The community is invited to “Exploring the Olmecs” on Saturday, January 17, at International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) to learn about Olmec civilization and celebrate the sweet sixteenth birthday of the Olmec Head sculpture found on museum grounds, Colossal Head 8 (Cabeza Olmeca).
The Kansas Day Celebration for the Rio Grande Valley will be held on Tuesday, January 27. The event will again be held at Peter Piper Pizza, 3101 E. Expressway 83, Weslaco. This is for all Kansans – former or current residents.
The Rio Grande Valley Red Hat Queens Council presents the Festival of Tables on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. All ladies are welcome. Red Hats and purple on the shoulders are appreciated. Groups are invited to purchase seats and decorate a table. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased before January 28.
The Mission Historical Museum invites the public to experience the tradition of quilting at an upcoming quilt exhibit featuring works by talented local quilters. The exhibit will be on view from now through February 27, offering visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate quilting as both an art form and a cultural expression.
Read more: MHM presents quilt exhibit showcasing local quilters
Tim Hadler will be bringing his George Strait show – Strait to Branson – from Branson to South Padre Island with the full band. He will be at Louie’s Backyard on Saturday, January 17, Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24.
Read more: Tim Hadler brings 'Strait to Branson' to the Island
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
It's winter and the South Padre Island Indoor Kite Performances are back! That means it's time to head to South Padre Island and watch kitefliers from across the country as they 'tie one on' for two fun-filled nights of amazing performances.
Read more: Largest indoor kite fest in US returns to South Padre Island
The 15th Annual Valley Star Awards will be held at Mission Bell Resort on Wednesday, February 11. The show will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. with an intermission. Mission Bell will have lunch available for attendees for a small price before the show at 12 p.m. or just get there early to have a seat up front. They will also provide drinks and snacks during intermission for a small fee.
The Griffin Grill was packed this past weekend when my boyfriend and I stopped by. According to others waiting alongside us, this wasn’t out of the ordinary. Those that were leaving after their meal similarly told us the food is worth the wait. Despite the never-ending flow of customers, service was quick and cheerful. From the host to our waitress to the chef that stepped out to greet customers, meeting with new and familiar faces alike, everyone made sure we were taken care of and were happy with our meal and service.
Hello friends! The next month or so is very busy for us, and possibly you as well. There are so many bigger events coming up soon that we will attend, and I am sure you might attend some of them as well.
Coming up is the Ron Hoover Open House, RGV Woodcarvers Show, Texas Citrus Fiesta, Clayton Anniversary, Festival of Tables, RGV Livestock Show …. Just to name a few. We’ll be out and about at these and other events in the Valley. It’s always fun to be out there and get to visit with you.
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.
If you don’t already know, in 2024 Men of A-Chord and the Sweet Adeline’s become one and perform as Men and Women of A-Chord. The group performs in the Winter Texan parks from January through March.
Submitted by Michele Eastwood
It is time to celebrate the semiquencentennial of the USA. Spend the day at the Llano Grande Quilt Bee 16th annual show on Tuesday, January 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The show will be held at the Llano Grande Event Center, 2215 East West Blvd. (off Mile 2 West) in Mercedes.
Read more: Celebrate USA’s semiquencentennial at Llano Grande Quilt Bee
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
Internationally acclaimed rock n’ roll pianist, Jared Freiburg, will be performing his high-energy show “PIANOMANIA!” at Christian Fellowship Church, 901 N. Loop 499, Harlingen, on Tuesday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, visit the association’s website at www.HarlingenConcert.com or call (956) 392-9757.
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.
