By Maggie Richardson

The total solar eclipse soon makes its way across parts of Texas and Mesquite is one of the best places in the state to experience this once-in-a-century event. The city’s Solar Rodeo Weekend welcomes solar travelers with a parade, live music of all sorts, food, shopping, and numerous designated viewing locations.  

Enjoy pre-eclipse activities on Saturday and Sunday, then head for an official eclipse watch party to catch the moon move dramatically across the sun on Monday. Gaze up with your safety glasses to witness four minutes and eight seconds of darkness in Mesquite, one of the longest eclipse durations in the entire DFW Metroplex.  

Annual Rodeo Parade  

This spring, Mesquite becomes a hub for eclipse viewing, but it’s long been known as the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas. On Saturday, April 6th, stars meet spurs in the annual Rodeo Parade. The event rolls through downtown Mesquite at 10 a.m., celebrating the city’s rodeo heritage with a special solar eclipse theme. The 66th annual parade’s floats, bands, and walking groups will start their march on Belt Line at Newsome, then progress through downtown Mesquite, ending on Galloway Avenue at New Market. Cheering spectators will hoot and holler from the sidewalk as celestial floats pass by. 

Live Music  

It’s not a party in Mesquite without live music! In honor of the eclipse, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the community’s rich cultural scene.  

Get your groove on at the Music and Moonlight Block Party on Saturday, April 6th in downtown Mesquite at Front Street Station. Hear live regional bands, local vendors, food trucks, art, a beer garden, photobooth, and more at this festive street gathering.  

Soak in the sounds of the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, also on Saturday, April 6. The Symphony’s talented musicians will perform a show called “Fantasy Unleashed,” a collection of riveting pieces from the Harry Potter Universe, Video Games Live and Katahj Copley’s Equinox. It’ll be out of this world!  

If you are a fan of Tejano music, you do not want to miss some of the best Latin stars performing during Tejano Fest at Mesquite Arena. On Sunday, April 7th headliners include Siggno featuring Jennifer Pena, Metal featuring Chris Perez, Gary Hobbs, Marcos Orozco, and Los Garcia Brothers take the stage to perform an unforgettable show.   

Viewing Locations for the Eclipse  

As much fun as the festivities are, don’t forget about the reason for celebrating! Viewing locations for the eclipse are located all around the city at different times and with different activities. You can pick the perfect spot for you or follow the eclipse as it moves across the city! 

• Downtown Mesquite | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | FREE 

• Look forward to plenty of vendors, art, food trucks, and live music at Front Street Station. Pick up your official Solar Rodeo eclipse glasses at the Mesquite Visitor Center.  

• Dallas Eastfield College | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | FREE 

• View the eclipse through a professional telescope, play lawn games, and indulge in a little arts and crafts. You can even visit the Astronomy Center to better understand how a solar eclipse occurs. Solar viewers are provided for free on a first-come, first-served basis.  

• Mesquite Arts Center | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | FREE 

• You can expect family activities like t-shirt printing, crystal wrapping, and digital photography workshops, just to name a few. Get there early to secure your free official Solar Rodeo glasses, which will be given out on a first-come, first-served  basis.   

• Historic Mesquite | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | $35 

• For a $35 ticket, you will receive a pair of eclipse glasses and get to watch the event from the beautiful Opal Lawrence Historical Park. In addition, classic Texas cowboys will be serenading spectators with country tunes.  

• Eclipse in the Park | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | FREE 

• Picnic blankets are highly encouraged at this location, as is partaking in the numerous lawn games and live concerts. For the early birds, official Solar Rodeo eclipse glasses will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Solar Eclipse in the Park  

Let’s face it. It’s not every day you see a total solar eclipse. Suddenly, day will feel a lot like night—at least for a few eerie minutes. Take in this remarkable occurrence at numerous places around Mesquite, including Paschall Park, a popular community spot with plenty of greenspace and great visibility for watching the eclipse unfold.  

Arrive early for a chance to receive free viewing glasses that allow you to safely observe the sun as the moon makes its way past. Grab your spot early and enjoy a picnic lunch or pick up something tasty from one of the onsite vendors. The eclipse takes place at 1:40 pm.  

Paschall Park hosts just one viewing event in Mesquite. Others include the Downtown Mesquite Eclipse Watch Party at Front Street Station, the Mesquite Arts Center Eclipse Festival at the Mesquite Arts Center, and the Historic Total Eclipse Watch Party at Opal Lawrence Historical Park.  

Round-Up Friends and Family for Mesquite’s Solar Rodeo 

There’s no better place to experience the once-in-a-lifetime 2024 total solar eclipse than Mesquite, Texas. Join other enthusiasts in this friendly Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex community for a parade, live music, food, accommodations to fit every preference, and much more. Plan your visit today! 

About the Author: A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South and the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.