Upcoming Events in Gulf Coast

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Enjoy songs written and sung by Sam Cooke, the pioneer of soul music, all brought to new life by the gifted musician, Bradd Marquis. This concert is filled with such soul-stirring musical hits as "You Send Me" and "(What A) Wonderful World." Look forward to being in the audience where you not only experience an outstanding musical performance, but history itself revisited.

thegrand.com

Brown Theater , 501 Texas Ave.

The lovesick yearnings of the tortured young poet Werther lead to his tragic fate in Jules Massenet's lush opera. After Werther escorts the lovely Charlotte to a ball, he falls hopelessly in love with her, but she is engaged to Albert, with no intention of breaking things off. Unable to conceive of life without her, Werther grows ever more despondent as he continues his attempts to woo the object of his affections, who doesn't love him back, or does she? Audiences won't want to miss this chance to see a cast of legends perform a rare psychological drama.

houstongrandopera.org/events-tickets/2022-23-season/werther

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

The first woman in country music to begin her career with three-consecutive platinum albums is back in the studio with award-winning producer Richard Landis, working on a new album that will undoubtedly showcase the singer's range of emotions.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Various locations

The 33rd annual home tour has a gorgeous lineup of historical and architecturally interesting homes that showcase island living at its best. A home which was included in the original home tour in 1988, an artist's home and studio, new and older cottages, and new construction/renovation are sure to impress.

portaransasgardenclub.org

Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane

Houston Botanic Garden presents monumental sculptures by American artist Steve Tobin, who is known worldwide for his works in glass, bronze, ceramic, and steel, including "Trinity Root," a memorial cast from a tree that protected a New York City cathedral on 9/11. The exhibition features pieces from several series, including stainless steel "Clouds," bronze and steel "Nests" with magical eggs, unearthed "Bronze Roots," and modernist "Steelroots," all of which dramatically capture the unseen power of the natural world while celebrating the importance of the systems that give life to the Garden.

hbg.org

Downtown Bay City, Sixth Street and Avenue G

Taste wild game, wine, and craft beer. There is free live entertainment, vendors, downtown shopping, and free activities for kids.

baycitycamofest.net

Campbell Hall at Pasadena Convention Center, 7601 Red Bluff Road

Shop 150 vendors at one of "Flea Market Style" and "Country Living" magazines' top vintage events. Vintage and antique furniture, retro and midcentury finds, shabby chic and rustic décor, and handmade goods are all available.

junkhippy.com

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

The fifth annual Surfside Food and Art Festival offers live music, a chili cookoff, art and food vendors, a community art project, and fun activities for kids.

surfsidetx.org

Lake Corpus Christi , 23194 Park Road 25

Kid Fish is an annual event hosted by Lake Corpus Christi State Park. The purpose of this single-day event is to expose local youth to the sport and enjoyment of fishing and provide them with the tools and knowledge for a future of responsible recreation and environmental stewardship.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-corpus-christi

Czech Center Museum Houston, 4920 San Jacinto St.

Harmonia Stellarum Houston presents a program featuring music by Joseph Haydn, Josef Antonín Štěpán, and Leopold Koeluh. Light refreshments are served and there is complimentary valet parking.

czechcenter.org/calendar/2023/1/30/harmonia-stellarum-haydn-and-his-czech-colleagues

Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.

After a sold-out world tour, "The Simon and Garfunkel Story" returns to the stage, making a stop in Orange. A nostalgic multimedia experience captivates audiences, and a full live band performs all the hits including "Mrs. Robinson," "Cecilia," and "Homeward Bound."

lutcher.org

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Watch professional flyers showcase their skills in both outdoor and indoor performances. Food concessions are available.

sopadre.com/event/spi-kite-fest-2023/869

Port Aransas Art Center, 104 N. Alister St.

On the first Friday of each month, the Port Aransas Art Center hosts an exhibition of local artworks. Refreshments and live music are part of the fun, and visitors can meet the artists behind the pieces.

portaransasartcenter.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Known as "the royal family of the guitar," the Romeros have performed at iconic venues throughout the world, including Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the White House, and the Vatican. It's been 60 years since they walked on the world stage as the first classical guitar quartet, so this concert marks that 60th anniversary. The Romeros continue to win rave reviews worldwide.

thegrand.com

Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, 6300 Ocean Drive #5723

Mars, Jupiter, Mercury, Saturn, and more: This iconic suite by British composer Gustav Holst is enhanced by a multimedia presentation, which includes spectacular photos and images from the different planets of our solar system shown on the massive screen at the Performing Arts Center. In addition, the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra celebrates Black History Month with the music of one America's greatest jazz composers, Duke Ellington.

ccsymphony.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 401 S. Austin St.

Potters from around the world display their works for sale. There's a fair, reception, and an art loop of galleries.

bountifulbowl.org

Rockport Center for the Arts, 106 S. Austin St.

