SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — Several places in the Concho Valley are gearing up to help give you an unforgettable memory on Oct. 14, 2023.

This year, a solar eclipse will be seen across portions of Texas. According to NASA, San Angelo, Junction, Ozona and Sonora are just a few towns in the area that will get that chance to watch this phenomenon take place.

You don’t want to miss the celebrations as the shadow of the moon casts on the Earth when it passes in between the sun and the Earth.

Here are some viewing parties for the social eclipse that are happening in the Concho Valley:

Angelo West Branch Library

  • The Angelo West Branch Library is excited to be hosting a Solar Eclipse Crafts & Viewing Party from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be crafts, snacks, solar glasses and fun for the entire family. This event is free and open to all ages.

Foster Field

  • Angelo State Astronomers will be on Foster Field with telescopes and solar filters for the community. The solar eclipse will begin at 10:20 a.m. and will be at its max at 11:48 a.m.

Hill Country Solar Eclipse Viewing at JL Bar Ranch

  • Sonora, Texas is on the map for the eclipse on Oct. 14! Make your reservations to join The JL Bar Ranch for a Hill Country Solar Eclipse Viewing party. Those on the property will receive solar glasses and learn from an astronomy expert during the eclipse. Call (855) 414-3337 for more information or to make reservations.

Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens 

  • Head to Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens for their solar eclipse viewing party on Oct. 14. There will be refreshments and solar glasses for attendees.

Annular Eclipse Watch Party in Junction

  • On Oct. 14 starting at 9 a.m., the Kimble County Courthouse on Main St. will be filled with jousting, a bounce house, a bungee run, and even music by Bret Mullins for the annular eclipse. For more information visit the Junction Eclipse website.

San Angelo State Park

  • The San Angelo State Park is hosting a viewing party for the Oct. 14 eclipse. Due to the limited number of ISO-certified solar glasses that are available and the high traffic for the eclipse, the State Park recommends arriving at the park sooner and making a reservation for the day online. It is $4 at the gate for adults. Those 12 and younger can enter for free.

Sonora Viewing Party with 12 Mile

  • Bring your own lawn chairs to the county park in Sonora for a fun eclipse-viewing experience. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., after the eclipse, visitors will get to enjoy a concert by 12 Mile and delicious food. Eclipse glasses will be sold for $3, and there will be a $10 cooler charge. Admission is free.

South Llano River State Park

  • The South Llano River State Park is hosting a viewing party for the Oct. 14 eclipse. The State Park recommends arriving at the park sooner and making a reservation for the day online. It is $5 at the gate for adults. Those 12 and younger can enter for free.

TEXCLIPSE Music Festival Pre-Party

  • Celebrate the eclipse a day early at the Hil Country Association Fairground with live music from Tejas Brothers, a CASI-sanctioned Chili Cook-Off, Salsa Competition, Margarita Mix Off, Team Roping and a Songwriters Competition. The festival will be from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Oct. 14. Click here for more information.