Updated Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 4:10pm
Catch your views of the total solar eclipse at watch parties and other events in Greater Houston on Monday, April 8, 2024.
In early April, Space City is in for a celestial treat as the moon and sun converge for a rare total solar eclipse over the state of Texas—something that has happened here since 1878.
In Houston, the cosmic event begins around 12:20pm, as the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, reaching peak at 1:40pm when the sun will be about 95% covered for a few minutes, before finishing the entire spectacle around 3pm.
If you’re hoping to get a look at the eclipse from within the path of totality, you may not have a chance at this stage.
Areas like San Antonio, Austin and Dallas will all be treated to a total eclipse, but reservations at nature parks, hotels and pretty much anywhere within that path have been booked up for awhile, or asking exorbitant amounts for last-minute bookings.
Still, there’s plenty of chances around the Greater Houston area where you can enjoy the celestial spectacle as it passes over our heads.
Plan Your Eclipse Viewing in Houston
Current forecasts are premature, but there’s always a chance for a cloudy day across Texas in early April.
We’ve gathered a handful of eclipse viewing parties and more great places to get outside in Houston on Monday, April 8 and catch the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Remember, if you’re planning to check out the solar eclipse, always protect your eyes when observing the sun. Special solar viewing glasses have begun to pop at areas across town (check your local H-E-B), but you can also order them quickly to arrive before Monday’s rare event.
Where to View the Total Solar Eclipse in Houston
Solar Eclipse Viewing Parties in Houston
- Solar Eclipse at the Houston Zoo – Take in a unique viewing experience as you’ll be surrounded by zoo animals as they react to the darkening sun during the eclipse. You can also grab glasses starting at 11am near the Cypress Circle Cafe. $40 for adults; $35 for ages 3 to 12. 9am to 5pm.
- Texas Solar Eclipse Celebration at Space Center Houston – Come by the Space Center on Eclipse Day for a full afternoon of fun, including complimentary viewing glasses, talks with space experts, solar system bracelet-making, inflatables, and other hands-on activities. $29.95; $24.95 for ages 4 to 11; free for ages 3 and under. 9am to 6pm.
- Local Eclipse Experience at Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land – Arrive early to the Sugar Land outpost of HMNS to explore the museum’s exhibits and make solar crafts while you await the passing of the eclipse. Expert staff and astronomers will be on hand for an educational experience, plus eclipse glasses will be provided with ticket purchases. $15. 10am to 3pm.
- Eclipse Viewing at Houston Museum of Natural Science | FREE – At the Hermann Park location of HMNS, the plaza around the Sun Dial will host an afternoon fest with telescopes, free solar activities, eclipse glasses and t-shirts, and more. Discounts available for Planetarium shows leading up to the big event. 10:30am to 3pm.
- Cosmic Eclipse Encounter at Katy Arboretum | FREE – The Arboretum park space hosts an afternoon viewing party for the eclipse, featuring lawn games and activities, plus some pre-eclipse story times and limited viewing glasses. 12:30pm to 2pm.
- Skylawn at Post Houston | FREE – Head atop Downtown’s bustling food hall and venue space to take in wide open views of the Downtown skyline and solar eclipse in the afternoon. 11am to 11pm.
- Eclipse Viewing Party at Pasadena Public Library | FREE – Swing by to witness the solar eclipse in Pasadena at this event which features limited free eclipse glasses, plus crafts, demonstrations and music. Noon to 2pm.
- Total Solar Eclipse Viewing at Independence Park in Pearland | FREE – The public park in Pearland hosts a solar eclipse viewing party with food trucks, activities and music. Noon to 2:30pm.
- Solar Eclipse Watch Party at Saengerfest Park in Galveston | FREE – Grab your free viewing glasses and enjoy interactive fun and games while safely observing the remarkable solar eclipse over the island. Noon to 3pm.
- 2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Levy Park | FREE – The Greenway park is a great place to catch this year’s eclipse. The viewing party will feature free view finders for guests, plus music from DJ Del Sur and a lunar-themed craft for kiddos. 12:30pm.
- Total Solar Eclipse at Kinder Land Bridge at Memorial Park | FREE – Head atop the Land Bridges that span Memorial Drive to catch a wide-open view of the solar eclipse from the heart of Memorial Park. You’ll also get a chance to build your own pinhole camera for eclipse viewing. 1pm to 3pm.
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