Upcoming Events in Gulf Coast

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

All aboard the Murphy’s Law for a 1.5-hour dolphin watch and eco tour. Cruise along the lower Laguna Madre on the 67-foot, double-decker boat, which is specially designed to allow guests to have an optimum viewing experience while on the water.

islatours.com

Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.

Curated by Kelly Montana, assistant curator at the Menil Drawing Institute, this is the sixth installment in the Menil Collection’s Wall Drawing Series, which began in 2018 as part of the institute’s commitment to seeking new approaches to the form and language of drawing.

menil.org

Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

To mark its fourth birthday, the Houston Botanic Garden presents “Habitat.” The exhibit—which incorporates installations created by local artists—explores the central idea of “protecting habitats protects life,” through the lens of the Gulf Coast environment. With thematic sections on topics such as fungi, dead wood, nests, and insects, “Habitat” explores the critical role that many organisms play in creating and sustaining habitats.

hbg.org

Menil Drawing Institute, 1413 W. Main St.

This selection of works from the Menil’s permanent collection explores the ways in which the past imbues the present. In their drawings, the featured artists take up commonplace embodiments of personal and collective memory, such as scrapbooks, snapshots, notes, relics, and odes, to reimagine how we might access fraught memories and contested histories.

menil.org

Menil Drawing Institute, 1413 W. Main St.

This show examines drawing as a meditative process that invites the gradual appearance of indeterminate images. Selected from the Menil’s permanent collection, the 29 drawings date from the late 1930s to the present and are united by a visual concept of forms still in the process of becoming.

menil.org

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

Take a 4-hour narrated tour along the Brownsville Ship Channel. See local and migratory birds, dolphins in the bay, the SpaceX launch site and Starbase city, the USS Kitty Hawk, and oil rigs from all over the world. On the way back, the tour cruises through the Port Isabel Shrimp Basin. Fresh-caught Gulf shrimp tastings are also available.

islatours.com

Isla Tours, 33256 State Park Road 100

An hour and a half in duration, this excursion aboard the Murphy’s Law offers a brief tour of the Laguna Madre and provides a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat. At the end of the tour, enjoy a breathtaking south Texas sunset.

islatours.com

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

The first major museum survey in the United States of work by the British European visual artist Tacita Dean, the exhibition spotlights her career-defining approach to creating art through unmediated and chance-based drawing processes across a variety of mediums, from film to printmaking.

menil.org

Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

The Chinese lantern festival, with larger-than-life installations that showcase the beauty of nature and celebrate the promise of the Lunar New Year, returns with all-new displays and interactive elements.

hbg.org/series/radiant-nature

The Gaff, 323 Beach St.

Belt sander racing is a longstanding tradition in Port Aransas. Head on over the The Gaff, the “Birthplace of Texas Belt Sander Racing,” to watch competitors race their power tools down the wooden rack.

facebook.com/groups/390438614867403

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

Every winter, Discovery Green’s Kinder Lake transforms into Houston’s only outdoor ice-skating rink. Adults and children of all ages can glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown and enjoy a series of programming throughout the season—from themed music nights to discounted skate nights. The ice rink is open every day.

discoverygreen.com/ice

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

By internationally recognized artist Jen Lewin, this interactive public art installation features a collection of 24 handcrafted and hand-painted ethereal glowing moths on a monumental scale. The creatures hang suspended from the trees of the Brown Promenade at Discovery Green and react to sound and movement of visitors. Each moth represents a unique endangered North American moth species.

discoverygreen.com/atlas

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, 105-B Sabine St.

Brighten up your winter with Cistern Illuminated, an immersive light and sound installation in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. This annual tradition transforms the underground, decommissioned drinking water reservoir into a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing the Cistern’s repeating columns and their uncanny reflections on the surface of the water below. A unique and original soundscape follows the moving lights around the cavernous Cistern. On select dates, the Cistern Illuminated installation is accompanied by live choral performances.

buffalobayou.org/cistern-illuminated

Downtown , 105 S. Austin St.

Held every second Saturday of the month, the market offers vendor exhibits featuring locally grown produce, jams, jellies, pickled items, fresh baked bread, local honey, hen fruit, and freshly made goat soap.

facebook.com/rockportdowntownfarmersmarket

Downtown , 302 S Austin St.

