Solar Rodeo Weekend April 6-8 

 The total solar eclipse on April 8 will last for four minutes and eight seconds in Mesquite -- that's longer than most other cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The City is hosting a weekend full of activities for the whole family called the Solar Rodeo, April 6-8, to take advantage of our prime viewing location for this incredible astronomical event.

The Solar Rodeo weekend includes the annual Rodeo Parade on April 6, the opening of the Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market on April 6, a Tejano music festival at Mesquite Arena on April 7, multiple eclipse-watching events on April 8, and much more.

To learn more about all the events planned, visit www.TheSolarRodeo.com.

City offices to close, tips for solar eclipse weekend

All City of Mesquite offices will be closed from 12-3 p.m. on Monday, April 8, so employees can view the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse. Public Safety services will still be in operation.

As many as 70,000 visitors are expected to come to the Mesquite area to view the total solar eclipse. With lots of tourists comes lots of traffic. Please be prepared and patient with our visitors.

To see preparation hints for the busy weekend as well as tips for eye safety and how to keep pets safe during the eclipse, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/SolarRodeoTips.

Saddle Up: Rodeo Parade is April 6

Saddle up for the City of Mesquite’s annual Rodeo Parade on Saturday, April 6.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. on Beltline Road at Newsom Road and will continue through Downtown Mesquite.

The Rodeo Parade dates back to 1957 when the owners of the rodeo rode their horses into Downtown Mesquite and invited the community to the new rodeo facility.

To learn more and see the parade route, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/RodeoParade.

Farmers Market starts new season

Mark your calendars! The Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market will open for a new season on April 6.

The market is fun for the whole family and offers locally grown produce, baked goods, bath and body products, and much more.

The Farmers Market will be held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November at Front Street Station, 100 West Front Street.

There will be free tote bags for the first 200 visitors on opening day, so come early! Learn more at www.DowntownMesquiteTX.com.

District 5 picnic to be held on April 20

City Councilmember B.W. Smith will host the District 5 Picnic at 11 a.m. on April 20 at Rutherford Recreation Center, 900 Rutherford Dr.

Residents in District 5 are invited to meet their Councilmember and their neighbors while enjoying some food.

District picnics for other City Councilmembers are planned as follows:

• District 1 at 12:30 p.m. on April 27 at Florence Ranch Homestead
• District 4 at 11 a.m. on May 18 at Paschall Park
• District 3 at 11 a.m. on May 25 at KidsQuest Park
• District 2 at 11 a.m. on June 1 at Florence Recreation Center
• District 6 at 11 a.m. on June 8 at Rorie-Galloway Day Camp

Not sure which City Council District you live in? Click here to find out: https://bit.ly/CouncilDistrictsMaps.

In-person hours, cash payment changes in Utility Billing

Effective May 6, 2024, in-person hours for the Utility Billing office will change to 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Also, change for cash payments will be made in whole dollar amounts only. Additional change due less than $1 will be applied as a credit to your next bill. Cash customers can still pay with exact change.

To learn more, please visit www.cityofmesquite.com/WaterBilling.

'Beer for Breakfast' at Arts Center

Mesquite Arts Theatre presents “Beer for Breakfast” April 12-28.

The show tells the story of four middle-aged buddies who reunite for a guys’ weekend. They plan to party like it’s 1979 until one of the guys doesn’t show up… instead, his wife does. Hilarity ensues!

Find ticket prices and showtime information at www.MesquiteArtsTheatre.org. The Mesquite Arts Center is located 1527 N. Galloway Ave.

Catch some fun at Family Fish, April 20

Grab your gear and get ready to catch some fun with the City of Mesquite’s Family Fish on Saturday, April 20.

The free event for all ages will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at City Lake Park, 200 Parkview St.

The first 100 kids at the event will receive a free fishing rod while supplies last. Fishing bait, hooks and other materials will not be provided.

Family Fish attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the smallest or largest fish tournaments for prizes.

For more information, visit www.cityofmesquite.com/FamilyFish.