TEMPLE, Texas — Central Texas will be at the heart of a rare astronomical event this April, the total solar eclipse!
Residents and visitors from across Central Texas and beyond are gearing up for the once-in-a-lifetime sight, and many local cities and businesses have already announced plans and activities during and leading up to the event.
From laser shows to music festivals to fun on the farm, here is a list of some of the activities Central Texans can enjoy to take in the total solar eclipse.
Copperas Cove "Spring Into the Eclipse Festival", Copperas Cove
The City of Copperas Cove is hosting its three-day "Spring into the Eclipse Festival" beginning April 6 and running through the day of the eclipse, April 8.
According to the City of Copperas Cove, the festival will include "some of the best food trucks of Central Texas", a vendors market, a Kids Zone, an adult softball tournament, beer and wine tents and live entertainment at Copperas Cove City Park.
For more on the festival, visit this link.
Robinson Family Farm Eclipse Fest, Temple
The Robinson Family Farm in Temple, Texas will also hold its Eclipse Fest on April 8, raising money for a good cause at the same time.
Guests are invited to grab their glasses and watch the eclipse on the farm, which they say is right in the path of totality, while enjoying food trucks, beer and wine and over 20 different attractions for all ages.
A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Temple, which provides a "home away from home" for families of sick or injured children who have to travel to Temple for medical treatment.
For more information, visit this link.
The Sun Festival, Lometa
In Lampasas County, eclipse viewers can experience the Sun Festival, a multi-day event at Lometa Regional Park.
Guests can camp out at the festival grounds and enjoy a lineup of live musicians, food trucks and "vendors of all kinds" from throughout the state.
For tickets and more information, visit this link.
Camping at Burning Goat Ranch, Burnet
Burning Goat Ranch in Burnet is also offering Texans an opportunity to camp out for the eclipse.
The ranch says eclipse glasses and dinner will be included every night with a site rental; and on eclipse day, guests can enjoy food, music and an open sky area to enjoy the phenomenon.
The ranch says Mini Pygmy Nigerian Dwarf Goats and a mini Donkey are also on site for guests to meet.
Camping is dry but the ranch says they have five Porta Potty's and will welcome tents or RV's with generators.
For more information, visit here.
Eclipse Over Central Texas at the Central Texas College Mayborn Science Theater, Killeen
The Mayborn Science Theater, located on the Central Texas College campus in Killeen, will host numerous events in the lead-up to the eclipse, including eclipse viewing itself from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on April 8.
Various shows about the eclipse will be shown at the theater beginning Friday, April 5, as well as a Dinner Under the Stars on Saturday, April 6.
For a full schedule of theater events, visit this link.
Total Eclipse Balloon Experience, Killeen
The E-Center Killeen will host The Total Eclipse Balloon Experience from April 4 to April 8, promising visitors a chance to experience an "out of this world" adventure among a space-themed display of balloons.
In addition to the balloons, the event will also feature face painting, a photo booth, paint & play, food trucks, vendors and a cocktail lounge for adults.
For more information, visit this link.
City of Killeen Arts Commission "Awaiting The Moment" Kickoff Event
The City of Killeen Arts Commission is hosting a kickoff event, from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 5 in downtown Killeen on Avenue D, between Fourth Street and Gray Street.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, fun, and anticipation with local live music from Central Texas area talent with Melz on the Mic as the host!
This free in-person event is the perfect way to start off an epic weekend celebrating this rare celestial event that will include a unveiling of the first in the Hearts of Killeen Sculpture Series by Killeen Creators.
Click here for more information.
Killeen Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce Culture on the Square Jamboree | Eclipse Edition, Killeen
The Killeen Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce has invited residents and community members to celebrate diversity and the eclipse at the Culture on the Square Jamboree: Eclipse Edition on Sunday, April 7.
From 3-9 p.m., residents can celebrate "culture, economics and entertainment" at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center, enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, games, raffles and more.
For more on the event, visit this link.
For more on the Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce, including a full calendar of events, visit this link.
Waco Symphony Orchestra 'Sci-Fi Spectacular', Waco
On April 7, the eve of the eclipse, the Waco Symphony Orchestra will perform the "Sci-Fi Spectacular: Sun, Moon and Superstars" concert.
The orchestra will perform selections from science fiction classics like "Star Wars", "Star Trek" and "Interstellar", as well as Holst's "The Planets" orchestral suite. Film critic Gary Cogill will also be in attendance to share insights on the films behind the music.
For more information, visit this link.
