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    viewing parties galore

    15 best eclipse watch parties and events across Central Texas on April 8

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 20, 2024 | 2:00 pm
    The Moon's Daughters, rooftop bar, Thompson Riverwalk San Antonio hotel

    We've got the ultimate list of eclipse viewing parties.

    Photo courtesy of The Moon's Daughters

    Let's say you've already made your travel plans for the April 8 total solar eclipse. Now that you know your destination, where will you go to actually watch the solar phenomenon take place?

    Central Texas and the Hill Country are expected to be the hottest destinations for eclipse-watchers, including cities such as Uvalde, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, and Waco. Lucky for CultureMap readers, we've compiled the ultimate list of eclipse viewing parties and events with tickets still available as of publication time.

    Make sure to have those eclipse glasses on hand before the big day, although many viewing parties will likely pass around their own. The American Astronomical Society provides a comprehensive list of safe vendors and manufacturers of eclipse glasses, smartphone solar filters, telescopes, binoculars, and camera lenses.

    Eclipse events in the Hill Country

    Kuhlman Cellars
    18421 East US 290, Stonewall
    This Hill Country winery is hosting an Eclipse Party from 10 am to 4 pm, featuring a continental breakfast, Italian lunch, fun activities, and a live jazz performance from 12-3 pm. Guests will receive eclipse glasses, a commemorative sticker, and two complimentary glasses of wine in a custom Tossware keepsake glass. Attendees can take advantage of the wide open spaces at the estate to experience the eclipse, embark on vineyard tours, take blind tasting classes, and sample new wines. Tickets for the Eclipse Party are $200 for winery members, $225 for non-members, and $50 for children and young adults between 2-18 years old. Parking passes are $25 per car, and camping is not allowed on the estate. Book online via visit.kuhlmancellars.com.

    UtopiaFest
    1555 Lemond Rd, Utopia
    The final installment of the long-running UtopiaFest will take place from April 5-9 at the Four Sisters Ranch in Utopia, Texas. Scheduled performances on April 8 include Ghostland Observatory, The Texas Gentlemen, Sir Woman, South Congress Cowboy, and more. Passes for people, dogs, glampsites, RVs, and more are available via utopiafest.com.

    Bay View Restaurant & Bar
    4401 Cottonwood Dr, Cottonwood Shores
    This waterfront restaurant nestled near Marble Falls is offering a special Total Eclipse package featuring Bay View-branded eclipse glasses, a signature beverage or cocktail, and a special lunch menu selection. Tickets are $35 per person, and children and young adults under 21 will be admitted free of charge. There are limited reservations available, which can be booked via OpenTable.

    Camp Lucy
    3509 Creek Rd, Dripping Springs
    If you're looking for the ultimate all-weekend-long party, look no further than this popular resort venue in Dripping Springs. Camp Lucy's festivities begin Sunday, April 7 with a special "Stargazing and Space Exploration" presentation by NASA senior research astrophysicist Dr. Michael McElwain beginning at 7 pm. Food will be provided by food trucks from 6-9 pm. Starting at 10 am on April 8, Camp Lucy will open its viewing area at Ian's Chapel for guests to check in and wait for the partial eclipse to begin at 12:16 pm. Dr. McElwain will share two presentations throughout the day for eclipse enthusiasts. Solar glasses and a beer and wine bar with a specialty cocktail will also be available for guests, and there will be live music from Nathan Strubhart. Tickets are $197 per person, and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

    Desert Door Distillery
    211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood
    There's still time to nab early bird general admission to Desert Door's eclipse party that begins at 10 am. Austin-based tarot readers Sight and Sound Tarot will be on-site from 11-3 pm in the Rackhouse, and Nowhere Trio will perform from 1-4 pm. Admission includes parking, a free pair of eclipse glasses, entry for a special eclipse giveaway, one free cocktail, and more. Early bird tickets are $50 per person, and will increase to $60 starting March 18. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

    The Salt Lick BBQ
    18300 Farm To Market Road 1826, Driftwood
    Is it really a true celebration without barbecue? The original Driftwood Salt Lick BBQ location is hosting a celestial-themed party from 10 am to 4 pm, with special performances by Austin-based soul band Tomar and the FCs from 11:30 am to 1 pm, and Dale Watson and His Lonestars from 2-3:30 pm. Local beer, wine, and a selection of non-alcoholic options will be available for guests, as well as the Salt Lick’s "Sloppy Nachos,” sausage wraps, and chopped beef sandwiches. Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle, which includes admission for all passengers. There are a limited two vehicle passes per customer, and RVs, buses, and oversized vehicles are prohibited. Tickets can be purchased via saltlick.ticketbud.com.

    Eclipse events in the Austin area

    Hilton Austin
    500 East 4th St., Austin
    The public is invited to the rooftop pool deck at the Hilton Austin from 12:30-3:30 pm to be a part of the hotel's Eclipse and Sips viewing party, no reservations necessary. Guests can try one of the themed cocktails and mocktails like the Lunar Lemonade, Solar Sunrise, and Total Eclipse Elixir while watching the solar event with their complimentary eclipse glasses, courtesy of the Hilton. While you're there, you can also enjoy the panoramic views of downtown Austin.

