With accommodation inside the 115-mile-long path of totality surging in price and cloud scientists suggesting that Texas has the highest chance of a clear view for April 8’s total solar eclipse, planning an eclipse trip is getting tricky. The answer has been there since the start—go to an eclipse festival. If you’re OK with staying in an RV or camping, then it’s a no-brainer.
Human Experience
A festival experience for the total solar eclipse won’t be for everyone. Some want quiet and some alone time with the solar system. But others want others. “Spaces to gather, celebrate and explore our place in the cosmos have been an important part of the human experience since the beginning of time and are needed now more than ever,” said Gwen Gruesen from Symbiosis, who is organizing the Texas Eclipse Festival 2024 on Reveille Peak Ranch, Burnet. “A total solar eclipse is the best headliner for any show.”
Party Time
There are many eclipse festivals in Texas, all with tickets remaining. Some include camping—and are very reasonably priced—others only offer day passes. Some have music, others have science lectures, and there is much more besides. Some are big, organized events. Others are simple campouts. Decide what you want or need—and also check this very useful interactive map showing eclipse festivals across Texas.
“People will come for the party and the headlining music artists, and that’s OK. Who doesn’t love a great party with great music?” said Gruesen. “We just hope they leave with more than they expected to.”
Eclipse Utopia
Where: Four Sisters Ranch, Utopia, Hill Country
Time and duration of totality: 1:30 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 24 seconds
More information and tickets
The Four Sisters Ranch near Bandera, Texas, is hosting the family-friendly Eclipse UTOPIA, a campout with music and unparalleled views for a maximum of 1,500 guests.
Ground Zero Music Festival
Where: Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena, Bandera, Hill Country (April 5-9)
Time and duration of totality: 1:31 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 9 seconds
More information and tickets
This five-day, four-night festival at Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena will include 20 bands across all genres, a full cowboy rodeo, stunt shows and a car and truck show—but no music during the eclipse itself.
D’Hanis Eclipse Festival
Where: Joe Finger Memorial Park, D’Hanis (April 7-8)
Time and duration of totality: 1:31 p.m. CDT, 3 minutes 40 seconds
More information and tickets
Fredericksburg 2024 Solar Eclipse Festival
Where: Grapetown Vineyard and Farm, Fredericksburg (April 8)
Time and duration of totality: 1:32 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 17 seconds
More information and tickets
Stonehenge II Eclipse Celebrations, Ingram
Where: Hill Country Arts Foundation, Ingram
Time and duration of totality: 1:31 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 25 seconds
More information and tickets
Texclipse Music Festival
Where: Junction (April 6-9)
Time and duration of totality: 1:32 p.m. CDT, 3 minutes 10 seconds
More information and tickets
Total Solar Eclipse At The Ranch
Where: Tres Molinos Hil Country Ranch & Resort, Harper (April 5-9)
Time and duration of totality: 1:32 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 19 seconds
More information and tickets
KerrEclipse 2024 Folk Festival
Where: Quiet Valley Ranch, Medina
Time and duration of totality: 1:31 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
More information and tickets
Kerrville Eclipse Festival
Where: Louise Hays Park, Kerrville (April 8)
Time and duration of totality: 1:32 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 24 seconds
More information and tickets
Planetary Society Eclipse-O-Rama
Where: The Lodge at Country Inn Cottages, Fredericksburg
Time and duration of totality: 1:33 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
More information and tickets
Texas Eclipse Festival 2024
Where: Reveille Peak Ranch, Burnet (April 5-9)
Time and duration of totality: 1:34 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
More information and tickets
As well as music, this festival has over 50 speakers, including NASA astronaut Nicole Stott talking about her Space for Art Foundation, Dr. Sian Proctor, astronaut aboard Axiom’s recent Inspiration4 mission, and Nancy Conrad of the Conrad Foundation, wife of Apollo 12 astronaut Pete Conrad.
The Sun Festival
Where: Lometa Regional Park, Lometa (April 5-9)
Time and duration of totality: 1:35 p.m. CDT, 4 mins 10 secs
More information and tickets
Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival 2024
Where: Hillsboro (April 5-8)
Time and duration of totality: 1:38 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 23 seconds
More information and tickets
Very close to the centerline off Highway 35 between Waco and Fort Worth, this festival will be at the North Outlet Mall in Hillsboro. It will include bands and a presentation by eclipse chaser Leticia Ferrer, author of the excellent book Texas Solar Eclipses.
Eclipse Over Texas
Where: McLane Stadium, Waco (April 8)
Time and duration of totality: 1:38 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 12 seconds
More information and tickets
Expect guided viewing by astronomers from Arizona’s Lowell Observatory as well as speakers and solar telescope viewing of the sun.
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Where: Gatesville
Time and duration of totality: 1:39 p.m. CDT, 4 minutes 24 seconds
More information and tickets
This classic drive-in theater will be opening for the eclipse, with tickets including parking for one vehicle (up to six passengers) and a couple of pairs of eclipse glasses.
Total Eclipse of the Park
Where: Addison Circle Park, Addison, Dallas
Time and duration of totality: 1:40 p.m. CDT, 3 minutes 30 seconds
More information and tickets
Lawn chairs, coolers and blankets are welcome at Addison Circle Park, where you should expect yoga in the park, live music and food trucks. Free event.
Total Eclipse in the Park, Irving
Where: Levy Plaza, Las Colinas, Irving, Dallas
Time and duration of totality: 1:40 p.m. CDT, 3 minutes 22 seconds
More information and tickets
This free event on the banks of Lake Carolyn will include live music, food trucks, Blue Moon beer and even a piece of the world’s largest edible Moon Pie. Those who RSVP will get free souvenir eclipse glasses.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
