The Official Viewing Location for the Eclipse at Civic Square in Carmel
Thank you to our partners Midwest GeoSciences Group for providing a unique Eclipse viewing experience.

Carmel’s official Eclipse viewing location is at Civic Square* from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a festival atmosphere featuring food and drink vendors, a variety of live music performers, educational information and live updates by eclipse experts, and a view of the eclipse. Midwest GeoSciences Group has built a one-of-a-kind telescope for safely witnessing the anticipated Total Solar Eclipse. People can witness the eclipse from anywhere around the world and without looking directly at the sun, thanks to a special viewing station that will be set up to capture the image of the sun and then transmit it on a live streaming platform that will be shared both on the ground and across the globe.

Visitors and residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the city’s walkability and explore the districts along the Monon Greenway including Carmel City Center, the Arts & Design District and Midtown Plaza for unique shopping, dining and social experiences. The big screen at Midtown Plaza will feature broadcast coverage of the eclipse.

*Please note: This event had previously been planned for Carter Green but is now being moved to the Civic Square.

Event FAQS

• Can we bring our dog? No dogs will be allowed at the official viewing site
• Can we bring folding chairs? Yes
• Can we buy eclipse protective glasses on site? Yes
• Are there public restrooms? Yes, there will be portable restrooms available.
• Should I arrive early? The public is encouraged to plan extra time for travel. Traffic is expected to be significantly increased. Arriving early to your destination is recommended for anywhere you are traveling that day.

Solar Eclipse Visitor Parking

• Carmel Elementary Schools
  A fundraiser for Carmel Clay Schools

All Carmel Clay Schools will be closed on April 8, 2024, the day of the Solar Eclipse, so the schools are offering reserved parking at participating buildings with all proceeds benefiting the local PTOs and booster groups.

Solar Eclipse Visitor Parking to Benefit Carmel Clay Schools Event

• Solar Eclipse Visitor Parking at Carmel United Methodist Church
  A fundraiser for Carmel United Methodist Church

Carmel United Methodist Church at 621 S. Rangeline is offering parking spaces to be reserved for $25 to help fund the repair and maintenance of their parking lot. During the afternoon of the eclipse, the restrooms inside of door #3 at the church will be open. The church is located at City Center Ave. & Range Line Rd. which is only 2 blocks away from the Carter Green eclipse viewing area & events, so reserve your spot today!

Solar Eclipse Visitor Parking to Benefit Carmel United Methodist Church's parking lot maintenance fund.

• Increased visitors
• Increased traffic
• Hotels at maximum capacity
• Decreased quality of cell service
• Delays in deliveries and supplies

• Schedule appointments 2-3 days ahead of the eclipse; Consider not scheduling any appointments the day of the eclipse
• Full up gas tanks
• Stock up on groceries
• Have several forms of communication
• Expect traffic delays, so plan for possible additional child or pet care; or leave work early with extra travel time

• Bring snacks and drinks in case you get stuck in traffic
• "Go" before you go

• Always wear ISO-12312-2 approved eclipse glasses when looking at the sun
• Observe the eclipse away from busy roads

Links:

Additional Safety Tips from Hamilton County Emergency Management. 

• Bier Brewery Carmel
• Cool Creek Park
• Clay Terrace
• Sun King Carmel
• St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church

• Stay after the Eclipse for "EOS: The First Dawn", an evening Palladiscope experience cast onto the facade of the Palladium. Runs every 30 minutes beginning at nightfall.
• Visitors and residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the city’s walkability and explore the districts along the Monon Greenway including Carmel City Center, the Arts & Design District and Midtown Plaza for unique shopping, dining and social experiences. The big screen at Midtown Plaza will feature broadcast coverage of the eclipse.