On April 8, 2024, at 1:36 pm local time, The Great American Eclipse will occur and the moon will block the sun’s light for a few minutes, with the amount of time depending on where you’re viewing. An eclipse like this won’t happen again in Central Texas for 300+ years, so we’re rounding up some of the coolest ways to celebrate.
We’re hearing of some local school districts having closures and others having viewing events but if you’re looking for something more to do with the kids, check out Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse below. Don’t forget your protective eyewear – Austin Public Library Central will have FREE eclipse eyewear for pickup and you can get all the info here.
— In the Path of Totality: Three Days of Eclipse Programming @ The Long Center and Waterloo Greenway
Sunday, April 7 – Tuesday, April 9 | Various times and events here | FREE
This three-part event is brought to Austin by the Simons Foundation’s In the Path of Totality initiative, in partnership with Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the Long Center for the Performing Arts, and Fusebox. Thousands of Austinites will gather at the Long Center on April 8 for the eclipse. Doors will open at 11 am on April 8 and the event lasts for four hours, with the eclipse occurring at 1:36 pm local time. Check out the full schedule of all the In the Path of Totality here.
— Total Eclipse Witches Market @ Jester King Brewery
Monday, April 8 | 10 am – 4 pm | FREE to Enter Get parking here
This all-ages event is celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse with live music, a witches’ market, food, and drinks. The event is free to enter, but parking at Jester King is limited to 500 cars and costs $20. Reserve your parking in advance here.
— Watch the Eclipse @ Jellystone Guadalupe River or Tyler
With locations throughout Texas, Jellystone™ Park and Camp Fimfo are among some of the few locations locally that will have 99-100 percent total views of the Eclipse on April 8. Their properties will be offering Eclipse parties, DIY Crafts, and more and you can check out their locations and options here:
100% Totality: Camp Fimfo Waco, Jellystone Park™ Guadalupe River, Jellystone Park™ Tyler
99.67% Totality: Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country, Jellystone Park™ Hill Country
— Total Solar Eclipse Alpaca Party @ Sundance Hill Farm
Monday, April 8 | 11 am – 4 pm | General Admission is $100
Join Sundance Hill Farm for an exclusive viewing of the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8th, 2024 from 11 am-4 pm. The farm will be in the path of totality, meaning the sun will be completely blocked by the moon. Sundance Hill Farm is the perfect spot to view the eclipse with wide open skies, alpaca pastures, a quiet farm atmosphere, and prime viewing for this total solar eclipse. All proceeds go to farm improvements and needs. You can also check out their VIP package here.
— Girlstart Eclipse Party
Monday, April 8 | 12:30 pm – 2 pm | FREE with RSVP
Enjoy the total solar eclipse at Girlstart’s viewing party! They’ll be handing out free pairs of eclipse glasses and hosting hands-on STEM programming. At the event, you’ll create an effective tool for safely observing the solar eclipse, construct a mini eclipse model that demonstrates the relationship between the earth, moon, and sun, and use the design thinking process to build a prototype of an object or item that uses solar power, simulate an eclipse by coding a tiny robot with patterns and colors, and enjoy star shows in their mini-planetarium! Kids are required to have a chaperone, and you can check out the full programming and RSVP for FREE here.
— Mozart’s Texas Total Solar Eclipse
Monday, April 8 | 10 am | FREE with RSVP
Mozart’s has land and lake maximum viewing and all-day entertainment. They’ll provide eclipse glasses, treats, and t-shirts and you’ll have the option to watch the eclipse on their Lake Austin Calm paddleboards, and then stay later to watch a movie on the water! Tesla will also be there with cybertrucks. Get more info and RSVP here.
