Eagle Pass, Texas, is set to host the 57 South Festival and Eclipse Celebration in April, featuring a stellar lineup of musical acts and the best view of the total solar eclipse in the United States.

In a decisive move that blends culture, music, and celestial spectacle, the Eagle Pass City Council, in a split vote, has officially green-lit the 57 South Festival. The festival is a result of a collaborative effort with the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas. This year, the event will find a new home near the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, a significant shift from its originally planned Shelby Park area location.

The approval came after a heated discussion that saw Mayor Rolando Salinas, alongside municipal councilors Elias Diaz and Billy Davis, favoring the proposal. However, Council members Monica Cruz and Mario E. Garcia expressed their opposition, leading to a narrowly passed vote.

The festival, anticipated to draw large crowds, is part of a broader schedule of events leading up to the Eclipse Festival in April. This celestial-themed event is set to feature an array of performances from April 5-7, culminating in the viewing of a total solar eclipse on April 8. Eagle Pass has the unique distinction of being the first city in the United States directly in the path of totality for the eclipse, promising one of the best viewing experiences nationwide.

The music lineup for the 57 South Music Fest is as star-studded as the skies will be come April. Headliners include Tejano and country favorites such as Intocable, Bobby Pulido, and The Randy Rogers Band, alongside local talents like Chico’s del Barrio and Parker McCollum. The festival promises a diverse musical experience, with Gary Hobbs, Los Garcia Bros, Randall King, and many more set to perform. Special mention goes to Eclipse, a tribute band to Journey, adding a thematic touch to the event.

The city’s preparations for the Eclipse Festival are well underway, with the total solar eclipse expected to last approximately four minutes and twenty-three seconds. As Eagle Pass lies within the “path of totality,” it is considered the premier viewing site in the United States for this rare astronomical event.

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to mark their calendars for this unique blend of cultural celebration and natural wonder. With the 57 South Festival and Eclipse Festival, Eagle Pass is set to become a focal point of entertainment and celestial discovery this April.