Downtown Rockport hosts a gallery art walk, solo exhibits, pottery demonstrations, and the opening reception for the Clay Expo on Saturday.

rockportartcenter.com

The Clarion at Brazosport College, 500 College Drive

Violinist Ariel Horowitz and percussionist Britton-René Collins (aka Vision Duo) perform classical works with a contemporary twist. Through an exploration of musical genres and sonic possibilities for violin and percussion, Vision Duo seeks to contribute to the ongoing redefinition of classical music programming and structures.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, 800 Bagby St.

After 25 years, "Chicago" is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show-stopping song after another. The musical has received six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thousands of standing ovations.

tuts.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.org

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

Theatre Victoria presents this true story of an unlikely friendship between Patsy Cline and a fan from Houston who befriended her in a Texas honky tonk. The show features classic Patsy Cline hits.

theatrevictoria.org

Lamar Volunteer Fire Dept and Downtown Lamar Peninsula, 302 Bois D'Arc

This festival features food, entertainment, a parade, and other festivities on Lamar Peninsula to benefit the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department.

lamarvfd.com

Center for the Arts and Sciences, 400 College Blvd.

Witness beloved detective Hercule Poirot as he battles the clock to figure out “whodunit” in this classic murder mystery.

brazosportcenter.org

Galveston Historic Downtown and Seawall

The third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country includes masked balls, balcony parties, parades, concerts, and lots of beads.

mardigrasgalveston.com

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

At this market, find vendors selling fresh food, homemade goods, and handmade items.

surfsidetx.org

Great Lawn of the Event Center, 700 Crockett St.

Enjoy four days of family-friendly fun in downtown Beaumont, with parades, concerts, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and food vendors.

mardigrastx.com

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

This exhibition, celebrating the enduring artistic traditions of Cameroon and its global diaspora, features headdresses, masks, prestige hats, royal stools and figural sculptures, palace architectural elements from the Grassfields kingdoms, and two recent works by Douala-based artist Hervé Youmbi.

menil.org

City by the Sea Museum, 401 Commerce St.

The Palacios Community Coalition presents local speakers to show contributions made and being made by the African American community of Palacios. Local speakers talk about their contributions, and tours may be provided upon request.

palacioschamber.com

Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway

The San Jacinto Model Railroad Club presents The Greater Houston Train Show, attracting 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 shops from an array of vendors from across the Southwest.

sanjacmodeltrains.org

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

Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there's free admission to the site during market hours.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

The Surfside Beach Marathon includes a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and kids' 1K. At the post-run party, runners can enjoy Texas barbecue, drinks, and games. 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 the firm, smooth sand.

surfsidebeachmarathon.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Festivities for Mardi Gras include a parade, gumbo cookoff, King Cake-eating contest, and live entertainment.

freeport.tx.us

DJ Lerma Pavilion, Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100

Every Sunday in front of the DJ Lerma Pavilion, patrons can learn to surf for free.

facebook.com/surfvive.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 event has renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, and a trade show.

portaransas.org/whooping-crane-festival

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

London's The Kingdom Choir first attracted worldwide attention in 2018 when they performed their show-stopping rendition of "Stand By Me" in front of a television audience during the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Since then, The Kingdom Choir has shared their infectious joy and spirit along with their special gospel style with audiences around the world. Look forward to a grand evening of soulful renditions of both traditional gospel classics and popular contemporary music.

thegrand.com

Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive

Who doesn’t know the iconic opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony? Come hear this ubiquitous masterpiece along with a musical parody of the equally famous "Barber of Seville" with a devilish musical twist. Plus, there is the bonus of Croatian guitarist Ana Vidovic playing Rodrigo’s famous "Fantasia" for guitar and orchestra.

victoriasymphony.com

Fulton Festival Grounds, Fulton Beach Park, North Casterline Drive

This salute to the oyster industry is held at Fulton Harbor and includes entertainment, food, arts, crafts, a carnival, a parade, men's and women's oyster-eating contests, oyster shucking and decorating, and a fireworks show on Thursday night.

fultonoysterfest.org

Richard E. Berry Educational Support Center, 8877 Barker Cypress Road

The West Houston Quilter's Guild, a charitable and nonprofit organization, is having their quilt show with over 20 vendors, a silent auction, a donation quilt, and many beautiful quilts to view and purchase.

whqg.org

Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.

A cappella sensation Voctave has had over 150 million social media views of their videos, and their latest album, "The Spirit of the Season, Deluxe Edition," reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts. Their previous album, "The Corner of Broadway and Main Street Vol. 2," debuted at No. 3 on the iTunes charts.

lutcher.org

Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St.

