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An estimated 6,000 people are expected to be camping within the park over the weekend, with the capacity being increased up to 10,000 with additional accommodation and day tickets available. Come join us for the Solar Eclipse Village, and be part of the buzz and excitement as we count down toward the two solar eclipses coming our way.
Pre-reserve your Free Solar Eclipse Village Pass before Friday, October 13th at 8 PM! |
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SOlar Eclipse Village
Garner State Park lies near the 2024 Total Solar eclipse center line, and the best weather predictions along the U.S. path make it a premium location for viewing totality in 2024. Also, within the path of annularity in October, the beautiful fall colors will provide the ideal backdrop for the celestial wonder prelude – the annular solar eclipse and the usual attractions that make Garner State Park one of the most popular in Texas.
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Time in annularity (10/14/23): 4 minutes & 48.2 seconds
Time in totality (4/8/24): 4 minutes & 26.2 seconds Park Coordinates: 29° 35' 56.44" N, 99° 44' 38.15" W The Solar Eclipse Village, will include an exhibition space and viewing field which will allow attendees to meet astronomers, solar researchers, eclipse chasers, and other experts in eclipses and astronomy, and take part in interactive displays, workshops, and outreach activities across the weekend. Attendees will have a rare opportunity to see national project teams in action during the annular solar eclipse – the "Pre-Party" to next year's main show – totality in April 2024.
Be part of the fun and ahead of the game as we lead into totality in 2024An exciting weekend of events is now being finalized, including the usual park favorites such as hayrides, stargazing, music, food trucks, and the infamous Garner Dance. More exciting surprises are in store!
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Itinerary of events
Free to the public.
Booths will be set up all weekend.
Booths will be set up all weekend.
Friday, October 13, 2023 |
The weekend of festivities will kick off early for those arriving early.
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Saturday, October 14, 2023 |
Today is dedicated to the Annular Solar Eclipse, visible between 10:22 AM to 1:30 PM, with 4 minutes and 48.2 seconds of annularity occurring at 11:49 AM (central time). Attendees can view the annular eclipse in isolation across the park, in the public guided viewing area, or even collect data for eclipse citizen-science projects.
8 AM: Prepare for the Eclipse - A variety of presentations and interactive activities for all ages are offered to help you prepare for the Annular Soar Eclipse. Create, learn, & practice before the eclipse begins 10:15 AM - 1:30 PM: Let the Eclipse Begin - Guided viewing by an expert NASA solar researcher will help you and your family get the most from this experience. View safely through solar telescopes and solar eclipse glasses, and learn how to make and use indirect viewing methods. Take part in the many citizen science projects, or alternatively, find a quiet place within the park to view in isolation. 1:30 - 6 PM: Eclipse Reflection & Learning - Share your eclipse experience and observations throughout the afternoon. More eclipse-related talks, workshops, and hands-on activities are on offer. Wander through the Solar, Lunar, and Eclipse Pavilions and talk to eclipse experts to gain confidence in planning for your own eclipse chase next April. 6 PM - Late: Down with the Sun - Enjoy a chilled-out sunset, followed by an astrophotography session and a guided stargazing tour. The Glow Party dance will have you dancing into the night Texan-style. |
Sunday, October 15, 2023 |
There will be a showcase for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Exhibitions and a program of talks and workshops given by national leaders and subject matter experts will allow attendees to know the latest on what is being planned across the path and locally for 2024.
8 AM - 6 PM: All About Totality 2024 A full day of expert presentations and exhibits showcasing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse:
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Project Partners Joining for the Uvalde County stellar fest: The Pre-party
Names & companies being updated.
Frequently Asked Questions:
FAQ: We are a family of five traveling together in one vehicle, and hoping to attend both days. How many Solar Eclipse Village Day Passes will we need?
*Need one pass per day. However, to help with planning, resources, and capacity, each person should be accounted for in vehicle and reserved ahead of time to ensure a free pass for each day they are attending.
FAQ: Why is Garner State Park one of the premium eclipse locations?
Garner State Park is Texas’s Premier state parks, and renowned for the Frio River and beautiful Hill Country. The park lies within the Texas 'eclipse crossroads', and will be in the path for both the October 2023 annular solar eclipse and April 2024 total solar eclipse. The park is located very close to the path of totality centerline, giving 4 minutes, 26 seconds of totality which is one of the longest durations within the United States. Favorable weather options and many options for viewing within a nature environment make Garner State Park a stand-out location. Those interested in nature reactions during totality are focusing on this area due to the rich ecological variety of species available - including bats, bees, birds, butterflies, insects.
FAQ: I have a Texas Parks Day pass. Can I use this to access the park and attend the Solar Eclipse Village?
Yes, however we encourage you to register through the Uvalde County Solar Eclipse website to ensure entry and help us account for whose attending the eclipse event.
FAQ: I already have my reservations for the park that weekend. Can I come to the Solar Eclipse Village?
Camping or coming to the park and already have a reservation? That’s great, however we know some people might be visiting the park but not planning to participate in the event. We encourage everyone to register for the event to ensure entry.
FAQ: I am hearing Garner State Park is already full for the annular eclipse weekend. Are there additional spaces to offer?
Garner State Park peak season runs from May to Aug with a capacity of 4,000 people per day during peak season. October is also a popular time for the park due to the wildflowers and fall colors, and is the time of year favored by locals. The park is already booked for camping but currently has several day passes vehicle available for attending our Eclipse Village Events. Once at capacity/fully booked over the annular eclipse weekend we will close intermittently to manage parking.
*Need one pass per day. However, to help with planning, resources, and capacity, each person should be accounted for in vehicle and reserved ahead of time to ensure a free pass for each day they are attending.
FAQ: Why is Garner State Park one of the premium eclipse locations?
Garner State Park is Texas’s Premier state parks, and renowned for the Frio River and beautiful Hill Country. The park lies within the Texas 'eclipse crossroads', and will be in the path for both the October 2023 annular solar eclipse and April 2024 total solar eclipse. The park is located very close to the path of totality centerline, giving 4 minutes, 26 seconds of totality which is one of the longest durations within the United States. Favorable weather options and many options for viewing within a nature environment make Garner State Park a stand-out location. Those interested in nature reactions during totality are focusing on this area due to the rich ecological variety of species available - including bats, bees, birds, butterflies, insects.
FAQ: I have a Texas Parks Day pass. Can I use this to access the park and attend the Solar Eclipse Village?
Yes, however we encourage you to register through the Uvalde County Solar Eclipse website to ensure entry and help us account for whose attending the eclipse event.
FAQ: I already have my reservations for the park that weekend. Can I come to the Solar Eclipse Village?
Camping or coming to the park and already have a reservation? That’s great, however we know some people might be visiting the park but not planning to participate in the event. We encourage everyone to register for the event to ensure entry.
FAQ: I am hearing Garner State Park is already full for the annular eclipse weekend. Are there additional spaces to offer?
Garner State Park peak season runs from May to Aug with a capacity of 4,000 people per day during peak season. October is also a popular time for the park due to the wildflowers and fall colors, and is the time of year favored by locals. The park is already booked for camping but currently has several day passes vehicle available for attending our Eclipse Village Events. Once at capacity/fully booked over the annular eclipse weekend we will close intermittently to manage parking.
