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Fredericksburg TX Eclipse

resident info

With sincere appreciation

Thank you to residents for heeding precautions and welcoming visitors.

Information on eclipse glasses recycling.

Drop off at the Create Healthy Thrift Store and they will mail them to Brazil for the next eclipse.

Trash-bag offer to other community organizations that want to pick up trash in town or county. 

Anyone interested can email sdoerre@fbgtx.org for more information.

The residents of Fredericksburg should be prepared for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This page will continue to be updated, so locals can find helpful information like road closures, school schedules and business operations.

All spaces for volunteering have been filled at this time. 

Eclipse Informational Documents

Area Closures and Resources

  • The City of Fredericksburg will close City Hall, including utility billing, the Municipal Court, the Gillespie County Health Division Office, and the Sanitary Landfill on Monday, April 8, 2024. in preparation for the total solar eclipse. The city will resume normal operations on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. For more information, please call City Hall at 830-997-7521.
  • Residents with garbage collection on Monday, April 8, 2024, will be rescheduled for Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
  • Residents needing to pay a utility bill can pay online at Xpress Bill Pay at https://xpressbillpay.com/#/?org=fredericksburgtx10899. Select the option to “Pay Online.”
  • Municipal Court fines can also be made online at: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/plc/a000
     
  • Gillespie County Offices
  • Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau
  • Hill Country University Center
  • Oak Crest Park 
  • Old Austin Highway will be for emergency vehicle use only

School Closures

  • Fredericksburg Independent School District
  • Harper Independent School District
  • Bethany Preschool

frequently asked questions

Can I rent out a room, my house, or guest house (within Fredericksburg city limits) on my property during the 2024 Eclipse? 

The City of Fredericksburg has Short Term Rental (STR) requirements. Where allowed, permits are required. No residential property may rent out their yards, driveway, or parking areas, but you may be able to rent your residence or guest house. In addition to an STR Permit, which requires an inspection, there is also the requirement to remit Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) for all rentals to the City and State. More information on HOT may be found here. Please visit the City of Fredericksburg's STR FAQ for more detailed information.

For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at (830) 997-7521 or email: Jan Musgrove at jmusgrove@fbgtx.org

I want to sell food and beverage to the general public during the 2024 Eclipse. What do I need?

You will need a current food handlers certificate that can be obtained online, a temporary event permit issued by the Gillespie County Health Division, and to follow the temporary health permit inspection checklist. All provided here. 

If I want to give away food and/or beverage to the general public during the 2024 Eclipse, do I need a permit? 

Yes. A temporary event permit is required regardless, even when no money is exchanged. A temporary event permit can be found here.

 

What do I need to know about my rights as a property owner, especially during the eclipses?

All are encouraged to listen to the Ag Law in the Field podcast with attorneys Cassie Gresham and Jim Bradbury and extension agent Bryan Davis. They discuss the Recreational Use Statute, Agritourism Act, Farm Animal Liability Act, Texas Limited Liability Statutes, and Landowner Liability Statutes. 

What do I have to do to rent my property (within Fredericksburg city limits) during the 2024 Eclipse?  Is there a fee to rent my property? 

The City of Fredericksburg has Short Term Rental (STR) requirements. Where allowed, permits are required. No residential property may rent out their yards, driveway, or parking areas, but you may be able to rent your residence or guest house. In addition to an STR Permit, which requires an inspection, there is also the requirement to remit Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) for all rentals to the City and State. More information on HOT may be found here. Visit the City of Fredericksburg's STR FAQ for more detailed information.

For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at (830) 997-7521 or email: Jan Musgrove at jmusgrove@fbgtx.org

My food truck has a state permit. Is this valid in Gillespie County for the 2024 Eclipse? 

No, you must have a valid permit from the Gillespie County Health Division. You can get an event permit for your food truck here.

What food can I sell from my home?

You can sell food prepared in your home following DSHS Texas Cottage Food Production regulations found here.

Where can I get or buy eclipse glasses?

A limited supply of eclipse glasses will be available at the Visitor Information Center in 2024. Visit the Safety page to see more about organizations distributing free eclipse glasses and businesses selling eclipse glasses.

To find the Visitor Center, click here.
Space Shot of Eclipse

During an eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun even if the sun is partly blocked.

Learn More

During an eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the sun even if the sun is partly blocked.

Learn More

Public Viewing Spots

Texas Heart Stamp

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

The crown jewel of Fredericksburg’s recreational parks is the 330 acre Lady Bird Johnson Municipal...Learn More

Marktplatz

Marktplatz in Fredericksburg has been a social hub for centuries. The unique green space in the...Learn More

Paid Viewing Spots

Texas Heart Stamp

Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort

Named for the three windmills located on the property, Tres Molinos Ranch & Resort is the premiere...Learn More

For Local Businesses

If your business is taking reservations, planning for special hours or planning to host a special event for the Eclipse, please fill out the form below so we can get it listed.

Website Inquiry

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Eclipse Day Wayfinding

Internet connectivity may be spotty on the day of the eclipse. Map and wayfinding apps may not work. Download and print a map to have with you in case you need directions or if you need to give someone directions.