    Vampire Weekend at Moody Amphitheater
    1401 Trinity St, Austin
    Rock band Vampire Weekend will be taking the stage while Central Texas is shrouded in darkness on April 8, with the concert beginning at 12 pm. It's hard to say what song the band will play for the one minute and 44 seconds of full eclipse, but it should be towards the end of the set — probably "A Punk" if they're going for impact via popularity. Concert tickets can be found on Ticketmaster.

    Fusebox Festival
    701 W. Riverside Dr, Austin
    The famous fringe performing arts event Fusebox Festival is returning to Austin from April 7-14 for a monumental celebration of its 20th anniversary. In partnership with Simons Foundation, The Long Center, and Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, the festival will host a free viewing party on the Long Center Lawn and H-E-B Terrace beginning at 11 am. The team at Radiolab record a special episode from the Long Center, there will be music by Austin composer Graham Reynolds, and many more activities for the public to participate in. Attendees can RSVP via my.thelongcenter.org.

    The Fieldhouse at the Crossover
    1717 Scottsdale Dr, Suite 160, Leander
    Beginning at 11 am to 3 pm, The Fieldhouse at the Crossover will host the ultimate eclipse party with five signature drinks, and a raffle for one lucky patron to win a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse car. A portion of the proceeds from each $8 raffle ticket will benefit the son of a Fieldhouse team member who will undergo a kidney transplant in December. DJ Paul Seacrest will provide entertainment for the event, and food will be offered through the Fieldhouse food truck park. Admission is free, and raffle tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

    Meridian 98 Rooftop Restaurant at Sonesta Bee Cave
    12525 Bee Cave Parkway, Bee Cave
    Meridian 98 inside the Sonesta Bee Cave hotel is opening early on April 8 just to welcome visitors and locals alike to experience the celestial event while indulging in eclipse-inspired dishes and drinks. Eclipse glasses will be provided to the first 100 attendees with the purchase of a cocktail, such as the Solar Eclipse specialty cocktail or the Galaxy Martini. Soul artist Tejas Bohemio is scheduled to perform from 1-4 pm. Limited spots are still available, reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at (512) 483-5900.

    Eclipse events in San Antonio

    Six Flags Fiesta Texas
    17000 IH-10 West, San Antonio
    If you're looking for the ultimate family-friendly viewing experience, Six Flags Fiesta Texas will have reduced operational hours on April 8 from 11 am to 4 pm for park guests to watch the eclipse, followed by a spectacular drone show and fireworks during the period of totality in San Antonio. The drone and firework show is not included with regular park admission, and souvenir packages will be sold separately for an additional $9.99-$49.99 per person. More information can be found on sixflags.com.

    The Moon's Daughters at Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk
    115 Lexington Ave, San Antonio
    No Sunday brunch will be able to top this spectacular solar brunch at The Moon's Daughters on the 20th floor of the Thompson San Antonio - Riverwalk hotel. From 11 am to 1:30 pm, hotel guests and the public can watch the eclipse from the indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge and bar that overlooks the city. The brunch will include live entertainment, themed cocktails, and complimentary solar glasses. Tickets are $99 per person and can be booked via hyattexperiences.com.

    La Cantera Resort & Spa
    16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio
    This award-winning spa resort is teaming up with The University of Texas at San Antonio's Department of Physics and Astronomy to provide a fun and educational eclipse event for guests. UTSA students and staff will be on-site at the resort with telescopes for party attendees to use for viewing the eclipse, and will answer questions regarding the eclipse. Eclipse glasses will be provided for all guests, and adults will receive one complimentary cocktail during the event. Light bites and lunch offerings will be available, and Finding Friday will provide entertainment for the afternoon. Tickets are $130 for adults and children ages 12 and up, and $60 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased via squadup.com.

    Natural Bridge Caverns
    26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio
    Natural Bridge Caverns will have three different eclipse viewing packages for guests: The Moon Shadow Package ($32.99 per person) which will include event parking, access to the eclipse viewing area, eclipse glasses, and discounts for cavern tours; The Dark Sky Package ($44.99 per person) which includes perks in the Moon Shadow Package, one lawn chair per person, and a souvenir water bottle; and the Totality Package ($199.99 for a minimum of two guests, max four) which includes one reserved picnic table and two lounge chairs, access to a VIP lunch buffet for up to four guests, up to four eclipse glasses and water bottles, and VIP event parking. Tickets can be purchased on naturalbridgecaverns.com.

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    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens
    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens/Facebook
    Sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours are new in Port Aransas

    Port Aransas, the beloved Texas coastal destination about three-and-a-half hours from Houston, has long been a favorite family beach getaway, where visitors can slip into "island time" with 18 miles of shoreline waves, sandcastle-worthy beaches, and plenty to keep kids entertained.

    But lately, the island has been giving grownups more reasons to get excited about the trip — or make one entirely on their own. A wave of new openings over the past few months has brought fresh bars, restaurants, boutiques, and other attractions that make Port A an even better getaway for couples, friends, and adults looking for more than a day at the beach.