Find handmade items from local artists and fun, one-of-a kind home décor at the local outdoor market held the second Saturday of every month.

rockport-fulton.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

Rockport Center for the Arts presents this art walk that offers an ever-changing mix of participants representing various art mediums such as painting, pottery, jewelry, photography, and textiles, as well as live music, artist demonstrations, and food.

rockportartcenter.com/austin-street-art-walk

Downtown , South Austin Street

The Rockport District hosts Second Saturday every month with live music and special themes to enjoy along with the Artwalk, Farmers Market, and Makers Market.

rockportculturalartsdistrict.com/event/second-saturday-art-walk

Rockport Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, 100 Seabreeze Drive

At this pet-friendly market, enjoy live music throughout the weekend, over 100 vendors, over a dozen food trucks and food vendors, and seating under the shade.

acmtexas.com

Port Aransas Art Center, 104 N. Alister St.

The Port Aransas Art Center invites art enthusiasts to see the latest exhibits and attend a reception with artists, live music, and refreshments on the first Friday of every month.

portaransasartcenter.org/events-and-exhibits

Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St.

Slip, slide, twirl, and crash with Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green. This timeless amusement ride gets an updated twist at Houston’s only outdoor ice skating rink. No license or experience needed to drive.

discoverygreen.com/ice

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.com

Laura Rathe Fine Art, 4444 Westheimer Road, Suite D120

Laura Rathe Fine Art presents “Wild Kingdom,” a solo exhibition by Hunt Slonem, across both gallery locations. The first opening is in Houston at the River Oaks District on January 9th, followed by Dallas in the Dallas Design District on January 11th. This exhibition features, for the first time in public, several never-before-seen works from Hunt’s personal collection. Signed books are available for purchase.

laurarathe.com/show/laura-rathe-fine-art-wild-kingdom-hunt-slonem-at-lrfa-houston-i

Moody Medical Library, 914 Market St.

Visit the first medical school west of the Mississippi and be fascinated by Tom Lea’s dramatic painting of the first recorded surgical operation in North America.

tomlea.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

This smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is the story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America.

thegrand.com

Various locations

Port Aransas has been Texas’ premier beach destination for generations. Now you’re invited to take a break from the sand and surf to dive into the island’s unique local culture with Restaurant Week. 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.

portaransas.org/restaurant-week

Historic Strand District, 2302 Strand St.

At this celebration of all things chili and beer, attendees can stroll the historic Strand District and sample chili from participating cook teams; choose from over 100 beers to sample at the Indoor Beer Fest; participate in the Beerfoot Beer Run 5k or cornhole tournament; and enjoy live music and the Strand Merchant Walkabout.

yagaschiliquest.com

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station events are an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 10510 FM 524

Photographs are important for studying history and for telling your family’s story. Learn how to digitally preserve your family photos with nothing but your smartphone and discover how your photographs can be used for genealogy research in this hands-on workshop.

visitlevijordanplantation.com

Riverside Hall, 14643 Buls Road

Texas Female Artist of the Decade and reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, Bri Bagwell is a force to be reckoned with from her rousingly fun live performances to trailblazing recordings garnering her thirteen No. 1 singles on Texas Country Radio and counting. Performing 100 shows a year, she has shared the stage with a long list of esteemed artists, including Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Robert Earl Keen, Kacey Musgraves, Reckless Kelly, and Dwight Yoakam.

washfest.com

Midtown Houston, 1200 Holman St.

Consisting of more than 100 culturally diverse performance groups from across the nation, the MLK Grande Parade in Midtown Houston is one of the largest single-day multicultural events in the country.

mlkgrandeparade.org

Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center , 3401 Cultural Center Drive

The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas hosts a day of awards, speakers, and entertainment to honor King and his civil rights works.

visitportarthurtx.com

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

The Gryphon Piano Trio opens the year with Beethoven’s “Archduke” and the Chamber Music Houston premiere of Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” with Canadian clarinetist James Campbell.

chambermusichouston.org/concerts/2025-01-21-gryphon-trio

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

SPI Market Days has been bringing buyers and sellers together for over 25 years. Shop for jewelry, fragrances, clothing, collectibles, arts and crafts, treats, and home décor.

sopadre.com/events

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

The Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, SiriusXM radio host, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist broke through with the hit song “Stay (I Missed You)” from the film “Reality Bites.” She has enjoyed a successful career in music, film, television, voice-over work and children’s recordings.

brazosport.edu/clarion

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

This is the first major museum exhibition in 30 years devoted to the work of the pioneering abstract painter. Renowned for his innovative approach to non-representational painting, American artist Joe Overstreet consistently sought to intertwine abstraction and social politics.

menil.org/joeoverstreet

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Look forward to the unexpected when these four self-proclaimed “eccentric lunatics” spice things up with laugh-out-loud comedy, wild theatrics, arcane errata, and astonishing juggling feats.

thegrand.com

Aransas County Community Center, Rockport Cultural Arts District

“Crossroads” is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide that seeks to create opportunities for underserved rural communities across the country to reflect on their history, culture, and people by showcasing their cultural heritage assets. Other cities taking part in Texas are Bandera, Brenham, Buffalo Gap, Clifton, San Augustine, and San Elizario.

museumonmainstreet.org

Galveston Island Convention Center, 5600 Seawall Blvd.

