With hundreds of headlines trumpeting the upcoming total solar eclipse over North Texas, it’s no secret that Tarrant County will be a hub of activity April 8. With less than a week to go, residents are finalizing plans for the special day, which will reach its peak when the moon completely covers the sun at about 1:41 p.m. in Fort Worth.
With cities in the path of the eclipse anticipating major traffic jams, viewing the eclipse from your backyard, workplace or a nearby park with a group of friends may be a more dependable option. Buy ISO-approved solar eclipse glasses ahead of time through an online retailer or in person. Museums like the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art are selling pairs in their gift shops.
While we’ve compiled dozens of eclipse-related events across Tarrant County, this list is not exhaustive. If you know about an eclipse event we should include, email Haley Samsel at haley.samsel@fortworthreport.org.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth community centers: Each of Fort Worth’s 22 community centers will host Total Eclipse in the Park watch parties starting at 1 p.m. April 8. Light refreshments and pairs of viewing glasses will be available while supplies last. Residents are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Find a community center here.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: Activities at the nature center include canoe paddling and solar scoping during the eclipse from noon to 3 p.m. Solar glasses are available for the first 50 customers. General admission ranges from free for children under 3 to $2 for older children, $3 for seniors and $6 for adults. While the $20 paddling excursion is full, residents can get on the waitlist here.
Fort Worth Zoo: Zoo staff members are partnering with a North Carolina State University research team to observe the effect of the total eclipse on animal behavior. Zoo guests are invited to participate by filling out observation forms. The zoo, which opens at 10 a.m., will hold eclipse-themed discussions throughout the day. Eclipse glasses will be available upon arrival, while supplies last.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden: The Fort Worth Botanic Garden will welcome visitors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for its Eclipse in the Garden event. While the official event costs the price of general admission and $3 for eclipse glasses, the garden will offer a free viewing area outside of the Garden Center. General admission to the garden ranges between free for children under 5 to $12 for adults. Admission and glasses are free to garden members.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Guests at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will gather on the museum’s front lawn for community science presentations, musical performances and other eclipse activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is free for children 2, and under, $12-$16 for older guests. Glasses cost $3 each. Guests can enjoy a free viewing area outside the museum where they can purchase glasses.
Fort Worth municipal golf courses: For residents ready to hit the greens April 8, the city is offering free eclipse glasses to anyone on the courses. While Meadowbrook is closed for renovations, Pecan Valley and Rockwood Park are open. Green fees are $10-$39.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art: Watch the solar eclipse from the lawn of the Amon Carter Museum in the Cultural District. Glasses are available for purchase in the museum shop for $3 each.
Book a staycation for hotel events: Hotels across Fort Worth are planning special celebrations for guests. Hotel Drover will host a special meet and greet with retired NASA astronaut Terry W. Virts beginning at noon. The Omni Fort Worth will host a “Solar-bration” viewing party on its rooftop pool deck with eclipse-themed cocktails and bites. Guests at the Crescent Hotel are invited to watch the eclipse on the Kimbell Art Museum’s lawn and enjoy a special eclipse happy hour.
Bar and restaurant specials: A wide range of bars and restaurants will offer special drinks, discounts and viewing glasses during the eclipse. Here’s a non-exhaustive sampling:
- Arcade games, glasses and patio and rooftop access at Free Play Fort Worth, beginning at 11 a.m.
- Watch parties and drink specials at Martin House Brewing Company, Rahr & Sons Brewing Co., Second Rodeo Brewing, HopFusion Ale Works, Flying Saucer Fort Worth, Birdie’s Social Club, Cowtown Winery, BoomerJack’s
- Free eclipse cookies and an opportunity to win a $100 gift card at Zoli’s Pizza
‘Star party’ at Tandy Hills: Boogie Brothers Inc. and DaisysOneWorld will host a family-friendly “Solar Eclipse Star Party” beginning at 11 a.m. in east Fort Worth’s Tandy Hills Natural Area featuring drum circles, a live DJ, food trucks and vendors. Guests can go on a trail hike following the eclipse. All proceeds will benefit Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area, which supports maintenance and programming at the park.
Head to the farmstead in southeast Fort Worth: Timberview Farmstead will host a “Total Eclipse of the Farm” event for families to enjoy a day packed with animals, games and food. A $10 ticket covers viewing glasses, hay rides and lawn games; burger and hot dog baskets are available for an additional cost.
Enjoy space-themed candy at Tanger Outlets: Staff at Tanger Outlets Fort Worth will hand out complimentary glasses and offer lawn games during the eclipse. Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop will have a variety of cosmic candies available, and hand out free taffy and bulk candy during the eclipse.
Pre-eclipse events at Fort Worth Public Library: In the runup to the eclipse, the Fort Worth Public Library is hosting “Eclipse Countdown” events for families to learn more about the science behind the event and pick up viewing glasses prior to April 8. Find an event between now and April 5 here.
Arlington, Grand Prairie
‘Solar-bration’ at UTA: The University of Texas at Arlington will open its campus to the public between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for events at the UTA Planetarium. The university will offer a limited number of free eclipse glasses at viewing locations across campus. Visitors can also purchase them in advance from the planetarium. While the ‘Solar-bration’ is free, parking is $10.
‘Total Eclipse of the Park’ at Levitt Pavilion: Free commemorative glasses will be offered to the first 3,000 guests who arrive at the Levitt Pavilion lawn in downtown Arlington. Starting at 11 a.m., a live DJ and food trucks will be on-site at the free event. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and food and beverages, including alcohol. No glass containers are allowed.
