Don't look directly at the sun without protection. Got that? Okay, now we can party. With the rare solar eclipse set to occur betwen 11:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. on Monday, several places around the area are hosting watch parties and activities to celebrate. Assuming you can escape work or school somehow, here are a few to check out.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
One of the biggest parties will take place at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's Noble Planetarium, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Special glasses and solar telescopes will be available for guests to view the eclipse outside the museum. Inside, Innovation Studios will be open for kids to create pocket solar systems, pinhole eclipse viewers and other crafts. And in the Omni Theater, a live stream of the total eclipse will play as the museum's director of scientific presentation, Morgan Rehnberg, gives a talk about the phenomenon. Get your Snapchat ready too, as the museum will have a Great American Eclipse Geofilter during the event.
Sundance Square
Sundance Square will offer free solar eclipse viewing glasses between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. If supplies run out, glasses can also be purchased at Earth Bones.
UTA Planetarium
The University of Texas at Arlington is celebrating the solar eclipse with a special planetarium presentation, Astronomy 101: Solar Eclipses , showing at noon. Following the show, guests can view the eclipse with solar shades that can be purchased at the gift shop. The event will also feature vendors and other eclipse-related activties between 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
TCU
TCU is inviting the community to view the eclipse from its Campus Commons between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will be plenty of ways to see it, with TCU offering solar-viewing glasses, pinhole projectors and numerous telescopes with special filters. There will also be free snacks and games, along with educational booths and a live feed of the total eclipse.
Wild Acre Brewing Company
Wild Acre Brewing Co. is getting in on the fun too, inviting guests to view the eclipse from its 10,000-square-foot beer garden between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pints in the taproom are $4, and Crown Catering and Tacos will provide food. Solar eclipse viewing glasses will also be available.
East Regional Library
In partnership with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the East Regional Library will offer glasses between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. so visitors can view the eclipse (you won't be able to keep them though).
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
If you're feeling the drive out to Dallas, the Perot Museum is hosting a free outdoor party on the Museum Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. The event features an eclipse-themed photo booth, pinhole cameras with the museum's TECH Truck, miniature solar systems and, of course, a live NASA feed of the total eclipse. Guests will also receive glasses for eclipse viewing. The museum is also encouraging "sun- or space-themed attire," so get that space man suit ready if you have one.
Frontiers of Flight Museum
Another event happening in Dallas is the Solar Eclipse Watch Party at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, taking place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Guests can view the eclipse through the museum's solar telescope. The first 300 guests will also receive free glasses with regular admission. Inside the museum, visitors can watch the NASA live stream of the eclipse and participate in educational programs and presentations in the planetarium.
Dallas Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum will also host a watch party from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on the Camp Lawn. Special glasses will be available for guests, along with giant lawn games like Jenga, Connect Four and Yardzee. Hotdogs are also $2 at the Terrace Café.
