Solar Rodeo in Downtown Mesquite!

A total eclipse is coming to North Texas on April 8, 2024, and Mesquite is celebrating! In fact, the celebration is so big that we're expanding to three days of events.

On Saturday, April 6, we invite you to arrive early at Front Street Station (100 W. Front St.) and enjoy the Mesquite Rodeo Parade, grand opening of the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market season, and the Music and Moonlight street dance.

The Big Day arrives on Monday, April 8 when we'll gather together at Front Street Station to experience this once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon...a total eclipse of the sun!

Watch this page for updates on Downtown events, and click here for information on everything happening in Mesquite during the Solar Rodeo April 6-8, 2024, throughout the official Rodeo City of Texas.

Downtown Solar Rodeo highlights:

• Mesquite Rodeo Parade, 10 a.m.
• Grand Opening of Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Music and Moonlight block party and street dance, 6-11 p.m.
• Solar Rodeo total eclipse viewing event at Front Street Station, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dance the night away in Downtown Mesquite at Front Street Station at the Music and Moonlight block party and street dance!

From 6-11 p.m., we'll feature live music, a DJ, food trucks, a beer garden, vendors, eclipse merch and more.

You'll also be able to make memories last at our fun photo bus. Oh, and did we mention a mechanical bull will be there to test your bull-riding skills?

We'll feature the music of Rachel Teague Music and DJ II Kold throughout the evening, so bring your dancing shoes!

Another great option is to dine at one of our downtown restaurants early in the evening and put on your dancing shoes for the remainder of this memorable celebration to kick off your Solar Rodeo celebration in style.

Be part of history on Monday, April 8 as Downtown Mesquite serves as a premier location for experiencing the total eclipse.

We'll kick off at 10 a.m. with vendors, eclipse merch, music by Bri and the Fellas and DJ II Kold, entertainment, fun science interactives, a photo bus and more.

The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 12:23 p.m., with totality starting at approximately 1:42 p.m. and continuing for four minutes and eight seconds - one of the longest periods of totality in DFW!

Following totality, we'll continue with music, food and fun until 3 p.m., when "afterglow" specials begin at downtown restaurants.

Downtown Mesquite is one of only 15 Main Street programs nationwide to receive an In the Path of Totality grant courtesy of the Simons Foundation.

We are working in partnership with a well-known artist to interpret the six phases of totality via a work of public art that will span 60 feet across and reach up to 12 feet high. Not only will these six phases be illustrated, but an aspect of the artwork will come alive after dark! QR codes at the local will direct visitors to additional information about the science of the eclipse, ideas for eclipse-related activities for the family and more. Watch this space for announcement of the artist and their art in March.

This project was made possible by the Simons Foundation and is part of its ‘In the Path of Totality’ initiative. For more information, visit inthepathoftotality.org. The Simons Foundation’s Science, Society and Culture division seeks to provide opportunities for people to forge a connection to science — whether for the first time or a lifetime. Through our initiatives, we work to inspire a feeling of awe and wonder, foster connections between people and science, and support environments that provide a sense of belonging. The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research and public engagement. We believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Through our work we make space for scientific discovery.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

The Rodeo Parade and Grand Opening of the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• The traditional rodeo parade will course through Downtown Mesquite beginning at 10 a.m. It will feature a Solar Rodeo theme in honor of the eclipse.
• The grand opening of the 2024 season of the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market will be held at Front Street Station from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This celebration will include live music, giveaways, and eclipse-themed activities.

Music and Moonlight Block Party and Street Dance

6 p.m. - 11 p.m.

• A block party, will be held from 5-11 p.m. at Front Street Station. There will be a night market with DJ, live music, local vendors, and a beer garden.

Please note which event you'd want to participate in the "anything else we should know" section!

MONDAY, APRIL 8:

Solar Rodeo Official Viewing

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Front Street Station in Downtown Mesquite will be one of the community’s official eclipse viewing areas. This historic celebration will include vendor booths, food, music, dance, interactive art and science projects, and, of course, the midday eclipse!