The Best in Arts and Entertainment in Corpus Christi 2026
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The Local’s List 2026: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The Local's List 2026 readers' choice poll winners for categories such as annual festival, family attraction, live music venue and much more.

By Evelyn Martinez|11 days ago

"On the Edge of Paradise" by Kaleigh Glover Ardoin, Fine Art Painter winner

​​Annual Festival

Winner: Dia de los Muertos Festival

This festival has beautifully intertwined life, music and culture into one incredible community event since 2008. Recognized as one of the top Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in the country, the event celebrates and honors the rich cultural heritage of Mexico and South Texas with live music, ofrendas, art exhibitions, food trucks, vendors and more.

Annual Fundraiser

Winner: Coastal Bend Day of Giving

Every year, the Coastal Bend Community Foundation hosts a one-day digital matching-gift campaign benefiting local nonprofits and their community initiatives. The general public can pick from a list of nonprofits to give to, and gracious donors will match these donations. Since the original Day of Giving in 2009, the fundraiser has raised over $36 million for local nonprofits.

Art Gallery/Center

Winner: Art Center of Corpus Christi

Standing as a staple in the fabric of Downtown Corpus Christi, The Art Center of Corpus Christi is a community hub for creativity on the coast. From classes to rotating exhibitions, the Art Center is where locals go to connect with one another and wonderful art. 

Family Affair – Claudia & Carl Melton | Photo provided

Band (Original Music)

Winner: Family Affair – Claudia & Carl Melton

Songwriter and teacher extraordinaire, Claudia Melton, is no stranger to the industry, winning best original music alongside her brother Carl. This full Family Affair continues to rock our socks off with their ever-evolving jazz fusion. Find them performing around Corpus, especially at the Republic of Texas. 

Tina La Cochina | Rachel Benavides

Comedian

Winner: Tina La Cochina

With five Local’s List wins under her belt, there is no denying Tina La Cochina’s comedic genius. Drawing crowds wherever she performs, Tina’s stand-up performances may leave your abs sore from laughing so hard. In an effort to continuously nurture the local comedy scene, she consistently hosts open mic nights and comedy shows around the Coastal Bend. 

Dance Studio

Winner: Tippi Toes

Tippi Toes brings joy to families across the Coastal Bend through upbeat, kid-friendly dance classes that build confidence and creativity. With a team of passionate instructors, Tippi Toes is dedicated to providing a wonderful experience one twirl at a time. 

Digital Artist/Illustrator winner, Savannah Garza

Digital Artist/Illustrator

Winner: Savannah Garza

A beloved local creative with an eye for visually appealing illustrations and typography, Savannah Garza is leaving her (brand)mark in every corner of the Coastal Bend. Her playful designs range from Corpus Christi iconography and marketing materials for local businesses to a digitally created mural at the Corpus Christi International Airport. 

Texas State Aquarium | Photo by Jason Page

Family Attraction

Winner: Texas State Aquarium

A perfect outing for the whole family, the Texas State Aquarium is one of Corpus Christi’s rock-star attractions. As the largest aquarium in the state of Texas, here you’ll find over 300 animal species across a wide range of exhibits. From the enchanting aquatic nursery filled with jellyfish and seahorses to a captivating Caribbean journey with birds and reptiles, visitors have plenty of ways to interact with and learn about wildlife. 

Filmmaker

Winner: Andres Hernandez, El Roi Films

With a sharp eye for detail and a deep love for storytelling, Andres Hernandez of El Roi Films crafts cinematic content that captivates and connects. El Roi Films turns strategy into cinema, proving that good content doesn’t just look good but also makes you feel something (and maybe click “share”).

Kaleigh Glover Ardoin | Photo by Rachel Benavides

Fine Art Painter

Winner: Kaleigh Glover Ardoin

Pulling from our backyard, Bay City native Kaleigh Glover Ardoin has left quite a mark on our artistic scene. Her vibrant acrylic work portrays familiar coastal sights, from kaleidoscopic sunrises to perched pelicans and our dazzling beach waves. Find her work for sale inside Coffee Waves Port Aransas; blown up to mural size on walls like those of the Port Aransas Visitor Center; and available for commission through her website.

 

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Influencer/Blogger

Winner: Haily Wilson, @localtxfoodie

If it’s worth eating in the Coastal Bend, Haily Wilson’s already posted about it. With mouthwatering photos and honest recs, Wilson is the go-to guide for local bites, hidden gems and the kind of content that makes you hungry immediately.

Live Music Venue

Winner: House of Rock

With shows booked every week, multiple times a week, House of Rock’s newest Local’s List win is possible through the tender love and care of owner Casey Lain and his dedicated staff. Reaching a milestone of 18 years in the game, it’s clear HoR only keeps getting better.

Multimedia Artist

Winner: Crafts by the Bunny (Shai Davenport)

Shai Davenport takes the “multimedia artist” title to heart, creating more by intention and feel than in a strict medium. Skillful in the arts of beading, acrylic painting, collaging and more, Davenport hopes her work inspires others to see the colors in life over the grays.

Jeremy Flores | Photo by Tyler Schultz

Muralist

Winner: Jeremy Flores, The DaskOne

Inside classrooms and airport terminals, adorning apartment complexes and half of downtown. By this point, it’d be more surprising if you hadn’t run into a Jeremy Flores original. Well-seasoned in his graffiti street art career by this point, Flores takes home the gold for the first time as an independent muralist. Someone let him know—he’s probably out there painting now.

