The 30th annual SPI Market Days returns to the South Padre Island Convention Centre on January 23-25 and February 20-22, offering two exciting weekends of shopping, discovery, and community fun. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the South Padre Island Convention Centre, located at 7355 Padre Boulevard.
For John Raschilla (JR) Pickleball on Padre is more than just a tournament, and he hopes it is for all of those that attend as well. It’s a week-long celebration of the sport and the island. The event includes free open play at the SPI Convention Center, clinics and lessons for beginners, daily social mixers, vendor booths, and giveaways. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking to try something new, there’s something for everyone – especially Winter Texans.
Read more: Pickleball on Padre – More than just a tournament
The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) will host its Annual Community Health and Wellness Fair, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, January 13 and 14, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Rd., Mission.
Ron Hoover will host their 19th Annual Open House next week, Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. The annual open house is a very popular event in the Rio Grande Valley, drawing in thousands of people each year.
Every January for the past 40 years the Rio Grande Valley Woodcarvers has sponsored the premier woodcarving show in South Texas. The Show was held in several locations over the years. From the old McAllen Civic Center to the Pharr Civic Center, then to the Nomad Shrine Club. Last year it was held at the Brookhaven Event Center.
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley will host its annual Farm Dinner on Friday, January 23, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Food Bank RGV, located at 724 N. Cage Blvd. in Pharr.
Read more: Food Bank RGV seeks sponsors and silent auction donations
Sea Turtle Inc. is thrilled to announce the 2026 Enchantment Under the Sea Gala, presented by the Sea Turtle Inc. Foundation. Join them on January 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn for a night of elegance, beauty, and fun in support of sea turtle conservation. After the resounding success of the event’s inaugural year, we’re back again, intent on making the 2026 gala even better!
Read more: Sea Turtle Inc. Foundation presents the fundraising gala
Quinta Mazatlán invites the community to discover the rich botanical history of the Rio Grande Valley during a special Thursday Night Live presentation, “Robert Runyon Plants,” with longtime native plant grower Mike Heep, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
As the holiday season winds down, the City of Edinburg invites residents to join in the environmentally friendly tradition of recycling Christmas trees. The Tree Recycling Program encourages residents to transform their festive evergreens into valuable mulch at designated drop-off locations.
Quinta Mazatlán invites you to end your year with a morning of Birding, Wednesday, December 31, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., with Education Specialist and life-long birder Isidro Montemayor. Winter is a great time to get out Birding welcoming an amazing variety of Valley Specialty birds, like the Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, and Plain Chachalaca to name a few. The season also welcomes birds that spend their winter down in South Texas. Ducks, sparrows, owls, even rare birds from Mexico can be seen in the Valley during winter. From binocular basics to bird calls and behavior, you’ll leave this guided experience feeling more in-tune with our avian friends.
The mind-body connection is vital for overall health because your thoughts, emotions and behaviors directly influence physical health, and your physical state affects mental well-being.
Read more: STHS Behavioral to highlight importance of mind-body connection at webinar
AUSTIN – Celebrate the beginning of a new year and the start of America’s semiquincentennial (America 250) with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park.
Read more: Kick start 2026 with a First Day Hike at a Texas State Park
There are many upcoming programs at Bentsen-RGV State Park to enjoy this January. Several programs are continuing, and there will be a double dose of the speaker series. There will also be two birding tram tours offered in addition to the regular bird walks. Thomas “TC” Riddle, park interpreter/volunteer coordinator at the park says they are hoping to add even more programs, so keep an eye on the park website or Facebook page for the latest updates on programs.
You cannot miss Port Isabel. Especially if you are going to South Padre Island. Port Isabel is a welcoming small town with little shops, a museum, piers, and a beautiful lighthouse. Lots of history sits in the little square just before the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Charlotte Underwood
The Mission Historical Museum (MHM) is now accepting submissions for its Turning of the Quilts program. The museum is looking for antique, vintage, or unique quilts to be featured in a special presentation, where each quilt will be revealed and celebrated one by one. A knowledgeable presenter will provide historical context and details about each quilt's story.
Read more: MHM calls for Antique Quilts for "Turning of the Quilts"
