Festivals, concerts and hikes: places to see the total solar eclipse in Texas

Texas is the perfect destination to contemplate the totality of the solar eclipse that will occur next Monday, April 8, 2024. As the Moon casts its shadow on the Earth, an impressive spectacle of light and darkness will unfold that will capture the attention of thousands of spectators gathered in various parts of the southern region of the United States.

From national parks to vineyards, the homeland of cowboys has a wide variety of options to observe this unique phenomenon that will cross North America, passing through Mexico, the United States and Canada, with a maximum duration of up to four and a half minutes.

In addition to astronomical observation, Texas offers a wide range of cultural activities that will enrich this unique event. From food festivals in historic towns to art exhibitions and outdoor hikes in National Parks, there are options for all tastes and ages.

According to NASA, this phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and blocks sunlight. That is why the sky will darken as if we were witnessing sunrise or sunset. A good reason not to miss this event is that it will not occur again in Texas until 2045. There are different places to see the eclipse and these are the activities that can be done in the State:

Texas Hill Country

For lovers of wine, good food and colonial towns, this region located near Austin and San Antonio offers these options:

• Texas Eclipse Festival: A festival dedicated exclusively to the celebration of the solar eclipse, with live music, educational activities and outdoor astronomical projections.

• Eclipse Photography Workshop: A specialized workshop where attendees can learn techniques to capture images of the solar eclipse, guided by professional photographers from the region.

• Eclipse Viewing Party in Fredericksburg: A community celebration in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, where residents and visitors can witness the eclipse together.

austin

From community parties to live concerts, the capital of Texas offers several options to enjoy the eclipse in a festive and welcoming atmosphere. These are some of the featured events:

• Total Eclipse Viewing Party: This free activity will take place at the Long Center, where attendees will be able to enjoy observing the eclipse in a family-friendly environment. Certified solar eclipse glasses will be provided and experts will be on hand to provide information about the phenomenon.

• Vampire Weekend at Moody Amphitheater: An alternative entertainment option for those who want to enjoy live music while waiting for the solar eclipse.

• In the Path of Totality: Party hosted at

  Meanwhile Brewing Co.

  to celebrate the solar eclipse. This event will offer a variety of craft beers, live music, local food, and eclipse-themed activities to create a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Huge glasses to observe the eclipse installed in a park in Dripping Springs, near Austin.ADAM DAVIS (EFE)

waco

With four minutes and 13 seconds of totality, Waco is one of the best places to observe the solar eclipse by doing these activities:

• Glow Over Waco 5K & Fun Run: This race will take place on Saturday, April 6, where participants will light up the streets of Waco with neon bracelets and LED lights in anticipation of the next total solar eclipse.

• Eclipse Over Texas Live from Waco: This event includes access to a guided eclipse viewing by expert astronomers, access to telescopes, educational science activities, and a pair of certified solar glasses for all attendees.

• STEAMclipse Expo: A free, family-friendly celebration of the eclipse that promotes awareness, opportunities and education in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

dallas

The largest city in the path of total darkness for the solar eclipse is preparing to receive this phenomenon with a series of special events and preparations:

• Perot Museum: The Perot Museum of Nature and Science made an alliance with Carnegie Science so that people who attend its facilities can carry out a series of scheduled activities that will safely experience the eclipse.

• Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden: The eclipse viewing celebration will take place on April 8 in several areas of the garden. There will be activities and presentations including NASA briefings, university exhibits, encounters with astronauts and astrophysicists, eclipse discussions, and a live broadcast of Good Morning America.

• A solar eclipse celebration at Reunion Tower: This free event will allow you to witness the eclipse from the lawn of Reunion Tower and the first 1,000 attendees will receive solar glasses.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Those who engage in activities such as hiking and like to venture out to discover new places may find this State Park a perfect place to view the eclipse as the sun's rays fade and darkness descends on the ancient granite dome. There are three unmissable plans:

• Mini Star Party: a family-friendly event that combines stargazing with recreational activities with telescopes and games in designated areas of this natural area.

• Guided Trail Walk: Attendees can join a Park Ranger or volunteer on a guided tour of Enchanted Rock where they will learn about the geology, history and biology of this place.

• Enchanted Rock Summit Eclipse Viewing: A guided tour to the top of Enchanted Rock to witness the solar eclipse from one of the highest points in the region.

A woman watches the sunset at Enchanted Rock.Peter Tsai (Getty Images)

Whether you choose to view the celestial spectacle from the vineyards of the Texas Hill Country, a concert in Austin, the museums of Dallas, or the panoramic views of Enchanted Rock, one thing is certain: this will be an experience we will never forget.

So mark your calendars, pack your eclipse glasses, and prepare to witness the magic of the total solar eclipse in Texas.

Follow all the information from El PAÍS América on

Facebook

and

X

, or in our

weekly newsletter

.