Houston may not be in the path of totality, but there are still plenty of events today where you can witness the solar eclipse. Immerse yourself in talks by experts, participate in hands-on activities, and even get free eclipse glasses at places like the Houston Zoo and the Space Center.
Solar Eclipse at the Zoo
If you have ever been curious about how animals react during the eclipse, stop by the Houston Zoo for this unique opportunity. The zoo is also offering free eclipse glasses for guests. Distribution of glasses begins at 11 a.m. at Lone Star Pavilion near Cypress Circle Cafe. A limited number of eclipse glasses are available and you have to get them on a first-come basis.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston will host an all-day event featuring eclipse and space expert talks with emcee retired NASA astronaut Tony Antonelli, hands-on activities with the Houston Astronomical Society, and eclipse-themed snacks.
Helipad Solar Eclipse Experience at Post Oak Hotel
Take in a solar eclipse view from The Post Oak Hotel helipad for a unique experience. Guests will enjoy mimosas while watching the eclipse and admiring the Houston skyline. This astronomical phenomenon will be explained through educational activations and captivating demonstrations by a member of the scientific community.
Safety glasses will be provided in the lobby of The Post Oak Hotel. Cocktails and appetizers will be served at the reception following the eclipse.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
HMNS Hermann Park will hold an eclipse event starting at 12:20 p.m. at the Sun Dial where guests can experience a 94-percent partial eclipse. The event will feature telescopes, free solar activities, live streaming of the total eclipse from Bandera, eclipse glasses, t-shirts for sale and more. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Houston Museum of Natural Science Sugar Land
Visit the HMNS at Sugar Land for a local eclipse experience. The doors open at 10 a.m. This event will give guests time to explore the exhibits and make solar crafts, while waiting for the eclipse to start. The local partial eclipse will begin at 12:10 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. There will be expert staff and amateur astronomers on site. Eclipse glasses, to view the sun safely, are included with ticket purchases. Adults (or anyone 12 and up) tickets are $13 and children pay $10.
2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Levy Park
Levy Park will hold a solar eclipse viewing party starting at 12:30 p.m. at the event pavilion. The event will feature music from DJ Del Sur, lunar-themed crafts for kids of all ages, and free view finders for guests to use.
Cornelius Nursery Eclipse viewing parties
Cornelius Nursery locations across Houston are hosting viewing parties on April 8 from 1-2 p.m. These events will feature complimentary viewing glasses and goody bags with stargazing treats that are available on a first-come basis. There will also be a station for kids to enjoy with chalk, crayons and coloring pages.
Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library Eclipse Party
The Spring Branch Memorial Branch Library will hold an eclipse party with supplies to make pinhole cameras for safe viewing and treats. This event will be held from 1-2 p.m.
Cosmic Eclipse Encounter
The City of Katy is partnering with the Katy Branch Library to host an eclipse party from 12:30-3 p.m. at the Arboretum Park, 2046 Katy City Park Road, Katy. This once-in-a-generation event includes pre-eclipse story times, activities, and lawn games for entertainment while guests wait for the maximum point. The max will only be visible for about 4 minutes, so attendees are encouraged to be on time. A limited number of eclipse viewing glasses will be available.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Event
The Delores Fenwick Nature Center and Pearland Parks & Rec will host a free community viewing event featuring activities, music, and food trucks. This free event will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy, Pearland.
Solar Eclipse Party at the Central Library -- you have this twice (scroll down)
The Houston Public Library will be holding multiple events at libraries across Houston. One event will be held at the Central Library, inside the Jesse H. Jones Building starting at noon. The event will feature speaker Melissa Mason, Assistant Director for Secondary STEM at Rice University, who will share interesting eclipse facts and complete her presentation with a Q&A. This event is free and open to the public.
Galveston Island Solar Eclipse Watch Party
Head over to Saengerfest Park for the Galveston Island Solar Eclipse Watch Party that starts at noon and will feature a mix of fun and games for all ages. Visit Galveston will provide all attendees with free solar eclipse viewing glasses with viewing glasses also available at the Visitor Information Center, Stewart Beach, Seawolf Park and Dellanera RV Park.
Memorial Park Conservancy
The Memorial Park Conservancy’s first-ever eclipse party will be held on the Kinder Land Bridge West Mound from 1-3 p.m. This total solar eclipse will be the last eclipse viewable from the U.S. until 2045. Guests can expect information on how to safely view an eclipse and how to build their own pinhole camera at this viewing party. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and sun protection.
Solar Eclipse Party at the Heights Neighborhood Library
Join the Heights Neighborhood Library for a Solar Eclipse Party. The Houston Public Library will be holding multiple events at libraries across Houston. The library will have crafts and the opportunity to view the eclipse safely. Registration is required and the event is free and open to to the public. There are a limited number of solar eclipse glasses available, so only those who register will be given them.
Solar Eclipse Party at Pasadena Central Library
The Pasadena Central Library and Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department are marking the total eclipse by having a party for all ages in the Central Library parking lot. The viewing party will feature eclipse-related crafts, activities and eclipse glasses while supplies last.