In case you haven't heard, a total solar eclipse is crossing North America on April 8. The moon will completely block the sun, turning daylight into darkness. Texas is going to be one of the best places in the U.S. to see it, because the sky will remain dark for the longest period of time - somewhere between 3 to 4 minutes.
You could watch it from the comfort of your own home, but venues around Dallas-Fort Worth are stepping up, and there's no shortage of places ready to play host, from hotels to public parks to restaurant parking lots.
Here our list of every eclipse watch opportunity in Dallas-Fort Worth. (Events are on April 8 unless otherwise noted.)
Bill Allen Memorial Park. Community park in The Colony will have a viewing party featuring eclipse-themed science exhibits, an art exhibit, and a progressive rock performance from the band Girls on Bikes. Free. 11 am-3 pm.
Birdcall. Chicken sandwich chain will host viewing parties in the parking lots of all its Texas locations. From April 2-8, they’ll offer a special “Totality Shake” (vanilla base with black tahini and Oreo crumbles) that comes with a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses, while supplies last. Free. Around 1:40 pm. Carrollton 469-896-0050, Frisco 325-229-5551, Richardson 469-903-0007.
Calloway’s Nursery. Gardening retail chain will host family-friendly watch parties at all 22 of its DFW locations. They’ll include complimentary eclipse glasses, goody bags, and kids crafts. Free. 1 pm-2 pm.
The Constellation Club. Irving social club will offer a lunch buffet and complimentary eclipse glasses. $25. 11 am-2 pm. 972-869-2266.
Cotton Bowl Stadium. Fair Park stadium will host a family-friendly educational experience with solar and space experts including famous astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson and scientists from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation. Free with registration required. 9:30 am-2 pm. 214-670-8400.
The Eyeboretum. Iconic downtown Dallas eye sculpture and surrounding garden will have cocktails, snacks, and complimentary eclipse glasses available. Patrons at Sassetta, CBD Provisions, or Mirador on April 8 will receive a free ticket to the experience. Otherwise included with admission to The Eye, which is $10-$25 per person. 11 am-3 pm. 214-748-1300.
Grandscape. Spectators can watch the eclipse at Grandscape’s Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Stage & Lawn with music and complimentary eclipse glasses. Free. 12 noon-2 pm. 972-668-2222.
Hall Arts Hotel. Arts District hotel is hosting a lunch with eclipse-themed cocktails and dishes at its eatery Ellie's Restaurant & Lounge. They’ve also partnered with Dallas-based jeweler Skibell Fine Jewelry to host a pop-up selling custom jewelry, rare gemstones, and eclipse-inspired pieces. April 5-8. 972-629-0924.
HG Sply Co. Restaurant chain’s Lower Greenville location will host a rooftop viewing party with solar eclipse glasses, a live DJ, photo opps, and a $12 themed cocktail. Reservations encouraged. 12-4 pm. 469-334-0895.
Hilton Anatole. Dallas Design District hotel will open its resort-style pool complex Jade Waters for viewing the eclipse, with solar-themed cocktails at a swim-up bar. Included with admission to the resort, which is $27.26. 214-748-1200.
Hotel Drover. Hotel in the Fort Worth Stockyards will have live music, themed treats and cocktails, and Hotel Drover-branded eclipse glasses. 12-3 pm. 817-755-5557.
Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection. Grapevine hotel will host a “Lunar Lunch” event in their outdoor wine yard, with champagne and eclipse viewing glasses. $102. 11:30 am-1:45 pm. 817-796-9696.
José. Mexican restaurant on Dallas' Lovers Lane will offer two $15 themed margaritas and other food and drink specials, plus complimentary eclipse glasses. Free admission, but reservations are encouraged. All day. 214-891-5673.
JW Marriott Dallas. Dallas Arts District hotel will hold a pre-eclipse happy hour hosted by astronomer Anthony Pahl, who will explain the significance of this rare phenomenon and provide insights for prime eclipse viewing the following day. $49. April 7 from 5 pm-6:30 pm. 214-347-9499.
Kimpton Pittman Hotel. Deep Ellum hotel is hosting a viewing party with live music, themed drinks, tarot card readings, lunch specials, and eclipse glasses available for purchase. Free admission. 11 am-2 pm. 469-498-2500.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. All DFW locations will offer a 15 percent discount on dine-in orders when customers use the code word “Eclipse.” Patrons may also view the eclipse from Lazy Dog’s patios, which are built around a fire pit and lounge area. All day. Arlington 682-276-7300, Euless 682-738-0861.
Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh. Uptown Dallas hotel will transform its poolside area into a lunch and beer garden where guests can view the eclipse. They’ll sell $5 beers from Tupps Brewery, Deep Ellum Brewery, and Bishop Cider, among others. $35 for admission and solar eclipse glasses; $65 includes three-course lunch and wine. 12 noon-4 pm. 214-871-7111.
