For a detail look at arts, culture, and other quality of life issues in the McAllen region, please visit the
McAllen Chamber of Commerce website.
Much of the McAllen area's attraction lies in its geography, its great outdoors, its climate, its history, and its rich Hispanic flavor including…
- The Valley's mild year-round climate makes for outdoor living 365 days a year.
- The City of McAllen MSA (metropolitan statistical area) is out pacing the rest of the nation in population and job growth. The facts that the area has a very young and trainable labor force, as well as the abundance of opportunities that the city's growth offers, constitute the reasons why McAllen has become the primary site for companies to set up operation on the United States/Mexico border.
- The area is enriched by the contributions of many cultures and offers a range of museums, theater performances, and musical performances.
| Culture |
| Annual Events |
Dates |
Website |
| RGV Livestock Show |
Early March |
www.rgvlivestockshow.com |
| Borderfest |
Early March |
www.borderfest.org |
| Texas Citrus Fiesta |
Jan - Feb |
www.missiontexas.us |
| Citrus & Vegetable Show |
Early Dec |
www.pharrchamberofcommerce.com |
| International Fun Run |
Mid Nov |
www.mcallen.org |
| Museums |
Performing Arts |
Symphony Orchestra |
| 9 |
14 |
1 |
| Recreational Outlets |
| Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge |
| Bentsen State Park |
| Edinburg Scenic Wetlands |
| Iwo Jima Memorial Museum |
| Historic Brownsville Museum |
| South Padre Island |
| Gladys Porter Zoo |
| CAF-RGV Wing in Brownsville |
| Reynosa, Mexico |
| Progreso, Mexico |
IMAS' driving mission is to promote a deeper appreciation for the arts and sciences through its exhibitions, cultural events and educational programs, and to preserve, expand, and display its permanent art and science collections.
Prehistoric plants and animal fossils, native people and European colonization exhibits, and a steamboat replica are but a few of the fascinating displays to see at the
Museum of South Texas History. For almost 40 years the Museum has chronicled the heritage of South Texas and Northeastern Mexico, preserving its rich history.
The
Valley Symphony Orchestra & Chorale perform a six-concert subscription season in McAllen and in nearby Edinburg at the University of Texas Pan American Fine Arts Auditorium.
Then in March,
Borderfest brings thousands to-where else?- the Mexican border at Hidalgo, where they enjoy entertainment for every taste, food in seemingly endless variety, games for the kids, more arts and crafts and all the color and excitement you expect at a South Texas celebration. This year our former President & CEO, Mike Allen was named Border Texan of the Year.
Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show - Mercedes, Texas
The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show is an annual event held in Mid-March. It is one of the Valley's most popular events with an average attendance of 160,000. The Show supports 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as they show their wares. Entertainment consists of rodeos, carnival rides, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-oriented entertainment.
There are a total of 17 golf courses in the area. Spectator sports include The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees hockey team and The Rio Grande Valley Dorados arena football. For further information, please visit www.dodgearena.com.
Outdoor recreation in the region (within a 1 hour drive) includes hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, birding, diving and rock climbing in scenic outdoor venues such as the Anzalduas County Park, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Chimney Park, Santa Ana National Wild Life Refuge, Port Isabel and Delta Lake.
Bird lovers describe the Valley as a veritable paradise, because of its location on a system of continental flyways. Bird lovers from all over the nation literally flock to the area to spot a newly reported rare species or simply to add to the list of birds they've identified. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission awarded the City of McAllen a $750,000 grant for the McAllen wing of the World Birding Center. The funds will be used to convert the historic
Quinta Mazatlan, located in South McAllen.
When it comes right down to it, many people who visit McAllen spend most of their leisure time shopping. From the city's principal shopping center, La Plaza Mall, uniquely situated within walking distance of the airport terminal is one of the most prosperous and highest-trafficked centers in the United States. Many national retailers located here are among the most profitable in their chains. To the bustling downtown area with many smaller shops, to a whole new generation of retail construction to the east, and along 10th Street to the north, totaling to 40 retail shopping centers with a constant flow of incomers.
Just south of the border Tourists can enjoy shopping for unique Mexican arts and crafts, exquisite dining or the vibrant nightlife in Reynosa Mexico, just 3 miles south of McAllen. Just a few miles south of Weslaco, the Mexican border town of Nuevo Progreso has been growing in popularity with visitors. Tourist can also visit the grand mountains of Monterrey, Mexico only 2 hours away.
When you couple the proximity to Monterrey with the fact that McAllen is just 1 ˝ hours away from the beautiful beaches of South Padre Island and the mountains of Mexico, you learn why those who live here travel south, east and west, rather than north in order to partake of the beautiful beaches, mountains, lakes and historic sites. The ability to go from a tropical beach to a tropical rain forest is one of the most unique aspects of the community of McAllen, Texas.
