Solar Eclipse Event Line Up in Van Buren, MO

As the anticipation for the total solar eclipse on April 8 builds, Van Buren, Missouri, is gearing up to be the center of events designed to celebrate this celestial marvel. Nestled in the scenic Ozarks, the town and its surroundings offer a perfect backdrop for both the astronomy enthusiast and the casual observer to dive into a weekend filled with activities that blend education, entertainment, and the awe-inspiring experience of day turning into night. This blog post is your guide to not missing any of the eclipse festivities and specials throughout Van Buren, MO.
 

Saturday, April 6

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Big Spring Park:

    • The ‘Zark Side of the Moon” will have fun and educational activities, information booths, Junior Eclipse Explorer badges, celebrity photo opportunities (Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl!), food vendors, and free eclipse glasses.
    • 7:45 AM: Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon will be inflated at Big Spring for approximately 2 hours. Note: Times are subject to change. High humidity, unfavorable temperatures, or wind/rain may impact hours of operation and/or prevent inflation. A limited number of rides will be available, so arrive early to get a spot. Rides involve the balloon rising about 50 feet into the air. These rides last a few minutes before returning to the ground.
    • 7:30 PM to 9 PM: Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon Night Glow. The balloon will be glowing bright in the night, accompanying our ranger night sky astronomy program! Telescopes will be available for viewing the night sky and constellations. Visitors are encouraged to bring bug spray, chairs or blankets, and flashlights. Telescopes and binoculars are also encouraged. Note: The balloon will stay on the ground during this showing. There will be no rides during the night. Rain, wind, temperature, and humidity could affect the starting time and duration of night glow.
    • Learn More at nps.gov
  • Van Buren Farmers Market (Corner of John and Sycamore Streets):
    • 9 AM – 2 PM: Local vendors with homemade goodies and crafts.
  • 21 Drive In Theatre (9.4 miles on Hwy 21):
  • Current River Xpress Convenience Store (101 Current Expressway):
    • 11 AM – 8 PM: Eclipse Smoked Meat Special (while supplies last) Rack of ribs $15 or Pork Buts $35
    • 7 AM – 9 PM: Hunts Brothers Pizza available to order.
    • Call 573-323-0097 for details
  • The Ranch House & Coffee Shop (306 Main St.):
    • Ranch to plate dining with gourmet coffee and hand dipped ice cream. Special Eclipse extended hours and menu for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
    • Follow along on Facebook
  • Current River Trading Post (304 Main St.):
    • 8:30 AM to 8 PM: Eclipse glasses, bandanas, flags, and free prizes throughout the store.
  • Beavers Teeth Axe Throwing Brew & Chew (25 Commercial Dr.):

 

Sunday, April 7th

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Big Spring Park:
    • The ‘Zark Side of the Moon” will have fun and educational activities, information booths, Junior Eclipse Explorer badges, celebrity photo opportunities (Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl!), food vendors, and free eclipse glasses.
    • 7:45 AM: Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon will be inflated at Big Spring for approximately 2 hours. Note: Times are subject to change. High humidity, unfavorable temperatures, or wind/rain may impact hours of operation and/or prevent inflation. A limited number of rides will be available, so arrive early to get a spot. Rides involve the balloon rising about 50 feet into the air. These rides last a few minutes before returning to the ground.
    • Learn More at nps.gov
  • The Landing – The Great American Solar Eclipse Festival (110 Front St.):
    • 7 AM – 10 AM: Breakfast Buffet at The Blue Heron.
    • 7 AM – 2 PM: Floating open (Pinoak only).
    • 10 AM: Covenant Church Service.
    • 11 AM – 5PM: Cook out on the gravel bar.
    • Live Music Schedule: Dustin Rector (11:30 a.m.), Friends Pickin’ (1:45 p.m.), The Mighty Pines (4:30 p.m.), Papa Green Shoes (7:30 p.m.).
    • Approximately 1:30 PM: Great American Solar Eclipse Raft Race.
    • More info at thelandingcurrentriver.com
  • River of Life Church (201 Sycamore St.):
    • 8 AM – 10 AM: While supplies last – Pancakes, Sausage, biscuits & gravy by donation.
  • The Ranch House & Coffee Shop (306 Main St.):
    • Ranch to plate dining with gourmet coffee and hand dipped ice cream. Special Eclipse extended hours and menu for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
    • 12 PM – 5 PM: Sunday Brunch
    • Follow along on Facebook
  • Current River Xpress Convenience Store (101 Current Expressway):
    • 11 AM – 8 PM: Eclipse Smoked Meat Special (while supplies last) Rack of ribs $15 or Pork Buts $35
    • 7 AM – 9 PM: Hunts Brothers Pizza available to order.
    • Call 573-323-0097 for details
  • Current River Trading Post (304 Main St.):
    • 8:30 AM – 8 PM: Eclipse glasses, bandanas, flags, and free prizes throughout the store.
  • Beavers Teeth Axe Throwing Brew & Chew (25 Commercial Dr.):
  • Van Buren Nutrition Center (116 Ballpark Rd. – Behind City Hall, beside baseball park)
    • Starting at 11:30: Solar Sunday Fundraiser starting at 11:30. Fried chicken & spaghetti dinner with vegetables, salad bar, dessert and drink. $15 per plate. Everyone welcome for good food and good fellowship!
  • First Assembly of God Church (1507 Main St.):
    • 6:30 p.m.: Free concert featuring Grammy and Dove Award winner Jason Crabb, The Griffith Family and Comedian Mickey Bell.
    • Call 573-323-4253 for details

