Where to watch solar eclipse in Dallas, San Antonio, Hill Country

Some cities in the Lone Star State are in the path of totality as the 2024 eclipse travels across the country. Many are having festivals and other events.

HOUSTON — Texas will be the opening act when the 2024 total eclipse moves across the US on Monday, April 8, 2024.  

The eclipse will travel 480 miles through Texas in about 25 minutes, entering at 1:27 p.m. and leaving the state at 1:52 p.m. CT.

The path of totality in this country begins near Del Rio and crosses several small towns and large cities in the Lone Star State, including San Antonio, Austin, Waco and dallas. 

Some school districts in the path of totality are even canceling classes and several airlines are offering flights for a bird's eye view of the eclipse. 

Houston won't see a total eclipse but around 94% of the sun will be covered at 1:40 p.m., according to NASA.

RELATED: NASA's guide to tracking the 2024 solar eclipse

This is the last total solar eclipse visible in the United States until 2044 so don't miss out! There are watch parties, festivals and other special events planned in H-Town and other Texas cities.

Houston eclipse events

If you're looking for a fun spot to watch in Space City, head down to Space Center Houston for the Total Solar Eclipse Celebration.

KHOU 11 has an EXCLUSIVE partnership with Space Center Houston for a weekend full of interactive fun and the main event on April 8. You'll get free eclipse viewing glasses with your Space Center Houston entrance ticket.

KHOU 11 will broadcast live from Space Center Houston with anchors Mia Gradney, Len Cannon and Chief Meteorologist David Paul. Our coverage begins at noon on KHOU 11 with free streaming on KHOU 11 + through Roku, FireTV and AppleTV.

You can get tickets now and find out more about the big party at SpaceCenter.org.

RELATED: Experience the Great American Eclipse with KHOU 11 and Space Center Houston

Houston Museum of Natural Science

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Sun Dial, you can experience the partial eclipse starting at 12:20 p.m. There will be telescopes, free solar activities and live streaming of the total eclipse from Bandera. Eclipse glasses will be available for sale. 

HMNS is also showing Totality Over Texas in the Burke Baker Planetarium at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 p.m.

HMNS in Sugar Land is hosting a local eclipse experience from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eclipse glasses are included with tickets. 

RELATED: Here's where to look for safe eye protection for the upcoming solar eclipse

RELATED: No, NASA doesn't approve eclipse-viewing glasses

Dallas eclipse events

You'll have to head up I-45 to the Dallas area for a longer view of totality. The sun will be completely covered for nearly four minutes from 1:40 to 1:44 p.m., according to NASA. 

Meow Wolf Grapevine Solar Eclipse Watch Party

The immersive art experience is hosting an eclipse watch party with a variety of activities, including cyanotype paper crafting sessions, shadow puppetry and space-age face painting. The party will also include galactic-themed food and beverages from Celestial Brewing, Nikki’s Popcorn, and Hive Bakery. Within the exhibition, guests can consult the stars with tarot readings, interactive art and more inside The Real Unreal. The Real Unreal. Guests will be able to grab a pair of eclipse glasses and watch outside from noon to 3 p.m. 

Reunion Tower invites Dallasites and visitors to experience the rare celestial occurrence at a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The first 1,000 people will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses and vouchers to visit the GeO-Deck following the eclipse. 

Total Eclipse of the Arts

Total Eclipse of the Arts at AT&T Performing Arts Center is offering a free eclipse watch party featuring music from The Revelers Hall Band, Corina Grove and DJ Jet Jaguar. They'll provide eclipse glasses to all guests. It starts at 11:30 a.m.

View the total solar eclipse on the lawn in front of downtown Dallas' most iconic photo op, The Eye. From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., the immersive garden experience will host a watch party with cocktails, snacks and complimentary glasses for viewing.

Southfork Ranch in Parker is hosting an eclipse viewing event on the historic Ewing Mansion lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests will get free eclipse glasses while supplies last and can order a boxed lunch with choice of a barbecue brisket sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, or pulled pork sandwich, as well as specialty cocktails. 

Guests will be able to watch the eclipse at the arboretum with a lineup of partners and activities beginning at 12:30 p.m. 

Total Eclipse of the Park

Hall Park in Frisco will host an event with hands-on science activity stations centered around eclipse-related subjects like orbits, gravity, scaled models, and more, as well as musical entertainment, eclipse glasses, and viewing opportunities. 

RELATED: DFW eclipse events guide: Where to watch the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in North Texas?

Big D Eclipse at Dallas College

The astronomy department at Dallas College has arranged viewing spots at all seven campuses around town for the eclipse! From noon to 3 p.m., both students and the community can gather at the viewing spots. Free free glasses will be available. 