Experience an evening of Texas country music magic. Rising Texas country star Drake Milligan, known for his soulful sound and comparisons to legends like George Strait, headlines the event. Opening the show are The Powell Brothers, Houston’s high-energy country/Southern rock duo led by brothers Taylor and Blake Powell.

galvestoncountrymusicfest.com

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

A brand new event, Pickleball on Padre offers group lessons and open play for players looking for a court to show off their skills. All lessons are provided by John Raschillia, a certified instructor by the Pickleball Coaching International, Dynamite Doubles, and IPTPA organizations.

sopadre.com/events

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

See oil paintings and works on paper by Texas-based artist Billy Hassell.

rockportartcenter.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

From the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, Larry, Steve, and Rudy-The Gatlin Brothers-are Grammy Award winners who have wowed audiences for more than 67 years in venues and stages all over the world. Top hits include “Broken Lady” and “All The Gold in California.”

thegrand.com

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, Farm-to-Market Road 2004 near State Highway 332

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s.

ljhistory.org

Levi Jordan Plantation State Historic Site, 10510 FM 524

State historic site’s staff members teach about the enslaved people and sharecroppers who lived here during the plantation and post-emancipation eras and the archaeology history associated with them.

visitlevijordanplantation.com

First Presbyterian Church, 301 SH 35 North

This annual event consists of a pottery fair with over 20 potters and clay demonstrations. There’s also gallery art walks, solo exhibits, a reception, and potters from around Texas displaying their works, which are for sale to the public.

rockportartcenter.com

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

Houston artist Eric DePan displays his glass works at this exhibition. An artist reception takes place on March 8.

rockportartcenter.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

A singer, composer, and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of “American music” in a career that spans 14 albums. Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues.

thegrand.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.com

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

Although the band got its start on a farm in Paw Paw, West Virginia, Asleep at the Wheel became a cornerstone of the Austin, Texas scene upon its arrival in 1973. Inspired by Western swing and honky-tonk country, the band has accrued 10 Grammy Awards.

cypresscreekface.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Look forward to hearing tales of Jaston Williams’ theatrical life-from the 90-year-old Radio City Rockette’s last words, to Aunt Pearl and Vera Carp stumbling onto a drug bust, and the Vietnamese waiter who was terrified of champagne, and “doing everything his mama told him not to.”

thegrand.com

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

On a guided tour, hear oral histories from those who lived at the Varner-Hogg Plantation throughout its history. Discover why oral histories are crucial to understanding this site’s story and learn how to conduct your own oral histories using tools you already have.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

For this show, “Traditions, Old and New,” the symphony orchestra performs with the Brazosport College Choirs. The program includes songs from classical composers such as Mozart and Fauré and the marching band composers Sousa and Lowden.

brazosportcenter.org

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

The Escher Quartet returns to play Mozart, Brahms, and a co-commissioned piece by Chris Rogerson, featuring award-winning Jamaican-American violist Jordan Bak.

chambermusichouston.org/concerts/2025-02-11-escher

Various locations

Spend an evening shopping for last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts at local boutiques while enjoying chocolate treats at all participating places. The Shop Around continues through the weekend with fun deals and specials throughout town.

portaransas.org/events/shop-around/chocolate-crawl/

Lamar Volunteer Fire Department, 302 Bois D’Arc Lamar Peninsula

At this annual festival, visitors can enjoy food, live entertainment, a parade, and other festivities on the Lamar Peninsula. The event benefits the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department.

lamardigras.com

House of Rock, 511 Starr St.

This event features over 25 songwriters and performers from all across the region as well as several workshops and panel discussions on the craft and business of being a songwriter and musician in the modern age.

ccsongwriters.com

Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway

The Greater Houston Train Show attracts rail fans from across Texas and Louisiana. See operating layouts, take classes on railroads and modeling subjects, participate in National Model Railroad Association contests, and shop from an array of vendors from across the Southwest.

sanjacmodeltrains.org

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station events are an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Various locations

Each 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 Texas Coastal Bend is the only place where you can see the world’s last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes. The event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show.

portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival

Historic Strand District, 2302 Strand St.