Family Fun Day is a free event with children's activities and educational experiences. Previous Family Fun Days have included snake and horse education, "Star Wars" characters, face painting, and a parrot performance.

museumofthegulfcoast.org/events

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Jaston Williams, a humorist, playwright, actor, director, producer, essayist, and novelist, returns to The Grand with some of his favorite stories including "The Screaming Part of China" and "Killing Mama." Hear about how Tuna, Texas came to be by two friends telling stories and sharing laughs while sitting under a giant Texas oak tree.

thegrand.com

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

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in the exuberant new ballet inspired by the much-loved book, "Alice in Wonderland." You're transported to a world of wonder as the dancers take you on a journey through the mad-capped world of Lewis Carroll.

victoriaballet.org

Rockport Beach, 210 Seabreeze Drive

Held at Rockport Beach, the Whooping Crane Strut includes a 2-mile walk and 5K and 10K runs. The walk remains on the beach while the run continues to Austin and Water streets.

rockport-fulton.org/annual-events

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

Visit the historic archeological site of Maj. Abner Jackson, the namesake of the city of Lake Jackson. Once 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

Brazoria Foundation Civic Center, 204 W. Smith St.

Celebrate Texas Independence Day with a parade, gun show, car show, and live performances.

brazoriahf.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Featuring a collection of the most influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century, "The Great American Songbook II" celebrates musical numbers that have stood the test of time in their life and legacy. Landes plays songs made famous by the likes of music legends Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald.

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.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Renowned for R&B hits such as "Just to Be Close to You," "Easy," and "Brick House," The Commodores have educated millions worldwide with compelling hits, peerless musicianship, and classic American songwriting. Look forward to moving and grooving to the soulful tunes of these Motown legends.

thegrand.com

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

Enjoy an evening with Gary Morris on his Farewell Tour. This talented performer has more than 25 chart singles on the Billboard Country Charts, including five No. 1 hits. He has performed for the late Queen Elizabeth II as well as on Broadway.

weldercenter.org

TAMUCC Performing Arts Center, 6300 Ocean Drive #5723

"Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff is one the most famous pieces for choir, soloists, and orchestra. The texts are taken from poems of the 11th and 12th centuries and compiled in cantata form—a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment. The main theme continues to be used throughout the entertainment world, contributing to its universal appeal. Add to this the artistry of extraordinary singers, a massive choir, and the Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, and experience the perfect thrilling conclusion to a spectacular season.

ccsymphony.org

Rockport Conference Center, 106 S. Austin St.

The Spring Art Fair is an opportunity for artists to connect with patrons and art collectors. Visitors are invited to shop artists booths in a leisurely fashion, visit with the artists, and witness a number of artist demonstrations to learn about mediums and techniques. The fair features galleries and collectives that are invited to show artwork for acquisition and collection. VIP guests get the first chance to see and acquire works from reputable Texas galleries for their collections.

rockportartcenter.com/spring-art-fair

Heritage Park , 1581 N. Chaparral St.

The Corpus Christi Wine Festival's intention is to stimulate the local economy and donate a large portion of event proceeds to support local nonprofits that benefit health and safety, education, the arts, and veterans. The event features a variety of wines, food, and concerts.

httfacebook.com/corpuschristifoodandwinefestival

Downtown, 105 Austin St.

Every second Saturday morning of the month, find vendors selling locally grown produce, jams, jellies, and pickled items. There is often fresh baked bread, local honey, eggs, and freshly made goat soap.

facebook.com/rockportdowntownfarmersmarket/

Rockport Festival Grounds, 1500 E. Laurel St.

Every second Saturday of the month, this outdoor market showcases the work of local artists and crafters and features home décor, jewelry, and other handmade items.

rockportfulton.com

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Local vendors showcase homemade goods and farm fresh items.

freeport.tx.us/page/historical_museum

MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road

Along with visiting food trucks and eating delicious food, attendees can participate in a cornhole tournament, chalk-the-lot contest, and other activities.

lakejackson-tx.gov

Aldne B. Dow Office Museum, 101 S. Parking Place

Witness the restored midcentury architectural beauty of Alden B. Dow’s 1943 office in downtown Lake Jackson. Learn all about the city’s beginnings and the indelible mark that A.B. Dow left as the principal architect of Lake Jackson through a self-guided tour.

ljhistory.org

Surfside Beach City Hall, 1304 Monument Drive

One of the longest-lasting and most fun traditions held at Surfside Beach, this annual event includes a parade where part of the route 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

Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive

Try the area's best gumbos and support Rotary Club of Port Arthur's good works.

portal.clubrunner.ca/3821

Resaca de la Palma State Park, 1000 New Carmen Ave., off State Highway 281 or Farm-to-Market Road 1732

Walk through a history of Texas State Parks and enjoy the park with arts and crafts, food, and a 5K Legacy Run to honor the 100 years of Texas State Parks.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/resaca-de-la-palma

Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center, 198 Kempner St.

This monthly historic walking tour takes visitors back to the time when Sugar Land was a company town, with virtually all enterprises managed by the Imperial Sugar Company or its affiliate, Sugarland Industries. Tours start at the museum.

slheritage.org

Downtown Arts District, 213 W. Texas Ave.

