Searcy Beats & Eats, a division of Arkansas Creative Group, is excited to announce Northeast Arkansas’s largest eclipse festival for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 from 11am-7:00pm.
Galaxy Fest: Return of the Sun will celebrate the celestial event in Searcy with a Star Wars themed festival combining science and entertainment that will excite the most devout fans of the beloved film series as well as the newest of jedis.
Some of the most exciting elements of the event are:
Incendia Fire Dome- a 50 ft open air geodesic dome that blows fire from its top while exciting events take place inside such as exhibitions and performances.
Headlining Entertainment- Galactic Empire. Galactic Empire is a heavy metal band that performs classic pieces from the iconic soundtrack of the Star Wars films written by John Williams. They perform in full costumes complete with lasers and special effects.
Other entertainment- throughout the day, bands will take the stage playing funky space tunes as well as a DJ pumping classic space titled tracks. Costumed stilt walkers will roam the crowd transitioning into LED Robots once the sun goes down. There will be fire performers, LED hula hoopers, and cosplay characters present throughout the day as well.
Activities- Regional robotics teams are coming together at this location to facilitate a droid building station which will encourage attendees to participate in STEM activities. There will also be a padwan training academy, bounce houses, an Area 51 zero gravity ride, laser tag, juggling & hula hoop play shops, and a group EV ride around the facilities.
Vendors- The vendor village will be decorated to mimic that of the outposts of Batuu and local and regional vendors will be present selling handmade products as well as souvenirs. Food vendors will also be on site selling themed food and beverages.
Eclipse viewing- The venue, The Searcy Event Center located at 1300 Higginson Street in Searcy, boasts over 50 acres of prime viewing area. A combination of paved and grass surfaces, there will be a roped section for photographers and press as well as bathroom facilities and quick & easy access to the highway, airport, and downtown areas. To ensure an optimum viewing experience for guests, a sound embargo will begin a minimum of 30 minutes prior to totality and last for 30 minutes past. There will be a limited number of free eclipse viewing glasses as well as glasses for sale from vendors.
Searcy, Arkansas will have approximately 3 minutes of totality and is conveniently located along Highway 67/167 which spans the entire path of totality in Arkansas.
For more information about this event, please email info@searcybeatsandeats.com or message Searcy Beats & Eats on Facebook. May the force be with you.