26 solar eclipse parties taking place in Central Texas
Total solar eclipses happen when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the light from the sun. | Gif via Giphy
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.
Several viewing events are already sold out, but we found 21 still offering tickets for the stunning sight. Psst — remember to get your eclipse glasses before the big day.
Texans will be the first Americans to see this year’s total solar eclipse.
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 contains entertainment, custom beer, freebies, and a special recording of the “Radiolab” podcast.
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?
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.
Ready, Set, Hit! | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | 30 Minute Hit, 3016 Guadalupe St., Austin | Free | This self-defense class features moves from boxing and kickboxing, and is aimed at women ages 18 and up.
The Charlatans | Thursday, Jan. 11 | 7 p.m. | Emo’s Austin, 2015 E. Riverside Dr., Austin | $40 | Start the weekend early with this concert on the east side.
Friday, Jan. 12
“Pod Meets World” Live | Friday, Jan. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $40-$60 | See “Boy Meets World” stars Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle live onstage for an evening featuring stories, Q+As, and costume prizes.
“Good Things Come in Threes” | Friday, Jan. 12 + Saturday, Jan. 13 | 8 p.m. | The Long Center, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $23-$99 | Immerse yourself in performances of works from Edvard Grieg, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Antonín Dvořák.
Saturday, Jan. 13
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live | Saturday, Jan. 13 + Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $30-$93 | This “Glow Party” features fan-favorite monster trucks, a laser light show, and toy giveaways.
Chicago Wolves vs. Texas Stars | Saturday, Jan. 13 + Sunday, Jan. 14 | Times vary | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $20-$56 | See some hockey in person at this showdown against the Illinois team.
Local high school graduates may be able to attend Austin Community College for free, if the school’s board of trustees approves a pilot program proposed by Chancellor Russel Lowery-Hart. ACC’s tuition of $85 per credit hour has not been raised in a decade. (KUT)
Ranked
Austin is the No. 43 best city in the world, according to this year’s report from international consulting firm Resonance. The Capital City outranked Houston and Dallas, which ranked No. 66 and No. 73, respectively.
Festival
The SXSW Film & TV Festival will be headlined by “The Fall Guy” featuring Ryan Gosling, David Benioff’s “3 Body Problem,” and documentary “Cheech & Chong’s Last Movie.” See the full list of announced screenings.
Coming Soon
Tare, a high-end omakase restaurant in north Austin, will open on Thursday, Jan. 18. With a menu focusing on Japanese, Mexican, and Texan ingredients, the restaurant will also serve cocktails, beer, wine, and sake. (Eater Austin)
Environment
Did you know Austin has several “lost creeks” that once flowed through the city? From the now-underground Little Shoal Creek to the decoupling of West and East Bouldin Creeks, dig into these streams of Austin yore. (Austin American-Statesman)
Announced
Marble Falls is now a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, a distinction awarded by the Texas Music Office. The city will host a certification ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 16. (KXAN)
Fun Fact
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Weather
❄️ Brrrace youselves
ERCOT issues Weather Watch for Jan. 15-17
Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo by ATXtoday
ERCOT issued a Weather Watch for Monday, Jan. 15-Wednesday, Jan. 17 due to an expected cold front that could bring extreme weather to Texas.
The grid operator anticipates normal grid conditions during the watch period, but will monitor power availability for the duration of those three days in case of high power demand.
The start of next week is expected to bring the coldest weather of the season to Austin, with temperatures falling as low as 15º on Sunday night and high temperatures barely breaking 30º on Monday. The predicted chance for precipitation is currently low.
To prepare for the cold front, remember the four P’s: protect your pipes, wrap or bring in your sensitive plants, and ensure pets and people at risk have a safe, warm place to stay.
A candle warmer lamp. It slowly heats your candle from the top down, giving you all the fragrance without an open flame and making candles last longer.
I’m a pretty big reader, and I read some amazing books in 2023. Although it’s hard to pick, I’d say my top three were “Trust” by Hernán Díaz, “The Thing Around Your Neck” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead.
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