The Local’s List 2024 readers’ choice poll winners for Arts, Culture & Entertainment include categories such as annual festival, family attraction, cover band, live music venue and much more.
Annual Festival
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.
Second place: Buc Days
Third place: Texas Jazz Festival
Annual Fundraiser
Fiesta de los Niños
Benefiting Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Fiesta de los Niños raises funds to provide thousands of children with life-saving care. As Driscoll’s largest fundraising event, 100% of the funds raised directly benefit the hospital and its young patients. 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: South Texas Botanical Gardens Moonlight in the Gardens
Third place: ARTball- Art Museum of South Texas
Art Gallery/Center
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. The original complex, designed by world-renowned architect Philip Johnson, sits on the water’s edge overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, making the views just as beautiful as the artwork in the galleries. A perpetual favorite among locals and visitors, the museum offers fun for the whole family. 1902 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Art Center of Corpus Christi
Third place: K Space Contemporary
Band (Original Music)
Raul Ayala Band
Led by charismatic frontman Raul Ayala and his electric guitar, the local band’s music pairs killer riffs with intimate lyrics about life, love and the pains of growing up. Though its music might get categorized as rock at surface level, the Raul Ayala Band seamlessly fuses funk, psychedelic and hip-hop influences into each song, and its energetic live performances will undoubtedly keep you dancing.
Second place: Triptonite
Third place: The East & The Crow
Comedian
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.
Second place: Michael White
Third place: Javi Luna
Dance Studio
Munro Ballet Studios
The official school of the Corpus Christi Ballet, Munro Ballet Studios has a respected reputation for excellence. The studio offers classes for 3-year-olds through adults in classic ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, pointe, pas de deux and lyrical. The staff is filled with experienced instructors dedicated to spreading the joy of dancing to the Coastal Bend community. 5610 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: House of Hip Hop Dance Studio
Third place: Alcorta’s Compania de Danza Folkorica
Date Night
Bellino Ristorante Italiano
Nothing says date night like an intimate dinner at Bellino Ristorante Italiano. Sitting at a cozy, candlelit table, you and your date can converse over a glass of imported Italian wine, share a few Sicilian-influenced dishes and indulge in the delectable dessert menu. Just don’t forget to make a reservation! 3815 S Alameda St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Nueces Whiskey Library
Third place: The Annex
Digital Artist/Illustrator
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.
Second place: Rick Gallegos
Third place: Ashton Clouds
Family Attraction
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. 2710 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402
Second place: Whataburger Field
Third place: South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center
Filmmaker
Cris Olvera
A longtime, active participant in the local filmmaking community, Cris Olvera can often be found behind the scenes. With a passion for visual storytelling, Olvera’s talents range from screenwriting and directing to producing and acting. Be it through his creative network Basic Cable Productions or collaborating with other local filmmakers, Olvera’s work fosters a unique sense of creative exploration.
Second place: Jake Gonzalez
Third place: Chris Ambriz
Fine Arts Painter
Gilbert Cantu
Gilbert Cantu’s interest in visual arts was sparked when his first grade teacher told him art was just a hobby. Though his career is largely based in graphic design, Cantu’s realist paintings are transformative. Working predominantly with oil on canvas, his work almost feels alive and pulls in onlookers to sit and stay a while.
Second place: Jillian Black
Third place: Hope Love’s Art
Influencer/Blogger
Monica Garcia, CC Bucketlist
Over 10,000 followers and counting look to Monica Garcia, a.k.a. CC Bucketlist, for the best food, drinks, shopping and entertainment in Corpus Christi. Her infectious smile and diehard support of all things local combine to create content ideal for influencing your next outing.
Second place: Haily Wilson- @localtxfoodie
Third place: Christie Marie- @texasfoodexplorer
Live Music Venue
Brewster Street Icehouse Downtown
Located in Downtown Corpus Christi and housed in a building originally built in 1932, Brewster Street Icehouse serves as one of the city’s top venues. Every week, you can catch a variety of local and touring acts performing on the outdoor stage—ranging from Texas country to rock ‘n roll and everything in between. 1724 N Tancahua St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: House of Rock
Third place: Executive Surf Club
Multimedia Artist
Leticia Gomez
Self-described as a hyper-focused “uncreator” and dreamer,” Leticia Gomez’s artwork explores surrealist concepts exploring Indigenous creation stories, myths and reflections from dream work readings. From thought-provoking zines with original writings and installation pieces to drawings and large-scale paintings, Gomez’s art is in a league of its own.
Second place: Becky Smith
Third place: Cassie Normandy White
Mural
“Greetings from Corpus Christi,” Jeremy Flores
Painted in the style of a vintage postcard, the mural titled “Greetings from Corpus Christi” combines classic images that resonate with anyone familiar with the city. Created by Jeremy Flores of Cre8ive Culture, scenes of the Harbor Bridge, miradors along Shoreline Blvd., the U.S.S. Lexington and Selena paint the perfect picture, encapsulating pieces of our culture. The mural is located on the side of Richline Technical Services at 114 N. Mesquite St.
