A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Port Lavaca
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.
Port Aransas
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
Texas Culinary Arts Festival
Oct. 24-25
Rockport Conference Center, 106 S. Austin St.
Along the shores of Aransas Bay, a new signature experience arrives to the Texas Coast. The Texas Culinary Arts Show is an immersive celebration of fine cuisine, curated artistry, coastal culture, and refined seaside living inspired by the timeless charm of Rockport. Set against the vibrant creative spirit of the Rockport Cultural Arts District, this premier festival invites guests to indulge in an elevated culinary experience with chef showcases, curated wine and spirit tastings, artisan markets, coastal entertainment, and art installations. Rockport’s longstanding reputation as an artistic and culinary destination provides an ideal setting. The Texas Culinary Arts Show blends the beauty of the sea with the creativity of culinary and visual arts.
rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/event/texas-culinary-art-show/
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.
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.
Rockport
Christmas in the District
Nov. 22-Dec. 27
Rockport Cultural Arts District
This festive family event kicks off the weekend before Thanksgiving and ends the Sunday after Christmas. Enjoy ice skating, live music, kids activities, a holiday market, and other attractions.
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.
Sand Santa
Dec. 1-Jan. 4
Roberts Point Park Pavillion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
Take holiday photos with Sand Santa. This giant sand sculpture is created by world-class sand sculptors and is on display for the holiday season.
Freeport
Christmas Past Exhibit
Dec. 1-31
Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.
Freeport Historical Museum presents an exhibit that features educational panels about the evolution of Christmas traditions, along with photographs and artifacts of Christmases in the community.
Port Arthur
Christmas Around the World
Dec. 5-Jan. 8
Port Arthur Public Library , 4615 Ninth Ave.
Area cultural groups have been invited to share their culture with displays of trees, décor, and traditions at Christmas Around the World. The display is in the Lucy Stiefel Gallery during business hours.
Rockport
Tropical Christmas Festival
Dec. 5-6
Aransas Navigation District County Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 1391 E. Laurel St.
This two-day extravaganza kicks off the holiday season starting with an illuminated night parade, tree lighting, and fireworks at Rockport Beach Park Road, followed by vendors, entertainment, ornament making, and pictures with Santa on the festival grounds at Rockport Harbor on Sunday.
Christmas on the Beach
Dec. 6-Jan. 7
Rockport Beach, 210 Seabreeze Drive
The annual light show is a celebration of the season. Local organizations create displays for visitors of Aransas County to enjoy from the comfort of their own vehicles.
Port Aransas
Holiday Shop Around
Dec. 11-13
Port Aransas Tourism Bureau and Chamber of Commerce , 403 W. Cotter St.
Local shops and boutiques participate in this shopping event, where visitors can find great deals, fun and whimsical treasures, and holiday gifts and décor.
Port Arthur
A Very Marshy Christmas
Dec. 12
Sea Rim State Park , 19335 S. Gulfway Drive
Santa arrives at the Sea Rim State Park Marsh Unit by airboat to visit children for the holidays. Make sure to get some photos and tell Santa how your year has been.
Port Aransas
Lighted Boat Parade, Holiday Drone Show, and Bingo Bells
Dec. 12
Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, 900 Tarpon Street
Holiday-decorated boats go on parade in the city marina, followed by the Holiday Drone Show. Watch the night sky come to life with over 150 drones. Spectators are encouraged to watch from Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf and Grumbles, where there’s holiday music, photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and holiday beverages. Bingo Bells is a festive twist where a scavenger hunt meets classic bingo. Pick up a bingo card and mark off squares as you shop, dine, and enjoy holiday-themed activities around town. Score a bingo and enter a giveaway with prizes.
portaransas.org/event/lighted-boat-parade-%26-holiday-drone-show/5453/
New Year’s Eve Fireworks
Dec. 31
Roberts Point Park Pavillion, 301 JC Barr Blvd.
The night sky lights up with brilliant colors as Port Aransas celebrates New Year’s Eve with a big fireworks show.
Rockport
“America’s Sweetheart”: Exhibition of Farrah Fawcett Art
Jan. 6-31
Rockport Cultural Arts District presents an exclusive exhibition featuring the personal art creations of the late actress and Texas native Farrah Fawcett. Featured are 31 pieces of her artwork that have been in the basement of the Blanton Museum at UT Austin since her death in 2009. Only two exhibits of 15 pieces have been displayed since 2009. The show coincides with the placement of a bronze sculpture of the actress in the downtown arts district.
Gospel Music Festival
Jan. 7-9
First Baptist Church, 1515 N. Live Oak St.
Groups appearing this year at the annual Southern gospel festival include Crimson River Quartet, the Kinsmen, the McNeills, and the Delawders.
La Mardi Gras
Jan. 13-14
Lamar Volunteer Fire Dept, 302 Bois D’arc
Celebrate Mardi Gras with local flare that benefits the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department. The party starts Friday evening and goes all day Saturday. Festivities include a parade, live music, cold beer, themed food, auctions, and casinos.
Port Aransas
Restaurant Weeks
Jan. 16-26
Various locations
Take a break from the sand and surf to dive into the island’s unique local culture. There’s no ticket purchase necessary, simply select the prix-fixe menus that catch your eye and enjoy all the delicious dishes this island has to offer.
Freeport
MLK Holiday Celebration and Parade
Jan. 18
Freeport Municipal Park, 421 N. Brazosport Blvd.
Celebrate the holiday honoring the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and keep his memory and the legacy of his achievements alive for future generations. Parade starts in downtown Freeport and ends at Freeport Municipal Park.
Rockport
Winter Texan Appreciation Day
Jan. 27
Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road
Winter Texans are encouraged to stop by for refreshments, collect info from local businesses, learn about local attractions, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live entertainment, food, and games at local RV parks.
Port Aransas
Home Tour
Jan. 30
Island Retreat Condominiums, 700 Island Retreat Court
The Port Aransas Garden Club hosts its 37th annual Home Tour on Mustang Island. The self-guided tour originates at the Island Retreat Condominiums. Guests get a peek at beautiful homes in the city and help raise funds to support several local projects.
Port Arthur
Mardi Gras
Feb. 5-7
Downtown , Procter Street
Mardi Gras Port Arthur celebrates the season in the official Cajun Capital of Texas. Inspired by the rich heritage of Mardi Gras celebrations along the Gulf Coast and in Southeast Texas, Mardi Gras Port Arthur is creating a vibrant new tradition filled with colorful parades, live music, delicious food, family-friendly activities, and the warm hospitality that defines our region.
Port Aransas
Chocolate Crawl and Shoparound
Feb. 12
Various locations
Celebrate Valentine’s Day early by shopping at local boutiques and shops to find outfits for the holiday or a gift for that special someone. Starting late afternoon, shoppers are treated to beverages and a wide assortment of chocolate goodies throughout the evening.
Whooping Crane Festival
Feb. 25-28
Various locations
Every year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The event features world renowned speakers, birding trips, nature outings, and photography workshops.