Texas’ largest Mardi Gras celebrates its 114th iteration with more than 20 parades and concerts and over 3 million beads. Witness the Guinness World Record-breaking Funky Uptown Umbrella Brigade, run in the Jolly Jester Jaunt 5K, and dance to live performances.

mardigrasgalveston.com

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

Phil Vassar is an artist, songwriter, entertainer and two-time ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, with 10 No. 1 singles and 27 Top 40 hits.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Downtown, 104 E. Kleberg Ave.

Enjoy downtown Kingsville in a whole new way by sipping and shopping the whole way through. Main Street small businesses are open through the evening and visiting vendors line the street.

facebook.com/events/785234210376739

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

The race offers something for every level of runner, with a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and a kids K. Races start as the sun rises over the water and follow the public beach to San Luis Pass, then return. The entire course is on firm, smooth sand. A post-run party includes Texas barbecue, drinks, and games. 

surfsidebeachmarathon.com

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historical Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

Learn about the people who lived at the plantation at different times throughout the site’s history. The tour includes information about the enslaved people’s skills and the accomplishments of cowboys like Hal Fields.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Central Mall , 3100 FM 365

Taste the best gumbos created by local restaurants and groups and cooked up in the Cajun Capital of Texas. This event also features live entertainment from the Rollin Bones Band and a silent auction to raise funds for charity.

visitportarthurtx.com

The Event Centre Downtown, 700 Crockett St.

Experience the ultimate celebration of community and culture at Mardi Gras Southeast Texas. There’s fun for all, including parades, concerts, arts and crafts, food vendors, a carnival, and street entertainment.

mardigrastx.com

Various locations

First conceived in 1937 by local business leaders, the event commemorates the Mexican heritage of the area on both sides of the Rio Grande and is named in honor of the dashing Mexican gentleman cowboy. Festivities include parades, a carnival, a costume ball, and the the Sombrero Festival.

charrodaysfiesta.com

Center for the Arts & Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, the musical is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.

brazosportcenter.org

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Enjoy a car, truck, and motorcycle show with a tattoo expo featuring some of the finest tattoo artists in Texas.

sopadre.com/events

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

Ruthie Foster is a singer-songwriter of blues and folk music, mixing a wide palette of American song forms, including gospel, blues, jazz, folk, and soul. She has often been compared to Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Whitecap Beach, Whitecap Boulevard

Embrace the spirit of the Gulf Coast at the Barefoot Mardi Gras, a vibrant and laid-back twist on the traditional Mardi Gras celebration. Set along the beautiful beaches of Corpus Christi, this annual event brings the parade energy of Mardi Gras to the shore, where attendees trade beads for bare feet and enjoy a one-of-a-kind beachfront parade.

barefootmardigras.com

Downtown, 235-353 S. Commercial St.

A family-friendly Mardi Gras offers a variety of activities. Attendees can browse local vendor booths, enjoy live zydeco music, savor cuisine from food trucks, explore the kids’ area, and participate in the gumbo cookoff competition.

aransaspass.org

Five Points Plaza, 100 S. Broadway St.

Experience the magic of Main Street every first Friday of the month from March to May. The historic district transforms into a vibrant hub of activity with live music, shopping, art walks, car shows, and rotating fun each month.

visitlaportetx.com

Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive

Experience a photo montage of the history of Victoria by Westwater Arts accompanied by the Victoria Symphony Orchestra and a performance of Sibelius’ Second Symphony heralded by many as the modern follow-up of Beethoven’s monumental symphonies.

victoriasymphony.com

Various locations

For the month of March, visitors can enjoy margaritas from restaurants all over Port Aransas. Try a classic or find a funky new favorite, each participating restaurant has put its own unique twist on the typical margarita.

portaransas.org

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.org

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Itzhak Perlman is an Israeli-American violinist. He has performed worldwide in venues that have included a state dinner for Elizabeth II at the White House in 2007, and at the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama.

thegrand.com

Main Street, 100 S. Broadway St.

Main Street Trade Days is a monthly event held on the first Saturday of every month. This outdoor market features a wide array of vendors selling antiques, collectibles, repurposed furniture, and handcrafted goods.

visitlaportetx.com/mainstreettradedays

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

Making its Chamber Music Houston debut, the Berlin-based Notos Piano Quartett offers works by Mahler, Mozart, and Schumann, and an exciting short work composed for the ensemble by Grammy winner Bryce Dessner.

chambermusichouston.org

Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main St.

