrooms and free eclipse glasses are available. Cars only. No RVs. Click here for details.
Hurricane Community Church, 4592 N. Hurricane Road, is opening its parking lot for eclipse viewing. There will also be a food truck and an available playground. Click here for details.
Possibilities: Home Re-Imagined, 100 E. Jefferson St., Franklin, will be hosting a Total Eclipse Oasis event on April 8 with exclusive perks like merchandise, food, private restrooms, an eclipse photography class, a themed artisan market and more. Get your tickets here.
Turning Point Church, 3600 N. Morton St., is hosting an eclipse viewing site featuring free parking and lawn seating. The site opens at noon and features porta-potties, music, concessions, eclipse glasses and T-shirts.
Come to the more secluded Franklin Community High School, 2600 Cumberland Dr., or the closer-to-downtown Franklin Community Middle School, 625 Grizzly Cub Drive, for eclipse viewing, concessions and restroom facilities. The cost is $50 per vehicle. Click here to reserve your spot.
Johnson County Shrine Club, 751 W. King St., has 110 parking spots which it will open up for eclipse viewing, and they plan to serve food, provide public restrooms, and provide free eclipse glasses as well.
Discover Downtown Franklin will be cooking out to provide eclipse viewers with some tasty grilled food 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at City Hall, 70 E. Monroe St.
The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 N. Main St., will feature films focusing on sci-fi, space, and the eclipse on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday of eclipse weekend. Click here for movie titles and show times.
Make the Franklin Elks, 56 E. Jefferson St., your hangout during eclipse weekend. For $35 per day, you will receive a wristband so you can hang out on the second floor of the lodge, receive free eclipse glasses and have access to reasonably priced food and drinks. There will also be games for the kids and law enforcement onsite. Click here to register and prepay online to secure you spot.
Johnson County Museum, 135 N. Main St., is open Saturday and Sunday of eclipse weekend. There will be an eclipse exhibit April 3 to 7, and a historic eclipse presentation at 1:30 p.m. on April 6.
Main & Madison, 100 N. Main St., Franklin, is celebrating the eclipse with events from Friday to Monday, including a watch party on Monday.
Farm Girl Mercantile, 436 E. Jeffersron St., will have food from Enedinas Taco Truck, wine from Mallow Run Winery, and staff from Restorative Touch Massage, as well as eclipse glasses all weekend.
Visit the Johnson County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairground St., for Solar Jam, which feature live music, eclipse viewing, food, drinks, vendors and more from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 8. Parking and upgraded packages will be available for purchase.
Garment Factory Events, 101 E. Wayne St., is having food, drinks and entertainment from Friday to Monday of eclipse weekend. Click here for information.
Hillview Country Club, located right off of the Interstate 65 Franklin exit at 1800 E. King St., will have parking spots available to the public for $100.00 from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8. They will have security on the premises and intend to offer an intimate viewing experience. They will also have a specially curated food and beverage menu available, including themed cocktails and beer.
Impact Christian Church, 2800 Graham Road, is offering 74 paved spots that you can reserve in advance, indoor bathrooms, playground, yard games, security, food, free eclipse glasses and first aid stands.
Enjoy a weekend of camping, paintball, eclipse viewing and more at MALC Training Center, 6109 S. U.S. 31. There will also be live music and food trucks on Monday. Click here for details.
Enjoy a weekend of camping, with fresh water, portable toilets and unobstructed views at J&J Farmhouse, 6919 E. Greensburg Road. The cost is $400 per campsite from noon on April 6 to noon on April 9. Click here for more information or to reserve a spot.
Camp at Martin Family Farm, 3166 E. 150 South, a peaceful farm in Franklin, for $400 for three nights, and you’ll have access to free eclipse glasses, showers, porta-potties and concessions that are available for purchase. Click here to reserve a spot.
Open Door Fellowship, 250 14th St., Franklin, will host eclipse viewing 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8. Parking is free, and food, drinks and a limited number of eclipse glasses will be available.
Come to Kings Highway Church at 5557 E. State Road 44 where the first 200 people get eclipse viewing glasses. There will be concessions, portable toilets, and activities. Call 317-474-1154 to schedule in advance.
10 Pins, 27 W. Monroe St., will feature eclipse-themed drinks, including the moonmosa, tequila sunrise, and blackberry blackout. They will also sell eclipse shirts and cups. Hours are 1 to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday.
Access Johnson County is offering prime eclipse viewing from 1 to 5 p.m. April 8 at their spacious parking lot at 3500 N. Morton St. Click on their name to reserve a spot for $50. There will be indoor restrooms and concessions available.
Burton’s Flooring, 565 Banta St., Franklin, is inviting the public to park in its lot for $45 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on eclipse day. Free eclipse glasses will be handed out. This location is close to the downtown area, where additional festivities will take place! Parking spots can be reserved in advance via Venmo: @Anthony-Burton-98
Haberdasher Artisan Distillery, 81 E. Wayne St., has eclipse-themed cocktails during eclipse weekend. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. April 5; noon to 9 p.m. April 6; noon to 6 p.m. April 7; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 8.
