Where to watch the total solar eclipse in North Texas

Texans are preparing to experience the total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, a total eclipse will be visible from the U.S. for the last time until 2045.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun, the moon and Earth are aligned. The moon, directly between the sun and Earth, casts a shadow on the planet, darkening the daytime sky. Those in the dark part of the moon’s shadow (the umbra) will experience a total eclipse, while those in the light part (the penumbra) will see a partial eclipse.

You don't want to miss this rare event!

We have gathered some activities that cities in North Texas will have for the whole family (in alphabetical order):

ADDISON

Addison Circle Park will host "Total Eclipse of the Park" - beginning at 10 a.m. going through 4 p.m. They will have several activities such as yoga, live music, food trucks and more.

ARLINGTON

Activities will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion in Downtown Arlington for "Total Eclipse of the Park," a free eclipse-watching party and celebration. There are activities for the whole family, music and more. CosMc's, the new McDonald's concept restaurant with a beverage-focused menu, is opening an Arlington location at 300 East Abram that same day and will join "Total Eclipse of the Park" as an event partner.

BEDFORD

The Bedford Library will host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be food trucks or you can bring your own picnic for your family. They will be giving out glasses (1 per family) while they last.

THE COLONY

The Colony Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), The Colony Public Library, and The Colony Parks & Recreation will host an eclipse event from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Stewart Creek Park in The Colony. The free, all-ages event will include solar viewing stations, crafts, and free solar glasses (while supplies last). More information can be found here.

COPPELL

Coppell's "Total Eclipse of the Park" will take place at Andrew Brown Park from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. They will have games, popcorn, prizes, music and more. Glasses will be available while they last.

CORSICANA

The city of Corsicana will have a big celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. downtown with food, face painting for kids, live music and more. On the day of the eclipse, they will have activities all day.

DALLAS

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is joining in on the festivities for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, by opening the Doggy Daycation program to the public. Everyone is welcome to participate, and outings can last anywhere from one hour to all day. To book a Doggy Daycation, Dallas residents and visitors coming to witness the solar eclipse can make an appointment here. 50 slots will be available until filled.

Luxury department store, Stanley Korshak, will hold an eclipse party on the second-floor terrace outside at Crescent Court. Refreshments will be available and guests can register to win a Stanley Korshak gift card during the event.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - This event is now SOLD OUT. Downtown Dallas will have activities from April 5 through 8. There will be food trucks, yoga, crafts and more. For the complete itinerary, you can access it here.

The Frontiers of Flight Museum, neighboring Dallas Love Field (DAL), will host a Solar Eclipse Viewing Event on April 8, 2024, collaborating with esteemed partners DAL, Celestron, Astronomy Magazine, and the Weather Channel. This event will provide an awe-inspiring experience to the general public, fostering a connection with the extraordinary celestial phenomenon of a solar eclipse. The free event required registration and is SOLD OUT.

Dallas Park and Recreation will hold Totality Dallas, a festival starting Saturday, April 6, and continuing until the eclipse passes on Monday, April 8, at Samuell Farm Park in Mesquite. In addition to regular activities such as kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, and geocaching that are offered throughout the 600-acre park, overnight camping will be available. Tickets for the family-friendly event start at $3 for day passes.

MAP OF SOLAR ECLIPSE PATH

ENNIS

April 8 in Downtown Ennis will begin at 10 a.m. with activities for the whole family, food trucks and more. For other activities during the weekend and even camping you can access it here.

EULESS

Parks at Texas Star from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Family activities with bounce houses, balloon artists, face painting for kids, crafts and more. They will have 2,000 glasses available for attendees (while supplies last).

EVERMAN

Clyde Pittman Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be music, food trucks, activities and glasses for the first 200 people.

FORT WORTH

Botanical Garden and the Museum of Science and History - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be educational activities in both locations. Solar eclipse glasses will be available for purchase for $3 in addition to the general admission price. Free admission and glasses are offered with Garden and Museum membership. 

Tarrant County College's Northwest Campus at 4801 Marine Creek Parkway in Fort Worth will host a Solar Eclipse Watch Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be viewing glasses available while they last and information about the eclipse and fun.

The Fort Worth Stockyards announced their event for the total solar eclipse viewing. From 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a free solar eclipse viewing party will be held at the Livestock Exchange Lawns. The Stockyards will be holding solar eclipse events throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found here.

Sundance Square Plaza in Fort Worth will host a viewing event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music.

GRAND PRAIRIE

EpicCentral will host a solar eclipse watch party at 2961 State Hwy 161 on Monday, April 8. Live music from Bandolero, hands-on activities & more will lead up to the total solar eclipse.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! will be celebrating this "Astro Oddity" with a free watch party and a special guest at its Grand Prairie location at 601 E. Palace Pkwy. More information can be found here.

GRAPEVINE

Meow Wolf at Grapevine Mills is hosting a solar eclipse watch party. From noon to 3 p.m. on April 8, guests will be invited to participate in several 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. Inside the exhibition, guests can consult the stars with tarot readings, interactive art, and more inside The Real Unreal. To participate in this event, guests simply must reserve a ticket for April 8th at The Real Unreal. Those interested in attending the viewing party should reserve a time slot before noon.

GREENVILLE

The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville will be open Monday, April 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a fee of $8 per person. Children 5 and under have free admission. The ticket includes admission to the museum and space on the grounds to watch the solar eclipse. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets will be allowed. Click here for more information or call (903) 450-4502 for details.

IRVING

Irving-Las Colinas will hold their Total Eclipse in the Park at Levy Event Plaza from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The eclipse will take place over two hours, with the maximum viewing time in Irving at 1:42 p.m.

MANSFIELD

The city will have several activities and events leading up to the day of the eclipse with live music, art, food and more from Saturday, April 6 until Monday, April 8. You can access the entire calendar here.

PLANO

The city will have two locations from noon to 3:30 pm at Windhaven Meadows Park at 5400 Windhaven Parkway and Oak Point Park & ​​Nature Preserve at 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway. You can get your glasses at the Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. two per family (limited). During the activity, there will be employees handing out glasses while they last.

SOUTHFORK RANCH - PARKER

Southfork will host Eclipse & Sip, a free solar eclipse viewing experience on the Ewing Mansion lawn from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Guests will have access to garden chairs and complimentary eclipse glasses, while supplies last. Picnic blankets are permitted. While outside food and beverages are not allowed at Eclipse & Sip, a selection of $20 boxed lunches will be available to guests for purchase. Admission for Eclipse & Sip is free, but RSVPs are required. Click here for more details.

WAXAHACHIE

The city will have festivities from April 6 to 8. You can access the entire calendar here.

WHITE SETTLEMENT

It'll be a Total Eclipse at the Park in Veteran's Park from 12:30 p.m. at 8901 Clifford Street starting at 12:30 p.m. There will be lots of activities and concessions for the whole family and free solar glasses (while they last). If there is inclement weather, the activities will be moved into the Recreation Center gym where a live stream will be on the projector screen.