From appetizers to desserts, Taste of the Triangle gives you the chance to sample numerous dishes from all over the area. Proceeds go back into the community through the support of many local charities.

thetastebmt.com

Various locations

The festival sets out to captivate literary enthusiasts, promote academic excellence, elevate professional creative writing, and contribute to the Coastal Bend economy by bringing writers and readers together to honor expression through poetry, literature, and storytelling.

peoplesliteraryfestival.com

Downtown, 701 Main St.

Muralists from across the country and the world paint murals throughout downtown Beaumont and the area to expand the public arts scene. Experience a colorful fusion of creativity and culture as Beaumont transforms into a canvas of imagination.

beaumontcvb.com/mural-festival

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Dinosaur George returns to the museum with his traveling museum of real artifacts and over 150 exhibit pieces of prehistoric life.

freeportmuseum.com

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

Every year, Rockport Center for the Arts hosts a statewide, juried exhibition for undergraduate and graduate students emerging in the visual arts. Meet the artists at a reception on March 8.

rockportartcenter.com

Various locations

This educational event connects people, birds, and nature. The ninth annual festival offers three fun-filled days that include professional birding tours, a youth art contest, speaker sessions, author book signings, vendors, children’s events, a VIP dinner, and the Parade of Birds.

matagordabaybirdfest.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Seamlessly blending illusion, acrobatics, magic, and whimsy, dance group Momix sends audiences flying down the rabbit hole in Moses Pendleton’s newest creation. “Alice” is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice in Wonderland.”

thegrand.com

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.

The Victoria Ballet Theatre group performs this ballet based on the children’s book character Madeline, who lives in Paris, and the ballet “Gaite Parisienne,” which depicts the lively atmosphere of a Parisian café.

victoriaballet.org

Discovery Center at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, 2022 CR 227

Friends of Brazoria Refuges, local volunteers, and Texas Master Naturalists set up environmental and wildlife educational activity stations, live animal exhibits, and other fun activities for the family. In addition, the Big Slough Recreation Area boasts a 7-mile auto tour loop and two short walking trails.  

refugefriends.org/the-discovery-center.html

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

Harpist Hope Cowan and violinist Zachary Montasser explore works of introspection, reflection, and creativity for harp and violin from across cultures and genres. Musical selections include Irish folk songs, classical favorites by Massenet and Faure, and pop standards.

cypresscreekface.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

A multimedia concert celebration of the music of the Electric Light Orchestra, audiences are left spellbound by the flawless musicianship and vocals of 12 musicians as well as the fusion of Beatle-esque pop and classical arrangements, where cellos coexist with guitars and rock intersects with pop.

thegrand.com

Surfside Beach City Hall, 1304 Monument Drive

One of the oldest events held at Surfside Beach, the parade features a route that goes down the beach, and there are plenty of free beads and candy thrown from the floats. In addition to the parade, there are costume contests, a social, fundraisers, and a reenactment of the Battle of Fort Velasco.

beachblarney.com

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

Voctave is an 11-member a cappella group from the Central Florida area. Members have roots in musical theater, contemporary Christian music, barbershop tunes, pop, and choral music. The group has multiple No. 1 songs and has ranked in the top 25 on Billboard Magazine’s charts.

brazosport.edu/clarion

The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.

The Nave Museum presents the vibrant and colorful paintings of Robin Hazard, a Southern Methodist University graduate with a fine arts degree in painting, drawing, and printmaking. Her work has been showcased in prestigious venues across Texas.

navemuseum.org

The Clarion , 500 College Drive

After losing bandmate Troy Gentry in a helicopter crash in 2017, Eddie Montgomery pays tribute on his first solo album, “Ain’t No Closing Me Down,” a 12-track project that is the first album Montgomery Gentry’s band has played on without Gentry.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Henrietta Center, 405 N. Sixth St.

