Watch the sun go dark at S.A.- area parties, festivals

The countdown to the total solar eclipse on April 8 has begun.

While many San Antonio area eclipse parties are offering complimentary glasses while supplies last, not being prepared to see the rare celestial event shouldn't be left to chance.

Good news: If you still have your eclipse glasses from the annual eclipse in October and they aren't damaged, you can use them for the total solar eclipse in April. If not, you have about a month to secure glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard for yourself and everyone in your family. A list of manufacturers and retail chains selling ISO-compliant safe eclipse glasses can be found on the American Astronomical Society's website at eclipse.aas.org/ resources/solar-filters.

Here's a look at places in the San Antonio area hosting total eclipse watch parties.

San Antonio

SeaWorld: View the eclipse from the path of totality from the ground or roller coaster, see presentations from park collaborators at Southwest Research Institute, and experience viewing opportunities with the animal ambassadors. Free with park admission, plus SeaWorld themed viewing glasses for the first 2,500 guests. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 8, 10500 SeaWorld Drive, 210-520-4732, seaworld.com.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas: The park has limited park hours on this day, but it also will be hosting a special Total Eclipse Drone and Firework Show at 1:30 p.m. to make the most of the temporary darkness. Six Flags is offering three different solar eclipse viewing packages that include eclipse glasses and souvenirs; the VIP package includes access to an Adirondack chair during the viewing, plus all-day access to the VIP lounge. Limited tickets are available for souvenir packages, $9.99 to $49.99. A separate ticket or pass also is required for park admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 8, 17000 I-10 West, sixflags. com.

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts: Experience Total Eclipse of the Arts: A Celestial Spectacle on the sixth floor of the Tobin Center parking garage. Along with a view of the rare phenomenon from the top floor, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food vendors, music and games. Complimentary eclipse viewing glasses will be provided to the first 100 guests. Free. Beginning at noon April 8, 227 Fourth St. 210-223-2333, tobincenter.org.

Witte Museum: The eclipse will begin about 12:14 p.m. from the museum grounds, with the maximum viewing about 1:34 p.m. The Witte will be 0.04%

away from totality and will be at 99.96% obscuration during the eclipse maximum. Free with general admission and includes certified eclipse viewing glasses while they last. (Eclipse glasses are available in advance for $4.95 each at the Witte's Bolner Family Museum Store.) Noon-3 p.m. April 8, 3801 Broadway, 210357-1900, wittemuseum.org.

Burnet

Texas Eclipse Festival: In addition to eclipse-related events on the 1,200-acre Reveille Peak Ranch, this five-day festival promises a Woodstocklike experience with more than 300 performers and participants presenting a circus, Tedstyle talks, an experiential art museum and plenty of music. Two-day general admission tickets begin at $249, plus fees. April 5-9, 105 County Road 114, Burnet, seetexaseclipse.com.

Center Point

Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP): The camp dedicated to providing enriching recreational experiences for those with disabilities between the ages of 5 and 55 will welcome approximately 400 visitors for a day of eclipse- and camp-related activities suitable for all ages. The eclipse is set to occur at 1:30 p.m. and CAMP will be on the path of totality for 4 minutes, 11 seconds; attendees should bring their own chairs. $100 for adults, $50 for children 12 and younger (includes eclipse glasses) with onsite parking $25 per vehicle (no RVs allowed). Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be available to purchase onsite; no outside food and drink permitted. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8, 515 Skyline Drive, Center Point, 210-671-5411, campcamp.org.

Fredericksburg

Living Tree Amphitheater of Arch Ray Resort: The Goo Goo Dolls headline Eclipse 24 Fest set for April 7-8. The musical weekend will also include appearances by Switchfoot, Fastball, Kyle Park and Cody Morrow, and others. Tickets start at $129 and camping and boondocking packages are available. 11 a.m. April 7 to 10:30 p.m. April 8, 4160 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg, 830-304-2900, archrayresort.com.

Carlos Javier Sanchez/Contributors Eclipse viewers gather Oct. 14 for La Fiesta del Sol: Celebration of the Sun Annular Eclipse Event at San Antonio College. Plenty of places are hosting events for the total solar eclipse April 8.