A free, year-long display of large sculptures on pedestals are located along several blocks in the downtown Arts District of Baytown. Visitors can vote for the People's Choice winner and enjoy the exhibit along with murals that are in the area. Ballots are in the red boxes on the light posts at Ashbel and Texas streets and Gaillard and Texas streets. Sculptures are also for sale or lease.

sculpturetrailbaytown.artcall.org

Rockport Festival Grounds, 100 Seabreeze Drive

Every third weekend of the month, enjoy live music played throughout the weekend, peruse the goods at over 100 vendors and resellers, plus taste dishes from over a dozen food trucks and vendors. There is shaded seating, and pets are allowed.

acmtexas.com/rockport-fulton-market-days

Rockport Festival Grounds, 1204 E. Market St.

At this fourth annual event, which attracts 10,000 attendees, approximately 20,000 pounds of crawfish are served. Feast on great food and beverages while enjoying music, vendors, and the eating contests.

rockport-fulton.org/annual-events

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Dinosaur George returns to the Freeport Historical Museum, bringing real artifacts and over 150 exhibit pieces of prehistoric life to the coastal community.

facebook.com/events/1810410192657452/

Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive

The Savannah Bananas have grown in popularity as the “World Famous Baseball Circus” and have been featured on ESPN and CNN and in the "Wall Street Journal" and "Sports Illustrated," along with a documentary-style series called “Bananaland,” available on ESPN+. They’ll be playing the Party Animals, a team created by the Bananas to compete at a high level while also participating in the circus-style presentation.

milb.com/sugar-land/news/savannah-bananas-coming-to-constellation-field-in-2023

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

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

gcbo.org

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

Load up the kids, grab your canvas bags, and head to Varner-Hogg State Historic Site for a day of shopping and supporting local small business owners. Plus, there's free admission to the site during market hours.

visitvarnerhoggplantation.com

Rice University—Alice Pratt Brown Hall—Stude Concert Hall, 6100 S. Main

After achieving great success in Hollywood, Austrian-American Erich Wolfgang Korngold returned his focus to concert works, upon which the like of Richard Strauss and Puccini had heaped praise. Hear one of his last major such works performed by favorited Prague-based ensemble Pavel Haas.

chambermusichouston.org

Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center, 6005 Ocean Drive, Unit 5723

"The Adventures of Prince Achmed," a film by silhouette animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, is featured on the Performing Arts Center's new video screen, while original music is performed live by Invoke, a multi-instrumental band encompassing traditions from across America, including bluegrass, Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, and minimalism. A Q&A precedes the concert.

pac.tamucc.edu

Bob Briscoe Park, 3625 Briscoe Drive

For almost 10 years, people from all over Brazoria County and surrounding areas have gathered to experience a weekend of family fun with great music, food and craft vendors, and a sanctioned cookoff. The food is accompanied by performances from Tejano group Siggno and country stars Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager as the duo "Dos Borrachos." Proceeds from this event go to funding scholarships for area students, as well as supporting organizations that provide food, shelter, and other services to the Alvin Area.

alvinmusicfestival.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

The StepCrew's unbelievable new show is a spell-binding tour de force that features three exhilarating dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, Irish step dance, and tap. Look forward to taking a dance journey with this cast of virtuosic dancers and musicians. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by an outstanding five-piece ensemble.

thegrand.com

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

This exhibition explores the influential curatorial vision of Walter Hopps, the Menil Collection’s founding director, as well as his distinctive approach to exhibition making and appreciation for a variety of 20th-century art movements. The show features drawings, paintings, photography, and sculpture, ranging from the 1930s to the early 2000s.

menil.org

The Clarion , 500 College Drive

Lonestar has charted more than 20 singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, including nine that reached No. 1—hits like “No News”, “Come Cryin’ to Me”, and “Amazed, which also charted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first country song to do so since “Islands in the Stream” in 1983.

brazosport.edu/clarion

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

The StepCrew's show features three dance forms: Ottawa Valley step dance, Irish step dance, and tap. This cast of virtuosic dancers and musicians takes the audiences on a dance journey, showcasing the similarities and differences between the three styles. The StepCrew also boasts three world-class fiddlers backed by a five-piece ensemble with some of the most talented and respected musicians in the Celtic music scene today.

cypresscreekface.org/stepcrew

Parrot Eyes, 5801 Padre Blvd.

The South Padre Island Triathlon offers a course for the seasoned veteran or the first-timer, with both Olympic and sprint distance courses. The race features an open-water swim and a bike course up the South Padre Island strip. After the scenic bike course, participants head south on the strip for the run portion that loops back to Parrot Eyes. The transition area location is accessible for friends and family to cheer on their favorite triathletes and loved ones.

sopadre.com/event-calendar

MacLean Park, 93 Lake Road

Build your own ice cream sundae during this 1K event. Stations are located every 250 meters where participants can collect favorite ice cream toppings. At the end of the course, finish your sundae and enjoy eating it. Runners are encouraged to dress up, with awards handed out for the best individual, couple, and family costumes.

lakejackson-tx.gov

Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive

Participate in catch-and-release fishing, pet live reptiles, and watch the Birds of Prey show at this nature day event.

