Ways to Watch the Total Solar Eclipse in Austin Based on Your Sun Sign

credit: Getty Images

Slapped across the face with a moon-sized shadow, the sun’s corona submits to a rare reveal on April 8, making it visible to the naked eye. Whether you know a penumbra from a percolator, that could upend your Monday – unless you plan ahead. Check out our list of ways to enjoy totality.

We’ve grouped them into recommendations based on your astrological sun sign. Check your moon or rising sign too, then tell your favorite scientist about it to piss them off. While they fume, explain that you’ll be sure to wear red and green for the best viewing experience, a scientifically sound tip, to quell their anxiety.

Aries

Your fiery, passionate presence makes the party, in our opinion, so head to the rooftop with your friends. Otopia and the Hilton are among the Downtown hotels offering their own and would be happy to host.

The picnic area at Salt Lick, where Tauruses will want to tuck into tunes and barbecue (courtesy of Salt Lick)

Taurus

Epicureans through and through, carnivorous Taureans should check out The Salt Lick’s Celestial BBQ Party in Driftwood featuring Dale Watson and his Lonestars with very special guests Tomar and the FCs for extra revelry.

Altogether now, Geminis: Beer me.

Gemini

If you can’t make mischief, why bother? Frolic at one of the many beer and wine events close to home. Texas Craft Brewers Guild has gathered all the festivities happening at member breweries like Live Oak Brewing, Jester King, and Frontyard, while Texas Wine Lover has done the work rounding up eclipse events at Ron Yates, William Chris, Fall Creek, Meierstone, and more area wineries. Get a jump on the celebration by sampling In the Path of Totality 1:36PM, a limited-release beer created in collaboration by Meanwhile Brewing, Austin Beerworks, and Zilker Brewing Co., already available in cans and on tap.

Cancer

Fill your cup first this time, you gooey-eyed nurturer. Self-care just feels right for Cancer. Flow into Total Eclipse of the Park, a free viewing party at Pease Park, with a complimentary outdoor yoga class leading up to totality.

Leo

You’re radiant and ungovernable. Celebrate in unruly style with a multi-day rave at the Texas Eclipse Festival at Reveille Peak Ranch. Almost too good to be true for house music lovers, the party’s curation arrives courtesy of thirteen global festival producers. Besides heavyweight underground DJs, the event boasts speakers from the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, Meow Wolf immersive experiences, and honest-to-goodness science panels.

Virgo

Waco’s Eclipse Over Texas at McLane Stadium has Virgo’s signature wholesome vibe written all over it. Troop out for extra time in totality (relative to Austin), and you’ll find planetary astronomers holding court, telescopes scanning the heavens, and food trucks keeping bellies full.

Libras, get one with nature – but, like, upscale nature – at the Solar Eclipse Camp at Mirasol Springs Ranch (courtesy of Commodore Perry Estate)

Libra

A social butterfly in the utmost sense, you nonetheless demand a certain aesthetic. Pampered Libras might get away to Lake Austin’s Spa Resort and take advantage of steam rooms, saunas, meditation, and many other indulgences. Otherwise, explore the extravagant Commodore Perry’s Solar Eclipse Camp at Mirasol Springs Ranch in Dripping Springs. They promise gourmet food and opulence, and you know they mean it.

Scorpio

A natural shaman for events with transformational overtones, Scorpio may feel right at home at Celest Fest, Belton’s substance-free “intentional gathering” with guided breathwork, water play, grief tending, sound healing, ecstatic dance, and live music.

Sagittarians, you won't have to travel far for the the Long Center's welcoming lawn (photo by Brynn Osborn)

Sagittarius

Sagittarius, you love to travel, but you’re an eternal optimist. If you underestimate traffic and find yourself stuck in town on the big day, head out to the Long Center for a free viewing party with astronomers, special-edition eclipse brews, and great local food. For cultural icing on the cake, enjoy live music, readings by author Roxane Gay, and correspondents from WNYC’s Radiolab.

Pisces should feel right at home at Quiet Valley Ranch for the Kerrclipse Music Festival (photo by Brandon Robinson)

Capricorn

On a voracious diet of constant self-improvement and upskilling, Capricorn might enjoy learning to photograph an eclipse. Grab a DSLR and head to Real Ale Brewing for an amateur photography class and watch party.

Aquarius

You forward-thinking oddballs are a blessing on this Earth. Share the latest counterintuitive machinations you’ve cooked up with some intellectual heavyweights at the Texas Star Party, the “premier astronomer event” for amateur and professional astronomers. A multi-day dark-sky soiree south of Waco featuring mathematicians, landscape photographers, and researchers, this event could extend your influence, or at least your astronomical understanding.

Pisces

Dreamy by nature, Pisces needs music to soundtrack gentle visions. Be in your element at the Kerrclipse Music Festival, a three-day event brought to you by the same lovely souls who produce the Kerrville Folk Festival each year.

Given Austin’s prime position in the path of totality, the city is anticipating a high volume of visitors. For all of these recommended events, expect crowds and make reservations when possible. For more on the historic April 8 total solar eclipse, be sure to pick up a copy of the April 5 issue.