Art Museum of South Texas | Photography by Rachel Benavides

Museum

Winner: Art Museum of South Texas

 With regularly rotating exhibitions and a robust permanent collection, the Art Museum of South Texas serves as the preeminent fine arts institution for the Coastal Bend region. Plus, the museum puts on exciting programs for kids and is home to a local favorite Mediterranean spot, Elizabeth’s. 

Nature/Landscape Photographer

Winner: Padre Island Madre

One of our top social accounts to follow, Padre Island Madre offers high-quality, high-quantity photography of our brilliant coastal landscapes. From pelicans and sea turtles to beachside sunsets and sandy beachgoers, her page features everything a Coastal Bend local and lover could ever need.

Harbor Playhouse | Photo by Monica Salinas

Performing Arts Theatre/Venue

Winner: Harbor Playhouse

The Harbor Playhouse is a mecca for live theatre in the Coastal Bend. As the oldest continually operating community theatre in Texas, the Playhouse provides a year-round schedule of classic and contemporary musicals and plays rivaling off-Broadway productions in both talent and quality. Remaining productions in the 2024 season include Rock of Ages, Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium and A Christmas Carol. 

Podcast

Winner: Corpus Christi Originals

Hosted by local comedian and content creator Jesus Hilario H., the Corpus Christi Originals podcast features Hilario and his rotating guests of local personalities. Everything from fellow comedians and influencers to community leaders and local business owners, CCO’s Local’s List win only two years since the project began proves investing in local stories can pay off big in the long run. 

Cassie & Marcus on their wedding day.| Photo by Shoocha Photography

Portrait Photographer

Winner: Shoocha Photography

The team at Shoocha Photography is committed to capturing the perfect image for you to cherish forever. Specializing in a wide range of styles, these talented professionals not only go above and beyond to get the shot, but make each client feel comfortable and confident every frame along the way. 

Radio DJ/Personality

Winner: Big Frank, 99.1

With a voice as familiar as your morning coffee and a playlist that always hits, Ed Ocañas has become a staple of Coastal Bend airwaves. Whether he’s spinning tracks or spotlighting local stories, he keeps the community tuned in and turned up.

Screen Printing

Winner: T-Shirt Gallery

Since 1985, T-Shirt Gallery has delivered “quality, reliability and exceptional service” in the Coastal Bend and in the greater South Texas area. The talented team specializes in services like embroidery, screen printing and more, and will be happy to help you find what best fits your needs.

Sculptor/Ceramicist

Winner: Kent Ullberg

Kent Ullberg’s works of earthly paradise stand proudly across the Coastal Bend: marlins on Padre Island, a sailfish on Shoreline, a bison next to the Art Museum. Ullberg has installed over 100 sculptures across the U.S. and internationally, so it feels extra lucky to have them in our backyard.

Eric Graham | Photo by Abbie Rasmussen

Solo Musician

Winner: Eric Graham

Seasoned by 20 years of cover songs and originals, Texas native Eric Graham’s alternative Americana resonated with audiences this year, making him the people’s choice for Best Solo Musician.

Photo courtesy of Corpus Christi Hooks

Sports Team

Winner: Corpus Christi Hooks

Some might say the Corpus Christi Hooks essentially won the Astros the 2017 World Series … and we are those some. The Coastal Bend has the opportunity to watch young talent grow as the CC Hooks take the diamond at Whataburger Field. Watching a baseball game on a hot summer night, hot dog in hand, is truly one of the best pastimes. 

Cinnamon Shore | Photo by Jason Risner

Staycation Location

Winner: Cinnamon Shore

Living on the coast means having a ready-made vacation in your own backyard, and Cinnamon Shore is the perfect staycation destination. One of the most popular luxury resort communities in Port Aransas, this beachside haven is designed to help families relax, spend time together and make new memories. 

Tattoo Artist 

Winner: Chris Lain, Pinnacle Tattoo

Tattooing colorful, clean and evocative designs since 1994, Chris Lain—owner of Pinnacle Tattoo—has a phenomenal portfolio. Picking up inspiration and education from around the world and alongside other great artists, Lain is a seasoned professional bringing his clients’ tattoo dreams to an even better reality. 

Tattoo Shop

Winner: Pinnacle Tattoo

 Founded by Chris and Tina Lain, Pinnacle Tattoo opened its doors in 2007 and is home to six talented artists. Here, individual creativity is celebrated and collaborative artistic efforts are encouraged. The work done by these professionals shows immense care for both the craft and the client experience. 

Leslie Adami, KIII-TV | Photo provided 

TV/News Personality

Winner: Leslie Adami, KIII-TV

Slowly creeping up the winners list each year since her 2019 arrival in the city, Leslie Adami’s win for TV News Personality marks the first in her KIII career. Known for her bubbly character, great on-screen chemistry and a passionate commitment to her craft, Adami should be no stranger to our Local’s List moving forward.

Videographer (Non-wedding)

Winner: Andres Hernandez, El Roi Films

Combining filmmaking techniques with marketing strategies, Andres Hernandez of El Roi Films brings the best out of everything he films, creating short-form cinematic storytelling for agencies, nonprofits, consumer brands and more. Each video encourages action and drives engagement in whatever form of content you need.

Website Designer

Winner: The Social Butterfly Media

With a full-stack digital team and a client list that spans the globe, The Social Butterfly Media builds websites that don’t just look great, they grow businesses. From strategy to execution, its sites are designed to scale, engage and make brands stand out in the digital crowd.

Next up, check out the winners in this year’s Shopping & Services categories! 

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