Total Eclipse Viewing Party

Event interest is high – please note RSVP does not guarantee entry.  Entry is subject to capacity.

In celebration of the first total solar eclipse in Austin, TX since 1397, the Long Center and the Simons Foundation, as part of its In the Path of Totality initiative, are hosting a FREE eclipse viewing party on the Long Center lawn and H-E-B Terrace. Doors open at 11AM in anticipation of totality, occurring at 1:36PM local time. Hosted by Radiolab’s Molly Webster, the event will feature 4 hours of entertainment, centered around the total eclipse and will provide opportunities for guests to engage with astronomers and celebrate together with the community. The Radiolab team will be recording a special episode from the Long Center, and the day will feature music by composer and Austin legend Graham Reynolds. Acclaimed writers Roxane Gay and Debbie Millman will lead guests through a visual storytelling experience. Custom eclipse-themed beer from local Austin breweries, as well as food and other refreshments, will be available during the event and the first 1000 guests to arrive will receive eclipse tote bags. All guests will receive complimentary viewing glasses.

Additional activities to commemorate the celestial event will kick off at Waterloo Greenway’s Moody Amphitheater on Sunday, April 7 with writer Maria Popova’s show “The Universe in Verse.”  The next morning, April 9, Radiolab’s Molly Webster will lead families through a reading of her book, Little Black Hole, as part of Waterloo’s Morning Glories series. The three-day-long programming is part of the Simons Foundation’s In the Path of Totality initiative. More information can be found at inthepathoftotality.org.

Thank you to our partners the Simons Foundation, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and FUSEBOX.

 

This is a high-interest event!

Event is subject to capacity and first come, first served. RSVP is no guarantee of entry. Once we reach capacity, attendees can overflow onto Auditorium Shores across Riverside Drive.

 

Schedule:

Event in partnership with the Simons Foundation

Hosted by Radiolab’s Molly Webster, engage with astronomers and other eclipse-themed activities including an original composition by Austin composer Graham Reynolds, experience totality at 1:36pm, enjoy a visual storytelling experience by writers Roxane Gay & Debbie Millman, and more.

Doors – 11am

Festivities Start – 12pm

Eclipse – 1:36pm

Festivities Continue – 1:40pm

Festivities End @ LC – 3pm (but Austin celebrations continue)

Learn more about the Simons Foundation’s In the Path of Totality initiative.

 

Parking:

Parking will be a challenge! Know your parking options ahead of time, including:

Palmer Events Center Garage // 900 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 – *Enter via the Barton Springs Rd Entrance

One Texas Center // 505 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

River South Garage // 425 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

City Hall Garage // 163 Lavaca St, Austin, TX 78701

 

Riverside Road Closure:

Riverside Drive will be closed until 2:30pm from South 1st to South Lamar. Please plan your driving route accordingly.

Use public transport or walk, bike, or ride share. CapMetro’s #10 bus stops close by at the corner of Riverside Dr and South 1st or at Barton Springs and South 1st. Plan your bus route.

Come early and stick around after the eclipse to avoid traffic.

 

The Goods:

Free eclipse-viewing glasses while supplies last

Free tote for the first 1,000 attendees

Plenty of bathrooms, food trucks, and beverage options including beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks

 

Food Trucks:

Four Brothers
Burro Cheese Kitchen
Connor’s Creamery
Texami Tacos

 

Do’s & Dont’s

YES: blankets, 1 sealed or empty reusable water bottle

NO: lawn chairs, coolers, outside food or drink, dogs or pets (with exception to identified Service Animals), weapons of any kind (firearms, pocketknives, pepper spray, etc.), camera tripods, drones, video cameras, or illegal or illicit items of any kind. No vending or soliciting is permitted.

 

Safety:

Event is rain or shine.

Event is subject to capacity – an RSVP is no guarantee of entry.

Bag check upon entry .

Free water filling stations (don’t forget your empty bottle!).