Area Events

September - In Matamoros, Independence Day is celebrated at the main plaza on Calle Sexta with music and presentations on September 16.

White-winged Dove hunting season is scheduled early in September. Several farms and ranches offer guided, organized services.

The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, last Saturday in September. A 10-kilometer run/walk over one of the nation's longest bridges. (800) 527-6102.

October - Zoofari Gladys Porter Zoo's biggest fundraiser of the year is Zoofari. Each year, proceeds from Zoofari are earmarked for a designated project. Zoofari is always held the first Friday & Saturday in October. Make plans to join us for both nights. The Premier evening (Friday) is the gala event with a live auction and catered dinner. Zoofari evening (Saturday) includes a casual bar-b-que, silent auction, blackboard auction, live music and dancing.

The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, first Saturday in October. A 10-kilometer run/walk over one of the nation’s longest bridges. 1-800-527-6102

From October 19 - 22, 2006, come and see what all the fuss is about. Located in Mission, TX of the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, the most biologically diverse region in the United States, the Texas Butterfly Festival celebrates the wonder that is nature. Four ecosystems convergein this four county area; with its sub-tropical climate the area bosts over 290 species of butterflies, some 400 species of birds and approximately 78 species of odonates.

The Festival Internacional de Otoìo turns Matamoros into a cultural icon every October. World-renowned presentations are performed at the historic Reforma Theatre, Mundo Nuevo Convention Center, and the main square. Enjoy these performing arts at one of the most historic cities in Northern Mexico.

Boo at the Zoo is a festive Halloween event at the Gladys Porter Zoo on October 30 - 31 from 6pm - 9pm.

The Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts brings world-class musical concerts to town throughout the year. Their signature event is the very popular Annual Latin Jazz Festival at the end of October and includes a week of the best regional and national acts.

November - The Day of the Dead is a very ancient tradition celebrated in Mexico at the beginning of November. On this day, family members of deceased relatives visit the city cemetery and bring their loved ones many treats such as their favorite meal, candies, liquor, and music. Day of the Dead is an opportunity to celebrate life and death with the whole family in a very unique way, with activities in Brownsville and Matamoros.

Don't miss one of North America's premier wildlife events, the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, early November, attracts birders from all over North America. Field trips, tours, seminars by several of the country's top birding authorities, a children's program and a trade show which includes art, optics, birding supplies and gear, crafts, clothing and more. (956) 423-5440 or (800) 531-7346.

World's Championship Shrimp Cookoff, Port Isabel, first Sunday in November, takes place on one-and-one-half city blocks. Help judge world class shrimp dishes. Street dances folk art festival, food booths. (800) 527-6102.

The Brownsville Art League stages the Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, a major event in November

December - At the beginning of December, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce orchestrates the traditional Fiesta of Lights parade. During this event, the local community gathers around the historic downtown district to enjoy the celebration. This is a truly highlight of the city and a must see when visiting during the winter season.

Each Christmas season, the Gladys Porter Zoo puts on a special display of holiday lights call Zoo Lights and Nights.

Candlelight Posada, Archer Park, McAllen, first Friday and Saturday nights in December. Christmas entertainment with a South Texas flair...food booths, luminarias, twinkling lights, caroling and a live Nativity scene. (956) 682-2871.

Christmas Boat Parade, Port Isabel, early December. Don't miss this spectacular parade as boats make their way from Port Isabel along the causeway and along the bay at South Padre Island. (956) 943-2262.

A Christmas Celebration, Edinburg, second Saturday in December, celebrates the season with mariachis, dancers, a crafts fair and Las Posadas production. (956) 383-4974.

Christmas Street Parade, South Padre Island, early December. Grab your favorite parking spot on Padre Blvd. for the enchanting Christmas Street Parade. (956) 761-3000.

Winter Vegetable Show, Pharr, early December, showcases the Valley's many vegetables shown by 4-H and Future Farmers of America members. (956) 787-1481.

In addition to the parade, the Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau also commemorates the arrival of the holiday season and celebrates the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Visitors Information Center.

January - Texas Citrus Fiesta, Mission, late January and early February for the coronation of Queen Citrianna, the Product Costume Show, a carnival, a barbecue, the Parade of Oranges and more. (956) 585-9724.

McAllen International Travel Show -- Exhibitors from all over the United States, Mexico and Canada show off their travel destinations and attractions at the Civic Center. Over 140 booths distributing information about their destination. Door prizes, give-aways, the ultimate vacation shopping experience in early January.

McAllen's Winter Texan Expo, late January, in the McAllen Civic Center, U.S. 83 and 10th Street. (956) 682-2870.

