Taxidermy, massages & weddings: Unique Texas eclipse festivals prepare for April 8
AUSTIN (KXAN) — From wedding to mind-bending art exhibits, Texans are celebrating the April 8 total solar eclipse in some interesting ways. Events in Austin, Driftwood and Johnson City will host lecturers, music and even special beer. While in places like Ingram, the attraction is the nearby river and the re-creation of Stonehenge.
In the town of Junction, west of Fredericksburg along I-10, they’re taking a Texas approach.
“We are not a cookie-cutter festival,” said Macy Brooks, founder of the Texclipse Music Fest. “We want these people to have a great time, and we want them to come back to our tourism town.”
The festival is bringing Texas charm to the celestial event. Chili, bull riding, and a little wildlife. “I’m decorating it. I partnered with a local taxidermist. So it’s decked out in skins and different things,” Brooks said.
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The festival will also feature Texas Country artists, like Sunny Sweeny and Rick Trevino, and even weddings. “We’re offering elopements at the Eclipse. So if anybody wants to get married or renew their vows,” Brooks said.
Funds raised at the festival will go toward a study abroad program and scholarships to support trade schools. Money raised by beer sales will go to clean up along the South Llano River.
VIP and Weekend Passes are on sale for the Texclipse Music Fest now. Those tickets range from $75 to $120.
Closer to Austin in Burnet, a festival aiming for the Burning Man audience: the Texas Eclipse Festival.
“I think it’ll be one of the more interesting gatherings of people beyond just the eclipse events, but in all of 2024 really,” said Austin native and festival founder Mitch Morales.
Morales describes the Texas Eclipse Festival as family friendly, but with options more akin to a festival like Burning Man. DJs, bands, singers, art exhibits, a spa offering massages, an on-site restaurant, talks from scientists and booths highlighting tech and space exploration.
“It’s really the best of a lot of different flavors that we’re kind of combining together in this very unique event,” Morales said.
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Events will include Yuri’s Night, celebrating the first man in space, and an immersive Meow Wolf experience.
“They’re like probably one of the more foremost like interesting art experiences out there,” Morales said.
For Morales, the eclipse and festival are a great way to show what Central Texas has to offer.
“I think it brings in a certain type of person that is really looking for something and wants to celebrate more than just the sheer simplicity of life,” Morales said.
The four-day festival offers camping starting at $100. More elaborate packages cost in the $1,000’s. You can learn more about the event and purchase tickets on their website.
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