Second place: City by the Sea- Kaleigh Glover and John Olvey
Third place: I Saw Diego at the Washateria- Jimmy Pena, Mayra Zamora and Monica Marie Garcia
Museum
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History
Understand the past, explore the present and imagine the future at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History. Dedicated to preserving objects, sharing the stories of our history and educating visitors, the museum hosts hundreds of thousands of artifacts and historically significant items. Exhibits range from the Ecology Hall and Corpus Christi History to the McGregor Gallery and a Paleontology Hall. 1900 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Art Museum of South Texas
Third place: USS Lexington
Nature/Landscape Photographer
Padre Island Madre, Nicole Scofield
You can’t help falling even more in love with the Coastal Bend’s natural beauty when looking through the work of Nicole Scofield, a.k.a. Padre Island Madre. One scroll through her Instagram feed—filled with dreamlike sunsets, candid wildlife moments and serene beachscapes—will leave you breathless.
Second place: J. Morris 683 Photography
Third place: A Moment Captured by Michelle Walters
Performing Arts Theatre/Venue
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. 1802 N Chaparral St, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Aurora Arts Theatre
Third place: TAMUCC Performing Arts Center
Podcast
B*tches Who Brunch
An unfiltered podcast hosted by Yvonne Ascension and Marlene Pineda, B*tches Who Brunch dives into the taboo topics we all love. Whether it’s sharing dating app experiences, playing Never Have I Ever with a guest or discussing long-distance relationships, listening to this podcast is like chatting about life with your best girlfriends.
Second place: CORPUS CHRISTI ORIGINALS
Third place: Corpus Christi Songwriters Podcast
Portrait Photographer
Shoocha Photography Studio & Gallery
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. 4650 Everhart Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
Second place: Sweetest Snaps Photography
Third place: Megan Pena Photography
Radio Personality/DJ
Big Frank, K-99 Country
Having been on Corpus Christi radio for over 25 years, Big Frank is a voice most will recognize. Host of K-99 Country’s morning show, you can catch his on-air interviews and various segments every morning from 5-10 a.m. Find special after-the-show conversations and features you might have missed on the Big Frank Show 2GO podcast.
Second place: Rex Gabriel (C-101)
Third place: Jay Vibez (Planet 102.3)
Screen Printer
Elevated Screen Printing
Creative meets quality at Elevated Screen Printing. Owned by power couple Rick Gallegos and Jessica Mullan, this shop specializes in modern techniques such as DTF printing to help bring your designs to life. Chances are your favorite local business’ apparel and accessories were printed here, and for good reason. 4922 Bush St Ste 121, Corpus Christi, TX 78417
Second place: Sunkissed Graphics
Third place: David Ramirez T-Shirt Gallery and Sports
Sculptor/Ceramicist
Alex Chapa, Moonstone’d Pottery
Alex Chapa of Moonstone’d Pottery is a symphonist with her hands as she creates functional, handmade pieces. This one-woman shop produces small-batch ceramics with modern touches—from planters with hand-glazed designs and vases with abstract patterns to kitchen essentials such as spoon rests or mugs. You can learn from the master herself at the Art Center of Corpus Christi’s Wheel Throwing 101 workshop running until July 18. 100 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Kent Ullberg
Third place: Steve Russell
Solo Musician
Clarissa Serna
Clarissa Serna has been honing her voice and gracing the world with her talents since the age of 7. Her vocal range is out of this world, and when backed by her band made up of phenomenal musicians, her innate rock star abilities really shine. Releasing her first new song in quite some time, the artist put out a country song earlier this summer, making her initial step into the genre.
Second place: Eric Graham
Third place: David Martinez
Sports Team
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. 734 E Port Ave, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Second place: Corpus Christi Ice Rays
Third place: Islanders Volleyball
Staycation Location
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. 5009 TX-361, Port Aransas, TX 78373
Second place: The Tarpon Inn
Third place: Palmilla Golf & Beach Resort
Tattoo Artist
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.
Second place: Cindy Saenz- Axis Tattoo
Third place: Brian McDermott- La Promesa Tattoo
Tattoo Shop
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. 1041 Airline Rd, Corpus Christi, TX 78412
Second place: Axis Tattoo
Third place: Black Lantern Tattoo
TV/News Personality
Alan Holt – KIII
Alan Holt is everyone’s favorite neighborhood meteorologist. For years, Holt has been serving the Coastal Bend, providing insight into the region’s weather and keeping citizens informed on possible threats. His friendly smile, sometimes-silly Facebook presence and top-notch knowledge keep him winning this category, year after year.
Second place: Clarissa Serna – Coastal Living
Third place: Leslie Adami – KIII News
Videographer (non-wedding)
Alpha Film Creative
With a passion for helping local businesses share their brand’s message, Alpha Film Creative produces powerful visuals that tell a story with creative flair. Whether you’re looking for elevated social media content, an eye-catching commercial or somewhere in between, you can trust Alpha Film Creative to deliver a visual masterpiece.
Second place: Twins Videography
Third place: WavyFilms
Website Designer
Darklab Media
Committed to helping you tell your story, Darklab Media specializes in a wide range of creative communication services. Working closely with its roster of professional clients, this team of passionate and experienced web designers aims to help your digital presence stand out to garner the attention it deserves. 10201 S Padre Island Dr Suite 208, Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Second place: Yellowfin Digital
Third place: Sara Antonetz- MDR Advertising
