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Boerne Eclipse
Two Hill Country Eclipses
The City of Boerne is in the path of two upcoming solar eclipses sure to bring awe and wonder to the Texas Hill Country, along with tens of thousands of visitors eager to witness the natural phenomena.
On the days of the eclipses, we anticipate thousands of people to converge on Boerne and Kendall County. The annular eclipse in 2023 will bring in large crowds, but the total eclipse in 2024 will see a considerably greater number of people with upwards of 50,000 visitors expected. Planning between the City of Boerne, Kendall County, and our community partners has already begun.
Use the information on this page and the links provided to begin preparing for both eclipses. Plan ahead so you can safely enjoy these rare experiences.
Annular Eclipse - October 14, 2023
The first eclipse to partially darken the skies above Boerne will be an annular eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023, when the moon passes between earth and the sun.
The partial eclipse will begin at about 10:20 a.m., with four minutes of annularity beginning at 11:51 a.m. when the moon lines up directly in front of the sun. During annularity, the sun will appear as a "ring of fire" around the moon.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 10:20 a.m.
- Annularity: 11:51 a.m. - 11:55 a.m.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 1:30 p.m.
Total Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024
The second eclipse and biggest draw will be the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. The moon will again pass between the earth and the sun, but this time much closer to earth.
Boerne is in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse, meaning the moon will completely block out the sun for 4 minutes and 23 seconds beginning at 1:32 p.m.
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 12:14 p.m.
- Totality Begins: 1:32 - 1:36 p.m.
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 2:55 p.m.
Staying in Boerne
Boerne offers a variety of accommodations for groups of all sizes. This astronomical event is going to draw people from far and wide, so be prepared that hotels and rentals will book up quickly. Plan ahead by booking your stay in advance.
Maximize your Boerne eclipse experience and savor all that our charming community has to offer during the days leading up to or following the main event. Take a brewery tour, shop the Hill Country Mile, indulge in our dining scene, explore down under in our two show caves, and enjoy a hike or paddle in one of our local parks.
Plan ahead and check out the Visit Boerne website for a list of lodging options and ideas for how to enjoy an elevated Hill Country experience.
Eclipse Safety
It is never safe to look directly at the sun – even if the sun is partly obscured. When watching a partial solar eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses at all times if you want to face the sun. This also applies during a total solar eclipse leading up to and after totality, when the moon is completely blocking the sun. During the short period of totality, it is safe to look directly at the sun, but it's crucial that you know when to take off and put back on your eclipse glasses. For more information, visit NASA's eclipse safety page.
Please note that eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the sun. If you don’t have solar viewing or eclipse glasses, you can use an alternate indirect method, such as a pinhole projector. Be sure you are purchasing legitimate ISO-certified glasses to ensure proper eye protection for direct observation of he sun. Using sun glasses or non-ISO certified glasses can lead to eye injury.
Where to Get Eclipse Glasses in Boerne
The Boerne Visitors Center, located at 282 N. Main St., has a limited supply of eclipse glasses that they will begin distributing on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, during normal business hours. (Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Boerne Parks and Recreation has no more glasses to distribute for the annular eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023.
The following Boerne stores and retailers intend to offer eclipse glasses for free or for purchase. The following is not a complete list; other retails may be offering eclipse glasses. Please check with individual retailers to confirm availability and costs, if applicable.
- 28 Songs Brewhouse and Kitchen
- A Little Nature Store (free with purchase)
- Alene’s Boutique
- Black Rifle Coffee Company
- Boerne CraftWerks
- Boerne Sunrise Rotary Eclipse BBQ Event at Tusculum Brewing Co. (free with BBQ ticket)
- Boerne Vision Center
- The Christmas Shoppe
- Dog & Pony Grill
- Gallery 195
- Glick Insurance (free)
- H-E-B
- Hey Love
- Handmade on Main
- Home Depot
- Johnson Eye Care
- La Te Da - (free with purchase)
- Nature’s Presence
- The Pearl Antler (free)
- Pixie - (free with purchase)
- The Red Rooster
- Richter Boerne
- The Shoppes at 222 (free with purchase)
- Texas Gourmet Pantry
- Tusculum Brewing Company
- Under the Fig Tree
- What is a total solar eclipse?
- Where will the total eclipse happen?
- Besides totality, what should I look for?
- View the 360 degree sunset.
- Get a filter or eclipse glasses in advance.
- No filter? Here is how you can still watch.
- Use the facilities before things get going.
- Come prepared to enjoy the day.
- Schedule an after-eclipse party or meal where you are!
Viewing Parties and Events
On the hunt for somewhere special to view these special astronomical events? Check out eclipse-specific events below. This is also where eclipse-specific camping and RVing events will be listed. So check it out and reserve your space soon. If you are hosting a public event in Kendall County and would like for it to be considered for the calendar, please submit it via the “Add Event” button on the event calendar.
Viewing Areas
The following locations have indicated they will be open and available for viewing during the eclipse for a fee. This is not a complete list of locations.
- Boerne Stage Airfield - Reservation required. Open for annular and total eclipses.
- Kendall County Fairgrounds - All parking spots are reserved. Only those with tickets/reservations will be able to park at the fairgrounds.
- City of Boerne Parks - All City of Boerne parks will be open on Saturday, October 14. Please note, City Lake will be charging its traditional entry fees, which is no cost for city residents and $15 for all non-city residents visiting.
- Kendall County Parks - Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area & James Kiehl River Bend Park will be closed, however Joshua Springs Park & Preserve will remain open, and gates will close upon reaching the park's full capacity.
Viewing Areas
The following locations have indicated they will be open and available for viewing during the eclipse for a fee. This is not a complete list of locations.
- Boerne Stage Airfield - Reservation required. Open for annular and total eclipses.
- Kendall County Fairgrounds - All parking spots are reserved. Only those with tickets/reservations will be able to park at the fairgrounds.
- City of Boerne Parks - All City of Boerne parks will be open on Saturday, October 14. Please note, City Lake will be charging its traditional entry fees, which is no cost for city residents and $15 for all non-city residents visiting.
- Kendall County Parks - Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area & James Kiehl River Bend Park will be closed, however Joshua Springs Park & Preserve will remain open, and gates will close upon reaching the park's full capacity.