    Here are eight new things to see and do in Port A this summer — or any time of year.

    Bars & Restaurants

    The Boat Bar
    Opened in March, this floating bar – originally a charter fishing boat known as The Island Queen – is anchored at the Port Aransas marina, providing a taste of the island life with its gentle motion on the water and some of the best views of the bay. The double-decker vessel offers beer, wine, frozen cocktails, and a food menu from neighboring businesses that can be delivered. (Don’t miss the black drum nachos from Jeremiah’s Dock Grill.) With seating for around 60, there’s plenty of room to stretch your sea legs. The Boat Bar is pet-friendly and family-friendly, with children welcome before dark. Open 12-10 pm daily. 154 W. Cotter Ave.

    Sip Yard
    This three-story open-air bar debuted in 2024, providing a first-of-its-kind new option for island imbibing. The ground level is family-friendly with yard games, a full bar, a stage for live music, large screens for game-watching, and multiple food vendors offering items like build-your-own pizza, tacos, Asian bowls, and Cajun cuisine. The second floor is 21-and-up and offers a livelier scene within earshot of any live music and activity below. The uncovered top floor provides picnic table seating and a breezy, bird’s eye view of the Gulf. Note that there is an occasional cover charge depending on live music acts. Open 11 am-10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 am-midnight Friday-Saturday. 123 W. Cotter Ave.

    Stout’s at the Shore
    Opened last summer by South Texas native and restaurateur Jason Stout, this elevated take on coastal cuisine is located in the heart of one of Port Aransas’ most popular vacation rental communities, Cinnamon Shore. This is Stout’s first culinary venture on the Gulf Coast, but his restaurant resume includes San Antonio-based Stout’s Pizza Company and Stout’s Signature, a fine dining restaurant that also has a location in Fredericksburg. Stout’s at the Shore is a dinner-only destination with unique cocktails like lavender smoked old fashioneds and a menu that ranges from steamed mussels and Rockefeller oysters to blackened snapper, beef tenderloin bolognese, and filet with compound herb butter and chimichurri. While the restaurant is geared toward adult dining, there is a kids menu, along with options for outdoor seating. 201 Social Cir.

    Tiki Jay’s
    Jason Stout also just opened Tiki Jay’s, a tiki bar with rum cocktails served in playful barware and mugs; and food offerings such as poke bowls, fish tacos, pulled pork sliders, and pineapple upside down cake. Opened in late May, the casual bar and restaurant is located just steps from Stout’s at the Shore. Open 4-10 pm daily. 125 Market St.

    Shopping

    The Boutiques at Cinnamon Shore
    Opened in 2025, The Boutiques at Cinnamon Shore encompass three distinct shops (Paloma, Low Tides, and The CS Collection) featuring clothing and resort wear for men, women, and children. Customers will find logo items, gifts, and high-quality T-shirts along with trendy boutique apparel and accessories including hats, sunglasses, and jewelry. There are great sale racks, too. 125 Market St.

    Saltwater Gypsies
    This fine food and gift market reopened in downtown Port Aransas in 2023 after a long hiatus due to Hurricane Harvey, which caused major destruction on the island in 2017. But there’s now a brand-new satellite location of Saltwater Gypsies, opened in April at Cinnamon Shore. The gourmet market sells everything from pantry staples and fresh eggs to tableware, sunscreen, pet treats, and cookbooks. Customers can stop by either location to stock their coolers while grabbing souvenirs and unique gifts in a pinch. 403 N. Alister St., 5009 Hwy 361.

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens/Facebook

    Sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours are new in Port Aransas

    Attractions

    Salt Island Trail at the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture
    One of Port Aransas’ most noteworthy attractions is the 1,217 acres of upland, tidal flat, marsh, and estuarine habitats that encompass the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture. It’s here that migrating and resident birds find peace amid a rare chunk of undeveloped coastal plain. There are trails where visitors can observe the habitats, but Hurricane Harvey destroyed them all in 2017. The Salt Island Trail, a $2.3 million project that was completed in early in 2025, was the last of the trails to be reconstructed. The trail is 2.2 miles round trip and features boardwalks through tidal saltmarsh that lead to the two-story Salt Island Tower. Also visit the Pavilion at the Nature Preserve for complimentary yoga every Tuesday at 12:30 pm. Registration is required. North access is at Port St. and south entrance is 2650 St. Hwy 361.

    Texas Clear Water Oyster Gardens
    This premium oyster farm is the first to operate out of Port Aransas, established by Bill and Amelia Strieber who met on the beach there in high school. Located on a two-acre site in the southern part of Aransas Bay, Clear Water Oyster Gardens offers unshucked oysters for purchase along with brand new sip-and-shuck oyster farm tours. Taking place on select Sundays, the tours ($94) include a two-hour boat ride with a welcome glass of bubbly, a bit of education by Bill Strieber, and freshly shucked oysters served onboard with curated wine pairings and sunset views. The tours are the first of their kind in Texas. 440 W. Cotter Ave., Slip B.

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