It’s sure to be one of the most extraordinary natural sights. Boerne takes (almost) center stage for a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Schools across Boerne, Kerrville, and Comfort will be closed that day, and up to 50,000 visitors are expected to use our city as a base camp. The City of Boerne, Kendall County, and other local agencies have been working for nearly two years to ensure an incredible eclipse experience—as long as the clouds stay away.
Unlike the annular solar eclipse we saw last October, this is a total solar eclipse, meaning the moon's disk will completely cover the sun. As the moon passes between the sun and the Earth this time, the sky will darken over the Hill Country, creating a mesmerizing spectacle and leaving behind memories to last a lifetime.
Viewing Schedule
In downtown Boerne, the totality—or the period when the moon completely blocks the sun—will last about 3 minutes and 35 seconds. However, if you drive just a few miles northwest of Kerrville, you'll find yourself along the eclipse's center line, where the totality extends to 4 minutes and 27 seconds.
But here at Main Plaza, we can expect the following timeline:
Partial begins: 12:14:51 p.m.
Full begins: 1:32:47 p.m.
Maximum: 1:34:34 p.m.
Full ends: 1:36:22 p.m.
Partial ends: 2:55:53 p.m.
Eclipse Safety
Keep in mind that it is never safe to look directly at the sun. While it may be tempting to sneak a peek during totality, even that is discouraged due to how quickly the event will pass. Instead, be sure to use filtered glasses specifically designed for eclipse viewing. These are affordable and readily available online and at local stores like HEB and The Home Depot. You can also grab some for free at the Patrick Heath Public Library if they haven’t run out yet.
And don’t fry your phone’s camera, either. The sensor can be permanently damaged if the lenses focus light directly from the sun.
Eclipse Events
There will be a lot going on to mark the celestial celebration, so you’ll have plenty of people to party with.
Downtown Boerne | ci.boerne.tx.us/2253/Boerne-Eclipse | Be alert for road closures along Main Street and elsewhere, as pedestrian traffic is expected to be far higher than usual. Alene’s Boutique also offers limited paid parking for a watch party (boerneeclipse.info).
Boerne Parks | ci.boerne.tx.us/2294/Parks-Recreation | All city parks will be open. City Lake will charge its regular entry fees—no cost for city residents, $15 for all visitors.
Kendall County Fairgrounds | kcfa.org | The fairgrounds will be open for day parking—$25/car and $50/RV. There will be concessions available, or you can bring your own picnic.
Joshua Springs Park and Preserve | co.kendall.tx.us/page/parks.department | Entry is free to the only Kendall County Park open for the eclipse. The park will be open until filled (up to 225 vehicles).
Cave Without a Name | cavewithoutaname.com | The campsites open on Saturday, and they’ll host an eclipse-themed concert and sing-along on Sunday. Reservations start at $170.
Bending Branch Winery | bendingbranchwinery.com | Enjoy wine and live music outside Comfort. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Cocktails, food, and snacks will be available for purchase, or you are welcome to bring a picnic (no outside alcohol allowed).
