A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in South Texas Plains
Weslaco
Alfresco Weslaco
Aug. 15-Feb. 20
Downtown, South Texas Boulevard
The city of Weslaco hosts Alfresco Weslaco in historic downtown Weslaco every third Thursday of the month starting in August and ending in February. Experience music and art on the street with 80 to 90 vendors, businesses staying open late, and visitors being able to savor the experience of sipping favorite drinks right on the street.
Mcallen
“Dinosaurs Among Us”
Nov. 16-April 6
International Museum of Art and Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave.
In this exhibition, visitors discover how dinosaurs’ extraordinary story continues today—not as the giant “terrible lizards” of the past, but as the feathered, winged birds both on land and in the sky we know today.
Laredo
Washington’s Birthday Celebration
Jan. 16-Feb. 28
Various locations
Laredo hosts this party marking its 127th year. The celebration features more than 30 events over 44 days, including an air show, a carnival, pageants depicting the country’s early history, the two-day Jalapeño Festival, one of the country’s truly “international” parades, concerts, and fireworks.
San Antonio
San Antonio Black History Bus Tour—MLK Edition
Jan. 25
Carver Branch Library, 3350 E. Commerce St.
A bus tour explores the Black history of San Antonio with a special focus on iconic leader Martin Luther King Jr. Discover the significant sites and landmarks related to Dr. King that played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement. This in-person event provides you with a deeper understanding of the history and legacy of Dr. King and his impact on the community.
Symposium of the Strange—Dogman Phenomenon
Jan. 29
Mineshaft Saloon at Magic Time Machine, 900 I-410 Loop Northeast
Join a night of stories, experiences, and investigations into the Dogman phenomenon with Josh Turner, host of the popular show “Paranormal Round Table.” From the Land of the Lakes to Texas and beyond, stories of frightening encounters with a supernatural being known as Dogman have been in local legends for generations. What is this mysterious creature, and what can we learn from these terrifying accounts?
“Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play!”
Feb. 1-March 23
Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
An elephant named Gerald and a pig named Piggie are best friends, but Gerald worries that something could go wrong that would end their friendship. Piggie is not worried at all. She’s even happier and more excited than usual. That’s because she and Gerald are invited to a party hosted by the Squirrelles, three singing squirrels who love to have a good time. And so begins a day when anything is possible. With catchy tunes, lively dances, and plenty of laughs, this show promises an entertaining experience perfect for young audiences ages 3 and up.
Newlywed Block Party at Main Plaza in San Antonio
Feb. 13-14
Main Plaza, 115 N. Main Ave.
Celebrate Texas’ biggest wedding of the year. Main Plaza Conservancy and Historic Bexar County Courthouse invites visitgors to celebrate the nuptials of hundreds of couples arriving for midnight Valentine’s Day weddings. This annual event includes a pre-ceremony reception on Main Plaza with wedding vendors, live music, and special giveaways for the newlyweds. At midnight the crowd gathers on the historic courthouse steps to witness the mass wedding that welcomes couples from all over the state.
“Carmina Burana”
March 2
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
The YOSA Philharmonic Orchestra presents a full performance of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” with the San Antonio Mastersingers. Known for its thunderous rhythms and soaring melodies, Orff’s raucous setting of 24 medieval poems engages with themes of love, life, and fate with satirical undertones.
Taste America: San Antonio
March 6
Hotel Emma at Pearl, 136 E. Grayson St.
The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local, independent restaurants at the heart of our communities.
Zapata
Zapata County Fair
March 6-8
Zapata County Fairgrounds, 23rd and Glenn streets
Zapata hosts “the Biggest Little Town Fair In Texas.” This marks the 53rd year for the community’s annual spring event that features concerts from a diverse musical lineup, livestock and animal judging, street dances, arts and crafts, a queen and her court, and other attractions.
Goliad
Goliad County Fair and PRCA Rodeo
March 12-16
Goliad County Fairgrounds, 814 Julie Wimberly Drive
Enjoy pro rodeo action in conjunction with the Goliad County Fair. See brave athletes compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and mutton bustin’. In previous years, the fair has included a parade, carnival, barbecue, and dancing.
San Antonio
Night of Artists
March 28-May 11
Briscoe Western Art Museum, 210 W. Market St.
One of the premier Western art events in the world, “Night of Artists” is an invitational art exhibition that includes the viewing and sale of new works of painting, sculpture, and mixed media by today’s leading contemporary Western artists.
Goliad
Goliad Massacre and Living History Program
March 29-30
Presidio La Bahia State Historic Site, 217 Loop 71
The 39th annual event features a reenactment of the battle of Coleto Creek, which took place 10 miles east of Presidio La Bahia when Col. Fannin’s command was ordered to retreat and join with the main body of Texas troops under Gen. Sam Houston. Visitors can walk through reenactor camps, visit other historic sites, and wander the grounds of Presidio La Bahia. Saturday offers a nighttime candlelight tour.
thc.texas.gov/events/39th-annual-goliad-massacre-and-living-history-program
Poteet
Strawberry Festival
April 11-13
Strawberry Festival grounds, 9199 SH 16 North
Held annually in April, the festival features concerts with nationally known Western and Tejano music stars, regional bands, gunslingers, a carnival, various contests, and rodeo performances. Located in the heart of the Artesian Belt, Poteet is recognized as the Strawberry Capital of Texas.
San Antonio
Fiesta San Antonio
April 24-May 4
Various locations
Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891 as a one-parade event to honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Today, Fiesta is one of this nation’s premier festivals, with more than 100 local nonprofit organizations orchestrating festivities and raising funds that support the community throughout the year.
Texas Cavaliers River Parade
April 28
San Antonio Riverwalk, 909 NE Loop 410, Suite 903
The San Antonio River comes alive with music, festivities, and vibrant floats for the 80th annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade. This one-of-a-kind parade started in 1941 after a group of Texas Cavaliers witnessed boats and barges decorated with flowers in the “floating gardens” of Mexico City. Today, the parade attracts more than 250,000 spectators, and all the proceeds go to local children’s charities.
Helotes
Cornyval and PRCA Rodeo
May 1-4
Helotes Cornyval grounds, 12210 Leslie Road
This annual event features a carnival and midway with rides, games, food, and attractions; corn-eating contests; chicken bingo; racing pigs; a cornhole tournament; and a PRCA rodeo.
San Antonio
“¡Lotería: Game On!”
May 3-June 1
Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St.
Join siblings Sam and Kris on a family-friendly adventure as they stumble upon their dad’s pillow fort-turned-magical portal into the realm of “Lotería,” where their father is unexpectedly trapped. This bilingual production ensures that both English and Spanish speakers can enjoy the adventure.
“Firebird Dance”
May 11
Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Auditorium Circle
The YOSA Philharmonic Orchestra’s season finale, “Firebird Dance,” is a celebration of lively dance traditions and powerful storytelling. The evening culminates in Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” a fairytale ballet based on Russian folklore, featuring the remarkable young dancers of San Antonio Youth Ballet.