Sponsored by:
Alamo Chamber of
Commerce
130 S. 8th St.
Alamo, Texas 78516
(956) 787-2117
www.alamochamber.com
Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce
602 West University
Edinburg, Texas 78539
1-800-800-7214
(956) 383-4974
www.edinburg.com
Hidalgo Chamber of
Commerce
611 East Coma
Hidalgo, Texas
(956) 843-2734
www.hidalgotexas.com
McAllen Chamber of
Commerce
1200 Ash Ave.
McAllen, Texas
1-877-622-5536
(956) 682-2871
www.mcallenchamber.com
Commerce
130 S. 8th St.
Alamo, Texas 78516
(956) 787-2117
www.alamochamber.com
Edinburg Chamber of
Commerce
602 West University
Edinburg, Texas 78539
1-800-800-7214
(956) 383-4974
www.edinburg.com
Hidalgo Chamber of
Commerce
611 East Coma
Hidalgo, Texas
(956) 843-2734
www.hidalgotexas.com
McAllen Chamber of
Commerce
1200 Ash Ave.
McAllen, Texas
1-877-622-5536
(956) 682-2871
www.mcallenchamber.com
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |  |  |
The Greater Mission
Chamber of Commerce
220 E. 9th St.
Mission, Texas 78572
1-800-580-2700
(956) 585-2727
www.missionchamber.com
Pharr Chamber of Commerce
308 West Park
Pharr, Texas
(956) 787-1481
www.pharrchamberofcommerce.com
San Juan Chamber of Commerce
1006 S. Standard
San Juan, Texas
(956) 783-9957
www.cityofsanjuantexas.com
Weslaco Chamber of Commerce
301 West Railroad
Weslaco, Texas 78596
(888) 968-2102
(956) 968-2102
www.weslaco.com
Chamber of Commerce
220 E. 9th St.
Mission, Texas 78572
1-800-580-2700
(956) 585-2727
www.missionchamber.com
Pharr Chamber of Commerce
308 West Park
Pharr, Texas
(956) 787-1481
www.pharrchamberofcommerce.com
San Juan Chamber of Commerce
1006 S. Standard
San Juan, Texas
(956) 783-9957
www.cityofsanjuantexas.com
Weslaco Chamber of Commerce
301 West Railroad
Weslaco, Texas 78596
(888) 968-2102
(956) 968-2102
www.weslaco.com
January
Texas Citrus Fiesta, Mission. The last week of January and early February heralds a full schedule of fun and activities
including the coronation of Queen Citrianna, the Product Costume Show, a carnival, barbecue, and the Parade of Oranges.
(956) 585-9724.
McAllen International Travel Show, early January, and Winter Texan Expo, late January, McAllen Civic Center, U.S. 83
and 10th Street. (956) 682-2870.
February
Fiesta Edinburg, weekend-long event in late February. Enjoy parade, rodeo, fajita cook-off, live concert music, and exhibits
in celebration of the founding of the city. Edinburg Chamber, (956) 383-4974.
Heart of the Valley Health Fair, McAllen Civic Center, early February. Free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes,
glucose, glaucoma, vision and blood pressure, podiatry, massage and oral hygiene. Immunizations for children, and
screenings for scoliosis, and hearing. (956) 682-2871.
March
Borderfest, Hidalgo, three days in early March. A colorful parade, beauty pageant and folkloric dancers signal Hidalgo’s
Borderfest, as well as "crafts in action," mariachis and food. (956) 843-2734.
Taste of the Valley, Pharr. Hosted by the Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Taste of the Valley is a food fair featuring leading
Valley restaurants and entertainment at the Pharr International Convention Center. The first Thursday in March. (956) 787-
1481.
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes. Held in Mid-March, the livestock show is one of the Valley’s most popular
annual events with an average attendance of 160,000. Support 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as
they show their wares. For entertainment don’t miss the rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-
oriented entertainment. (956) 565-2456.
April
Riofest, Harlingen. Celebrate culture with food, music, arts and crafts at Harlingen’s annual festival. Art exhibits, contests at
indoor and outdoor exhibits. Artists of every age can show their work or just look and learn by taking lessons at no extra
charge. The make-believe "Western Town" for the kids, complete with a jail, is a favorite attraction. RioFest features dozens
of musical acts - amateur and professional. Second weekend in April. (956) 425-2705.
Onion Festival, Weslaco, late April. Can it be done with an onion? If so, it’s here. Watch or enter onion-clipping contests
and onion recipe contests. Enjoy food booths and games, storytellers, bands and entertainment. (956) 968-2102.
*** ( WATCH ONION FEST '08 VIDEO ) *** ( ONION FEST PHOTO GALLERY ) ***
Texas Tropics Nature Festival, McAllen, late April. Celebrates one of the richest areas for birding on the continent. Field
trips introduce festival goers to the natural and cultural delights of the Valley. Includes seminars, evening keynote speakers,
an all-day photography workshop, a children’s program, and a full trade show. (956) 682-2871 or 1-800-250-2591.
