• Home
  • popular
  • Events
  • Submit New Event
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • News
  • Restaurants + Bars
  • City Life
  • Entertainment
  • Travel
  • Real Estate
  • Arts
  • Society
  • Home + Design
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Innovation
  • Sports
  • Charity Guide
  • children
  • education
  • health
  • veterans
  • SOCIAL SERVICES
  • ARTS + CULTURE
  • animals
  • lgbtq
  • New Charity
  • Series
  • Delivery Limited
  • DTX Giveaway 2012
  • DTX Ski Magic
  • dtx woodford reserve manhattans
  • Your Home in the Sky
  • DTX Best of 2013
  • DTX Trailblazers
  • Tastemakers Dallas 2017
  • Healthy Perspectives
  • Neighborhood Eats 2015
  • The Art of Making Whiskey
  • DTX International Film Festival
  • DTX Tatum Brown
  • Tastemaker Awards 2016 Dallas
  • DTX McCurley 2014
  • DTX Cars in Lifestyle
  • DTX Beyond presents Party Perfect
  • DTX Texas Health Resources
  • DART 2018
  • Alexan Central
  • State Fair 2018
  • Formula 1 Giveaway
  • Zatar
  • CityLine
  • Vision Veritas
  • Okay to Say
  • Hearts on the Trinity
  • DFW Auto Show 2015
  • Northpark 50
  • Anteks Curated
  • Red Bull Cliff Diving
  • Maggie Louise Confections Dallas
  • Gaia
  • Red Bull Global Rally Cross
  • NorthPark Holiday 2015
  • Ethan's View Dallas
  • DTX City Centre 2013
  • Galleria Dallas
  • Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty Luxury Homes in Dallas Texas
  • DTX Island Time
  • Simpson Property Group SkyHouse
  • DIFFA
  • Lotus Shop
  • Holiday Pop Up Shop Dallas
  • Clothes Circuit
  • DTX Tastemakers 2014
  • Elite Dental
  • Elan City Lights
  • Dallas Charity Guide
  • DTX Music Scene 2013
  • One Arts Party at the Plaza
  • J.R. Ewing
  • AMLI Design District Vibrant Living
  • Crest at Oak Park
  • Braun Enterprises Dallas
  • NorthPark 2016
  • Victory Park
  • DTX Common Desk
  • DTX Osborne Advisors
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2012
  • DFW Showcase Tour of Homes
  • DTX Neighborhood Eats
  • DTX Comforts of Home 2013
  • DTX Auto Awards
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2017
  • Nasher Store
  • Guardian of The Glenlivet
  • Zyn22
  • Dallas Rx
  • Yellow Rose Gala
  • Opendoor
  • DTX Sun and Ski
  • Crow Collection
  • DTX Tastes of the Season
  • Skye of Turtle Creek Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival
  • DTX Charity Challenge
  • DTX Culture Motive
  • DTX Good Eats 2012
  • DTX_15Winks
  • St. Bernard Sports
  • Jose
  • DTX SMU 2014
  • DTX Up to Speed
  • st bernard
  • Ardan West Village
  • DTX New York Fashion Week spring 2016
  • Taste the Difference
  • Parktoberfest 2016
  • Bob's Steak and Chop House
  • DTX Smart Luxury
  • DTX Earth Day
  • DTX_Gaylord_Promoted_Series
  • IIDA Lavish
  • Huffhines Art Trails 2017
  • Red Bull Flying Bach Dallas
  • Y+A Real Estate
  • Beauty Basics
  • DTX Pet of the Week
  • Long Cove
  • Charity Challenge 2014
  • Legacy West
  • Wildflower