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

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, 299 SH 332 West

Sample and enjoy 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 the items in the silent auction. The wooded grounds at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, lit by torchlight, make it a perfect spot to enjoy the brews, food, and music.

gcbo.org

Brazos River Park, 18427 Southwest Freeway

This festival honors culture and community through art, music, dancing, and food. Kite flying, art car showings, and cultural performances are just some of the highlights of this colorful festival.

sugarlandtx.gov/437/special-events

Bird and Butterfly Trail, 418 Parkview Road

Choose a variety fresh foods and other goods from various vendors in Surfside Beach.

visitsurfsidebeachtx.org

Constellation Field, 1 Stadium Drive

The Space Cowboys host the Houston Astros for an exhibition game at Constellation Field, which is the Astros' first-ever appearance in Sugar Land.

milb.com/sugar-land/news/space-cowboys-to-host-astros-for-exhibition-at-constellation-field

The Clarion , 500 College Drive

"Rising Tide: the Crossroads Project" is a riveting theater piece on global sustainability. Grounded in science, elevated by art, igniting response, the program features climate physicist and communicator Dr. Robert Davies; the Fry Street Quartet; and works from painter Rebecca Allan, environmental photographer Garth Lenz, and American composer Laura Kaminsky. The project blends emotion, information, and high-production-value graphics.

brazosport.edu/clarion

Lutcher Theater, 707 Main Ave.

The romantic and adventure-filled new musical "Anastasia" is at home in Southeast Texas at last. This dazzling show transports you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s as a brave young woman sets out on a journey.

lutcher.org

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

The Rockport Rotary Club presents this event that showcases several fine restaurants and caterers of the area. The events helps raise funds for scholarships for Rockport-Fulton high school seniors. Along with great food, the event has live and silent auctions and other festivities.

tasteofrockport-fulton.com

Riverside Park, 7330 FM 2668

Fire up your pits and grills for some friendly competition at the fourth annual Riverside Smoke Off. Staying true to the cuisine of Texas, participants prepare a wide range of barbecue staples such as brisket, pork ribs, beans, and dutch-oven sweets. Kids ages 5 to 17 years old are not left out in this competition and can participate in ribeye steak and pork ribs categories. There is a $2,500 guaranteed pay out for first place winners.

cityofbaycity.org/221/events

Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy.

Hear major concerts while browsing through 100 artists booths, a farmers market, and dozens of fun contests and attractions. Check out the Taste of Texas Food Garden, with delicious cuisine and domestic and craft beers. National recording artists perform throughout the afternoon and evening on the main stage. Best of all, admission is free for all ages.

houstonfolkfestival.com

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

Bring your plant wagon and load up on hundreds of plants of all kinds. There's also specialty vendors, reptile shows, butterfly releases, food trucks, and a Kids' Zone.

stxbot.org

The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St.

Enjoy an afternoon of art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of the Menil’s vibrant neighborhood. Participating organizations include: DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Watercolor Art Society, and Writers in the Schools.

menil.org

Bird and Butterfly Trail, 418 Parkview Road

Celebrate spring bird migration and the wonders of birds in Bird City Surfside. With 400 species of birds in the area, this event provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more through educational speakers, vendors, and fellow birders.

visitsurfsidebeachtx.org

Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center, 1800 Lakeshore Drive

Enjoy live Cajun music, spicy food, and dancing the night away. Cajun activities are planned in days surrounding the event.

cajunheritagefest.com

Galveston Railroad Museum, 2602 Santa Fe Place

The inaugural Steampunk Festival hearkens back to a time inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery and takes place in the historic railroad museum. The festival offers a family-friendly program filled with entertainment, exhibits, vendors, presenters, and games.

galvestonsteampunk.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.org

Quintana Bird Sanctuary, 814 N. Lamar St.

Spring is peak migration time so the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory hosts Spring Fling at the Quintana Neotropic Bird Sanctuary. For four weeks, volunteers and staff are available each day to help identify the migrants as well as resident birds and keep a daily list going.

gcbo.org

Various locations

Orange Show Center for Visionary Art hosts the annual Art Car Parade and event week. Founded in the mid-'80s as a small gathering of like-minded individuals making a statement on the road, the now internationally recognized phenomenon showcases personal artistic creativity and provides a forum for a unique type of expression. Festivities include the annual ball, a lineup party along Allen Parkway, Kids' Creative Zone in Sam Houston Park, the 36th annual Art Car Parade, and an awards ceremony.

thehoustonartcarparade.com

Rice University—Alice Pratt Brown Hall—Stude Concert Hall, 6100 S. Main

Though its string ensemble is already well-known to Chamber Music Houston audiences, the celebrated Academy of St. Martin in the Fields offers guests a wind ensemble in a program featuring two superb quintets for piano and winds by the masters: Mozart and Beethoven.

chambermusichouston.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Recognized for his overwhelming talent and innate musicality, classical piano virtuoso, Seong-Jin Cho, has made his mark as one of the "consummate talents of his generation" and as "one of the most distinctive artists on the current music scene." You won't want to miss this intimate concert performed by one of the world's brightest stars in contemporary classical music.

thegrand.com

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd.

