Tuesday, April 30, 2024
On April 8, Gatesville will witness 4 minutes and 23.9 seconds of a total solar eclipse. Because this rare occurrence will not cross North America again until 2044, viewers will want to find the best spot to witness the historic event.
For those seeking a spot to watch the total eclipse with friends, family, and their community, here’s a list of events and watch parties happening in and around Gatesville on the day of the eclipse:
Gatesville Sports Complex
Visitors and residents are invited to view the eclipse from Hyles Field where NASA ambassadors will bring their equipment and interact with the public. Friends of the Gatesville Public Library will offer paid parking at the Gatesville Civic Center and the Sports Complex parking lots beginning at 7 a.m. Chairs, telescopes, cameras, and coolers are allowed.
Reserve a parking space at gatesvilletxeclipse.com/eclipseviewing
Eclipse at the Crosses
Coryell Community Church is holding a free eclipse viewing event in their parking lot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event includes food trucks, games, entertainment, worship, and more. While parking is free, the church asks attendees to reserve a parking spot.
Reserve a parking space here: https://subsplash.com/coryellcommunitychurch/lb/ev/+kgw7326
The Last Drive-In Picture Show
Witness the total eclipse at The Last Drive-In Picture Show located off 2912 State Highway 36. The watch party will feature food, mini golf, eclipse swag, and other activities. Gates will open at 10 a.m.
Each ticket includes premium parking for one vehicle with up to six passengers and two pairs of eclipse glasses for $24.24. Tickets are available through The Last Drive-In Picture Show’s Facebook page.
Higginbotham Brothers
Higinbotham Brothers will open their doors for an eclipse extravaganza that includes food trucks, door prizes, vendors, with flowers and hanging baskets for sale.
Store hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit Gatesville’s Higginbotham Brothers Facebook page.
For those hoping to catch the eclipse farther away from town, several local ranches and parks are also holding events, including:
6S River Ranch
6S River Ranch on Old Georgetown Road is offering activities throughout the weekend of the eclipse, but visitors can also purchase day-of eclipse passes. The ranch will provide a variety of entertainment and food options, including live music, BBQ and other food vendors, horseback riding, fishing, and more.
Eclipse glasses and parking are included in ticket pricing. Search “Solar Eclipse Viewing at 6S River Ranch” on Eventbrite.com to purchase weekend or day passes.
Dove Nest Estate
The Dove Nest Estate event venue on County Road 342 will host camping and activities throughout the weekend of the eclipse. Events on Sunday, April 7 and Monday, April 8 will include music, food, lawn games, and movies. The venue also allows guests to bring their ATVs or offroad vehicles to explore over 15 miles of trails on the property.
Daily passes are $10. Visit Eventbrite.com and search for “Solar Eclipse Party at Dove Nest Estate” to purchase tickets and for more information on lodging and camping options.
LandJRanch
LandJRanch on King Ranch Road will host campers throughout the weekend and welcomes day-of-eclipse visitors. Activities include live music, volleyball, fishing, corn hole, food trucks, and more.
Day passes are available for $20 when purchased in advance or $25 when purchased the weekend of April 6-8.
Search for “LandJRanch 2024 Solar Eclipse Party” at Eventbrite.com to purchase passes or reserve a camping spot.
To ensure you don’t miss the total eclipse, an interactive map showing its direct path through the region can also be found on coryellcounty.org.
Editor’s note: A version of this article that ran in The Gatesville Messenger’s eclipse special section on March 30 featured a viewing event at McKamie Stadium. This event has been canceled. Tickets will be transferred to the viewing event at the Gatesville Sports Complex and Civic Center. For more information, reach out to Shea Harp at The Gatesville Public Library: 254-223-4338