Franklin Flying Field, 3477 S. 200 East, has an eclipse event from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on April 8. Enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers, pickleball in a hangar and eclipse viewing.
First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Madison St., will offer event parking on April 6, 7, and 8 Saturday, Sunday and Monday for the eclipse. The lot is located on the 100 block of north Home Avenue, behind the old Carnegie library. Daily rates are $50 and are good from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day (no overnight parking). Cash only.
Winters Heating and Cooling, 3065 RJ Pkwy., is hosting eclipse viewing noon to 5 p.m. April 8. They will have the Hickory Hills Barbeque food truck, an ice cream truck and a cookie booth. Parking is $25.
Heritage Baptist College, 701 W. State Road 144, Franklin, if opening its parking lot and grass fields for eclipse viewing. There will be no cost, and free eclipse glasses and restrooms are available. They also plan to have water and snacks available.
Greenwood
Join 40 handmade vendors for a 2024 solar eclipse pre-celebration on April 6 and 7 at Take Root Country Store, 202 N. Madison Ave., Greenwood. Find some one-of-a-kind eclipse souvenirs and treats. Free parking and a shuttle will be available. Learn more here.
People can come to Craig Park, 10 E. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, from 5 to 9 p.m. April 7 to enjoy live music from My Yellow Rickshaw and Taste Like Chicken, food, drinks and tethered hot air balloon rides the day before the eclipse. Attendees can return the next day to watch the eclipse in the park. Details are here.
New Hope Church, 5307 W. Fairview Road, Greenwood, is offering overnight and day sites for campers, recreational vehicles, cars and tents. Spots can be reserved in advance. Click here for details.
Enjoy the eclipse at one of the coolest spots around, The Suds drive-in, 350 Market Plaza. This cruise-in features live music from 2 to 5 p.m. and commemorative T-shirts.
SmockTown Brewery, 223 W. Main St., is having an eclipse party from noon to 6 p.m. on April 8. There will be live music, food and drinks.
Calvary Baptist Church, 200 Sunset Blvd., is opening its parking lot for reserved RV parking April 7 to 9, and the church has an open field for eclipse viewing. Refreshments will be available. Free eclipse glasses will be available.
Greenwood Park Mall, 1251 N. U.S. 31, is opening its doors at 9 a.m. and the first 500 people get free eclipse glasses at the food court. Stick around to shop, eat, have access to restrooms, and watch the eclipse.
SIP Cocktails on Main, 250 W. Main St., opens at noon on April 8 and is offering Moon Drops Moscow Mule and other specialty cocktails, as well as free eclipse glasses and shot glasses while supplies last.
Planetary Brewing Company, 188 S. Madison Ave., is offering two new beers, food, drinks, and eclipse glasses noon to 6 p.m. on April 8.
Greenwood VFW, 578 Commerce Parkway West Dr., is offering eclipse parking starting at 1 p.m. on April 8. The cost is $10 per car and includes eclipse glasses while supplies last. Food and drinks will be available after the eclipse.
Johnson County Park
Come to Johnson County Park for three days of fun to celebrate the total solar eclipse. The event schedule includes a DJ, yard games, food and beer vendors and an adult Easter egg hunt on Saturday; a DJ, kids area, yard games and food and beer vendors on Sunday; and live music, food and beer vendors and an eclipse viewing party on Monday. In addition, the park is taking camping reservations. The park is located at 2949 E. North St., Nineveh. Click here for details.
Edinburgh
Come to the John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 East Main Cross St., Edinburgh from noon to 5 p.m. on April 8 for Total Eclipse of the Art, featuring eclipse viewing, chalk art, music, handcrafted items and a community mural event. Click here for details.
Whiteland/New Whiteland
Enjoy the wide open space at Kelsay Farms, 6848 N. 250 East, for eclipse viewing and fun. Parking is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 8 (click the link to purchase a spot), and people can also reserve a primitive camping spot on April 7. Porta-potties, hand-washing stations, concessions, and charging stations will be available.Click here for details.
Whiteland Raceway Park, 654 N. Front St., is offering day passes for cars and RVs. Restrooms are available. Show up or call 317-627-8074 or email WRP2024Eclipse@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
The New Whiteland VFW, 215 N. U.S. 31, is inviting the public to an eclipse viewing event. Breakfast will be served, as will food and drinks throughout the day. Restrooms are onsite. Kids are welcome. There will be cornhole boards and darts available. The parking cost is $30, but is free for veterans.
Whit’s Inn, 1020 S. U.S. 31, is offering free eclipse glasses, live music featuring Edge of Midnight at 1 p.m. and a “dark side of the moon” drink special featuring black and tan beer with blue moon.
Mallow Run WInery and The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Come to The Sycamore at Mallow Run, 7070 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, for live music from The Doo! from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., food truck eats from The Lonely Monkey, refreshments from The Sycamore Bar and up to four eclipse glasses per car. The early bird cost is $75 per parking spot. Click here to reserve a spot.
Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville, is also planning an eclipse event on April 8. The winery is open from noon to 6 p.m., and there is a $20 per car gate fee. There will be live music from 2000 & Late from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and food from Eatzo Food Truck.
