Central Texas Eclipse Events

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Millions of people will be looking to the sky (with eclipse glasses on) April 8 to glimpse the celestial event.

Much of Central Texas, including Austin and Travis County, is expected to have some of the best views of the total solar eclipse — weather permitting — which will be the last of its kind in the area for the next 20 years.

Below are some options for events taking place before, during and after the total solar eclipse.

Precision Camera and Video eclipse watch party

Precision Camera and Video will host a watch party at its North location, located at 2438 West Anderson Lane, from noon to 3 p.m. April 8 to witness the upcoming eclipse.

“This event promises an immersive experience with multiple viewing setups, including telescopes, shadow tracking, and cameras equipped with telephoto lenses,” organizers said. “Moreover, attendees who bring their own cameras and tripods will have the opportunity to receive expert guidance from seasoned photographers to optimize their settings for capturing stunning eclipse imagery.”

UT Austin & Austin Parks and Recreation eclipse viewing opportunity

UT will provide eclipse glasses and telescopes with solar filters for independent and guided viewing in select Austin parks between noon and 3 p.m.

More about the Austin Parks and Recreation Department eclipse viewing locations.

YMCA Solar Eclipse

YMCA will host solar eclipse events and activities at its Greater Austin YMCA locations as early as Sunday. Organizers also said to stop by your nearest Y facility to pick up free solar eclipse glasses while supplies last.

A full list of activities can be found here.

Total Eclipse of the Horns at UT

The University of Texas at Austin will host “Total Eclipse of the Horns,” an on-campus celebration in honor of the total solar eclipse on April 8.

The event is strictly for UT students and faculty and is not open to the public.

Milam & Greene Whiskey Total Solar Eclipse Party

Milam & Greene Whiskey in Blanco will host a free total solar eclipse party April 8 from noon until 6:00 p.m.

“Enjoy delicious whiskey, live music by Keith & Tina Jupe from noon to 3:00 p.m., and a science talk with a very special guest, Dr. Erin Macdonald, astrophysicist and science consultant of the Star Trek franchise,” according to event details.

Free eclipse glasses will be given to the first 100 guests, according to organizers.

Texas Jellystone Parks eclipse-themed events

Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts said its locations near Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and Tyler would have a variety of events the weekend before the April 8 eclipse, as well as during it.

Organizers said there would be games, a viewing party with glow beach balls, eclipse-theme crafts, and more.

Mr Gatti’s Pizza eclipse viewing experience

Mr Gatti’s Pizza said participating locations would offer eclipse glasses and a family-friendly atmosphere “to gather and witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon, along with mouth-watering pizza.”

Local participating locations include:

9900 Interstate 35, Austin, Texas
2931 S. State Highway 16, Fredericksburg, Texas

Salt Lick’s Celestial BBQ Party

Join Salt Lick BBQ for a family-friendly, celestial backyard BBQ party in Driftwood, Texas, on April 8 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Cedar Park Calloway’s Nursery Eclipse Viewing Party

The Cedar Park Calloway’s Nursery location said it was hosting a viewing party April 8 from 1-2 p.m. There will be complimentary viewing glasses and goody bags with fun stargazing treats.

Dripping Springs SunBLOCK Party

Dripping Springs will hold a solar eclipse event April 8 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Mercer Street. The event will have food vendors, business booths, craft vendors and more, according to the city.

Texclipse Music Festival

An event in Junction, Texas will showcase Texas music, art and culture, including bull ridings and ropings. Tickets are on sale for the event, which lasts from April 6 until April 8 at Hill Country Fairgrounds.

Eclipse Viewing Party at Wedding Oak Winery

Utilizing its three locations in Central Texas, Wedding Oak Winery said it was hosting viewing parties in Burnet, Fredericksburg and San Saba. Tickets for the event, which takes place April 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., are $200.

Ron Yate Wines’ Solar Eclipse Party

“At this epic event, attendees can watch the rare celestial event unfold from the breathtaking hill country acreage behind the winery for perfect eclipse viewing,” organizers said. “Ron Yates Wines is in the direct path of totality, and there is simply no better way to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event!”

The event begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $125 each.

Two-day Arch Ray Solar Eclipse Fest

The event will take place at the Arch Ray Resort, located at 4160 E. US Hwy. 290 in Fredericksburg from April 7 to April 8 and will include live music, including performances by the Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball, Switchfoot, Kyle Park, Cory Morrow and Lane Smith.

General admission tickets are $300 or buy during the Early Bird special for $250.