Grammy-nominated Mexican singer and songwriter Ana Gabriel comes back to Smart Financial Centre on her "Por Amor A Ustedes" world tour.

smartfinancialcentre.net

Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100

The Texas Gulf Surfing Association is a family-oriented organization that specializes in grassroots surfing events that are healthy and fun while still placing emphasis on maintaining academic excellence, good sportsmanship, and environmental awareness. See surfers battle the waves for the top spot in this surfing competition.

surftgsa.org

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for her performance in "Hamilton," Renee Elise Goldsberry is equally at home in a Broadway theater, a film set, or on a concert hall stage. You won't want to miss her dynamic show titled "Revive." Look forward to her performance anchored by a four-piece band and complement of back-up singers who have you stomping your feet and clapping your hands to the grand music of this high-energy concert.

thegrand.com

Mustang Island State Park, 9394 SH 361

A wide array of educational events take place throughout the day. Try fishing with a ranger, kayaking, beach walks, wildlife touch tanks and discussions, and other fun activities that highlight all of the recreational opportunities the park can provide as well as provide education on the important habitat and ecosystems of the park.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island

A.D. Bruce Religion Center, 3841 Cullen Blvd.

Houston Early Music presents a concert by Baltimore Consort featuring country music brought to the shores of the New World by northern European settlers.

houstonearlymusic.org/baltimoreconsort

Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, 198 Kempner St., Building B, First Floor

Children with autism spectrum disorder and their families are invited to experience the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center with dimmed lights, limited extra sounds, and no distracting motions during this private event. Extra signage is added to help visitors determine things not to climb on, and the entrances between exhibits where it is good to stop and wait for an adult before continuing.

childrensdiscoveryfb.org

The Nave Museum, 306 W. Commercial St.

Experience the art of Ernesto Leon. His photography, paintings, and sculptures reflect his views on cultural resistance and environmental concerns.

navemuseum.com

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

Enjoy Theatre Victoria's performance of Clybourne Park, a razor-sharp satire about the politics of race and real estate. The play features two scenes, 50 years apart, that bookend Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun."

theatrevictoria.org

Various locations

Bird lovers are invited to experience one of the largest birding festivals in Texas and the only one with a dedicated nature photography track. The 21st annual event features field trips, workshops, and other special events on Galveston Island.

galvestonfeatherfest.com

Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd.

Sisters Hanna Nicole Pérez and Ashley Grace Pérez, aka Latin pop duo Ha*Ash, perform songs from their latest album "HAASHTAG," which debuted at No. 1 on iTunes Mexico and includes hits like “Lo Que Un Hombre Debería Saber.”

smartfinancialcentre.net

Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.

This epic series features 63 drawings by Polish-born artist Si Lewen (1918-2016). In the 1950s he published a cutting-edge graphic novel that directly responded to the horrors of World War II. This exhibition is the first in the United States to bring together the complete set of works from "The Parade."

menil.org

Menil Drawing Institute, 1412 W. Main St.

Between the 1940s and 1970s, American artist Gray Foy (1922–2012) created a body of extraordinarily meticulous drawings, most often rendered in graphite on paper, and this exhibition spans the entirety of Foy’s career. It also celebrates two recent gifts that have made the Menil Collection the foremost repository of Foy’s work.

menil.org

Lutcher Theater , 707 Main Ave.

Gospel Music Association and Country Music Association Hall of Famer Jimmy Fortune is joined by special guests The Malpass Brothers for this one-of-a-kind concert. Jimmy Fortune toured, sang, and performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years and wrote the groups second No. 1 hit, "Elizabeth." Openers for music legend Merle Haggard on multiple tours, The Malpass Brothers promote the work and music of classic country artists they treasure while creating new music and making their own mark in the lineage of rich American culture.

lutcher.org

Mangum-Howell Community Center, 2500 Frick Road (inside Doss Park)

This original production by Houston's award-winning children's theater takes a bite out of Texas history. Beginning with the indigenous people of the Gulf Coast through the adventures of NASAs astronauts, 600 years of Texas tales are told in an hour.

cypresscreekface.org/iact-lone-star-state-2023

Isla Blanca Park, 33174 State Park Road 100

Ultimate is an exciting, non-contact team sport played by thousands the world over. It mixes the best features of sports such as soccer, basketball, American football, and netball into a simple yet fascinating game.