Taxman Bargersville
Taxman Bargersville, 13 S. Baldwin St., is partnering with NASA and Southern Illinois University to a special eclipse viewing party complete with telescopes for up-close viewing, and free eclipse glasses. In addition to the eclipse viewing, Taxman Brewing Co. will launch two limited-edition beers – Totality and In the Black. The event is noon to 10 p.m. on April 8.
Eclipse Viewing and Yoga
Guests are invited to sit on the patio and lawn at Coffeehouse Five, 10 Plummer Ave. in Bargersville, from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 8 to watch the eclipse. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket as patio seating is limited. Eclipse-inspired treats will be available for purchase. Immediately following the eclipse, Bargersville Wellness will be hosting an all levels, relaxing Yoga Nidra class. Click here to RSVP.
Trafalgar
Cornerstone Church, 1000 W. 375 South, is having an eclipse viewing party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 8 with food, games, and eclipse viewing. They are also planning to offer primitive camping.
Experience the total eclipse at Indian Creek High School, 803 W. Indian Creek Dr., where you can reserve a spot for a vehicle for $50 or an RV for $100, have access to restrooms, free eclipse glasses, trash cans, and food from food trucks. Click here to reserve a spot.
Johnson County Public Library
Johnson County Public Library is also opening its library branch parking lots for free eclipse viewing and free internet on the day of the eclipse. Please note that the branches are closed, so there are no available restroom facilities or shelter. The branches are at 350 Clearwater Blvd., Whiteland; 401 State St., Franklin; 424 S. Tower St., Trafalgar; and 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood.
Click here for more details about upcoming library events.
Morgantown
In southern Johnson County, the farm at 7591 W. 600 South, Morgantown, has primitive camping for $100 a night, campsites with water, electric and a shared sewage dump for $300 a night, and an Airbnb-style grain bin apartment for $900 a night. Call or text 317-410-1451 for information.
Souvenirs
There are several local businesses offering eclipse merchandise like T-shirts, postcards, tumblers and more. Click here to learn more and find the perfect item to commemorate this historic event.
Lodging
See above for several camping options, and see the FAQs for additional lodging options and other key information.
Franklin, IN is right on the eclipse line, making it the perfect spot for eclipse viewing in Central Indiana. Surrounding communities like Greenwood, Bargersville, Edinburgh, Whiteland, Trafalgar, and New Whiteland also offer great viewing.
Eclipse FAQs
Q: When is the total solar eclipse coming to Indiana?
A: April 8, 2024. In the Franklin area, which is just south of Indianapolis, the partial eclipse begins at 1:50 p.m. ET and ends at 4:23 p.m. ET. In the middle of that time, from 3:05:52 ET to 3:09:54 ET, the total eclipse occurs.
Q: Do I need certified eclipse glasses to look up at the eclipse?
A: You do need to wear eclipse glasses during the partial eclipse. However, during the approximately four minutes of totality, it is safe to view the eclipse without glasses.
Q: Are Franklin, Greenwood, and the other communities just south of Indy good places to view the eclipse?
A: Yes, they are at the very center of the eclipse, meaning you’ll experience the longest period of totality. Don’t settle for a shortened eclipse experience at a location further away from the center.
Q: How often do total solar eclipses happen?
A: Total solar eclipses are a rare phenomenon. The last total solar eclipse visible in the United States was in 2017. After the one that is upcoming in 2024, the next one visible from North America will be in 2044.
Q: Many destinations are sold out. Is there capacity in the Franklin and Greenwood area?
A: Click here for our regular lodging listings. There are still plenty of rooms available. And read below for some more options.
The 198 on Jefferson recently released their lofts. You must list April 5 as check-in date and April 9 as check-out date.
Fairfield Inn & Suites in Franklin just released their rooms for the April 8, 2024 eclipse.
Ashley-Drake Inn is reserving rooms now for the solar eclipse. Ashley-Drake Historic Inn and Gardens is a full-service bed and breakfast with four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A full menued breakfast is served each morning. Located six blocks from downtown Franklin and one block from Franklin College. There is a four-night minimum with check-in on or before April 5 and check-out on or after April 9.
A new home at 251 N. Main St., Franklin, is open for rental starting April 3. The six bedroom, four bathroom home has two living areas, one on each level. The cost is $6,000 per night. Contact info@saltbox.homes for information or click here (the website will be live in mid-March).
Q: Will I be able to get in and out on the eclipse day?
A: While there will be an increase in traffic, we anticipate things will go smoothly if people plan to arrive early and then don’t all leave at once when the eclipse ends. Stay and enjoy a meal or a walk while the crowds make their way out.
Q: Where can I go to find out about all the events happening in Franklin, Greenwood and the surrounding communities?
A: They are listed on this page, or find individual listings at festivalcountryindiana.com/festivals-and-events
To learn more about the eclipse in Franklin, including an eclipse simulator video, visit this website.
For additional eclipse information, visit this website. And check out this map, courtesy of NASA, Google and nationaleclipse.com. Stay tuned as we add more events and lodging options.