One of Corpus Christi’s most anticipated festivals is officially underway! There’s something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to the tradition of Buc Days.
Beginning in 1938, the non-profit organization that is the Buccaneer Commission, has annually staged the Buccaneer Days festival in Corpus Christi, Texas in support of bringing entertaining, educational and cultural events to the Coastal Bend. Proceeds from Buc Days are awarded to students as college scholarships. Taking place in the heart of downtown Corpus Christi, this culturally diverse event features a bit of everything.
11 straight days of fun await; so, keep on scrolling for a guide to this year’s Buc Days event!
Buccaneer Days Stripes Carnival
May 4 – 14
Buccaneer Days Stripes Carnival kicks off Thursday, May 4, and takes place through the entire festival run. The grounds for the carnival can be found near the American Bank Center on Chaparral street. There’s fun to be had for the whole family including carnival, ferris wheel, lightning fast rides and food and drink vendors. Carnival tickets and hours of operation vary and tickets must be purchased. For all-you-can-ride wristbands and more info, visit the official Buc Days website.
Shops at Treasure Island
May 5 – 14
The Shops at Treasure Island are filled with vendors covering a wide range of products and interests. In addition to shopping vendors, find a petting zoo, racing pigs, pony and camel rides, concession areas and more! New to the Shops at Treasure Island this year is the addition of the Community Stage and will feature performances from small groups of talented individuals specializing in twirling, taekwondo and ballet just to name a few. Admission to the shops is included with a gate admission ticket.
PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour – Bull Riding Only Event
May 5-6
Get ready for high-octane bull riding action! The PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals presented by Coastal Bend Chevy Dealers is a bull riding only event featuring some of the world’s best riders going head-to-head with bulls born to buck. It’s a night of adrenaline you won’t forget. The PBR Pendleton will take place at the American Bank Center and tickets are available online or you can stream the events live.
Buc Days Parades
May 6 & 13
The Rally Night Parade is the first of two parade events for Buc Days 2022. This classic tradition and key component of Buc Days kicks off on May 6 at 8 pm at the corner of East Port Avenue and North Chaparral streets and ends on the corner of Leopard and North Tancahua Streets. The parade will feature marching bands, spirited dancing, dazzling floats and more fun. This year, check out the Parade VIP Party tickets for pre-parade dining and special parade viewing from Heritage Park. Veiw the official parade route map for more information. The parade will also be streamed live on KRISTV6.
The Buc Days Children’s Parade presented by Driscoll Health System will take place on May 13 at 10:30 am and will run along Shoreline Boulevard. The parade will feature marching, dancing and floats from some of Corpus Christi’s standout schools, youth organizations and more. View the official parade map for more information.
BBQ on the Bay
May 10 – 13
There are endless ways to BBQ and this annual competition lets our local pit masters battle it out. A Buc Days Gate Admission ticket allows access to the competition area and any public tents to taste the best BBQ in the city. Out of the many teams, recognition is given for the best BBQ, with the top prize going to the team that raises the most funds for the Buccaneer Commission Scholarship Fund. The competition will take place on the Seawall outside the American Bank Center, check the official schedule of events for details.
Wings Over South Texas
May 6 & 7
Returning to Buc Days this year is the Wings Over South Texas Airshow featuring the world-famous Blue Angels. See how their flying excellence and precision results in one heart-pounding aerial show—right above the Corpus Christi Bay. View the show anywhere along Shoreline Drive starting at noon each day. For the best view and access to the family fun area, purchase a reserved seat or VIP access.
Rodeo Corpus Christi
May 10 – 13
Head to the American Bank Center Arena to see all your rodeo favorites, like saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and more. One of three World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) Triple Crown events of the year, Rodeo Corpus Christi allows the Buccaneer Commission to grow prize money for rodeo athletes, showcase the city and ultimately give back to student scholarships in South Texas. The Championship Night Presented by The Port Of Corpus Christi will take place on May 14 beginning at 7 pm.
Make sure to stick around each night for the Buc Days Rodeo concert series with national recording artists, such as Steve Trevino, Michael Salgado, Carly Pearce and Tracy Lawrence.
Interested in more events around town? Check out Things To Do In Corpus Christi This Weekend for more local fun!