Frontiers of Flight Museum

The Frontiers of Flight Museum near Love Field has unobstructed views of the sky, making it the perfect place to watch the eclipse. The public is invited to enjoy the view from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sundown at Granada Eclipse Gala

Dallassites looking to mark the celestial occasion with an upscale vibe can head to Greenville. The black and white themed party will be an upscale rooftop celebration, with amazing views of the sky from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

The museum lawn will have family-friendly activities, talks from science experts, live music from the Navy Band Southeast Brass Quintet and more.

Total Eclipse of the Ballpark

Sports and space will collide in Frisco! Guests at Riders Field will enjoy the eclipse with live music, Frisco RoughRiders team meet & greet and fun activities.

Addison Total Eclipse of the Park

Star gazers are encouraged to grab their blankets, lawn chairs and coolers and bring them to Addison Square Park. Guests will enjoy live music, food trucks, yoga and more.

You're invited to join the festivities poolside with "breathtaking views" and live music from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Guests can also reserve a VIP Cabana & Daybed.

Check out the eclipse at the John Carl Pogue Planetarium where you will learn how eclipses happen and how to safely view one paired with free viewing glasses.

Guests will get a chance to observe the eclipse, watch NASA's live broadcast, eat eclipse-theme snacks and food, and engage with the Zoo's educators. The Zoo will have a limited amount of eclipse viewing glasses but you're encouraged to bring your own.

Enjoy the views while listening to a family-friendly DJ, games, special performances and space experts. The first 3,000 people get free solar eclipse glasses.

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Guest will witness the power of the sun in a live art activation from Michael Papadakis aka @Sunscribes. He uses an array of mirrors and lenses to focus the eclipsing sun's powerful rays into art on a wooden canvas.

Sun, Moon, and You Solar Event

NOAA, NASA, and NSF will host a one-of-a-kind viewing party at Fair Park. Guests will also get a chance to hear from Neil deGrasse Tyson, plus other live speakers and presentations. The Cotton Bowl gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Eclipse Lunch and Watch Party

Experience the celestial spectacle like never before on the 48th floor at Tower Club Dallas. Guests can enjoy a lunch buffet while experiencing the views.

Grapevine's historic Main Street District will be the backdrop for the cosmic wonder. Live DJs, mingle with artists, take pictures with moon and sun stilt walkers, and vintage arcade games will be on tap during the event.

San Antonio eclipse events

Residents and visitors are invited to the heart of downtown San Antonio to watch the upcoming solar eclipse at the Alamo for FREE!

The eclipse is expected to appear as a partial eclipse around 12:14 p.m. with peak eclipse viewing at 1:34 p.m. It will end around 2:55 p.m. when the partial eclipse begins to disappear.

Guests can protect their eyes with commemorative solar eclipse glasses that feature the iconic parapet roofline of the Alamo. They say the eclipse glasses are safe for direct solar viewing and meet requirements for ISO 12312.2-2015 certification.

The Alamo Eclipse Watch Party will start at noon and end at 3 p.m.

Guests can view the partial solar eclipse at the Witte Museum on April 8 during their solar eclipse viewing event.

Maximum viewing at the Witte will take place around 1:34 p.m.

Witte visitors will receive complimentary certified eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last.

This viewing party is included with museum admission.

Natural Bridge Caverns is hosting Total Eclipse at the Park, an exclusive VIP party.

The viewing party will feature live music, food, loungers and discounted tours. The park will also offer a lunch buffet and other activities.

Three packages are available for purchase and they include parking, reserved seating areas and eclipse glasses.

Parking at Natural Bridge Caverns is usually free but guests will be charged on April 8.

For more information on packages click here.

The Tobin Center is hosting an eclipse viewing party atop their parking garage. They say you'll see 99.9% percent of the sun covered directly above the city.

The first 100 people will receive complimentary eclipse-viewing glasses!

RELATED:  Heading to San Antonio to see the solar eclipse? Here's a list of watch parties and viewing events

Eclipse events in Hill Country, Central Texas

The four-day Kerrclipse Music Festival is planned for April 5-8 at Quiet Valley Ranch in Kerrville.

In Fredericksburg, eclipse events are planned at Grapetown Vineyards, Slate Theory Winery, Grand Central at Milam, Wildseed Farms and Parker Farm.

The five-day Ground Zero MusicFest is April 5-9 at mansfield Park in Bandera.

Cave Without a Name in Boerne will host a four-day event with music, open mic sessions, a cave concert and food trucks from April 6-9.

The Sun Festival at will be held at Lometa Regional Park from April 5 to April 9. There will be camping, live music, food trucks and vendors.

The event will be put on by music venue Bend General Store and hosted by Bret Cali. Cali says he wants to invite people to attend the event so they can have a safe place to camp.

