Grand Prairie hosts solar eclipse activities
Published on February 13, 2024
Free library events, a celebration at EpicCentral and a planetarium show are strong options for North Texas residents and eclipse tourists
With its smack-dab-in-the-heart-of-DFW location and an abundance of family-friendly activities both the day of and leading up to the April 8 total solar eclipse, Grand Prairie is a solid eclipse destination choice for anyone wanting to take part in the historic event.
“Stop by our Visitor Information Center to pick up a pair of eclipse glasses and find out more about activities at the library, planetarium, and EpicCentral,” said Sara Dedeluk, manager of Visit Grand Prairie. “We anticipate we’ll be in the path of totality at approximately 1:42 p.m. on April 8, for about three and a half minutes,” she continued. “Before, there will be plenty of fun and learning to be had across Grand Prairie!”
Solar Eclipse Events
Grand Prairie Library Events
Grand Prairie Main Library (901 Conover Drive)
Thurs., April 4 at 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Spotting Craters
Fri., April 5 at 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Paper Mars Helicopters
Sat., April 6 at 11 a.m. | Mars Candy Core Samples
Countdown to the eclipse with out-of-this-world activities by Mission2Mars and the Franklin Institute. Ages 4+. Register at jllusk@gptx.org
Totality Over Texas
John Carl Pogue Planetarium I (3201 Corn Valley Rd)
Sat., April 6 | 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. (English); 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Spanish)
This fascinating new planetarium show offers insight into the amazing phenomenon that is the solar eclipse, explaining how they happen and how to safely view the April 8 Texas eclipse. Cost is $5 per person; each guest will receive a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses. Please arrive 15 minutes early, late admission will not be permitted. Get tickets: visitgrandprairietx.com/solareclipse2024
Opening Day: Grand Prairie Farmers Market/Market on the Move
Downtown Grand Prairie Market Square (120 W Main) | EpicCentral (2961 State Highway 161)
Sat., April 6 | 8 a.m. to noon (Opening Day) | Sun., April 7 | (Market On The Move)
It’s an event almost as noteworthy as the eclipse! Celebrate the re-opening of Grand Prairie’s award-winning Farmers Market at the market’s downtown location OR at EpicCentral—but only if you can’t get enough when it comes to delicious, colorful fresh produce, and handmade or homemade goods and gifts. Learn more: gptx.org/About-Grand-Prairie/Downtown-Grand-Prairie/Farmers-Market
Epic Eclipse Watching Party
EpicCentral (2961 State Highway 161)
Mon., April 8 | Noon - 3:00 p.m.
Experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment at EpicCentral, one of the hottest emerging dining-and-doing destinations in the North Texas region. Enjoy live music from Bandolero and activities on the expansive Grand Lawn before and after the eclipse…in fact, why not make an afternoon of it and check out everything that the 172-acre entertainment complex has to offer, such as family entertainment destinations like Bolder Adventure Park, Chicken N Pickle, Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, and PlayGrand Adventures; or recently-opened restaurants like Loop 9 BBQ, The Finch, and Vidorra. Admission to the GrandLawn is free, lawn chairs welcome. A commemorative Grand Prairie eclipse t-shirt will also be available for purchase. Learn more: visitgrandprairietx.com/solareclipse2024
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