  • Stillwater Capital
  • Tulum
  • DTX Texas Traveler
  • Dallas DART
  • Soldiers' Angels
  • Alexan Riveredge
  • Ebby Halliday Realtors
  • Zephyr Gin
  • Sixty Five Hundred Scene
  • Christy Berry
  • Entertainment Destination
  • Dallas Art Fair 2015
  • St. Bernard Sports Duck Head
  • Jameson DTX
  • Alara Uptown Dallas
  • Cottonwood Art Festival fall 2017
  • DTX Tastemakers 2015
  • Cottonwood Arts Festival
  • The Taylor
  • Decks in the Park
  • Alexan Henderson
  • Gallery at Turtle Creek
  • Omni Hotel DTX
  • Red on the Runway
  • Whole Foods Dallas 2018
  • Artizone Essential Eats
  • Galleria Dallas Runway Revue
  • State Fair 2016 Promoted
  • Trigger's Toys Ultimate Cocktail Experience
  • Dean's Texas Cuisine
  • Real Weddings Dallas
  • Real Housewives of Dallas
  • Jan Barboglio
  • Wildflower Arts and Music Festival
  • Hearts for Hounds
  • Okay to Say Dallas
  • Indochino Dallas
  • Old Forester Dallas
  • Dallas Apartment Locators
  • Dallas Summer Musicals
  • PSW Real Estate Dallas
  • Paintzen
  • DTX Dave Perry-Miller
  • DTX Reliant
  • Get in the Spirit
  • Bachendorf's
  • Holiday Wonder
  • Village on the Parkway
  • City Lifestyle
  • opportunity knox villa-o restaurant
  • Nasher Summer Sale
  • Simpson Property Group
  • Holiday Gift Guide 2017 Dallas
  • Carlisle & Vine
  • DTX New Beginnings
  • Get in the Game
  • Red Bull Air Race
  • Dallas DanceFest
  • 2015 Dallas Stylemaker
  • Youth With Faces
  • Energy Ogre
  • DTX Renewable You
  • Galleria Dallas Decadence
  • Bella MD
  • Tractorbeam
  • Young Texans Against Cancer
  • Fresh Start Dallas
  • Dallas Farmers Market
  • Soldier's Angels Dallas
  • Shipt
  • Elite Dental
  • Texas Restaurant Association 2017
  • State Fair 2017
  • Scottish Rite
  • Brooklyn Brewery
  • DTX_Stylemakers
  • Alexan Crossings
  • Ascent Victory Park
  • Top Texans Under 30 Dallas
  • Discover Downtown Dallas
  • San Luis Resort Dallas
  • Greystar The Collection
  • FIG Finale
  • Greystar M Line Tower
  • Lincoln Motor Company
  • The Shelby
  • Jonathan Goldwater Events
  • Windrose Tower
  • Gift Guide 2016
  • State Fair of Texas 2016
  • Choctaw Dallas
  • TodayTix Dallas promoted
  • Whole Foods
  • Unbranded 2014
  • Frisco Square
  • Unbranded 2016
  • Circuit of the Americas 2018
  • The Katy
  • Snap Kitchen
  • Partners Card
  • Omni Hotels Dallas
  • Landmark on Lovers
  • Harwood Herd
  • Galveston.com Dallas
  • Holiday Happenings Dallas 2018
  • TenantBase
  • Cottonwood Art Festival 2018
  • Hawkins-Welwood Homes
  • The Inner Circle Dallas
  • Eating in Season Dallas
  • ATTPAC Behind the Curtain
  • TodayTix Dallas
  • The Alexan
  • Toyota Music Factory
  • Nosh Box Eatery
  • Wildflower 2018
  • Society Style Dallas 2018
  • Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 2018
  • 5 Mockingbird
  • 4110 Fairmount
  • Visit Taos
  • Allegro Addison
  • Dallas Tastemakers 2018
  • The Village apartments
  • City of Burleson Dallas

