For the first time in 146 years, Central Texas will lie in the path of a total solar eclipse.
The eclipse — which happens when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it passes between the sun and earth — will take place Monday, April 8. The path of totality will enter North America through the west coast of Mexico and exit through Nova Scotia, Canada.
This means Texans will be the first Americans to see the event.
Austin is within the path of the eclipse, but the view will be better and longer deep in the Hill Country, with totality reaching nearby towns like Fredericksburg and Marble Falls around 1:30 p.m.
Here are 26 events centered on the stunning sight. Psst — remember to get your eclipse glasses before the big day.
Festivals
Texas Eclipse | Friday, April 5-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Reveille Peak Ranch, 105 Co. Rd. 114, Burnet | $244-$664 | This all-out music and art festival will feature immersive soundscapes from 13 countries, interactive art installations, space + technology expos, and science-oriented panels.
The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Solar Eclipse Festival | Monday, April 8 | 3-8 p.m. | Grapetown Vineyard, 8142 Old San Antonio Rd., Fredericksburg | $45-$450 | Between hot air balloon rides, a farm-to-table dinner, wine tasting, and live music, what doesn’t this eclipse party have?
Kerrville Eclipse Festival | Monday, April 8 | 9 a.m. | Louise Hays Park, 202 Thompson Dr., Kerrville | Free | Expect speakers, kids programming, and live music to accompany nearly four and a half minutes of totality in Kerrville.
Kerrclipse Music Festival | Friday, April 5-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy., Kerrville | $350-$450 | Expect to see Golden Dawn Arkestra and TheBrosFresh, alongside several other live music acts, at this festival weekend featuring camping and science presentations.
Arch Ray Solar Fest | Sunday, April 7-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Arch Ray Resort, 4160 E. US Hwy. 290, Fredericksburg | $129-$269 | See Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot, Cory Morrow, and other live music acts at this celestial festival.
Celest Fest | Friday, April 5-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Camp Tahuaya, 2603 Tahuaya Dr., Belton | $149-$349 | This family-friendly event is completely sober, and features live music, cold plunging, and song circles.
Educational experiences
Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco | Monday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | McLane Stadium, 1001 S. MLK Jr. Blvd., Waco | $20 | This educational experience includes presentations from astronomers and scientists, a guided viewing, and interactive activities.
Eclipse Over Central Texas | Friday, April 5-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Mayborn Science Theater, 6200 W. Central Texas Expy., Killeen | Cost varies | Expect several days of activities, including crafts, shows, and presentations from astronomers + NASA personnel.
Texans will be the first Americans to see this year’s total solar eclipse.
Graphic via NASA
Closer to home
Camp Lucy Total Solar Eclipse 2024 | Monday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Camp Lucy, 3509 Creek Rd., Dripping Springs | $197 | Take in the eclipse from the Hill Country and go star gazing alongside a presentation from Dr. Michael McElwain.
Sign Bar Eclipse Party | Monday, April 8 | 12 p.m. | Sign Bar, 9909 FM 969, Bldg. 3 | Cost of purchase | Take in the sights from this bar party featuring on-site DJ, themed cocktails, and cosmic snacks like Moon Pies and Sun Chips.
Celestial BBQ Party | Monday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood | $25 | Dale Watson and His Lonestars + Tomar and the FCs will perform at this staple barbecue joint.
The Universe in Verse | Sunday, April 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St., Austin | $5-$50 | Celebrate science on the eve of the eclipse with an exploration of gravity, astronomy, and poetry.
Total Eclipse Viewing Party | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m. | The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | Free | This four-hour event hosted by Molly Webster contains entertainment, custom beer, and a special recording of “Radiolab.”
Morning Glories | Tuesday, April 9 | 10-11 a.m. | Waterloo Greenway, 1111 Red River St., Austin | Free | Bring the little ones for a reading of “Little Black Hole,” a space-themed children’s story.
Eclipse Watch Party at Middleton Brewing | Monday, April 8 | 12 p.m. | Middleton Brewing, 101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos | Cost of purchase | Join the crowds for beer specials and a watch party.
Adventures
Total Eclipse Experience | Saturday, April 6-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Cave Without a Name, 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne | $170-$520 | Celebrate the event with a three-day camping experience complete with live music, cave tours, hiking, and cutting geodes.
Smithsonian Journeys: Solar Eclipse 2024 | Friday, April 5-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Multiple locations, Austin | $4,995-$6,070 | Engage in five days of staycation exploration on this trip designed around the solar eclipse, and featuring multiple days of exploring waterfalls, bird life, and the best the Hill Country has to offer — additional eclipse packages are also available.
Solar Eclipse and Texas Wildflowers | Saturday, April 6-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Multiple locations, Cedar Park | $710-$810 | Spend the weekend on a photography tour of Central Texas, exploring caves, flower fields, and bird migration hotspots before the big eclipse event.
Camping and glamping
Total Eclipse Viewing Party | Sunday, April 7-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | 300 County Rd. 111, Lampasas | $800 | This RV-oriented party begins with a barbecue dinner and ends with live music and food after the eclipse.
Texas Star Party | Friday, April 5-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Latham Springs Camp and Retreat Center, 134 Private Rd. 223, Aquilla | $664-$1,367 | Tickets to this event include a commemorative t-shirt, 11 meals, speaker events, and access to activities like zip lining and sports.
Total Eclipse at the Parks | Saturday, April 6-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Multiple locations, Lampasas | $200-$400 | Join NASA experts for a weekend of camping in Lampasas.
One-day events
Total Solar Eclipse Celebration | Monday, April 8 | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. | Blue Lotus Winery, 8500 W. Hwy. 290, Hye | $20 | Munch on bites from food trucks, sip on beer or wine, and listen to live music as the moon passes in front of the sun.
Dam 2024 Eclipse | Monday, April 8 | 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | 507 Hi-Line Dr., Buchanan Dam | $50-$240 | Watch the event with provided eclipse glasses and music.
Wine and Watch: Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party | Monday, April 8 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Bending Branch Winery, 142 Lindner Branch Trail, Comfort | $90 | Try a new bourbon released in honor of this event, also featuring additional food and snacks for purchase.
Great North American Eclipse at Fall Creek Vineyards | Monday, April 8 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Fall Creek Vineyards, 1820 Co. Rd. 222, Tow | $95 per car | Pull up with chairs and blankets and pack a lunch for a picnic-style viewing.
Eclipse Party | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m. | The Fieldhouse at the Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Dr., Ste. 160, Leander | Cost of purchase | Try themed drinks like “Ziggy Stardust,” a blue raspberry Jello-O shot, and “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” a mix of cranberry vodka, prosecco, and soda water.
