• Texas Citrus Fiesta, Mission, late January and early February for the coronation of Queen Citrianna, the Product Costume Show, a carnival, a barbecue, the Parade of Oranges and more. (956) 585-9724.
• McAllen International Travel Show, early January, and Winter Texan Expo, late January, in the McAllen Civic Center, U.S. 83 and 10th Street. (956) 682-2870.

• Charro Days, Brownsville/ Matamoros. International sister cities throw a party with parades, mariachi bands, folkloric dancing and Mexican cuisine. Don't miss the famous grito or cry that marks the opening of the festivities. (956) 542-4245.


• Fiesta Edinburg, a weeklong event in late February with a parade, rodeo, fajita cookoff, live music and exhibits in celebration of the city's founding. Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, (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.
• Los Fresnos Rodeo, first weekend in February, featuring a full range of rodeo events and clowns. In Lions Park, Los Fresnos. (956) 233-4488.

• Borderfest, Hidalgo, three days in early March featuring a colorful parade, beauty pageant and folkloric dancers as well as "crafts in action," mariachis and food. (956) 843-2734.
• Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes, held in mid-March is one of the Valley's most popular events with an average attendance of 160,000. Supports 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as they show their wares. Rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-oriented entertainment. (956) 565-2456.

• Onion Festival, Weslaco. If it can be done with an onion, it's here. Watch or enter onion-clipping and onion recipe contests. Food booths, games, storytellers, bands and entertainment. (956) 968-2102.
• Riofest, Harlingen, celebrates culture with arts and crafts, art exhibits, art contests, food and music. Artists of every age can show their work or just look and learn by taking lessons at no extra charge. A make-believe Western town for kids, complete with a jail, is a favorite attraction. Dozens of musical acts, both amateur and professional, are featured. Third week of April. (956) 425-2705.
• Texas Tropics Nature Festival, McAllen, early 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 (800) 250-2591.

• 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.

• SisBoomBah! - Every Friday night is the Fourth of July on South Padre Island. At 9:15 sharp, a silent barge in the center of the Bay releases it's payload into the summer sky. With the firework light reflecting off the water, it's a breathtaking display that will kick off your weekend the right way......every Friday Night Memorial Day through Labor Day.

July

• Brownsville International Birding Festival, mid-July. The Festival showcases the Rio Grande Valley's summer birding opportunities and is Texas' only offshore, summertime birding festival. There are a variety of field trips and seminars as well as an info share-marketplace, youth programs and evening activities. Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, (956) 546-3721.
• Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, mid-July. Fishing takes the spotlight in July and August with this annual tournament. (956) 944-2354.

• Texas International Fishing Tournament, South Padre Island, first weekend in August. This legendary contest draws anglers from all over the continent. Non-fishermen can come down to the docks for the weigh-in at the end of each day. (956) 943-8438.
• Ladies Kingfish Tournament, South Padre Island, second weekend in August. This "women's only" tournament draws over 200 participants yearly from all over the country. One of the largest all women's tournaments in Texas, it has been around nearly 20 years. (956) 761-4412.

• The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, last Saturday in September. A 10-kilometer run/walk over one of the nation's longest bridges. (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. Field trips, tours, seminars by several of the country's top birding authorities, a children's program and a trade show which includes art, optics, birding supplies and gear, crafts, clothing and more. (956) 423-5440 or (800) 531-7346.
• World's Championship Shrimp Cookoff, Port Isabel, first Sunday in November, takes place on one-and-one-half city blocks. Help judge world class shrimp dishes. Street dances folk art festival, food booths. (800) 527-6102.

• Candlelight Posada, Archer Park, McAllen, first Friday and Saturday nights in December. Christmas entertainment with a South Texas flair...food booths, luminarias, twinkling lights, caroling and a live Nativity scene. (956) 682-2871.
• Christmas Boat Parade, Port Isabel, early December. Don't 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.
• A Christmas Celebration, Edinburg, second Saturday in December, celebrates 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.
• Winter Vegetable Show, Pharr, early December, showcases the Valley's many vegetables shown by 4-H and Future Farmers of America members. (956) 787-1481.