The University of Texas at Austin held a watch party on campus during the annular solar eclipse in October 2023. Photo by Danielle Lopez
On April 8, the daytime sky will turn twilight when a total solar eclipse passes over Texas around 1:30 p.m. From Del Rio in the southwest to Texarkana in the northeast, communities along the path of totality will go dark as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun for a duration of a few seconds to more than four minutes depending on your location. It’s a rare phenomenon to experience, and the United States won’t see another celestial event like it until 2045.
Celebrations for the total solar eclipse are in the works in towns and cities along this path. You can expect multiday concerts and campouts, astronomy talks, picnicking, themed cocktails, and hikes. Events range from big blowout parties like Texas Eclipse, a festival on a 1,400-acre property in Burnet, to smaller, family-oriented events with games and activities for kids.
With October’s annular solar eclipse activities serving as a primer for many cities that will be hosting events in April, travelers can expect plenty of wide-open viewing spaces, plus additional entertainment. “October’s eclipse was a great test drive for preparation of the big April event,” says Paulette Embody, manager of Cave Without a Name, a National Natural Landmark and event space in Boerne. “[It] gave us a better concept of the number of campers our grounds can easily support, and we’re currently adding an extra road behind the newer campsites to allow pull-through access.”
In Ingram, the October eclipse proved that patrons were mainly concerned with viewing the eclipse itself rather than added extras. “We learned to let our patrons just enjoy the beautiful day, and not worry so much about hosting a concert or astronomical presentations,” says Jennyth Mozenko Peterson, special events director at the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Kerrville. “Everyone who was with us knew what they were there for, and appreciated a quiet, open space to enjoy.” For April’s eclipse, the foundation has 1,000 people pre-booked for parking and camping, but they expect and can accommodate more guests who decide to walk up the day of the eclipse. And for couples considering getting married? You’re invited to exchange your vows here—if you’re looking for something “out of the ordinary.”
Whether or not you want the added extras of live entertainment, food trucks, and lectures, we created a list of cities offering multiple events centered on April’s total solar eclipse (more can be found by checking the eclipse page of our events calendar). While most events are free, some require registration and may come with hefty fees for overnight stays, so be sure to check all information on the website before hitting the road. Also, don’t forget to bring a pair of proper eclipse glasses in case supplies at events run out.
Boerne
Total Solar Eclipse
April 6-9
Cave Without a Name
What to expect: camping, hiking, special concert with light show, sing-along
Brackettville
Fort Clark Springs Solar Eclipse Festival
April 6-8
Fort Clark Springs
What to expect: food vendors, street dance, astronomy talk, Little Shop of Horrors movie showing, float party in the pool, DJ entertainment
The Colony
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event
April 8
Stewart Creek Park
What to expect: a watch party with kids’ themed crafts and activities, giveaways, food vendors, expert insight
Copperas Cove
Solar Eclipse Festival
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: live music, astronomy presentations, RV and tent camping, a softball tournament, local market vendors
Del Rio
TX Solar Eclipse Fest
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: art walk; a festival on Main Street with vendors and food trucks; live music; a Cajun food and music festival
Fredericksburg
Eclipse of the Flowers
April 8
Wildseed Farms
What to expect: food and drink, access to poppy field, live music
Granbury
Total Eclipse
April 8
Various locations
What to expect: special speaker engagement; eclipse cruise; pub fun with eclipse-themed cocktails, shots, live music, appetizers
Grand Saline
Viewing of Solar Eclipse
April 8
Gazebo Park
What to expect: food, games, guest speakers
Hillsboro
Eclipseboro
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: art walk and wine tastings, art exhibit, music festival, carnival, star party
Ingram
Total Eclipse Festival
April 8
Hill Country Arts Foundation
What to expect: food trucks, beer tent, camping at Stonehenge II, possible wedding ceremonies
Kerrville
Totality Over Texas
April 4-8
Schreiner University
What to expect: on-campus stays, stargazing, yoga and outdoor activities, science talks, live music, wine tastings
Kerrville Eclipse Festival: Dark in the Park
April 8
Louise Hays Park
What to expect: science speakers, children’s programming, live music, vendors, livestream with NASA
Mesquite
Solar Rodeo
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: live music, the city’s annual Rodeo Parade, planetarium show, games, farmers market, designated viewing areas
Tyler
Totality Tyler
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: symphony performances, planetarium shows, an art show, concerts, silent disco, a festival
Waco
Eclipse Over Texas
April 5-8
Various locations
What to expect: live music, 5k and fun run, expo, drone show and lantern parade, food trucks, science talks, guided viewing by expert astronomers
Waxahachie
Hachie Eclipse of the Heart
April 6-8
Railyard Park
What to expect: live music, food trucks, family-oriented activities, scavenger hunt, watch party
