Events and watch parties in Central Indiana where you can see the April 8 solar eclipse

Central Indiana is planning a party for viewing the eclipse — actually, a lot of parties. They'll provide plenty to do while we wait inside the path of totality for the moon to block the face of the sun on April 8.

Scientists will be ready to answer questions, artisans will sell celestial-themed goods, drivers will thrill crowds with dragstrip races, and the list goes on.

You should note a few things before you head out. The first? Make a plan for your solar eclipse glasses, too, because experts recommend that you wear them to avoid eye damage. Some venues provide glasses to everyone who attends, some only to a certain number of people and others ask that you bring your own.

Secondly, lots of venues require advance registration, so read the instructions on their website. Thirdly, do your best to make sure you don't have to be anywhere right after the eclipse ends because traffic will be... something.

And so, here's IndyStar's list, which we'll continue to update, of specialized, ticketed events you can enjoy before and after the eclipse.

Related: Are your solar eclipse glasses safe? Here are three easy ways to check

Indianapolis eclipse viewing events

Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Select broadcast location thanks to a partnership with NASA. Symposium on rockets, race cars, STEM careers and more. Demo laps by Ed Carpenter and other activities, brought to visitors by the speedway and Purdue University (9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 4790 W. 16th St. $20 grounds access, $300 Pagoda Club suite access. Tickets at indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/eclipse)

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Art projects, the science behind the eclipse, giveaways and activities, like decorating your glasses. (10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 3000 N. Meridian St. Included with museum admission. tinyurl.com/tvexc3ms)

Indiana State Museum

Art and science projects, DJs, a solar system model, kinetic sand and shadow play, and scientists on hand to answer questions. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. 650 W. Washington St. Included with general admission and free for members. Registration required by April 5 at indianamuseum.org)

Newfields

DJs, fire performers, food, live music and more. (4000 Michigan Road. $34 public, $29 members for adults, with discounts for other age groups. discovernewfields.org/calendar/eclipse)

Conner Prairie

Talks from experts, music, dance and more. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 13400 Allisonville Road in Fishers. $55 nonmembers, $40 members. connerprairie.org/solareclipse2024)

Moon Market at Strawtown Koteewi Park

Artisan market with celestial-themed crafts and educational display, hosted by the Taylor Center of Natural History. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 12302 Strawtown Ave. in Noblesville. $5 county residents, $10 out-of-county visitors. Register at tinyurl.com/ysetd3ca)

Grand Park Sports Campus

Food, drinks, inflatables, viewing telescopes and a Moon Pie eating contest. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. 19000 Grand Park Blvd. in Westfield. $25 per standard-size vehicle, $100 for overnight camper and RV parking. Tickets required in advance at westfieldwelcome.com/solar-eclipse)

Park Side of the Moon at Cool Creek Park

Walking areas, live entertainment, crafts, food and activities. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2000 E 151st St. in Carmel. $10 county residents, $15 out-of-county visitors. tinyurl.com/ysetd3ca)

Beasley's Orchard

Bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch from the farm. Games, music, food trucks and more. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. 2304 E. Main St. in Danville. $7. tinyurl.com/28hfc99w)

Hendricks Live

Entertainment, snacks, conversation, a cash bar and more at the arts center events space and terrace. (Noon. 200 W. Main St. in Plainfield. $25. Register at hendrickslive.org/hendricks-eclipse-live)

Murphy Aquatic Park

Party with bounce houses, activities, live music, food trucks and more. (1-5 p.m. 753 S. CR 625 E. in Avon. $5. Registration required. tinyurl.com/zmx5dpbp)

Looking for things to do?Our newsletter has the best concerts, art, shows and more — and the stories behind them

Contact IndyStar reporter Domenica Bongiovanni at 317-444-7339 or d.bongiovanni@indystar.com. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @domenicareports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Eclipse 2024: Special events where you can watch in Central Indiana