"I want them to enjoy themselves out here and have every single thing they need out here. It's incredibly beautiful," host Bret Cali told KENS5, our sister station in San Antonio.

The Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet is hosting the Texas Eclipse Festival from April 5-9. They'll have performances along with art, space and technology attractions.

Burning Goat Ranch in Burnet invites people to bring their RVs to camp out. They'll have a movie night, smores and mini pygmy Nigerian dwarf goats and a mini donkey. Ranch owner Toni Rackley said eclipse glasses are included with RV spots.

She said you can see the Milky Way from the ranch on clear nights.

RELATED: Texas business owners inviting visitors to camp out for April 8 eclipse

Copperas Cove Spring Into the Eclipse Festival

The City of Copperas Cove is hosting its three-day "Spring into the Eclipse Festival" from April 6-8. The festival will include "some of the best food trucks of Central Texas", a vendors market, a Kids Zone, an adult softball tournament, beer and wine tents and live entertainment at Copperas Cove City Park.

Robinson Family Farm Eclipse Fest in Temple

The Robinson Family Farm in Temple, Texas will hold its Eclipse Fest on April 8. Guests can enjoy food trucks, beer, wine and over 20 attractions for all ages while watching the eclipse in the path of totality.

A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Temple, which provides a "home away from home" for families of sick or injured children who have to travel to Temple for medical treatment.

For more information, visit this link.

The Kimble County Fairgrounds is the place to be for the Texclipse Music Festival in Junction. The April 6-8 festival will feature, music, art, a rodeo and food.

The annual Bluebonnet Festival in Natalia from April 6-8 coincides with the eclipse. There will be a parade, carnival, music, vendors and food.

Central Texas College Mayborn Science Theater in Killeen

The Mayborn Science Theater, located on the Central Texas College campus in Killeen, will host numerous events leading up to the eclipse, including eclipse viewing itself from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on April 8.

Various shows about the eclipse will be shown at the theater beginning Friday, April 5, as well as a Dinner Under the Stars on Saturday, April 6.

For a full schedule of theater events, visit this link.

Total Eclipse Balloon Experience in Killeen

The E-Center Killeen will host The Total Eclipse Balloon Experience from April 4-8, promising visitors a chance to experience an "out of this world" adventure with a space-themed display of balloons.

They'll also have face painting, a photo booth, paint & play, food trucks, vendors and a cocktail lounge for adults.

For more information, visit this link.

Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce Culture on the Square Jamboree

The Killeen Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce has invited residents and community members to celebrate diversity and the eclipse at the Culture on the Square Jamboree: Eclipse Edition on Sunday, April 7.

From 3-9 p.m., residents can celebrate culture, economics and entertainment at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center with live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, raffles and more.

For more on the event, visit this link.

Waco Symphony Orchestra Sci-Fi Spectacular

On April 7, the eve of the eclipse, the Waco Symphony Orchestra will perform the "Sci-Fi Spectacular: Sun, Moon and Superstars" concert.

The orchestra will perform selections from science fiction classics like "Star Wars", "Star Trek" and "Interstellar", as well as Holst's "The Planets" orchestral suite. Film critic Gary Cogill will be on hand to share insights on the films behind the music.

For more information, visit this link.

Eclipse viewing at Magnolia in Waco

Magnolia is hosting its own eclipse event on April 8, inviting visitors to the roof of the Magnolia Market from 1-2 p.m. to watch the eclipse.

Magnolia said the special experience will include eclipse viewing glasses, a solar cupcake and lunar cookie pie from Silos Baking Co., plus a commemorative postcard and exclusive access to the rooftop lounge.

Tickets to the rooftop experience are limited, but Magnolia said the Silos grounds will be open all day for those who would like to view the eclipse.

For tickets and more information, visit this link.

The Eclipse Over Texas: Live from Waco festival is being held at Baylor University's McLane Stadium. They'll have speakers, educational activities and food trucks.

Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival in Hillsboro

Get ready for four days of music, fun, and eclipse viewing at the Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival from April 5-8.

Watch top artists like Chris Janson, Pat Green and Marshall Tucker Band, plus VIP perks and RV spots.

Tickets range from $20 to $3,300, rain or shine. For tickets and more information, visit this link.

Solar Eclipse viewing at Bellmead Civic Center

The City of Bellmead has invited residents to join them at the Bellmead Civic Center from 12-2 p.m. on April 8 for the "Solar Eclipse Experience."

The free event includes a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses for attendees as long as supplies last. Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets.

More information on the event can be found at this link.

Eclipse events in West Texas

They're going big with a four-day festival from April 5-8 at various locations in Del Rio. There will be music, food, vendors, a 5K and 10K. Cost varies.

WATCH: Why the April 8 eclipse is expected to be extra dramatic

Credits