Inside the Path of Totality: Things to Do for the Total Eclipse in Arlington

The Great American Eclipse is coming... What seemingly sounds like a daunting event in a fictional tv show is actually one of the coolest spectacles in nature. Due to our location here in Texas, a total solar eclipse is often difficult to witness due to either the eclipse’s short duration or its northern location.

Thankfully, on April 8^th, the DFW will be within the path of totality for an entire 4 minutes and 26 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. with totality beginning at 1:40 p.m. Then the eclipse hits its maximum coverage at 1:42 p.m. before it continues its path across the U.S. at 1:44 p.m. The last time that we’ll be able to see the eclipse is at 3:02 p.m. Make sure you grab your eclipse glasses ahead of time because you don’t want to miss this space-tacular event!

To celebrate this galactical wonder, many businesses around Downtown are throwing their very own eclipse party! From art classes to happy hours to $4 margaritas at Fuzzy's Taco Shop all day long, there's plenty of things to do to welcome in the total solar eclipse. Here’s your guide to the variety of things to do to welcome in the Great American Eclipse. *Updated to include even more fun activities for the whole family to enjoy!

Total Eclipse of the Park

Monday, April 8, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

The City of Arlington Parks and Recreation will be hosting Total Eclipse of the Park at the Levitt Pavilion Alington. This is a free community event, offering free solar eclipse glasses for the first 3,000 people in attendance, food from a variety of food trucks, and music from DJ SheReal and DJ Rob. The event is sponsored by CosMc's, Arlington's new out-of-this-world beverage destination! CosMc’s is a new small-format, beverage-led concept inspired by the nostalgia of the McDonald’s we've grown to know and love and brought to life by its own unique personality. CosMc's menu includes a wide array of snackable bites and refreshing beverages with flavors you've never seen on this planet Earth! To celebrate the arrival of the Great American Eclipse and the opening of CosMc's new Arlington location at 300 E Abram St., the restaurant will be handing out complimentary samples of astronomical fan-favorite menu items in addition to branded giveaways. Be sure to stop by CosMc's for their grand opening on April 8th, open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and try some of their cosmic combos before heading to the Levitt Pavilion for more fun, food, and eclipse enjoyment!

Umbraphiles Unite: Total Eclipse Celebration and Beer Release – Division Brewing

Monday, April 8, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come hang out with the boys at Division Brewing and watch the eclipse while imbibing their latest creation: a rich golden stout mixed with coffee, vanilla, and chocolate. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided.

Pre-Eclipse Happy Hour – On Tap

Thursday, April 4, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Join On Tap and 903 Brewers for special Eclipse-themed tappings, swag giveaways, and free Eclipse glasses for watching the 2024 Eclipse!

Spring into the Eclipse: Paint with Me – Downtown Arlington Public Library

Thursday, March 28, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Create a special space-themed art project in preparation for the eclipse. Paint a fun work of art using acrylic paint and a blank canvas. Class is limited to the first 20 in attendance for ages 13+.

3D Printing for Beginners: Solar Eclipse Pinhole Map – Downtown Arlington Public Library

Thursday, April 4, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Get ready for the upcoming total solar eclipse by printing a pinhole map you can use to safely view the eclipse. This class is offered in three sessions with 6 registrations per session and is appropriate for ages 9+. If you want to attend as a group, please have one individual register. Materials will be limited to one pinhole map per group. Click here to register.

Cricut for Beginners: Solar Eclipse T-shirts – Downtown Arlington Public Library

Friday, April 5, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Create a one-of-a-kind T-shirt to wear during the total solar eclipse. Please bring a solid color t-shirt and the library will provide the vinyl. This class is limited to the first 16 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+. Registration is required. Click here to register.

Spring into the Eclipse: Laser Cutter for Beginners: Solar Eclipse Art – Downtown Arlington Public Library

Saturday, April 6, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Join the Arlington Public Library for a very special eclipse-themed art project! Learn about the many things you do with the Glowforge Laser Cutter in this introductory class and create a unique space-themed project. This class is limited to the first 8 in attendance and is appropriate for ages 13+.

UTA Solar-Bration

Join the UTA campus in watching and celebrating the total eclipse on Monday, April 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a special eclipse watch party, with several events and activities planned throughout the week leading up to the main event. 

Friday, April 5, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM Observing Day

Join the UTA Observatory and look through 16-inch and 11-inch telescopes, or bring a telescope or camera to observe the moon. The Observatory is located on the fifth floor of the Park Central Garage at 500 South Center Street.

Saturday, April 6, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Eclipse Concert

Join the UTA Planetarium and College of Science in Brazos Park for an evening of music, atmosphere, food, activities, and fun!

Sunday, April 7, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eclipse Planetarium Show

Join the UTA Planetarium for a special eclipse-themed planetarium show. Watch Magnificent Sun and learn all about the upcoming eclipse with a guided star talk.

Monday April 8, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Special Collection Pre-Eclipse Celebration

Join the UTA History Department and UTA Libraries Special Collections for a special presentation titled, "A Total Eclipse of the Heart: How Solar Eclipses struck fear and wonder in the hearts of people for thousands of years," by Dr. Clifford Cunningham.

Dr. Clifford Cunningham is a Research Fellow at the University of Southern Queensland (Australia). He is Editor of the Historical and Cultural Astronomy book series published by Springer; Associate Editor of the Journal of Astronomical History & Heritage; and Managing Editor of the online newspaper Sun News Austin. Since 1988, he has written or edited 15 books, including seven asteroid books. Asteroid (4276) Clifford is named in his honor.

Other programming includes the Theoria Eclipsium: Curiosity, Captivation, Connection exhibition from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring over 500 years of Eclipse History. There will also be eclipse glasses and giveaway items available while supplies last.