(Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Austin)
GET READY, HOUSTON. On April 8, a celestial showcase like no other will cover the skies in a total solar eclipse. It’s the first to reach Texas since 2017 and there won’t be another one for 20 years. While Texas cities including Austin, San Antonio, Fort Worth and some points between will be directly under the path of totality, Houston will present plenty of fun chances to grab a glimpse if you are in the right place. Here’s where to be!
HOUSTON: Memorial Park Conservancy
Join the celebration at the Kinder Park Land Bridge (West Mound) April 8 from 1pm-3pm. The viewing party will include practical information on how to safely view an eclipse and how to build your own pinhole camera. Lawn chairs and sun protection are highly encouraged. RSVP here.
HOUSTON: Houston Museum of Natural Science
HMNS
HMNS is inviting Houstonians to view the total eclipse at the museum’s sundial at 12:20pm. Viewing glasses will be on offer for purchase. HMNS will be live streaming the eclipse from Bandera, a town northwest of San Antonio.
HOUSTON: Cornelius Nursery
Visit Cornelius Nursery’s five stores across Houston and Galveston for a watch party. The family-friendly gathering will provide free viewing glasses for attendees, who will also receive a bag of stargazing gifts. Kids can enjoy crafts at the children’s stations.
HOUSTON: Levy Park
On April 8 at 12:30pm, the Upper Kirby Park and gathering spot will host a Solar Eclipse viewing party featuring music from DJ Del Sur. Included is a lunar-themed craft for kids of all ages, and free viewfinders so guests can safely enjoy.
HOUSTON: Four Seasons Houston
Four Seasons Houston's rooftop pool
Join the Four Seasons Hotel on the pool deck for fresh air, a delicious lunch, and a total solar eclipse at noon on April 8. The hotel will provide protective eyewear so that you can safely view this natural phenomenon that won't occur again until 2044.
HOUSTON: Space Center Houston
If you're looking for a fun — and appropriate — spot to watch in Space City, head down to Space Center Houston for the Total Solar Eclipse Celebration. All guests will receive a complimentary pair of eclipse glasses!
AUSTIN: Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Austin’s finest hotel invites guests and locals to experience, beyond a shadow of a doubt (and under the shadow of the moon), one of the rarest events — the 2024 Great American Total Solar Eclipse — with a “Celestial Celebration” picnic on April 8. The event for the Total Solar Eclipse will be full of activities including a BBQ lunch, live music and activities for the whole family. On hand will be an expert astrophysicist and solar telescopes for safe sun viewing.
SAN ANTONIO: Thompson Hotel Riverwalk
Thompson Hotel San Antonio rooftop
On April 8, San Antonio will be one of the few cities to witness its path of totality. San Antonio, being the largest city in the path, is a prime place for visitors to witness the natural phenomenon. The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Moon's Daughters, inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, and will be hosting a Solar Brunch from 11am-1:30pm. To celebrate the extraordinary event, the brunch will include themed cocktails, entertainment, as well as custom solar eclipse glasses for all guests to enjoy.
HILL COUNTRY: Messina Hof
This iconic Fredericksburg-area winery will be celebrating the eclipse from 10am-6pm with wine tastings, food offerings, and more. Bring chairs and blankets for the west lawn, and with limited parking, car-pooling is strongly encouraged. Tickets include eclipse glasses, two drink passes, and a commemorative wine glass.
HILL COUNTRY: William Chris Vineyards
William Chris Vineyards new tasting room
Astronomer-led lessons, live country tunes, a custom picnic blanket, plus breakfast, lunch and two bottles of wine? Say no more. William Chris Vineyards in Hye hosts this unforgettable celebration on April 8.
Photo courtesy Visit Jackson Hole
A summer view from a suite balcony