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 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 little bit of everything.
11 straight days of fun await; so, keep on scrolling for a guide to this year’s Buc Days event!
Dunking of the Mayor
May 2
Inaugurated in 1965, the “Dunking of the Mayor” marks the beginning of the annual Buc Days festivities. The event invites the community to gather along Shoreline Boulevard and witness Mayor Paulette Guajardo walk the plank before jumping straight into the marina at 5 p.m. on May 2.
Buccaneer Days Stripes Carnival
May 2 – 12
The Buccaneer Days Stripes Carnival kicks off Thursday, May 2, and runs through May 12. 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 with carnival games, a 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 2 – 12
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! Don’t miss the Community Stage which will feature performances from small groups of talented individuals specializing in all kinds of talents.
Admission to the shops is included with a gate admission ticket.
Buckin’ Marlin Stage
May 2 – 12
Buc Days is introducing a new addition to its lineup called the Buckin’ Marlin Stage presented by Whataburger and KFTX. The stage will be set up on Water Street under a 177 ft. tent. This area of the event will feature daily performances by local bands and offer cold beverages and food trucks for attendees to enjoy.
Admission to the shops is included with a gate admission ticket.
Beer & Wine Garden
May 2 – 12
Take a break from the crowds at the festival and enjoy a refreshing beer from local breweries or a glass of wine at the Buc Days Beer & Wine Garden. Relax in the soothing atmosphere with acoustic music and plenty of shade.
You can find the garden on the American Bank Plaza by taking the stairs that lead up to the Selena Auditorium.
PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour – Bull Riding Only Event
May 3-4
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 4 & 11
The Rally Night Parade is the first of two parade events for Buc Days 2024. This classic tradition and key component of Buc Days kicks off on May 4 at 8 p.m. with the long-awaited return on the Leopard Street route and Stadium Show! After a 10-year hiatus, the parade will reclaim its original route ending on the corner of Shoreline Boulevard and Kinney Street.
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. See 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 11 at 10 a.m. 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.
Rodeo Corpus Christi
May 7 – 11
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.
Make sure to stick around each night for the Buc Days Rodeo concert series with national recording artists, such as William Beckmann, Bret Michaels, La Mafia, Aaron Watson and Josh Turner.
BBQ on the Bay
May 8 – 11
There are endless ways to barbecue and this annual competition lets 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.
