Eclipse News
There's still time to get free eclipse glasses around Austin
We're a week away from Total Solar Eclipse day on April 8, when skies will turn dark for three to four minutes. Regardless of where you decide to view it — at an eclipse watching party around Central Texas or from the comfort of your backyard — you'll need one thing: eclipse glasses, so you don't damage your eyes, and a new wave of vendors are offering them for free.
They're pretty cheap: Supermarkets have them for $1 to $3, and you can order them online. Glasses are also being given away by venues that are hosting watch parties.
Eclipse glasses must adhere to the ISO 12312-2 standard and should block nearly all visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. Sunglasses won't work. The American Astronomical Society has already issued a warning about counterfeits turning up, and CNN has tips on how to check if your glasses are the real thing.
Businesses and eye shops
The Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop
On the day of the eclipse, April 8, the Violet Crown Wine Bar & Coffee Shop will be giving out free eclipse glasses to anyone who purchases a $5 glass of cava (Spanish sparking wine). This deal lasts as long as the partial eclipse, from noon to 2 pm.
Garbo's
Another last-minute option is Garbo's, which is handing out eclipse glasses at all its locations with purchase of the "Eclipse Lobster Roll": fresh Maine lobster and lemon aioli, on a black-out Easy Tiger bun. Edible gold and silver stars will be sprinkled on top. The promotion runs April 6-8, or until sold out.
El Raval
This popular new tapas destination is hosting a viewing party with a special cocktail menu from noon to 4 pm. El Raval chef Laila Bazahm and visiting chef Beigler Cruz (former head sushi chef at Uchi Austin) are cooking a Spanish omakase meal, with entertainment by a live DJ spinning Spanish and funk house music outside. Free glasses will be available. Reserve on OpenTable.
Sonic
Sonic stores are giving away free eclipse glasses with the purchase of its new Blackout Slush Float. The float is an all-black slush that is cotton candy and dragon fruit-flavored with white soft serve inside. The glasses will be given while supplies last.
Smoothie King
Some Smoothie King stores are offering free eclipse glasses to anyone who orders a 20 oz or larger Eclipse Berry Blitz smoothie.
The deal is only at participating locations where the eclipse will cross including Arkansas, Indiana, New York, Ohio and Texas.
Warby Parker
New York eyeglass retailer is giving away free glasses. Starting April 1, individuals can visit any Warby Parker location to receive up to two pairs of solar eclipse glasses at no cost, subject to availability. There are four stores in Austin, seven in the DFW area, and seven in Houston.
MyEyeDr.
Washington DC-based eye care provider is offering free solar eclipse glasses at its 438 locations across the country, including 4 across Austin, giving away the glasses while supplies last.
Hertz, Dollar, And Thrifty
Free eclipse glasses will be available—for customers only—at select Hertz, Dollar or Thrifty locations in Austin and Dallas (including DFW Airport) starting Saturday, April 6, until supplies last.
Public libraries and rec centers
The Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries project is giving away 5 million solar eclipse glasses via 13,000 public libraries across the U.S. This map shows locations.
Austin Public Library: On Saturday, April 6, a limited supply of eclipse viewing glasses will be available for free at select Fort Worth Public Library locations – one pair per person, while supplies last. Those branches are: Cepeda, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, Menchaca, North Village, Old Quarry, Pleasant Hill, Twin Oaks, Willie Mae Kirk, and Windsor Park. The Central Library will also host an Eclipse Watch Party, with a pop-up exhibit by NASA.
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department has been distributing 10,000 free eclipse glasses since March 11 at 20 recreation centers, four senior centers, and the Austin Nature & Science Center.
Father afield, Totality Dallas is giving away free solar glasses at City of Dallas recreation centers. Glasses are limited to four per family.