Eclipse viewing at Magnolia, Waco
Magnolia is hosting its own eclipse event on April 8, inviting visitors to the roof of the Magnolia Market from 1-2 p.m. to watch the eclipse.
Magnolia said the special experience will include eclipse viewing glasses, a Solar Cupcake and Lunar Cookie Pie from Silos Baking Co., a commemorative postcard and exclusive access to the rooftop lounge.
Tickets to the rooftop experience are limited, but Magnolia said the Silos grounds will be open all day for those who would like to view the eclipse.
For tickets and more information, visit this link.
Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival, Hillsboro
Get ready for four days of music, fun, and eclipse viewing at the Cosmic Cowboy Eclipse Festival from April 5 to 8.
With top artists like Chris Janson, Pat Green, and Marshall Tucker Band, plus VIP perks and RV spots, it's an event not to be missed.
Tickets range from $20 to $3,300, rain or shine. For tickets and more information, visit this link.
Texas Eclipse Festival, Burnet
Organizers have announced a huge festival to celebrate the eclipse in Burnet, the Texas Eclipse Festival.
The Texas Eclipse Festival will reportedly feature a huge lineup of live musicians over four days, art installations, space exhibits, science speakers and panels, technology activations and more.
General Admission or VIP tickets are available for the four-day festival, which will run from April 5-9 at Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet.
Various camping options will also be available on-site.
For more information, visit this link.
Solar Eclipse viewing at Bellmead Civic Center, Bellmead
The City of Bellmead has invited residents to join them at the Bellmead Civic Center from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8 for the "Solar Eclipse Experience".
The free event includes a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses for attendees as long as supplies last, so the City encourages visitors to get there early to secure their pair.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to enjoy the event in "Maximum comfort".
"Whether you're an astronomy aficionado or just looking for a unique way to spend your day, this event is for you," said the City of Bellmead in a social media post.
More information on the event can be found at this link.
Waco STEAMclipse, Waco
As part of the Eclipse Over Texas, Live From Waco event (more information on that below), the City of Waco and Education Service Center Region 12 are partnering to host STEAMclipse on April 6.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will feature hands-on experiments, crafts, demonstrations and booths diving into robotics, augmented reality, astronomy, cybersecurity and more STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) related fields at the Waco Convention Center.
The event is meant to "encourage STEAM awareness, opportunity and education in the community through interactive booths, informational presentations and performances".
More information can be found at this link.
Eclipse Over Texas: Live From Waco, Waco
The City of Waco, Baylor University, Lowell Observatory and Discovery are partnering for the Eclipse Over Texas: Live From Waco event on April 8, and the weekend before.
Central Texans and visitors are invited to Touchdown Alley at Baylor's McLane Stadium to witness the eclipse, with solar glasses included in the $20 general admission price. A full breakdown of the event can be found at this link.
The City is also hosting a variety of events throughout the weekend leading up to the eclipse, including live music, a concert and drone show, STEAMclipse, the Glow Over Waco fun run and much more. A full list of weekend events and more information on the Eclipse Over Texas festivities can be found at this link.
Solar Eclipse of the Heart/Eclipse presentation at the Bell County Museum, Belton
The Bell County Museum in Belton, Texas will host two events on Saturday, April 6 to prepare residents for the eclipse.
From 10-11:30 a.m., the museum will offer "fun and educational crafts and activities" for families to learn about solar eclipses in the Solar Eclipse of the Heart event.
At 1 p.m., NASA Ambassador Liam Finn will give a presentation on the science of solar eclipses and how eclipses have "helped shape discoveries in modern science". The Bell County Museum has partnered with the Belton Convention and Visitors Bureau for the presentation.
Both events are free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested for the presentation with Finn.
The Bell County Museum said it also has a pop-up Solar Eclipse exhibit in the Roscoe C. Harrison Auditorium leading up to the eclipse.
More information can be found at the Bell County Museum website.
Picnic at the Park total eclipse watch party, Killeen
Killeen Parks and Recreation will hold the Picnic at the Park total eclipse watch party at Lions Club Park, located at 1700 East Stan Schlueter Loop, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 8.
The event will feature designated parking, activities, one "eclipse swag bag", four pairs of eclipse glasses, four hot dogs, four chips and four drinks for $40 per car, truck or SUV.
For more information, or to register, got to visitkilleentexas.gov/rec, or contact recreation@killeentexas.gov or 254-501-6390.
For more coverage on the total solar eclipse, visit KCENTV.com/eclipse.
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