TYLER, Texas — Editor's Note: The above video aired on Jan. 24, 2024.
As a large part of East Texas will be in the path of totality for the solar eclipse in April, the city of Tyler and several groups within the city will host several events and provide preparation items for the eclipse weekend.
Visit Tyler has created an initiative called Totality Tyler to serve as the spot where people can find all the April 8 eclipse information they need when coming to Tyler.
According to Visit Tyler, this year's eclipse will be the first total eclipse that has been visible in Tyler since 1878. This will also be the last total eclipse of the millennium to be visible in Tyler
People can purchase eclipse glasses, posters, stickers and t-shirts at the Visit Tyler gift shop, located at 110 North College Ave. Hours for the shop are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The length of the entire eclipse will be around 2.5 hours. Totality will happen at 1:43 p.m. and last about two minutes.
Events surrounding the eclipse and the weekend prior include:
Downtown Tyler
On April 8, the city will host a Downtown Tyler Total Eclipse Viewing Event with live music and many downtown shops, boutiques and restaurants will have promotions and unique offers in honor of the eclipse.
TJC Earth & Space Science Center Planetarium Shows
Depending on weather, people can use the telescopes at the Tyler Junior College Earth & Space Science Center Planetarium on April 6 for "Star Party Saturday." Free live planetarium shows will be offered in the domed theater at 8, 8:30, and 9 p.m. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. Planetarium shows will still be available even if there is inclement weather.
East Texas Symphony Orchestra - Totality of the Sun
The East Texas Symphony Orchestra will perform "Totality of the Sun" on April 6 at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center at Tyler Junior College at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
Discovery Science Place
The Discovery Science Place in downtown Tyler will host three events over the eclipse weekend. On Saturday, April 6, DSP will hold Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead and on April 7, there will be hourly planetarium shows. On April 8, there will be special activities inside DSP, hourly planetarium shows and a viewing location for the eclipse. Glasses are available for $3 at the museum's front desk.
LIVE NASA Stream of Eclipse at Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall will host a special screening of the NASA live coverage of the total eclipse and live music on April 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will also be blackout bingo from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Broadway Square Mall
On April 8, the mall will be a viewing location and the first 1,000 attendees will receive complimentary eclipse glasses to safely observe the eclipse.
Lunar Lunch on the Lawn at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum
On April 8, Goodman-LeGrand Museum will host a lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the lawn and attendees will get to watch the sky get dark. Tickets include lunch, lawn games, music and solar eclipse glasses. To buy tickets, call or visit the museum: (903) 531-1286.
Also at the museum, Rose City Artisan and Flower Market will be held April 5 and 6. On April 5, the hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on April 6, the event will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The market includes plants, herbs, bulbs, yard art, creative art and special presentations by the Smith County Master Gardeners and the city of Tyler arborist both days.
Caldwell Zoo
The Caldwell Zoo is set to have super specials at the gift shop and café for the eclipse.
903 Rave Squad Concert - Totality
On April 7, the 903 Rave Squad will light up Bricks Bar & Grill with a concert. The rave will have a fusion of eclectic sounds that defy categorization, creating an atmosphere of pulsating energy and vibrant visuals. There is no time set for this event yet.
Total Solar Eclipse Festival
On April 8, The Texas African Museum will hold a Blackout Total Solar Eclipse Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with at the museum, located at 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
2024 Historic Tyler on Tour
A candlelight party will be held on April 5 with tickets available in March. There will be a Historic Tyler tour on April 6 and 7 with tickets also available in March.
Silent Disco
On April 6, the Let’s Glow Tyler – Silent Disco Party will be held at Pollard Park, located at 710 E Amherst Drive, from 7 to 10 p.m. Those interested in coming are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes and wireless headphones to enjoy an eclectic playlist of genres. People should also bring their brightest and most colorful outfits to truly shine.
Tyler Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
From March 22 through April 8, the annual Tyler Azalea & Spring Flower Trail will return for people to view more than 10 miles of residential gardens and historic home-sites covered with azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwood, and more.
Park Viewing Locations
On April 8, the city parks like Faulker and Lindsey Parks will have viewing locations available. Outside of the city, Tyler State Park's main viewing location will be at the Northside Day-Use Swim Area for the best view of the sky. Those wanting to view the eclipse from at Tyler State Park are advised to reserve a day pass for the day and time of the eclipse, which can be done one month to the day of someone's visit. Attendees should also come early as significant traffic is expected and park in designated areas only.