houston-ultimate.com

Sea Center Texas, 302 Medical Drive

Pack your sunscreen, hat, lawn chair, and fishing gear and come out for a couple hours of catch-and-release fishing at a marine fish hatchery and visitor education center. This event is available to guests 16 years old and younger accompanied by an adult. Anglers must bring their own gear and bait with barb-less hooks.

lakejackson-tx.gov

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 optional guided birding field trips to regional birding hot spots, shorebird/wading bird sites, and private ranches. Plus, "The Raptor Project" presentations, a vendor trade show, and an artisan show.

birdiestfestival.org

South Padre Island, Padre Boulevard

Enjoy a weekend of nonstop fun and relax by the beach. A perfect getaway for the LGBTQ community and friends. Television personality Carson Kressley makes an appearance.

splashsouthpadre.com

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

Alvin National Oak Park, 118 S. Magnolia St.

The 49th annual Frontier Day, presented by the Alvin Rotary Club, features the popular Frontier Day Parade through the old downtown area of Alvin. The Alvin Rotary Club Gunfighters perform their popular shootout twice during the day, and nearby are children's rides, food concessions, carnival activities, arts and crafts vendors, and an antique car and bike show. Proceeds support scholarships and other charitable activities in the Alvin area.

alvinrotary.org/sitepage/frontier-day

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

Enjoy classic country music at this Charity Concert Series show featuring John Conlee, who has recorded 11 studio albums, charted a total of 32 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1981.

weldercenter.org

Goose Island State Park, 202 S. Palmetto St.

Goose Island Extravaganza is an open house event for the public to come and experience what Goose Island has to offer. Activities include fishing, archery, kayaking, a star party, demonstrations, and food. Find educational program stations set up around the park, and enjoy bass fishing, geocaching, living history programs, outdoor skills such as archery, dutch oven cooking, fishing, and touch tank aquatic programs.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island

Sylvan Beach Park, 636 N. Bayshore Drive

The 67th annual Sylvan Beach Festival is a full day of excitement for the entire family. Join one of the longest-running traditions on the Gulf Coast for family fun and games, live concerts, a carnival, food and drinks, and vendors.

sylvanbeachfestival.com

Victoria Fine Arts Center, 1002 Sam Houston Drive

Hear some of George Gershwin's memorable, jazzy tunes from Paris to bluesy rhapsodies followed by Brahm's First Symphony. Martin James Bartlett plays piano.

victoriasymphony.com

Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Road

The tournament's location is in a world-renowned area known for saltwater tournaments. Fishing categories include Heaviest Redfish, Trout, Flounder, and Stringer. Side pots consist of Most Spots on a Redfish, Blackjack Trout, and Texas Slam. Don't forget about Calcutta. There is a Kids Pier Fishing Tournament and Make-A-Wish Kids Fishing Tournament, plus a live auction, drop ticket raffle, and giveaways.

friendsforwishes.org/events/fishing-for-wishes-fishing-tournament/

Rockport Festival Grounds , Adjacent to the Beach Park

A free family event, the Kite Festival provides the opportunity to view, make, and fly kites. An exotic array of kites are on display, along with demonstrations by professional kite pilots. There are children's arts and crafts booths, including one for making their own kites, vendors, and food trucks.

cityofrockport.com

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, 2547 County Road 306

Tour the refuge on a marsh buggy. Free activities for children include archery, fishing for catfish, a BB gun range, bug sweeping, microscopes, touch tanks, and reptiles. Adults and children can both enjoy the popular "Birds of Prey" show by EarthQuest as well as the butterfly encounter tents. Refuge tours given by qualified naturalists can be enjoyed by marsh buggy or wagon. Guided walking tours to Bobcat Woods and to the largest Texas Live Oak are also available.

migrationcelebration.com

Stahlman Park, 2211 Bluewater Highway

Join Texas surfers as they remember and honor those who have gone before them. The event includes vendors, food trucks, a paddle-out, and a nighttime bonfire.

surfsidetx.org

Surfside Marina, 827 Gulf Road

Come for the crawfish, stay for the competition, where teams compete and judges select the best crawfish boil. The event also feature vendors and live music.

surfside-marina.com

Postoffice District, Postoffice Street between 20th and 23rd streets

Hosted by The Grand 1894 Opera House, this event introduces families to the arts and features live performances, storytellers, and arts and crafts.

thegrand.com

Lutcher Theater , 707 Main Ave.

This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.

lutcher.org

Rice University—Alice Pratt Brown Hall—Stude Concert Hall, 6100 S. Main St.

The Calidore Quartet returns to close the season in a beautiful program featuring string quintets by Mendelssohn and Mozart, aided by Lincoln Center star violist Matthew Lipman, already well-known to Chamber Music Houston audiences from past digital presentations. The quartet also performs Smetana's autobiographical work, "From My Life."

chambermusichouston.org

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.org

American Bank Center, 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd.