May
Tejano Fan Fest, McAllen. Major Tejano music stars perform for a 5 de Mayo Celebration at Municipal Park from noon to
midnight. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the stars face to face during autograph session, enjoy food booths and
special sections for children. McAllen Chamber of Commerce, (956)682-2871.
June
Friday Night Fireworks, South Padre Island, a great "Valley" tradition to go and eat dinner at least once a summer in
some of the great restaurants which face the wonderful view. Port Isabel or the Laguna Madre facing restaurants just north of
the causeway work best. This continues every Friday evening around 8:45 PM from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor
Day Weekend. Worth the Trip from the McAllen Area.
July
July 4th - Texas Cook'em High Steaks, Edinburg, a unique cook off featuring T-bone steak, chicken, ribs and brisket –
cooks will have the option to sell their tasty barbeque right from their cooking booths, and spectators will have the chance to
enjoy award winning barbeque cooked up Texas style! Edinburg Municipal Park, 714 Rail Longoria, Edinburg, Tx., Free with a
$5.00 Parking
Independence Day Activities & Largest Fireworks in Upper Valley, McAllen, includes a morning city wide parade
(Archer Park), swimming activities & other family entertainment culminated with a large & beautiful fireworks display
(Bicentinial & Tamarack). Everything is free and brought to you with love from McAllen's Parks & Rec, their sponsors and the
city. A wonderful way to be a part of this growing community.
Huge Independence Day Fireworks, South Padre Island, the display is grand and wonderful and almost makes the
crowds and traffic problems worth it. Think about taking a boat ride from Port Isabel ... and missing that long wait to get over
the causeway.
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, mid-July. Fishing takes the spotlight in July and August with this annual tournament.
(956) 944-2354.
August
Texas International Fishing Tournament, South Padre Island, first weekend in August. This legendary contest to land
the big one draws anglers from all over the continent. If you’re not going to fish, you can come down to the docks and see
them weighing in at the end of each day. (956) 943-8438.
October
The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, first Saturday in October. A 10-
kilometer run/walk over one of the nation’s longest bridges. 1-800-527-6102.
World’s Championship Shrimp Cook-off, Port Isabel, Columbus Day Weekend. Takes place on one and a half city
blocks. Help judge the world-class shrimp dishes. Street dance in the evening, along with a folk art festival, food booths. 1-
800-527-6102.
Texas Butterfly Festival, Mission, late October. Workshops, garden tours, youth and adult seminars, nature trade show.
Mission Chamber, (956) 585-2727.
November
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, early November. Attracts birders from all over North America. The festival
features field trips, tours, seminars by several of the country’s top birding authorities, and a trade show which includes art,
optics, birding supplies and gear, crafts, clothing and more. There is also a children’s program. Call (956) 423-5440 or 1-800-
531-7346.
December
Winter Vegetable Show, Pharr, early December. This exposition showcases the Valley’s many vegetables shown by 4-H
and Future Farmers of America members. Get in on the vegetable auction. (956) 787-1481.
Candlelight Posada, Archer Park in McAllen, first Friday and Saturday nights in December. Christmas entertainment with
a South Texas flair. You’ll enjoy food booths, luminarias, twinkling lights, caroling, and a live nativity scene. (956) 682-2871.
A Christmas Celebration, Edinburg, second Saturday in December. Celebrate the season with mariachis, dancers, a crafts
fair, and Las Posadas production. (956) 383-4974.
Christmas Street Parade, South Padre Island, early December. Grab your favorite parking spot on Padre Blvd. for the
enchanting Christmas Street Parade. (956) 761-3000.
Christmas Boat Parade, Port Isabel, early December. Do not miss this spectacular parade as boats make their way from
Port Isabel, along the causeway, and along the bay at South Padre Island. (956) 943-2262.
Texas Citrus Fiesta, Mission. The last week of January and early February heralds a full schedule of fun and activities
including the coronation of Queen Citrianna, the Product Costume Show, a carnival, barbecue, and the Parade of Oranges.
(956) 585-9724.
McAllen International Travel Show, early January, and Winter Texan Expo, late January, McAllen Civic Center, U.S. 83
and 10th Street. (956) 682-2870.
February
Fiesta Edinburg, weekend-long event in late February. Enjoy parade, rodeo, fajita cook-off, live concert music, and exhibits
in celebration of the founding of the city. Edinburg Chamber, (956) 383-4974.
Heart of the Valley Health Fair, McAllen Civic Center, early February. Free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes,
glucose, glaucoma, vision and blood pressure, podiatry, massage and oral hygiene. Immunizations for children, and
screenings for scoliosis, and hearing. (956) 682-2871.
March
Borderfest, Hidalgo, three days in early March. A colorful parade, beauty pageant and folkloric dancers signal Hidalgo’s
Borderfest, as well as "crafts in action," mariachis and food. (956) 843-2734.
Taste of the Valley, Pharr. Hosted by the Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Taste of the Valley is a food fair featuring leading
Valley restaurants and entertainment at the Pharr International Convention Center. The first Thursday in March. (956) 787-
1481.
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes. Held in Mid-March, the livestock show is one of the Valley’s most popular
annual events with an average attendance of 160,000. Support 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as
they show their wares. For entertainment don’t miss the rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-
oriented entertainment. (956) 565-2456.