Main Street Garden. Downtown Dallas park will partner with The Dallas Morning News to host a family-friendly viewing event with live music, food trucks, shopping, an interactive art installation, roaming photo booth, cash bar, and complimentary eclipse glasses. Free with RSVP. 10 am-3 pm.
Mesa Mezcal. Restaurant at the Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas will host "Cocktails & Cosmic Conversations" features cocktails and a chat about the mysteries of the solar eclipse and cosmos wonderment with a lecture and Q&A by an astronomer from the Carnegie Institution for Science, facilitated by the Perot Museum of Nature & Science. April 7, 5-7 pm. Tickets are $15. 972-505-2900.
Monarch. Downtown Dallas Italian restaurant will have a three-course lunch followed by a viewing party with complimentary eclipse glasses at Kessaku, a lounge on the 50th floor of the same building. $99 or $150 to add a wine pairing and guaranteed window seat.
Peace Plaza in Grapevine. VIP Solar Eclipse Party in historic downtown Grapevine includes live music, artist Marisa Jean live-painting, stilt walkers, tote bag, food and beverage vouchers to be redeemed in Harvest Hall. Tickets are $100 to $275. 11 am-3 pm.
Pool Club. Fourth floor rooftop bar at Virgin Hotels Dallas will have live music, entertainment, and food and drink specials. $20 for general admission with first-come first-serve seating, $150 for two with a reserved daybed on the pool deck, or $350 for six with a reserved cabana. 11 am-5 pm. 469-359-7700.
Reunion Tower. Spectators can view the eclipse from the lawn of Dallas' Reunion Tower. Food vendors such as Dog With No Name, Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe and Chick-fil-A will be on-site. The first 1,000 people will receive complimentary solar eclipse glasses and vouchers to visit the tower’s GeO-Deck post-eclipse. Free. 10 am-2 pm. 214-296-9950.
Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. Celestial soiree will take place on Fearing's Live Oak Patio, offering the optimal viewing spot. Event will serve delectable light bites and celestial-inspired beverages, all themed to enhance the eclipse experience, plus live entertainment and experiences to accompany your cosmic journey. Tickets are $49. 12-3 pm. 214-922-4848.
Rooftop Cinema Club Fort Worth. Outdoor movie theater at the Worthington Hotel will host an evening screening of A Star is Born, with a concession-style menu of pretzels, hot dogs, pulled pork tacos, and nachos. 18+. $19-$26.
Sky Blu Rooftop Bar. Dallas Design District bar will allow guests to view the eclipse from the rooftop, with complimentary eclipse glasses. Instead of purchasing a ticket, guests must make an $8 donation to Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas at the door to get a spot. 11 am-2 pm. 214-741-3000.
The Sound at Cypress Waters. Join The Sound at Cypress Waters for "Total Eclipse of The Sound," the ultimate total solar eclipse watch party. They'll provide complimentary eclipse glasses for a safe and unforgettable viewing experience, plus free cookies. You read that right: FREE COOKIES. 11 am-3 pm.
Southfork Ranch. Event venue in Parker will host Eclipse & Sip, featuring complimentary eclipse glasses, $20 lunch boxes, and a cash bar with themed cocktails. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Free with reservation. 11:30 am-2 pm. 972-442-7800.
Stewart Creek Park. Public park in The Colony will have themed crafts and activities, giveaways, food vendors, yard games, and viewing stations for the eclipse. Free. 12:30 pm-2:30 pm.
Totality Dallas at Samuell Farm. Mesquite farm will host a family-friendly eclipse-weekend festival with a drone show, outdoor movie feature, educational activities, and food trucks. $5 per day. Sunday 10 am-10 pm, Monday 9 am-5 pm. 214-670-8740.
Trinity Park Conservancy. Family-friendly event at the Trinity River in Dallas with astronomy experts, music, games, contests, and crafts at the Ron Kirk Pedestrian Bridge & Felix Lozada Gateway. The first 3,000 people will receive free eclipse glasses. Free. 12 noon-2 pm. 214-740-1616.
Westin Dallas Downtown. Watch the eclipse outside the Willow Pavilion at The Westin Dallas Downtown. A $5 ticket provides protective eyewear, a complimentary sip, and a light bite. Other food and drink will be available for purchase and there will be activity kits to assemble for children spending time at CMN Hospitals while you wait for the Eclipse to form. 11:30 am-2:30 pm. 972-584-6650.
Westin Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas. Solar Eclipse Sip ‘n See includes a day pass access to heated pool, hot tub, towel service, and a Solar Eclipse watch party with protective eyewear, themed food, and cocktails for sale, plus an appearance by local astrologer and numerologist Karen Love who will talk about the significance of the solar event. $25, all ages. 11 am-3 pm. 972-505-2900.