North Texas is preparing for a total solar eclipse on April 8, an astronomical event that promises to be a memorable spectacle. It will offer a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to witness daytime darkness as the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun.

The eclipse will enter the United States at 1:27 p.m. in Eagle Pass, and will grace North Texas skies starting at 1:40 p.m. Fort Worth will experience totality for approximately two minutes and 33 seconds, while Dallas will be treated to a full three minutes and 51 seconds of darkness. This eclipse is special as because it is the last visible in the contiguous United States for the next 20 years. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.

To fully enjoy the eclipse, it is essential to use proper eye protection. Eclipse glasses are a must to prevent eye damage, and can be found at local stores, public viewing events or online. With the right protection, viewers can safely enjoy the eclipse’s phases as the moon makes its celestial journey.

A variety of events are planned across North Texas to celebrate the eclipse. The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History Noble Planetarium is hosting educational sessions, complete with expert commentary and live music from the Navy Band Southeast Brass Quintet. The museum’s front lawn and the Fort Worth Botanic Garden are prime viewing spots. Dallas will host multiple viewing locations to accommodate the expected influx of eclipse enthusiasts and local hotels are reporting a surge in bookings.

Solar Eclipse Events in North Texas

Addison: Addison Circle Park from 11 a.m. with yoga, live music, food trucks and more.

Arlington: Levitt Pavilion downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with family activities and music.

Bedford: Bedford Library Solar Eclipse Watch Party from noon to 2 p.m., with food trucks and free glasses.

The Colony: Stewart Creek Park event from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring solar viewing stations, crafts and free solar glasses.

Coppell: Andrew Brown Park from noon to 3 p.m., with games, popcorn, prizes and music.

Corsicana: Downtown celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with food, face painting, live music, and all-day activities.

Dallas: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Downtown Dallas activities from April 5 to 8.

Ennis: Downtown Ennis starting at 10 a.m., with family activities and food trucks.

Euless: Parks at Texas Star from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with family activities and 2,000 glasses available.

Everman: Clyde Pittman Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with music, food trucks and glasses for the first 200 people.

Fort Worth: Botanical Garden and Museum of Science and History from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with educational activities.

Mansfield: Activities with live music, art, food from April 6 until the eclipse day.

Plano: Windhaven Meadows Park and Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve from noon to 3:30 p.m., with glasses available at the visitor center.

Southfork Ranch - Parker: Eclipse & Sip event from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. with garden chairs and complimentary eclipse glasses.

Waxahachie: Festivities from April 6 to 8.

White Settlement: Total Eclipse at the Park in Veteran’s Park from 12:30 p.m., with activities, concessions and free solar glasses.