Complimentary glasses at Calloway’s: Between 1 and 2 p.m., Calloway’s Nursery locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, including in Arlington, will host watch parties with free viewing glasses and goodie bags for customers. Arts and crafts supplies will be on hand for children.
For more Arlington events, read the Arlington Report article below.
Eclipse bash at EpicCentral in Grand Prairie: Hands-on family activities, live music and commemorative T-shirts will be featured at the city of Grand Prairie’s eclipse viewing party at EpicCentral, a shopping hub near Epic Water Indoor Waterpark and new restaurants. Visit Grand Prairie is selling eclipse glasses for $3 each.
Grapevine
City celebration in Historic Main Street District: Themed music and costumed characters will fill Grapevine’s Historic Main Street April 8 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. VIP experience tickets for guests age 21 and up will include access to Peace Plaza and live music by the Joshua Ingram Band and DJ Mike B. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad will offer two excursions on eclipse day, at 9:50 and 11:50 a.m.
Space out at Meow Wolf Grapevine: Immersive art venue Meow Wolf Grapevine will offer space activities, eclipse-themed snacks and glasses starting at noon. After the eclipse concludes, the celebration will continue until 8 p.m. with food and beverages from Celestial Brewing, Nikki’s Popcorn and Hive Bakery. Tickets are $30 for kids, $50 for adults.
Brewery, restaurant deals: Hop & Sting Brewing Co., Glass Cactus, Cross Timbers Winery, Chicken N Pickle Grapevine and Bohemian Bull are among the businesses offering drink specials and watch parties during the eclipse. A $99 ticket to Hop & Sting’s party includes viewing glasses, three draft beers, brewery merchandise, live music and access to food trucks.
Family-friendly party at Great Wolf Lodge: Indoor water park and resort Great Wolf Lodge will offer eclipse viewing glasses, complimentary wolf ears for kids, crafts and a family dance party during the eclipse. Suites for a family of four start at just over $200 per night.
Southlake, Colleyville
Southlake Town Square hosts ‘celestial extravaganza’: The city of Southlake will provide free customized solar eclipse glasses and eclipse enamel pins to visitors while supplies last. Between noon and 3 p.m., visitors to Southlake Town Square can also enjoy cosmic-themed painting and crafts for kids and music from a live DJ. Food vendors will be on-site.
Free viewing glasses at Colleyville City Hall: The city of Colleyville will offer treats, music and free eclipse glasses on eclipse day.
Hurst, Euless, Bedford
Celebrate at Hurst Community Park: The city of Hurst will host its eclipse extravaganza at Hurst Community Park beginning at 12:30 p.m. Free eclipse glasses will be available while supplies last, as will NASA crafts and activities in English and Spanish.
‘Total Eclipse at the Star’ in Euless: The city of Euless will hand out free eclipse glasses to the first 2,000 attendees at its free celebration. A live DJ, bounce houses, hands-on science activities, a scavenger hunt, face painting and more will be at Euless’ The Parks at Texas Star complex, beginning at 11 a.m.
Watch parties at Bedford library, brewery: Starting at noon, the Bedford Library Greenspace will hand out free glasses (one pair per family) while supplies last. Families can bring a picnic or purchase lunch from a food truck on-site. Turning Point Beer in Bedford is also planning a solar watch party, with glasses available while supplies last.
Mansfield, Crowley, Burleson
Celebrate with Mansfield Public Library, City Hall: The city of Mansfield will host two events during the eclipse: one at City Hall and one at the Mansfield Public Library. Both events begin at noon and will offer solar glasses while supplies last. At City Hall, visitors can bring blankets and chairs and purchase food from Raising Cane’s. The library event will include eclipse activities for people of all ages.
Eclipse party at Crowley Crossing: The city of Crowley will host food trucks, games and kids activities on the Crowley Crossing lawn near City Hall. Complimentary viewing glasses will be provided while supplies last, starting at noon.
Free glasses at Burleson watch party: Educational vendors, yard games, Italian ice and a live DJ will be at Burleson’s free watch party at Mayor Vera Calvin Plaza. Free glasses will be passed out, beginning at 11 a.m., while supplies last. Rio Brazos Master Naturalists and the autism-focused nonprofit Center for ASD are also participating in the event.
Azle, Kennedale, Everman, Dalworthington Gardens
Free glasses at Azle watch party: The Azle Public Library will provide sun- and moon-themed activities and snacks, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Eclipse glasses will be provided while supplies last, and visitors are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Music and food trucks in Everman: The city of Everman will hand out free solar eclipse glasses to the first 200 guests at its watch party in Clyde Pittman Park. Festivities, including music, food trucks and other activities, kick off at 11 a.m.
Total Eclipse Camping Rally in Kennedale: Starry Night RV Resort will host multiple days of activities and sell day passes for eclipse watch parties featuring live music and food trucks. The city of Kennedale itself will host its “Totally Stellar” eclipse event with free pairs of glasses on April 6, two days before the eclipse crosses over Texas.
Take in the eclipse in Dalworthington Gardens: Food vendors, eclipse merchandise and 500 pairs of eclipse glasses will be offered at the city of Dalworthington Gardens’ viewing party in Gardens Park. The event kicks off with background and safety tips for the eclipse at 11 a.m. in City Hall’s council chambers.
This article has been updated.
Haley Samsel is the environmental reporter for the Fort Worth Report. You can reach them at haley.samsel@fortworthreport.org.
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