Austin may not be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on August 21, but that doesn’t mean the phenomenon will totally pass us by. According to the U.S. Naval Observatory’s Solar Eclipse Computer, Austin will experience a partial eclipse between 11:41 a.m. and 2:39 p.m. with the peak at 1:10 p.m. when the moon obscures 65.3% of the sun. Why watch the eclipse in solitude when there are parties happening all around town? Get in on the excitement and view the solar eclipse at these FREE events around Austin.
Photo Credit: NASA
Whatever you do and wherever you watch, please remember to protect your eyes!!! NASA has everything you need to know about viewing the eclipse safely right here. Did you miss your chance to purchase eclipse-viewing glasses? Learn how to make a pinhole camera for safe viewing here.
Solar Eclipse Events & Celebrations
Solar Eclipse Viewing @ University of Texas – Monday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Viewing with the Astronomy Department Heliostat will be in Robert Lee Moore Hall Room # 13.132. This room has limited space, so eclipse glasses will be handed out as people leave the room so you can continue to view the progress of the eclipse outside on your own. Quantities of eclipse glasses are limited. Additional viewing with solar filters on small telescopes will be on the footbridge over Dean Keeton Street between Robert Lee Moore Hall and ETC. FREE! UT Campus – Robert Lee Moore Hall, 2515 Speedway, Austin.
Solar Eclipse Viewing and Sundial Grand Opening – Monday, August 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Visit the new Human Sundial on the way to planetarium shows featuring the total solar eclipse. Find out how people tracked time in earlier days with the new Human Sundial and learn about how the sun’s travels creates a record of time. Experience a total solar eclipse in utter darkness in a planetarium, then join venture out to the meadow to observe the moon’s shadow crossing the sun.FREE! Austin Science & Nature Center, 2389 Stratford Dr, Austin.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party @ Wells Branch Community Library – Monday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Witness the solar eclipse at the library. They’ll have free solar glasses, refreshments, and information about the eclipse. FREE! Wells Branch Community Library, 15001 Wells Port Dr, Austin.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party (Cedar Park) – Monday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eclipse glasses and snocones will be provided. FREE! Cedar Park Eye Care, 210 N Lakeline Blvd, Ste 100, Cedar Park.
Solar Eclipse Party (Elgin) – Monday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Solar viewing glasses will be available for use. Take a turn viewing the eclipse and enjoy hanging out with your community. FREE! Veterans’ Memorial Park, 109 Depot St, Elgin.
Solar Eclipse Event (Pflugerville) – Monday, August 21 from 11:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. The Pflugerville library has fun activities scheduled and eclipse viewing glasses will be available courtesy of StarNet. (One pair of glasses will be provided per person age 4 and older.) The event will start with a short informational session on safe viewing. Then, take your glasses outside to view the eclipse (weather permitting). Peak viewing time will be between 1-1:15 pm. A craft will also be available while supplies last. Finish the afternoon with a screening of Wall-E at 2:00 p.m. (Rated G). FREE! Pflugerville Public Library, 1008 Pfluger St W, Pflugerville.
Solar Eclipse Afternoon: Make Pinhole Projectors – Monday, August 21 from noon to 2:00 p.m. The library is having a solar eclipse watching party! Make pinhole projectors and watch the sun disappear. FREE! APL – Howson Branch, 2500 Exposition Blvd, Austin.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party (Round Rock) – Monday, August 21 from noon to 2:00 p.m. Round Rock Public Library, in partnership with the Space Science Institute, invites you to experience the solar eclipse over Round Rock. The party will be in Prete Plaza while the moon’s shadow moves across the area. There will be a variety of activities to share to increase your enjoyment of the event. Safe, solar viewing glasses will be available. FREE! Prete Main Street Plaza, 221 E Main St, Round Rock.
Eclipse Watching Party @ Balcones District Park – Monday, August 21 at 1:10 p.m. Join neighbors for a viewing at the Balcones District Park. Bring your own glasses. FREE! Balcones District Park, 12017 Amherst Dr, Austin.
