Prepare for a total eclipse of the heart… or in this case, the sun.
For the first time in 146 years, Central Texas will lie in the path of a total solar eclipse. This year’s planetary event — which takes place on Monday, April 8 — will pass through North America, entering on the west coast of Mexico and exiting through Nova Scotia, Canada. This means Texans will be the first Americans to see the event.
The North Western half of San Antonio lies in the path of the eclipse, with totality reaching nearby towns like Fredericksburg, Bandera, and Blanco around 1:30 p.m.
It’s said to be a stunning site that everyone will want to see, so planning ahead to secure your spot (and view) is critical. Here are 17 ways to enjoy the total solar eclipse in Central Texas.
Need a pair of eclipse viewing glasses? We got you.
For the fam
Ground Zero MusicFest | Friday, April 5-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Mansfield Park, Bandera | $65+ | Jam out to this weekend-long music festival and camp out to see the eclipse.
The Pearl Eclipse Watch Party | Monday, April 8 | Noon-3 p.m. | The Park at Pearl, 312 Pearl Pkwy. | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a DJ session with eclipse-themed food + drinks, and grab some eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last. For the adults, try the Eclipse Edition Margarita at the Park Bar inside the Food Hall.
Total Eclipse of the Park | Monday, April 8 | Noon-2 p.m. | Yanaguana Garden at Hemisfair, 434 S. Alamo St. | Free | Lick an eclipse-themed paleta and view the solar event with a free pair of glasses.
Centro Solar Celebration | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St. | Free | Join Centro San Antonio for free eclipse t-shirts + viewing glasses while enjoying an official NASA live stream of the eclipse, food trucks, and themed eats.
For the budget-friendly
Kerville Eclipse Festival | Monday, April 8 | Park opens at 7:30 a.m. | Louise Hay Park, 202 Thompson Dr. | Free | Celebrate the space event with keynote speakers, live music, family-friendly activities, and witness the eclipse totality.
City of San Antonio Solar Eclipse Events | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Various locations | Free | Join the our city at local community centers + parks for activities for the kiddos and free eclipse viewing glasses.
Total Eclipse of the Arts | Monday, April 8 | Noon-2:30 p.m. | Tobin Center Parking Garage, 227 4th St. | Free | Hang out on the top of its parking garage for free eclipse viewing glasses, food + drink vendors, and chatting with local artists.
Dark Sol Soda + Viewing Party | Monday, April 8 | Noon-2 p.m. | Sodamigo, 2610 TPC Pkwy #109 | Cost of purchase | Sip on a Dark Sol drink with a free pair of viewing glasses as you watch the total solar eclipse.
Curator Eclipse Party | Monday, April 8 | Noon-2 p.m. | Curator Coffee, 2923 Thousand Oaks Dr. Unit 4 | Free | Grab a latte and view the eclipse with a free pair of glasses as well as entering giveaways featuring eclipse-themed paintings.
For the luxury seeker
Hill Country Solar Eclipse Fest | Sunday, April 7-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Lucky Arrow Retreat, 3600 Bell Springs Rd., Dripping Springs | $575-$2,400 | This two-night glamping festival includes eclipse-approved glasses and access to heated swimming pools, hot tubs, and fire pits.
Eclipse Utopia | Sunday, April 7-Monday, April 8 | Four Sisters Ranch, 1555 Lemond Rd., Utopia | Times vary | $350-$600+ | Glamp it up at this ranch and stay for the weekend to watch the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse Brunch | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m. | The Moon’s Daughters at Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk, 115 Lexington Ave. | $99+ | Your general admission ticket will get you a brunch buffet, cosmic-themed cocktails, a pair of eclipse glasses, and a rooftop view of the event.
Total Eclipse of the Heart Rooftop Party | Monday, April 8 | 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | 1Watson, 111 Soledad St. | $97-$471 | Take your eclipse viewing experience to the next level with a brunch buffet on this rooftop.
For the outdoorsy type
Kerrclipse Music Festival | Friday, April 5-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Quiet Valley Ranch, 3876 Medina Hwy., Kerrville | $350+ | Expect to see Golden Dawn Arkestra and TheBrosFresh, alongside several other live music acts, at this festival weekend featuring camping and science presentations.
Total Eclipse Experience | Saturday, April 6-Tuesday, April 9 | Times vary | Cave Without a Name, 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne | $170+ | Celebrate the event with a three-day camping experience, complete with live music, cave tours, hiking, and cutting geodes.
Arch Ray Solar Fest | Sunday, April 7-Monday, April 8 | Times vary | Arch Ray Resort, 4160 E. US Hwy. 290, Fredericksburg | $130-$270+ | See the Goo Goo Dolls, Switchfoot, Cory Morrow, and other live music acts at this celestial festival.
The Fredericksburg Hot Air Balloon Solar Eclipse Festival | Monday, April 8 | 12-8 p.m. | Grapetown Vineyard, 8142 Old San Antonio Rd., Fredericksburg | $20-$200 | Experience hot air balloon rides, a farm-to-table dinner, wine tasting, and live music.
