Rio Grande Valley Calendar of Events
January
Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission features the coronation of Queen Citrianna, the Product Costume Show, carnival, barbeque, the Parade of Oranges and more. (956) 585-9724
https://www.texascitrusfiesta.org
Longest Causeway Run & Wellness Walk features a 10K Run and 3-Mile Fitness Walk from Port Isabel across the beautiful Queen Isabella Causeway to South Padre Island. (956) 943-2262
http://www.portisabelchamber.com/
February
Charro Days in Brownsville is a weeklong event celebrating the spirit of two cultures between the border towns of Brownsville and Matamoros. The event is kicked off with the famous “Grito” and features carnival rides, great food, folkloric dancers, mariachi music and more! (956) 542-4245
Fiesta Edinburg is a weeklong celebration that takes place at the Municipal Park. Major attractions include carnival rides, regional food, arts & crafts, plus top-notch entertainment. (956) 383-4974
Harlingen Rotary Shrimp Fest is highlighted by door prizes, live and silent auctions and a guaranteed good time. For people too busy to stay and enjoy the fellowship, dinners to go are available. (956) 423-1014
Los Fresno’s PRCA Rodeo is the “Biggest Little Rodeo in Texas,“ featuring food, a carnival, arts & crafts and a stock show. (956) 233-4488
The Ocelot Conservation Festival showcases this endangered wild cat with programs and activities for adults and children. (956) 748-3607
Starr County Youth Fair in Rio Grande City has competitive contests in livestock, arts & crafts, baking, farm shop and educational posters. Other highlights include a Saturday morning parade, carnival, rodeo, talent show, pageant, petting zoo, youth scrambles, food and fun events for the entire family. (956) 488-0122
Fiesta de La Feria features live bands, an art exhibit, raffle, car show, food and merchandise booths, a children’s area and much more. (956) 797-2261
March
Air Fiesta at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Brownsville. Bring folding chairs or blankets and binoculars and enjoy various flying acts! (956) 541-8585
Taste of the Valley at the Pharr International Convention Center gives people the opportunity to sample food from some of the leading restaurants in the Rio Grande Valley. (956) 787-1481
BorderFest is a four-day festival in Hidalgo that celebrates a different country every year. The festival features music, entertainment, a parade, arts & crafts, a carnival and great food. (956) 843-2734
RGV Livestock Show in Mercedes supports 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as they show their wares. The event features a rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other entertainment. (956) 565-2456
Mexican Artisan Expo at the Pharr International Convention Center offers native artisans an opportunity to distribute their merchandise at an affordable price to the public and wholesale prices to distributors. (956) 787-1481
Dia del Tourista (Tourist Appreciation Day), held in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico, is a street festival with food, entertainment and great shopping. (956) 968-2102
April
Onion Festival in Weslaco kicks off with live music and the lively “Onion Eating Contest.” Strolling acts, magicians, games, storytellers, arts & crafts and so much more are also available. (956) 968-2102
Viva Verde Earth Day Festival at Quinta Mazatlan in McAllen. Celebrate the wonders of the Planet Earth. Cost: Free! Live birds of prey and reptile shows are presented. (956) 681-3370
May
Dragonfly Days in Weslaco at the Valley Nature Center and Estero Llano Grande State Park. Explore the world of the dragonfly and enjoy live music and arts & crafts. (956) 968-2102
June
Blues on the Hill at McKelvey Park in Harlingen is a summer series featuring several Blues bands. Lawn chairs and beach towels are welcome. (956) 427-8870
July
McAllen’s Fourth of July “Concert in the Sky” is an outrageously good fireworks display that’s the biggest in South Texas. (956) 681-3333
Edinburg Texas Cook’em, located at Edinburg Municipal Park, features T-Bone steak, chicken, ribs and brisket. Join us for fireworks and live music, a family fun zone, a barbeque and more! (956) 383-4974
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament (956) 944-2354
Texas International Fishing Tournament on South Padre Island is a fun angler adventure with five fun-filled days of activities. (956) 943-8438
August
Ladies Kingfish Tournament on South Padre Island draws participants from all over the country and is one of the largest all-women tournaments in Texas. (956) 761-4412
September
Cinesol Film Festival makes its way across the Rio Grande Valley celebrating the achievement of filmmaking and bringing voice and vision through film and video directly to border communities. (956) 793-8783
October
PalmFest International Folklife Celebration at the McAllen Convention Center. The City’s culture, cuisine and heritage take stage during this community-wide celebration. Live music, a fajita cook-off, games and a showcase of local artists are featured. (956) 369-1771
Latin Jazz Festival in Brownsville brings together some of the biggest names in Latin Jazz for three days of the best music and dancing in the Rio Grande Valley. (956) 831-9590
SPI BikeFest “Roar by the Shore” is an open rally with four days of the best food, merchandise and live entertainment. (956) 668-7484
Texas Butterfly Festival at Bentsen RGV State Park World Birding Center in Mission. Activities include a hawk watch and family activities such as kite flying, crafts, games, a tram ride, butterfly walks and much more. (956) 584-9156
The Taste of Harlingen showcases local restaurants and their culinary expertise to the public. (956)-216-4901
Wild in Willacy Boot Fest in Raymondville is a nature and heritage festival with field trips, ranch tours, cook-offs and other family activities. (956) 689-3171
November
Harlingen Birding Festival features a trade show, a variety of seminars and field trips. (956) 423-5440
Veterans Day Parade in Pharr boasts fireworks at the PSJA Stadium, along with a program of great entertainment and honorable dignitaries addressing the audience. (956) 787-1481
Veterans Day Parade at the Iwo Jima Monument in Harlingen starring cadets from the Marine Military Academy. (956) 421-9235
Lights for Life Ceremony at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Join us for a tree lighting ceremony, caroling and refreshments. (956) 389-1614
World’s Champion Shrimp Cook-Off in Port Isabel features live entertainment, crafts and over a ton of fresh Gulf shrimp prepared by professional and amateur chefs who compete for top honors. (956) 943-2262
December
Port Isabel’s Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Viewing areas are located on the shores of the Laguna Madre Bay. (956) 943-2262
Hidalgo Festival of Lights has nine locations featuring an illuminated parade, concerts, live reindeer and trolley tours. (956) 843-2734
Dias Festivos Marketplace takes place at the McAllen Convention Center. Kick off holiday shopping every year with the annual event hosted by the Junior League of McAllen. (956) 682-0071
Edinburg Night of Lights Parade kicks off with live family entertainment, music, food booths, games and more. Don’t miss the lighted parade, plus a visit from Santa Claus! (956) 383-4974
Zoo Nights and Lights at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville – a holiday event for the whole family with more than 800 luminaria bags, 135 lighted figurines and church and school choirs. (956) 546-1787
Celebrate New Year’s with McAllen’s own ball drop. Thousands flock every year to the 17th Street entertainment district to celebrate the New Year. (956) 681-3333