A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Port Aransas
Rockport
“Rockport Legends”
May 22-July 19
Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.
The Rockport Art Festival Master Artist tradition was founded in 1993 and continues with this exhibition showing works by past master artists in the McKelvey Charitable Fund Gallery. The public is invited to attend a reception on June 13.
Freeport
Shark Exhibit
May 23-Aug. 14
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Stand inside enormous shark jaws, see life-size models of different sharks, and learn about Freeport’s fishing industry history.
La Porte
Main Street Trade Days
June 6, July 4, Aug. 1
Main Street, 100 S. Broadway
Discover one-of-a-kind items at this open-air market held on the first Saturday of every month in historic downtown La Porte. Visitors can expect a treasure trove for those seeking unique handmade and homemade goods and a wide variety of collectibles.
Rockport
“Byways”
June 13-Aug. 2
Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.
Come see an exhibition featuring beautiful paintings by Elena Rodz, the 2026 Art Festival Master Artist. A reception takes places on June 13.
Downtown Farmers Market
June 13, July 11, Aug. 8
Goin’ Coastal , 103 S. Austin St.
Vendors sell local produce as well as jams, jellies, pickled goods, fresh-baked bread, local honey and eggs, and locally raised beef. The market is located in the parking lot every second Saturday of the month.
Austin Street Art Walk
June 13, July 11, Aug. 8
Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.
This monthly art walk includes galleries, art spaces, and supporting businesses on Austin Street.
Rockport Fulton Market Days
June 19-21, July 17-19, Aug. 14-16
Rockport Festival Grounds, 100 Seabreeze Drive
Expect to find arts and crafts vendors, resale vendors, women’s boutiques, custom jewelry, food trucks, free face painting, and live music at this market held every third weekend of the month.
Freeport
Fishin’ Fiesta
July 2-5
Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.
Since 1947, anglers have been drawn to this annual fishing tournament in the hopes of catching the biggest redfish, barracuda, or any other offshore or inshore fish. Along with games, food, live entertainment, dances, and arts and crafts, the fishing tournament, one of the largest on the Gulf, includes prizes for both offshore and inshore categories and has a fireworks display on Saturday night.
Rockport
Art Festival
July 4-5
Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.
Founded in 1969 as a way to stimulate the arts economy in Rockport, an emerging art colony on the Texas Coast, this festival has become a staple of the summer season on the coast, with more than 120 artists selling works to over 10,000-plus art buyers.
July Fourth Fireworks Show
July 4
Various locations
Celebrate the holiday with a fireworks show that has been a local tradition since 1965. Places to watch include Broadway/Fulton Beach Road, along State Highway 35 by Little Bay, Rockport Beach Park, and the Rockport marina and seawall.
Port Aransas
Deep Sea Roundup
July 9-12
Sponsored by Port Aransas Boatmen Inc., the Deep Sea Roundup is the oldest fishing tournament on the Texas coast, helping Port Aransas gain and maintain its identity as a world-class fishing community. The tournament continues to attract hundreds of families and individual anglers to Port Aransas to fish, compete, and have fun.
Texas Legends Billfish Pachanga
July 15-18
Virginia’s On The Bay, 815 Trout St.
The Billfish Pachanga is a fishing tournament targeting blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. All fish in those divisions are released. Target “meat fish,” which may be brought to the dock for weigh-in, include dorado, wahoo, tuna, and swordfish.
Majek Boat Owners Tournament
Aug. 7-8
The tournament was created to bring Majek owners together to display their boats, make new friends, and win great prizes including a brand new Majek boat. The fishing tournament gives participants the chance to win the title of the top Majek angler on the coast.
La Porte
Main Street Trade Days
Sept. 5-Oct. 3
Five Points Plaza, 100 S. Broadway St.
Discover one-of-a-kind items at Main Street Trade Days, held on the first Saturday of every month in downtown La Porte. This open-air market is a treasure trove for those seeking unique handmade and homemade goods, and a wide variety of collectibles, all surrounded by Main Street.
Port Aransas
Palmilla Beach Summer Concert Series
Sept. 5
Palmilla Beach Resort and Golf Community, 132 Palmilla Beach Drive
Enjoy a Labor Day concert featuring Django Walker, the son of Jerry Jeff Walker who delivers laid-back Gulf Coast grooves and timeless songwriting. Headlining the show is Sundance Head, the winner of Season 11 of “The Voice” under Blake Shelton. His music fuses soulful, blues-driven country with a commanding stage presence. No coolers or outside beverages are allowed.
Port Arthur
Mexican Heritage Fiesta
Sept. 12
Robert A. “Bob Bowers” Civic Center , 3401 Cultural Center Drive
Food, music, and folkloric dancing highlight a day of pageants and celebration.
Freeport
“Haunted Tales of the Gulf Coast”
Sept. 12-Oct. 30
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Experience this exhibition about local ghost stories and Freeport’s spookiest places.
Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition
Sept. 15-Oct. 15
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
See this exhibition about the federal Bracero Program, which provided agricultural labor from Mexico during World War II, and local Hispanic history.