Hear James Clement, a sixth-generation member of the King Ranch family, rancher, and former Horse Division manager talk about the ranch’s famous horses. Afterward, get a guided tour of the Henrietta Memorial Center and Museum.

tomlea.com/events/tours

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Join Rob Landes and his sidekicks for an afternoon of music from Cole Porter. From “In the Still of the Night” to “The Tale of the Oyster,” you are sure to relish every note and lyric from this musical genius.

thegrand.com

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

Witness the exceptional artistry of the Berlin-based Leonkoro Quartett performing works by Haydn, Berg, and Ravel’s String Quartet on the anniversary of his 150th birthday.

chambermusichouston.org

Portland Community Complex, 2000 Billy G. Webb Drive

The annual family-fun festival held in the coastal town of Portland has a parade, cookoffs, the Dachshund Dash, doggie costume contest, a carnival, a cornhole tournament, entertainment, food, a beer garden, and shopping.

windfest.org

Doggett Ford Park, 5115 I-10 South

The fairgrounds are filled to near capacity with over 250 booths dishing out exotic and intriguing dishes made for easy eating on the go. The livestock show has poultry and rabbits, and other fair fun includes a kids’ zone, petting zoo, camel and pony rides, carnival rides, relaxation stations, a school art show, photography contest, quilt show, stunt dog show, and musicians and entertainers.

ymbl.org

The Green at Jim’s Pier, 211 W. Whiting St.

Seasoned veterans and first timers can both experience the SPI Sprint Triathlon, which includes Olympic and sprint distance courses.

sopadre.com/events

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Sample specialty brews from local breweries as well as wines. Listen to live music, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and check out items in the silent auction. The beautiful wooded grounds at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory are lit by torchlight, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the event.

gcbo.org

Sam Houston Park, 1000 Bagby

This festival celebrates more than 50 years of providing unique art experiences and education for the greater Houston area. As the nation’s premier spring outdoor art festival, the festival provides attendees with the opportunity to meet artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, prints, jewelry, sculptures, and functional art. The event also offers live entertainment, a food truck park, a craft beer and wine garden, and beverage stations throughout the festival.

bayoucityartfestival.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.org

Margaritaville, 310 Padre Blvd.

Dress up in your most foolish costume as you tackle a 5K or 10K run.

sopadre.com/events

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

Brazosport Center Stages presents the critically acclaimed play by Lorraine Hansberry about a Black family living on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s.

brazosportcenter.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

This exhibition features oil paintings by Tampa, Florida, artist Sarah Hull. Meet the artist at a reception taking place on April 12.

rockportartcenter.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Formed in 1985 as the antidote to mindless pop, egocentric rock, and the indulgent bluster of the music business, The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain donned black tuxedos and began giving “concerts” in tiny rooms above old pubs. They play every kind of musical genre, from ABBA to ZZTop, Tchaikovsky to Nirvana, and bluegrass to Broadway.

thegrand.com

Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive

Port Arthur is the official Cajun Capital of Texas. Enjoy live Cajun music, spicy food, vendors, and dancing the night away.

visitportarthurtx.com

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Bring your plant wagon and load up on thousands of plants of all kinds. There’s also specialty vendors, butterfly and lady bug releases, food trucks, and Animal Ambassadors presentations.

stxbot.org

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive

Children can participate in catch-and-release fishing, pet live reptiles, watch the Birds of Prey show, and enjoy other nature-themed activities.

tpwd.texas.gov/fishing/sea-center-texas/

Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, 814 N. Lamar St.

Spring is peak migration time, so the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory hosts Spring Fling for four weeks. Volunteers and staff are available each day to help identify the migrating and resident birds as well as keep a daily list going.

gcbo.org

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, the quintet has been impressing audiences since its formation in Toronto in 1970.

cypresscreekface.org

Houston Polo Club, 8552 Memorial Drive

Experience a world-class polo match, player parade, live music, expert announcing, traditional champagne divot stomp at halftime, and special trophy presentation. The onsite concession is serving a delicious Argentine/Brazilian-inspired menu and a premium bar menu.

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

Pianist Chelsea de Souza is joined by her sister, Chloe, also a pianist and a soprano, for a dual recital.

cypresscreekface.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

Marble work by artist Ryoichi Suzuki of North Logan, Utah, is on display. An artist reception takes place on April 12.

rockportartcenter.com

Downtown, 701 Main St.

The Neches River Festival, a Beaumont tradition since 1949, honors the city’s namesake waterway. Over the years, it has evolved into a vibrant celebration featuring parades, fireworks, riverfront activities, and a strong focus on youth.

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Get ready to spice things up at the second annual Crawfish Festival. Enjoy a day filled with fresh crawfish, live music, and family-friendly fun, all by the beautiful shores of the Gulf.

sopadre.com/events

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

This is a celebration of musical icon Neil Diamond. Matt, Jeff, and Tommy Vee, nephew and sons of the legendary Bobby Vee, join forces with their family and friends to celebrate the music from the timeless catalog of Neil Diamond. Look forward to such hits as “Cracklin’ Rosie,” Song Sung Blue,” and “Sweet Caroline.”

thegrand.com

Downtown, 205 W. Goodwin Ave.