    viewing parties galore

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

    Amber Heckler
    Mar 21, 2024 | 12:59 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 made your travel plans for the April 8 total solar eclipse, and are headed to the hottest destination for eclipse watchers: Central Texas and the Hill Country, including cities such as Uvalde, Kerrville, Fredericksburg, San Antonio, and Waco.

    But where exactly do you go to witness the event?

    We've compiled the ultimate list of eclipse viewing parties and events with tickets still available as of publication time: from the Hill Country to Austin to San Antonio, from wineries to hotels to BBQ joints.

    Here's our list of where to see the eclipse.

    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.

    austinsan antoniodripping springscentral texaseclipsesolar eclipseparties
    news/travel
    series
    series/the-best-of-everything-dallas-2024
    CULTUREMAP EMAILS ARE AWESOME
    Get Dallas intel delivered daily.

    Aerie in the sky

    Nature-inspired hotel checks into Texas' tallest tower in Austin

    Brianna Caleri
    May 14, 2026 | 9:11 am
    1 Hotel Austin guest room
    Photo by Chase Daniel
    Rooms at 1 Hotel Austin settle in simple and natural design.

    A luxury hotel chain is checking into Austin, adding the Texas capital to a cohort of a dozen North American cities. Called 1 Hotel Austin, the 252-room stay is designed to blend with nature and tap into sustainable hospitality in the new Waterline building — the tallest tower in Texas. Reservations are open now for the hotel, opening in August.

    A press release explains that 1 Hotel Austin looks at its surroundings where Waller Creek and Lady Bird Lake meet "through a contemporary, biophilic lens." Designers used natural materials, textures, and transitions from inside to outside — like balconies and terraces with plants, or floor-to-ceiling windows — to create a feeling of connecting with the natural world.

    Foodies may already know that a highly regarded restaurant from Denver is moving in as the hotel's signature restaurant. Called Alteño Austin, the concept by Chef Johnny Curiel shows off cuisine from the Highlands of Jalisco, where he has a family connection.

    Alte\u00f1o Austin Alteño currently only has one location — the original — in Denver, Colorado, and one more on the way in Charleston, South Carolina.Rending courtesy of 1 Hotels

    “There’s a respect for tradition in the way [Chef Curiel] cooks, but also a willingness to reinterpret it, and that balance is what makes his food so compelling," said Nicholas Demasi, senior vice president of food and beverage at Starwood Hotels, in the release.

    There will also be two other food and beverage concepts: Watr, a "Japanese-leaning" rooftop restaurant and lounge designed to entertain guests from day to night, and Neighbors, a café and wine bar that can be accessed from the lobby and the street for coffee, juice, small plates, draft cocktails, and more, depending on the time of day.

    1 Hotel Austin rooftoop Watr This rooftop restaurant will serve a Japanese-inspired menu.Rending courtesy of 1 Hotels

    Focusing more on the amenities than the rooms, which include 60 luxury suites, the release draws attention to the building's proximity to the Rainey Street District and downtown, making both day and night activities easily accessible. Guests also have a direct connection to the more outdoorsy portion of town via the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around the lake.

    Wellness amenities include a run club, sound baths, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center, and a yoga studio. Bamford Wellness Spa will operate a space offering retail and treatments, including couples' experiences. The spa claims inspiration through Hill Country bathhouses, placing a premium on simplicity and restoration.

    1 Hotel Austin guest bath This guest bath is spa-like with a dramatic view.Photo by Chase Daniel

    The hotel is working on its LEED Gold certification, which would verify that the property has earned certain credits in materials, energy, waste management, and more. Gold is the second highest certification. Sustainability initiatives at the hotel will include adopting waste reduction practices for hosted events, supplying reusable in-room glassware, and introducing travelers to the 1 Less Thing program, which encourages them to leave behind a piece of gently used clothing to donate to a local organization.

    “I’ve long admired Austin for its creative energy and entrepreneurial spirit,” says Barry Sternlicht, founder of 1 Hotels and chairman of Starwood Hotels. “It’s a place where innovation thrives alongside a deep respect for the environment and community. Even as the city continues to grow and evolve, it has managed to balance progress with preservation."

    1 Hotels Austin entrance The dramatic entrance exemplifies the transitional design from inside the building to nature outside.Rending courtesy of 1 Hotels

    1 Hotel Austin is located at 96 Red River St., Austin. Reservations are open now at 1hotels.com. Available August room rates are currently discounted and start at $377.

    hotelsopeningssustainabilitynature
    news/travel
    series
    series/the-best-of-everything-dallas-2024
    Loading...