We’re only a month away from the April 8th Solar Eclipse and Texas is in the catbird seat! This is the first time in 146 YEARS Texas has been in the path of the total eclipse. Many news organizations reporting over a million people will be traveling The Lonestar State hoping to catch a glimpse of this celestial event.
So where is the best place to view it? While it will be visible anywhere in Texas the best places will be along the I-35 Corridor as the Path Of Totality will closely follow the highway. This puts many of Texas’ cities in prime viewing. Here are a few prime places along the path that are hosting watch parties.
SAN ANTONIO
The Alamo and the Alamo Plaza are hosting what will surely be a memorable event.
Solar Eclipse Brunch: A spectacle like no other. An opportunity to sip eclipse theme drinks and enjoy brunch on the 20th floor patio of the Hyatt hotel’s Riverwalk location. Tickets for this location are likely to go quickly.
FREDERICKSBURG
Hot Air Ballon and Polo: What may just be a marquis event hosted by Grapetown Vineyard this will include a VIP Farm To Table Meal paired with a wine tasting while watching a polo match!
Arch Ray Eclipse Fest: A two-day concert weekend at the Arch Ray Amphitheater featuring Hank Williams IV, Cory Morrow, the Goo-Goo Dolls, and about a dozen more.
AUSTIN
The obvious choices in the capital city will be anywhere on the water such as Town Lake, Barton Springs, Lake Austin, and Lake Travis. If you’d rather not be on the water Austin has countless other locations as well. A couple are…
Eclipse Rooftop Party and Viewing: Being held at the Hilton Austin downtown, indulge in themed cocktails and mocktails like Lunar Lemonade, Solar Sunrise and Total Eclipse Elixir that are available for purchase at the pool bar. Complimentary viewing glasses will be provided, ensuring you catch every moment of the rare eclipse. With panoramic views of downtown Austin, the pool deck offers the perfect vantage point for this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Celestial Picnic: Not to be outdone, the Four Seasons Austin will be hosting their event which will include BBQ, “family friendly events”, and a State-of-the-art Lunt Hydrogen-Alpha Solar Telescope available for a breathtaking peek at the Sun’s chromosphere including glimpses of sunspots, prominences, and solar flares.
WACO
Waco, with over 4 minutes of totality will have one of the longest viewing times of anywhere in the country! The City of Waco will be teaming up with Baylor University to hold their event at McLane Stadium. This one will be a great choice for the whole family as well.
Magnolia Market: You KNOW this one will be sold out but if you’re in Waco, Chip & Joanna Gaines will be hosting a view at the silos on downtown.
FORT WORTH
Eclipse In The Garden: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History are partnering to offer eclipse viewing areas and exciting educational activities for guests.
Both the garden and the museum will have free activity stations outside. If visitors would like to participate in extra activities, they can purchase general admission tickets at either location. Those who would prefer to watch the eclipse from inside the garden can congregate at the spacious north and south vistas, which provide clear views of the sky. There will also be eclipse viewing on the front lawn of the museum. It is permitted to bring folding chairs and blankets. Visitors may bring solar eclipse glasses or buy them for $3 at either location to view the eclipse. During the events, both locations encourage attendees to abide by NASA Eclipse Safety regulations.
Fort Worth Stockyards: For their event, the Stockyards will be offering charcuterie boards and limited edition wine. Also quite sure that all of the restaurants and hotels here will be hosting events as well. A cattle drive during an eclipse I’m sure will make for a memorable experience as well. Someone please send a pic of that!
DALLAS
Dallas is be celebrating in true fashion with a smorgasbord of events around the city:
Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
Solarbration! At Omni Dallas: Per their website, “Enjoy live music by Dallas Cowboys DJ 13lackBeard, delicious food by Restaurants on Lamar, themed treats, an exclusive Casamigos Pop-Up with giveaways and more!
Total Eclipse Of The Arts at AT&T Performing Arts Center
Solar Eclipse Social: Hosted by The Statler Hotel on their 19th floor will be the highest celebration in Dallas. The “rosé all day” will most certainly be flowing.
Cotton Bowl: A free NASA sponsored event in a stadium that can hold just over 92,000 people, this will be the event for parents looking for a STEM filled afternoon for their kids (or anyone looking for a heavier science based event). Scientists and astronomers will take the stage at the Cotton Bowl along with space explorer characters from the PBS show “Ready, Jet, Go”—sharing fun facts and insights about the eclipse “in real-time.”
Promising an “interactive and educational experience for all ages,” organizers will offer sprawling tents featuring STEM-related organizations, where attendees can participate in activities and hands-on experiments. “Immerse yourself in the wonders of science and technology, surrounded by passionate professionals eager to share their knowledge and inspire curiosity,” NESDIS said.
“This year’s total solar eclipse will be at least partially visible to all in the contiguous United States, making it the most accessible eclipse this nation has experienced in this generation,” Nicola Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA headquarters in Washington, said in a statement. “There is space for everyone to join NASA in experiencing this beautiful amalgamation of our Earth, Sun and Moon in an alignment that will not only lead to new scientific discoveries, but an incredible shared moment of inspiration and awe.”
The Unofficial Ambassador for the State of Texas