There's something for buccaneers of every age at Buc Days, including a rodeo, concerts, and carnival rides.

bucdays.com

Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St.

Photographs from local photographer Jerry Connally are on display in the Dunn Gallery. Connally is a self-taught photographer who captures stunning Texas naturescapes. A free opening reception is on May 6. A museum ticket is required for the exhibit.

museumofthegulfcoast.org/events

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

See the heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, life, love, and laughter. Hear musical hits such as "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," and "If I Were a Rich Man." Based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins, "Fiddler on the Roof" introduces a new generation to the uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy, love, and life.

thegrand.com

Rockport Yacht Club, 722 Navigation Circle

On the first full weekend of May, the Rockport Yacht Club hosts the Natical Flea Market, with market booths featuring nautical-themed treasures including books, nautical art, fishing gear, boats, and décor.

rockportyachtclub.org

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in historic downtown Freeport with food trucks and live entertainment.

freeport.tx.us/page/historical_museum

Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762

Brazos Bend State Park invites the community and visitors to spend the day at this expo-style event. Nonprofit organizations, respresentatives from other Texas State Parks around the region, rehabilitation groups, local sports teams, archelogy organizations, and other civic-minded entities are on hand to provide information about their causes. Food trucks are on-site throughout the day.

tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend

Various locations

Organized by the Galveston Historical Foundation, this annual event gives the public a chance to tour the insides of private residences not normally open to the public.

galvestonhistory.org

South Padre Island Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd.

Fish one of the biggest and best boat owner's fishing tournaments on the Gulf Coast.

shallowsporttournament.com

Holiday Inn Resort, 100 Padre Blvd.

Runners, walkers, and everyone in between is invited to traverse the beach to raise money, with all proceeds going directly to the conservation and care of the Texas coast's precious sea turtles. Starting at the Holiday Inn Resort, this unique community event enables participants to experience the coastal beauty of South Padre Island up close and personal. There are three race categories: timed 5K, non-timed 5K, and a virtual option. Finishers receive a T-shirt and medal.

seaturtleinc.org

Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter St.

Family Fun Day is a free event for all, coinciding with International Migratory Bird Day. The museum provides fun children's activities and educational experiences about birds, along with free admission to the museum.

museumofthegulfcoast.org/events

Freeport Historical Museum, 311 E. Park Ave.

Local vendors showcase homemade goods and farm fresh items.

freeport.tx.us/page/historical_museum

Fulton Harbor

Babes on the Bay is an all-women’s fishing tournament that has existed since 2000. The tournament is hosted by the CCA Texas Aransas Bay Chapter, based in Rockport. It was created to help educate women about the sport of saltwater fishing in a conservation-minded approach. The event includes cash pots, the Babes Shopping Mall, a food court, drinks, live music, and team shirts judging. The event kicks off at Fulton Park Fairgrounds.

babesonthebay.com

The Clarion , 500 College Drive

Gina Chavez blends the sounds of the Americas with tension and grace. A 12-time Austin Music Award winner, including 2019 Female Vocalist and 2015 Austin Musician of the Year, Chavez explores the true meaning of “Americana" as she and her five-piece band take audiences on a high-energy journey through Latin America and beyond.

brazosport.edu/clarion

The Centrum, 6823 Cypresswood Drive

Michael Cavanaugh was hand-picked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical "Movin' Out." He received both Tony and Grammy nominations in the lead role. This show includes the greatest hits from rock piano legends Elton John and Billy Joel, including "Piano Man," "Rocket Man," "Bennie and the Jets," "Movin' Out," "I'm Still Standing," and "My Life."

cypresscreekface.org/michael-cavanaugh

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

The Jailbreak Beach Escape has become a South Padre Island tradition. Each May, thousands of runners conquer the 5K course, covering 20 challenging obstacles on the sun-drenched beaches of South Padre before heading to Clayton’s Beach Bar for a Texas-sized beach party.

runthejailbreak.com

The Grand 1894 Opera House, 2020 Postoffice St.

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell is a soulful crooner with a deep love of the American pop and standards tradition. His popular and breakthrough performances in "Father of the Bride" and "Father of the Bride II" helped Tyrell reinvent classic pop standards for a modern-day audience. Look forward to enjoying such hits as "The Way You Look Tonight," "Crush on You," and "The Sunny Side of the Street."

thegrand.com

Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle

This event is sponsored by the Maritime Museum and proceeds go toward furthering the museum's efforts. The festival includes wine tastings, beer, food, and live music.

texasmaritimemuseum.org

South Padre Island, 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/event-calendar

Sugar Land Memorial Park, 15300 University Blvd.

Each Memorial Day, Sugar Land invites the community and visitors to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country.

sugarlandtx.gov/437/special-events