There’s no shortage of eclipse activities in Central Arkansas, but it’s hard not to get tempted by what’s brewing up in the Ozarks.
One such opportunity is Totality at Mulberry Mountain, an Americana, bluegrass and blues music festival held on the 400-acre property north of Ozark along Highway 23 that’s been home to other well-known fests like Wakarusa, Wakaan, Harvest and Backwoods at Mulberry Mountain.
“What makes this the perfect spot in the entire state to do this is that it’s ‘dark sky’ country,” festival organizer Bruce Phillips said. “‘Dark sky’ is recognized by people who travel and look for places with no ambient light. Like the Mojave Desert and the Buffalo River. Mulberry Mountain will be one of the darkest places along the entire path of totality as it passes across the United States. With a little bit of altitude, that will give us about as good a view as you’re going to get anywhere in the country.”
The festival lineup includes Sean Harrison and Ozark Riviera — both of whom are based in Northwest Arkansas — as well as Blue Ridge Girls, The Well Drinkers, Bluewater Revival and Crystal Shawanda, a Canadian country artist turned blues singer whose voice Phillips likens to Janis Joplin’s.
Originally scheduled for April 7-8, Totality at Mulberry Mountain is now just a one-day event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, making it an easier last-minute option. While the lineup has narrowed from what was initially advertised, the cost of admission is also much cheaper. Once $175, tickets are now $25 and include eclipse glasses, with kids 12 and under getting in for free. Food trucks and tethered hot air balloon rides will be available on site.
Though camping is no longer an official part of the festival, those interested in a limited number of primitive campsites and RV hookups for the night before are encouraged to reserve their spots via the Mulberry Mountain website.