Rockport
HummerBird Celebration
Sept. 17-20
Rockport Fulton Visitor Center, 319 Broadway
The 38th annual Rockport-Fulton HummerBird Celebration offers programs with speakers, birding trips, hummer home bus tours, and shopping.
Seafair
Oct. 1-4
Harbor Festival Grounds, 101 Seabreeze Drive
Since 1975, the Rockport-Fulton SeaFair has been the Gulf Coast’s premier fall festival, with four days of live music, legendary Cajun cooking competitions, crab races, carnival rides, a parade, and the warmth of a tight-knit coastal Texas community.
Freeport
Texas Archeology Month
Oct. 3
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Celebrate Texas Archeology Month with sand excavations and artifacts visitors can touch.
Port Aransas
Hook ‘Em and Book ‘Em Fishing Tournament
Oct. 3
Roberts Point Pier, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Head to the Texas Coast for a full day of friendly competition, coastal adventure, and unwavering support for the officers and families of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Every cast helps the department continue its mission of providing scholarships, relief assistance, and emergency support for the DPS community. Registrations, check-ins, and weigh-ins take place at Roberts Point Marina.
Cultural Arts Festival
Oct. 9-11
Old Town Park, 408 N. Alister St.
This celebration of art, heritage, and creativity by the sea showcases the cultural, artistic, and civic spirit of Port Aransas. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences—from food and music to storytelling and the arts.
Fall Kite Fly
Oct. 10
Beach Mile Marker 13, 405 W. Ave. G
The fun begins in the morning near beach marker 13. The sky comes alive with kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors. If the evening breeze is right, you might even see the beach light up with glowing night kites. Bring your own kite and join in, or just relax and enjoy the view. This fevent is open to all ages.
Shoptober
Oct. 16-18
Various locations
This event is a prime weekend to score deals. Snag that great pair of flip-flops or that extra-special price on the must-have swimsuit you’ve been eyeing. It’s also a goof time to bring a touch of fall décor into your home.
Freeport
Ghost Stories
Oct. 17
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Things get spooky at the Freeport Historical Museum at this event showcasing ghost stories and local legends.
Port Aransas
Harvest Moon Regatta
Oct. 22-24
Roberts Point Park, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
The regatta has been hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club every year since 1987. The offshore race begins in Galveston and ends with a party in Port Aransas. Whether you are new to offshore sailing, a seasoned cruiser, a serious racer, or a spectator, Harvest Moon has something for everyone.
Flynn’s Beach Run
Oct. 24
Horace Caldwell Pier, 230 North on the Beach
With options that include a 5K, a 10K, and a family-friendly fun run, this event welcomes all to enjoy the beach views while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a family adventure, sign up for a race and help support local high school runners and sustainability efforts in Port Aransas.
portaransas.org/events/festivals-and-annual-events/beachtober/flynns-beach-run
Rockport
Film Festival
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
The Rockport Conference Center , 106 S. Austin St.
The 20th annual Rockport Film Festival honors the enduring power of cinema to connect communities and cultures. International in scope yet rooted in local spirit, the festival presents an exceptional selection of independent films from Texas and around the world, celebrating the art of storytelling through diverse voices and perspectives. A red carpet party takes place Oct. 29.
FIlm Festival
Oct. 30-Nov. 1
Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.
The film festival honors the enduring power of cinema to connect communities and cultures. International in scope yet rooted in local spirit, the festival presents a selection of independent films from Texas and around the world, celebrating the art of storytelling through diverse voices and perspectives.
Freeport
“The Karankawa People: The First Caretakers of the Coast”
Nov. 7
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Learn about pottery making and the language of Freeport’s first residents.
Port Aransas
Fall Farmers Market
Nov. 8
Roberts Point Park, Fred Rhodes Memorial Pavilion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Enjoy a vibrant community gathering featuring local farms, fresh produce, artisan goods, wellness products, handmade items, fresh seafood, and live music—all while supporting small businesses and sustainable living along the Texas coast.
Rockport
Silver Meltdown
Nov. 12
The Rockport Conference Center , 106 S. Austin St.
Silver Meltdown returns for a stylish evening celebrating the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship of the Coastal Bend’s premier silversmiths. Held in Randall Ewing Kemper Hall at The ROCC, this annual event transforms the evening into a lively women-only experience filled with fashion, handcrafted silver jewelry, cocktails, music, and exclusive shopping.
La Porte
La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon
Nov. 15
Sylvan Beach Park, 636 N. Bayshore Drive
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon starts from Sylvan Beach Park by the water, proceeding through La Porte streets and on to the Fred Hartman Bridge, one of the most beautiful and unique structures in Texas. After looping back to take on the bridge for a second crossing, the race finishes at Five Points Plaza, where the post-race party awaits with food and cold beer, awards, and good times.
Port Aransas
Turkey Trot
Nov. 25
Cinnamon Shore North, 5009 SH 361
Join the fun at Cinnamon Shore North for the Turkey and Tot Trot, featuring 10K, 5K, 2K, and 1K races. Then hang around for a fun-filled morning of food trucks, inflatables for the kids, music, lawn games, and a vendor village.