What’s happening in Memphis for the Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse, when the moon passes between the Earth and sun, is coming to Memphis on April 8. Here's a guide to what solar eclipse events are happening, when to expect the peak of it in Memphis, and how to get solar eclipse glasses.

While Memphis won’t experience a full eclipse, we’re close to it with it expected to block 97.9% of the sun. The moon is expected to pass through the beginning roughly at 12:38 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. That means the peak time is expected to be around 1:57 p.m.

The Peabody Memphis

Get those sunglasses ready!

Don’t look at the solar eclipse with your naked eye or risk harmful damage. Solar eclipse glasses are a must! Memphis Public Libraries have free glasses while supplies last. I highly recommend calling first because branches have started to run out.

Shout out local businesses like Orion who donated 20,000 glasses to area schools. Fun fact: American Paper Optics in Bartlett is the largest manufacturer of solar eclipse glasses in the world!

American Paper Optics has a daily eclipse pop-up shop at the Oak Court Mall parking lot where you can purchase eclipse glasses.

Events to Celebrate the Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse Rooftop Viewing Party at Beck & Call

11:30am - 3:00pm
Attendees can partake in an unforgettable SolarEclipse viewing experience. At the event, there will be a charcoal-activated eclipse-themed cocktail -- aptly named The Eclipse, music and exclusive views. Tickets are $20 (includes special glasses) and FREE for hotel guests (must show room key). Details here.

Total Eclipse of the Park at Overton Park

12:30 p.m.
Join the Brooks Museum and Overton Park Conservancy for a celestial spectacle on the Greensward in Overton Park. Delicious lunch options from Feast and Graze will be available for purchase and they’ll provide free eclipse viewing glasses to everyone. Registration is free.

Solar Eclipse Watch Party at the Peabody

11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy sky high views of the Solar Eclipse accompanied by eclipse-inspired entertainment and "celestial vibes" by DJ A.D. on the famous Peabody Rooftop. $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 5-12. Hotel guests will have free admission with a room key. Tickets will be sold at the door. Details here.

Solar Eclipse Drop-In at Memphis Botanic Garden

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bring a blanket and a picnic and spread out on the Great Lawn for a fun afternoon. Children can plant a moonflower or sunflower to take home. Eclipse glasses will be available to purchase in the gift shop. No registration is necessary. Free with Garden admission. Canceled if raining. Details here.

Memphis Riverfront Solar Eclipse

12:00 p.m.

There are no obstructive views from the riverfront! Memphis River Parks Partnership will have a limited number of free solar eclipse glasses available for the first 100 visitors at the Hanover Family Welcome Center at Tom Lee Park. Details here.

Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo will provide solar eclipse glasses while supplies last. In honor of the eclipse on Monday, admission to the zoo will be $10 off! Tickets must be purchased at the zoo to receive discount. Details here.

Solar Eclipse Party at Aldo's Midtown

Join Aldo's at their midtown location on the rooftop for a solar eclipse watch party with Old Dominick. You'll get free eclipse glasses while supplies last with the purchase of signature themed cocktail. Details here.

Hosting an eclipse event? Email us at [email protected] and we'll add it to the guide!

About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.