A Victoria tradition, step through the doors of history as you tour around five of Victoria’s most historic homes and buildings.

victoriapreservation.com

Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, 1702 N. 13th St.

Brazoria County’s largest Easter egg hunts offers games, snacks, activities, a vendor market, photos with the Easter Bunny, and thousands of eggs filled with candy or small toys to be found by children ages 12 years and under.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Selena Quintanilla lived in Lake Jackson, but she was born at the Freeport Community Hospital. Learn more about Freeport in the 1970s, and the historic hospital that many Brazosport residents call their birthplace.

freeportmuseum.com

South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.

Enjoy Easter by the bay and watch the night light up with a fireworks display.

sopadre.com/events

South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, 8545 S. Staples St.

Spotlighting South Texas’ peak spring migration in one of the country’s busiest flyways is the Birdiest Festival in America. The festival features birding field trips, presentations, workshops, bird walks, and educational programs by Jonathan Wood of The Raptor Project.

birdiestfestival.org

De Leon Plaza, 101 N. Main St.

The Victoria Symphony puts on an outdoor performance, interspersed with student and college musical groups. Children love the instrument petting zoo where they can play symphony instruments.

victoriasymphony.com

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.

This iconic play explores the passionate romance between two star-crossed lovers. Their forbidden love unfolds against gripping drama, intense emotions, and the struggle for acceptance. Don’t miss this compelling journey of love, loss, and the ultimate sacrifice, brought to life in a captivating theatrical experience that continues to resonate through the ages.

theatrevictoria.org

Tyrrell Park Nature Center, 3930 Babe Zaharias Drive

From the heart of Beaumont, a variety of events are planned to entertain all ages. Crawfish and Cajun foods, live music, vendors, and family-friendly activities are planned for a family-friendly weekend.

beaumontcvb.com

Port Aransas Beach, Between beach mile markers 9 and 13.

See amazing feats of sand art and architecture as master sculptors from all over the world come to Port Aransas to make pure magic from the sand. This is the largest master sand-sculpting competition in the United States.

texassandfest.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 204 S. Austin St.

Rockport’s David Everett shows his wood sculptures at this exhibition, with an artist reception hosted on May 10.

rockportartcenter.com

Sylvan Beach Park, 636 N. Bayshore Drive

The Sylvan Beach Festival is one of the longest-running traditions along the Texas Gulf Coast, currently in its 69th year. A full day of family-friendly entertainment takes place beginning with the Sylvan Beach Day Parade. After the parade, make your way to the park for carnival rides, food vendors, live music, inflatables, and arts and crafts vendors. As the sun goes down, hear music well into the night.

sylvanbeachfestival.com

National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.

If you have an interesting car, truck, motorcycle, hot rod, or street rod bring it out. Food and drink booths are set up in the car show area. Over 125 trophies and plaques are given out for categories such as Marshal’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice, Best Bike, Best Truck, Best Car of Show, and Interact Choice.

alvinrotary.org/sitepage/frontier-day

Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive

With a populist flair, the Victoria Symphony Orchestra presents American jazz, romantic piano, festive dances, and one of the most popular pieces ever written. It’s a rhapsodic dance starting in 1812.

victoriasymphony.com

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 306

Children can enjoy activities like archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the “Birds of Prey” show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Qualified naturalists give tours of the refuge by marsh buggy or wagon, while guided walking tours are available to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak.

migrationcelebration.com

Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle

Indulge with the perfect blend of wine, music, and festivities at the 28th annual festival, hosted at the Texas Maritime Museum grounds and featuring more than 75 wines, live music, and local cuisine.

rockportwinefest.com

Fulton Convention Center Paws and Taws, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

The festival brings together authors and readers to celebrate books and reading at this free, family-friendly event.

rfbookfestival.com

Brockman Music and Performing Arts Center, Rice University, 6100 Main St.