April
Riofest, Harlingen. Celebrate culture with food, music, arts and crafts at Harlingen’s annual festival. Art exhibits, contests at
indoor and outdoor exhibits. Artists of every age can show their work or just look and learn by taking lessons at no extra
charge. The make-believe "Western Town" for the kids, complete with a jail, is a favorite attraction. RioFest features dozens
of musical acts - amateur and professional. Second weekend in April. (956) 425-2705.
Onion Festival, Weslaco, late April. Can it be done with an onion? If so, it’s here. Watch or enter onion-clipping contests
and onion recipe contests. Enjoy food booths and games, storytellers, bands and entertainment. (956) 968-2102.
*** ( WATCH ONION FEST '08 VIDEO ) *** ( ONION FEST PHOTO GALLERY ) ***
Texas Tropics Nature Festival, McAllen, late April. Celebrates one of the richest areas for birding on the continent. Field
trips introduce festival goers to the natural and cultural delights of the Valley. Includes seminars, evening keynote speakers,
an all-day photography workshop, a children’s program, and a full trade show. (956) 682-2871 or 1-800-250-2591.
May
Tejano Fan Fest, McAllen. Major Tejano music stars perform for a 5 de Mayo Celebration at Municipal Park from noon to
midnight. Attendees have the opportunity to meet the stars face to face during autograph session, enjoy food booths and
special sections for children. McAllen Chamber of Commerce, (956)682-2871.
June
Friday Night Fireworks, South Padre Island, a great "Valley" tradition to go and eat dinner at least once a summer in
some of the great restaurants which face the wonderful view. Port Isabel or the Laguna Madre facing restaurants just north of
the causeway work best. This continues every Friday evening around 8:45 PM from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor
Day Weekend. Worth the Trip from the McAllen Area.
July
July 4th - Texas Cook'em High Steaks, Edinburg, a unique cook off featuring T-bone steak, chicken, ribs and brisket –
cooks will have the option to sell their tasty barbeque right from their cooking booths, and spectators will have the chance to
enjoy award winning barbeque cooked up Texas style! Edinburg Municipal Park, 714 Rail Longoria, Edinburg, Tx., Free with a
$5.00 Parking
Independence Day Activities & Largest Fireworks in Upper Valley, McAllen, includes a morning city wide parade
(Archer Park), swimming activities & other family entertainment culminated with a large & beautiful fireworks display
(Bicentinial & Tamarack). Everything is free and brought to you with love from McAllen's Parks & Rec, their sponsors and the
city. A wonderful way to be a part of this growing community.
Huge Independence Day Fireworks, South Padre Island, the display is grand and wonderful and almost makes the
crowds and traffic problems worth it. Think about taking a boat ride from Port Isabel ... and missing that long wait to get over
the causeway.
Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, mid-July. Fishing takes the spotlight in July and August with this annual tournament.
(956) 944-2354.
August
Texas International Fishing Tournament, South Padre Island, first weekend in August. This legendary contest to land
the big one draws anglers from all over the continent. If you’re not going to fish, you can come down to the docks and see
them weighing in at the end of each day. (956) 943-8438.
October
The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, first Saturday in October. A 10-
kilometer run/walk over one of the nation’s longest bridges. 1-800-527-6102.
World’s Championship Shrimp Cook-off, Port Isabel, Columbus Day Weekend. Takes place on one and a half city
blocks. Help judge the world-class shrimp dishes. Street dance in the evening, along with a folk art festival, food booths. 1-
800-527-6102.
Texas Butterfly Festival, Mission, late October. Workshops, garden tours, youth and adult seminars, nature trade show.
Mission Chamber, (956) 585-2727.
November
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, early November. Attracts birders from all over North America. The festival
features field trips, tours, seminars by several of the country’s top birding authorities, and a trade show which includes art,
optics, birding supplies and gear, crafts, clothing and more. There is also a children’s program. Call (956) 423-5440 or 1-800-
531-7346.
December
Winter Vegetable Show, Pharr, early December. This exposition showcases the Valley’s many vegetables shown by 4-H
and Future Farmers of America members. Get in on the vegetable auction. (956) 787-1481.
Candlelight Posada, Archer Park in McAllen, first Friday and Saturday nights in December. Christmas entertainment with
a South Texas flair. You’ll enjoy food booths, luminarias, twinkling lights, caroling, and a live nativity scene. (956) 682-2871.
A Christmas Celebration, Edinburg, second Saturday in December. Celebrate the season with mariachis, dancers, a crafts
fair, and Las Posadas production. (956) 383-4974.
Christmas Street Parade, South Padre Island, early December. Grab your favorite parking spot on Padre Blvd. for the
enchanting Christmas Street Parade. (956) 761-3000.
Christmas Boat Parade, Port Isabel, early December. Do not miss this spectacular parade as boats make their way from
Port Isabel, along the causeway, and along the bay at South Padre Island. (956) 943-2262.
Annual Local Events
CLICK HERE to submit your annual event.
CLICK HERE event vendors & spons..info.