Taste of the Island -- For more information or to purchase advance tickets for the Taste of the Island, please stop by the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at 600 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island or call 956-761-4412

February - Charro Days... Fiesta, at the end of February, is a colorful, twin-city celebration of folkloric dancing, mariachis, “merienda”, and parades. Charro Days is recognized as one of the top 100 events in North America by the American Bus Association. The event hosts the only known international parade with numerous decorated floats that begins in downtown Brownsville and proceeds across the bridge into Matamoros, Mexico. With the concurrent Sombrero Festival fiesta-goes have live concerts with popular and Tejano music, traditional food, dances, and loads of fun. The Mr. Amigo Association also joins the celebration and selects a personality, who has influence the good relationship between the two cultures, to become Mr. Amigo.

Every February, the Brownsville International Birding Festival offers nature lovers a complete program of field trips, seminars, and talks that will explore the biodiversity of south Texas and northern Mexico. The field trips offer a wide choice of birding opportunities from pelagic trips in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico to a canoe trip on the Rio Grande.

Fiesta Edinburg, a week-long event in late February with a parade, rodeo, fajita cookoff, live music and exhibits in celebrations of the city's founding. Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, (956) 383-4974.

Heart of the Valley Health Fair, McAllen Civic Center, early February. Free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, glucose, glaucoma, vision and blood pressure, podiatry, massage and oral hygiene. Immunizations for children and screenings for scoliosis and hearing. (956) 682-2871.

Los Fresnos Rodeo, first weekend in February, featuring a full range of rodeo events and clowns. In Lions Park, Los Fresnos. (956) 233-4488.

March - The Commemorative Air Fiesta brings vintage and military aircrafts to the skies over Brownsville in March. The event takes place at the RGV Wing of the CAF Flying Museum and is a truly remarkable display of state of the art aircrafts in action.

Borderfest, Hidalgo, three days in early March featuring a colorful parade, beauty pageant and folkloric dancers as well as "crafts in action," mariachis and food. (956) 843-2734.

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes, held in mid-March is one of the Valley's most popular events with an average attendance of 160,000. Supports 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as they show their wares. Rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-oriented entertainment. (956) 565-2456.

Taste of the Valley, Pharr, hosted by the Pharr Chamber of Commerce is a food fair featuring leading Valley restaurants and entertainment at the Pharr International Convention Center. Late March or early April. (956) 787-1481.

April - The Brownsville Art League stages a major event with two International Art Shows, adults & students, in April and May.

Onion Festival, Weslaco. If it can be done with an onion, it's here. Watch or enter onion-clipping and onion recipe contests. Food booths, games, storytellers, bands and entertainment. (956) 968-2102.

Riofest, Harlingen, celebrates culture with arts and crafts, art exhibits, art contests, food and music. Artists of every age can show their work or just look and learn by taking lessons at no extra charge. A make-believe Western town for kids, complete with a jail, is a favorite attraction. Dozens of musical acts, both amateur and professional, are featured. Third week of April. (956) 425-2705.

Texas Tropics Nature Festival, McAllen, early April, celebrates one of the richest areas for birding on the continent. Field trips introduce festival-goers to the natural and cultural delights of the Valley. Includes seminars, evening keynote speakers, an all-day photography workshop, a children's program and a full trade show. (956) 682-2871 or (800) 250-2591.

May - Tejano Fan Fest, McAllen. Major Tejano music stars perform for a 5 de Mayo Celebration at Municipal Park from noon to midnight. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the stars face to face during autograph session, enjoy food booths and special sections for children. McAllen Chamber of Commerce, (956)682-2871.

The Brownsville Art League Show continues...

June - Among the many celebration that occur in Matamoros, Expo Fiesta is the one that highlights the year. From mid-June into July, Expo Fiesta presents a large variety of internationally known artists, musical concerts, and arts and crafts. In addition, leather items, silver, and ceramic

Latin-influenced films are highlighted in the annual Cinesol Film Festival which occurs each June. Special presentations are made at other times in cooperation with the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts.

July - Independence Day is celebrated in Brownsville with a parade, entertainment and a fireworks display on July 4.

Brownsville International Birding Festival, mid-July. The Festival showcases the Rio Grande Valley's summer birding opportunities and is Texas' only offshore, summertime birding festival. There are a variety of field trips and seminars as well as an info share-marketplace, youth programs and evening activities. Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, (956) 546-3721.

Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, mid-July. Fishing takes the spotlight in July and August with this annual tournament. (956) 944-2354.

August - Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament continues...

Texas International Fishing Tournament, South Padre Island, first weekend in August. This legendary contest draws anglers from all over the continent. Non-fishermen can come down to the docks for the weigh-in at the end of each day. (956) 943-8438.

Ladies Kingfish Tournament, South Padre Island, second weekend in August. This "women's only" tournament draws over 200 participants yearly from all over the country. One of the largest all women's tournaments in Texas, it has been around nearly 20 years. (956) 761-4412.