Though the bulk of fall fests are now behind us and a full lineup of must-attend holiday events is just around the corner, there are still plenty of festivals and fairs in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas to attend over the next two weeks. From Kingsville’s Annual Ranch Hand Weekend to the Festival of India and Community Health Fair, here are eight community events to keep in mind.
17th Annual Islander Lights
Nov. 17
Join Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for its annual kick-off to the holiday season. The whole community is invited to partake in this special event on Nov. 17 starting at 4 p.m. Here you’ll find live music, refreshments, games, mini horses, activities, an arts and crafts market with items for sale and a visit from Santa Claus. The evening ends with the ceremonial campus lighting and the “Sounds of the Season” holiday concert.
Annual Ranch Hand Weekend
Nov. 17 & 18
Everyone is invited for a weekend of food, fun and family as the City of Kingsville celebrates the Ranch Hand Weekend on Nov. 17 – 18. The festival honors the city’s rich cultural heritage as one of the mainstays of the Texas ranching industry and will feature food, live music, cooking demonstrations, art, storytelling, a car show, two-step dancing and more. One of the most anticipated events of the weekend is the Ranch Hand Breakfast on Nov. 18 where visitors can enjoy eggs, refried beans, biscuits n’ gravy, sausage, tortillas, coffee and juice while watching team roping demonstrations, re-enactors, musical entertainment, poetry and storytelling at The King Ranch. Tickets are available for purchase online.
2nd Annual Tamale Fall Festival
Nov. 18
Taking place from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, you and the family can enjoy plenty of tasty tamales at the 2nd Annual Tamale Fall Festival. The event will feature live music, inflatables, a petting zoo, pop-up vendors with a variety of goods, additional food trucks and fun for all ages. The event is free to attend with food and shopping items available for purchase.
Salsa Fest & Competition
Nov. 18
Hosted by Daisy Coffee Co. and DNA Productions, head out to downtown Port Aransas on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. for the Salsa Fest & Competition! The festival will include a margarita and beer garden, a vendor market, bounce houses and face painting, live music, dancing and tons of salsa. Make sure to taste your way through the salsa samplings and select your pick for the People’s Choice Award.
South Texas Underground Film Festival
Nov. 29 – Dec. 3
The 11th Annual South Texas Underground Film Festival will provide five days of fun for filmmakers and film lovers alike. The festival aims to showcase films without discrimination, promote the creation of new films, celebrate the art of filmmaking and provide a network of fellow filmmakers. This year’s festival saw 600 film submissions and will screen 60 of them throughout the five-day event. The lineup includes a vast variety of genres, Q&A sessions post-screenings and more. The full block schedules and ticket information are available online.
December ArtWalk featuring the Mayor’s Merriest Decor Contest
Dec. 1
Head downtown on Dec. 1 from 6-10 p.m. for the Marina Arts District’s monthly ArtWalk with a festive twist! The Dec. 1 event will include a variety of pop-up vendors across the area and other typical ArtWalk activities, along with the Mayor’s Merriest Decor Contest powered by AEP Texas. This community-inclusive event challenges businesses and property owners in the area to decorate their buildings and storefronts with holiday magic for the chance to win cash prizes and bragging rights. Wander around downtown Corpus Christi and marvel at the decor as you enjoy ArtWalk and then vote for your favorite displays on Facebook and Instagram in the following days!
Festival of India and Community Health Fair 2023
Dec. 2
Hosted by the South Texas Hindu Society at the Sri Venkateswara Temple of Corpus Christi, the Festival of India and Community Health Fair 2023 celebrates Indian culture and traditions. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Dec. 2, eventgoers will enjoy traditional music and dance performances, Henna designs, beautiful fashion and jewelry, Indian cuisine and a free health fair with vendor and exhibitor booths. The event is free to attend with food and items to purchase once inside.
Corpus Christi Mystic Market & Holistic Fair
Dec. 3
Find peace and balance at the Corpus Christi Mystic Market & Holistic Fair from noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 at Emerald Beach Hotel. This event will spotlight holistic and metaphysical practitioners ready to provide you with wellness guidance and tools. Attendees can expect psychic astrology and readings, Reiki masters, reflexology therapists, chakra and aura readers, numerology, artisan jewelry and skincare products and more. The event is free and open to the public.