Celebrate the season’s end with superstars from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center offering an impressive variety of trios and sextets by Bach, Haydn, Schubert, Strauss, and Tchaikovsky.

chambermusichouston.org

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

Commencing with the mayor of Corpus Christi walking the plank, this pirate-themed festival has a variety of family-friendly activities like the Stripes Carnival, an indoor shopping event coined Treasure Island, multiple parades, Barbecue on the Bay Competition, and the Robotics Rodeo. Families can also attend the Professional Bull Riding Velocity Tour Finals and watch some of the world’s best bull riders compete for the championship title.

bucdays.com

El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with three bands, a fajita cookoff, Best Margarita competition, and a jalapeño eating challenge. There are lots of family activities.

eclostlagoon.com

Lake Corpus Christi State Park, 23194 Park Road 25

Enjoy fun activities, guided walks to learn about the park’s native plants, educational booths, and a native plant sale.

txmn.org/st/event/vs-spring-fling-a-celebration-of-native-plants-lake-corpus-christi-sp

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble, Michael Feinstein brings to life big band celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Look forward to Feinstein bringing Bennett’s iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound.

thegrand.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

This show (check for dates throughout the month) features a 30-foot dome equipped with a Spitz Star Ball projector that reproduces the night sky, along with a variety of other high-tech equipment to give visitors a close-up feel of comets, exploding stars, and black holes.

brazosportcenter.org

Abner Jackson Plantation Site, FM 2004 near State Highway 332, behind Target

Visit the historic archeological site once owned by Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Formerly a prosperous sugar plantation, the site was destroyed by the same hurricane that devastated Galveston in 1900. Discover the sugar-making process of the 1840s and how convict labor replaced slave labor during the 1870s on this monthly tour.

ljhistory.org

South Padre Island Convention Center , 7355 Padre Blvd.

Anglers compete to nab the largest red drum, trout, and flounder at one of the biggest and best boat owner’s fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast.

sopadre.com/events

Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.

Conquer the 5K course covering challenging obstacles on the sun-drenched beaches of South Padre Island. Afterwards, there’s a Texas-sized beach party at Clayton’s Beach Bar.

sopadre.com/events

Moody Gardens, 1 Hope Blvd.

Celebrating 28 years, Yaga’s Wild Game and Barbecue Cookoff is a family-friendly, two-day event that directly benefits the Yaga’s Children’s Fund. Activities include live music, a Friday night party, silent auction, 5K run, kids’ area, and vendors.

ycfgalveston.org

El Campo Lost Lagoon, 665 CR 451

In addition to a crawfish and gumbo cookoff, there’s also a bloody mary contest, live music, and activities for kids.

eclostlagoon.com

Fly It! Port A, 405 W. Ave. G

Fly It Port A hosts this open kite fly on the beach. BYOK (Bring Your Own Kite) and help decorate the sky or simply come watch the show. Flyers start setting up around 10 a.m. near beach marker 13 and fly all day weather permitting. There may even be night kites.

portaransas.org

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

The Houston-based quartet performs “Screen to Stage,” the ensemble’s favorite movie music alongside string quartets from film composers Miklós Rózsa and Erich Korngold.

cypresscreekface.org

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

This is the largest one-day female angler fishing tournament in the country. Women from all over Texas and across the country come together for a fun-filled weekend with live bands, vendor booths, and educational outreach.

babesonthebay.com

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Watch volunteers collect baseline data on bird populations at the sanctuary. The monthly banding station is an excellent opportunity to see birds up close and to learn all about the birds of the Brazosport area.

gcbo.org

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

Michael Cavanaugh unveils the “Singer Songwriters Series,” his latest creation following the acclaimed “The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John” and “A Merry Rockin’ Christmas.” The Tony- and Grammy-nominated performer is known for his lead role in Billy Joel’s Broadway hit “Movin’ Out.”

cypresscreekface.org

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, 214 N. Main St.

Elvis impersonator Donny Edwards gives an impressive tribute concert full of Elvis Presley’s hits.

weldercenter.org

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

At this exhibition, visitors can stand inside enormous shark jaws, see life-size models of different sharks, and learn about Freeport’s historic fishing industry.

freeportmuseum.com

South Padre Island Entertainment District, 211 W. Whiting St.

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend on South Padre Island with a fireworks display over the bay. For the best viewing spots, check out the restaurants and bars in the Entertainment District.

sopadre.com/events

JP Luby Beach, Intersection of Beach Access Road 5 and Eliff Road

Runners across the nation gear up to conquer one of the largest relay marathons in the country, which boasts annual participation of more than 2,000 teams. Participants begin the six-leg race on the sands of North Padre Island, make their way through Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, and end along scenic Shoreline Drive at McCaughan Park. Beach to Bay proudly honors the men and women serving in the military.

beachtobayrelay.com