Things to Do in Corpus Christi this Weekend: October 16-18

Things to Do in Corpus Christi this Weekend: October 16-18

Texas Jazz Fest, a symphony performance, Surftoberfest and more—here's what's on this weekend's agenda.

Texas Jazz Fest takes over Heritage Park this weekend with three stages of live music. | Photo by Debbie Noble

Are you looking for things to do in Corpus Christi this weekend? From Texas Jazz Fest and a symphony performance to Surftoberfest and Zombie Prom, there are plenty of ways to get out and about with the whole family.

All Weekend

The Addams Family at Harbor Playhouse

Stay in the Halloween spirit all month long with The Addams Family at Harbor Playhouse! Spend the evening with the iconic family in a dark comedy for the ages as Gomez Addams navigates Wednesday’s first teen romance with a “normal” boy. Laugh along to their hijinks and see yourself in their weirdness at any family-friendly showing every weekend through the end of the month: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Buy your tickets online today.

Enjoy the live music throughout Heritage Park at this year’s Texas Jazz Festival. | Photo by Debbie Noble

All Weekend

65th Annual Texas Jazz Festival

Fall weather brings a crown jewel of annual festivals: the Texas Jazz Fest! Jazz cats will take over Heritage Park throughout the weekend for three days of nonstop live music and a wide selection of local vendors. Stop by anytime from 5 p.m. to midnight on Friday, noon to midnight on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Free to attend and family-friendly, find the full schedule and lineup online.

All Weekend

78th Annual Shrimporee Festival

Discover a world of shrimp-based cuisine at the 78th Annual Shrimporee Festival in Aransas Pass. This weekend-long celebration of the crustacean will feature mouthwatering dishes in every shape and size, from golden-fried shrimp baskets to zesty shrimp ceviche. Keep the party going with the various all-ages events and offerings the festival will bring: live music performances from country and Tejano artists, arts and crafts vendors, contests, carnival rides and more. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Friday, and you won’t want to miss the noon parade on Saturday. View the full weekend schedule and buy tickets online.

October 16

15th Annual YWCA Glo & Go 5K

Runners, walkers, joggers and everyone in between are invited to the 15th Annual YWCA Glo & Go 5K. Starting Friday night at Cole Park Amphitheater, this glow-in-the-dark race offers a timed 5K run or a two-mile walk option, with strollers and families welcome. The race directly benefits the YWCA’s programs and mission. Online registration is closed, but day-of sign-ups will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, with runners taking off at 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring glow sticks!

Hay-Maze at the Botanical Gardens
Enjoy the cooler weather with a walk through the Botanical Gardens and its newly themed paths. | Photo provided by Botanical Gardens

October 17

Hay-Maze at the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are ready for the fall season with the grand opening of the annual Hay Maze this Saturday! The kid-friendly maze features Halloween decorations leading up to the holiday. Join the fun with regular park admission, available daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

October 17

Creative Cahoots Grand Opening

Give a warm welcome to a new creative collective setting up shop in The Market on Everhart at the grand opening event for Creative Cahoots this Saturday! Described by its creators as “a place to shop hand-crafted goods and build community,” the grand opening celebration will also feature a wide variety of events from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meet artists, shop their designs and mingle with a new kind of creative community. Find the full list of events, from giveaways to naming competitions, on their social media.

Surftoberfest means stein holding contests, dozens of German beers, live music and more. | Photo provided by Visit Corpus Christi

October 17

Surftoberfest

This Saturday, the beloved annual Surftoberfest returns for its 11th year of German-themed fun, family-friendly contests and, of course, never-ending beer. Expect the usual abundance of activities over at the Executive Surf Club: over 20 seasonal beers, bratwurst and pork schnitzel sliders, pet and people costume contests, stein-holding competitions, a free Kids Zone with root beer steins, the best in Bavarian hats and lederhosen and so much more. All set to the tune of over 12 hours of live music from some of your local favorites! The event is free to attend starting at noon, with food and drinks available for purchase. Find the full lineup of bands and events online.

October 17

“The World Is Our Sound: A Jazzy Affair”

The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra presents “The World Is Our Sound: A Jazzy Affair” this Saturday night! Featuring a starring performance by virtuoso trumpet player, singer and actor Byron Stripling, this unforgettable evening of dazzling jazz celebrates the sounds of New Orleans in a heartfelt tribute to Louis Armstrong. Purchase your tickets online or at the box office.

The Halloween tradition returns with a deadly bang. | Photo provided by House of Rock

October 17

House of Rock Presents: Zombie Prom!

Dress to impress (and disgust) during House of Rock’s annual Zombie Prom! This all-ages dance formally invites you and a drop-dead gorgeous date to partake in dancing, drinking and mingling starting at 8:30 p.m. General admission and VIP tickets are available for purchase online. Zombie-themed makeup and outfits are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED, but not mandatory. Local favorites 8 Bit Serenade will provide the soundtrack for the night.

October 17

Flea Market at Community Grocery

Another weekend of phenomenal vibes inside downtown’s favorite corner shop: Community Grocery. Hosting a pop-up flea market featuring local vendors, CG will have its usual rotating lineup of DJs providing a soundtrack to the goods exchange. Most importantly, specialty menu items will make this market a one-of-a-kind snack-and-shop experience. Stop by anytime between 6 and 10 p.m. this Saturday.

October 17

At Night: Gross Anatomy

Join the Museum of Science and History this Saturday for its event, At Night: Gross Anatomy! As part of its new series of 18+ programs, museum experts will guide you through a full frog dissection, starting at $25 for non-members and $20 for members. Whether you want to relive the wonder of high school science class or use it as a unique date night, you can buy tickets online for the 7 to 9 p.m. event.

Ariel view of Fifth & Elm in Portland, Texas.
Catch this weekend’s big games on the big screen at Fifth & Elm. | Photo provided by Fifth & Elm

October 17-18

Game Days at Fifth & Elm

Spend a weekend of game days the right way: with the big screen and fried food from Fifth and Elm. Join the fun on the Great Lawn: Saturday, Florida Gators vs. Texas Longhorns at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Cowboys vs. Packers at 8 p.m. Both games will be played on the big screen, but Tailgate Sunday will feature extra special game day food, drink specials, dollar oysters and more. Attendance is free, but tables are available to reserve online.

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