Much of North Texas, including Richardson, is in the path of totality for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. In preparation of the event, the Richardson Police Department will have additional officers on duty, specifically assigned to checking areas around the city for crowd and/or traffic-related problems.

How To View

To safely view the partial eclipse, when the moon is only covering a portion of the sun, you will need special glasses so that you don’t damage your eyes.  You do not need glasses for the total eclipse, when the moon is fully covering the sun. If you’re snapping photographs during the eclipse, cameras/phones will not protect your eyes—solar filters must be attached to the front of any camera lens, telescope, binoculars and other optical devices.

Eclipse Timing

• Day: Monday, April 8
• Eclipse Visibility:
  • Eclipse visible from 12:23-3:02 p.m.
  • Totality will begin at 1:40 p.m. and end at 1:44 p.m.

Where To Watch

Richardson parks offer excellent viewing locations. If you're planning to witness the celestial event at a local park, it's advisable to arrive early. Parks tend to become crowded, especially during significant events like eclipses. Arriving early ensures ample time to secure a prime viewing spot and set up any necessary equipment, such as telescopes or cameras. Also, don't forget to bring essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, and anything else required for a comfortable experience at the park. Consider bringing along blankets or chairs for seating as well. Please ensure proper disposal of any trash or waste generated during your eclipse-watching excursion.

Visit www.cor.net/parks for a list of parks in Richardson.

The following free viewing parties are also scheduled in The CORE District and other locations:

Birdcall
Birdcall, a chicken sandwich chain, will host a viewing party in its parking lot. Through April 8, the restaurant will offer a special “Totality Shake” that comes with a free pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses.
Time: Around 1:40 p.m. during the peak of the eclipse
Location: Birdcall, 507 W. Belt Line Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: Birdcall Texas (eatbirdcall.com)

Calloway’s Nursery
Join Calloway’s Nursery to view the eclipse. There will be complimentary viewing glasses, goody bags and a station for kid filled with chalk, crayons and coloring pages. Attendees can also learn about a new plant called the Eclipse Bigleaf Hydrangea.
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Location: Calloway’s Nursery, 2100 N. Plano Rd.
Admission: Free
Additional details: Eclipse Viewing Party - Calloway's Nursery (calloways.com)

Dallas College
Dallas College is hosting an eclipse viewing party and will have special eclipse glasses available for attendees to safely view the historic occurrence.
Time: 12:23-3:02 p.m.
Location: Dallas College Richland Campus, Parking Lot C
12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas, TX
Admission: Free
Additional details: Big D Eclipse at Dallas College – Dallas College

Total Eclipse of the CORE
Beyond the Bar Bottle Shop and Lone Chimney Mercantile are hosting an eclipse viewing party. There will be music provided by Dallas DJ Mr. Rid.
Time: Noon-2 p.m.
Location: Beyond the Bar Bottle Shop, 101 S. Sherman St. B
Limited to 100 attendees
Admission: Free
Additional details: Home | Beyond Booze Beverage Co (square.site)