 

Monday, April 8

  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Big Spring Park:
    • 7:45 AM: Smokey Bear Hot Air Balloon will be inflated at Big Spring for approximately 2 hours. Note: Times are subject to change. High humidity, unfavorable temperatures, or wind/rain may impact hours of operation and/or prevent inflation. A limited number of rides will be available, so arrive early to get a spot. Rides involve the balloon rising about 50 feet into the air. These rides last a few minutes before returning to the ground. •
    • 10 AM – 4PM: “The ‘Zark Side of the Moon” FREE eclipse viewing event at Big Spring. Free parking and shuttles. Free eclipse glasses. Visit educational booths and participate in fun activities like a solar system trail, making a pinhole viewer, taking pictures at our fun photo backdrop and with the giant eclipse glasses, view the eclipse on telescope viewers, complete Jr Eclipse Explorer book activities and earn your badge, see Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl in person, buy eclipse souvenirs, get lunch or a snack from one of our food vendors, and more. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on ground.
    • Learn More at nps.gov
  • The Landing – The Great American Solar Eclipse Festival (110 Front St.):
    • 7 AM – 10 AM: Breakfast Buffet at The Blue Heron.
    • 7 AM – 12 PM: Floating Open (Pinoak only).
    • Live Music Schedule: Dustin Rector (9 a.m.), Charles Jesse Hammock (10:45 a.m.), Just Enough (12:45 p.m.).
    • 11 AM: Fish fry on the gravel bar.
    • 4 PM: 2024 Great American Solar Eclipse Rubber Ducky Race
    • More info at thelandingcurrentriver.com
  • River of Life Church (201 Sycamore St.):
    • 8 AM – 10 AM: While supplies last – Pancakes, Sausage, biscuits & gravy by donation.
  • Van Buren Farmers Market (Corner of John and Sycamore Streets):
    • 9 AM – 2 PM: Local vendors with homemade goodies and crafts.
  • VBHS Senior Class booth (Corner of Main and John Streets)
    • Starting at 9 AM.: Krispie Kreme Donut Fundraiser. Pre-order pick-up available. Raffles and other fundraising items for sale.
  • Van Buren Nutrition Center (116 Ballpark Rd.  – Behind City Hall, beside baseball park)
    • 7 AM – 1:30 PM: Solar Monday Special. Breakfast all day!  Biscuits & gravy, hashbrown casserole, ham, bacon, sausage, eggs, Danish, dessert, milk, juice, coffee, tea. $10/person
  • Current River Trading Post (304 Main St.):
    • 8:30 AM –  8 PM: Eclipse glasses, bandanas, flags, and free prizes throughout the store.
  • Beavers Teeth Axe Throwing Brew & Chew (25 Commercial Dr.):
    • Outside vendor booths and plenty of eclipse parking available. Eclipse glasses and t shirts for sale.
      Food and drink specials.
    • Learn more at beaversteethmo.com
  • The Ranch House & Coffee Shop (306 Main St.):
    • Ranch to plate dining with gourmet coffee and hand dipped ice cream. Special Eclipse extended hours and menu for breakfast/lunch/dinner.
    • Follow along on Facebook
  • Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo (11698 Hwy 60)