From coffee and crafts to supporting local businesses, we have a little bit of everything that’s happening across the Coastal Bend!

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —

Friday, October 17

63rd Annual Texas Jazz Festival

 Get Ready for the Texas Jazz Festival!

Hey jazz lovers! It’s that time again, and we couldn’t be more excited. The Texas Jazz Festival is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars for October 18-20, 2024, because you won’t want to miss a single moment of this incredible event at Heritage Park in Corpus Christi, TX.

The Longest, Largest Free Jazz Festival in the World!

Did you know? The Texas Jazz Festival holds the title of the longest, largest free-running jazz festival on the planet! That’s right, this isn’t just any festival – it’s a legendary celebration of music, community, and pure jazz magic. And the best part? It’s totally FREE and open to all ages.

But wait, there’s more! Alongside the awesome music, you’ll find incredible food vendors serving up delicious eats to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for classic festival fare or something a bit more gourmet, you’ll find it here. And let’s not forget the market vendors – a perfect spot to snag some unique finds and support local businesses.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends, family, and anyone who loves a good time, and head over to Heritage Park from October 17-19. Whether you’re dancing to the rhythm, exploring the vendor stalls, or just soaking in the atmosphere, the Texas Jazz Festival is an event you won’t want to miss.

77th Annual Shrimporee Festival

 Shrimporee Festival Grounds, 200 E. Johnson Ave, Aransas Pass, TX 78336

** What to Expect:**Get ready for the largest shrimp celebration in Texas—three days packed with live music across three stages, vibrant craft vendors, a live cooking demo featuring shrimp, a carnival, and family-friendly fun. Kick things off with the beloved Shrimporee Parade on Saturday, October 18 along Commercial Street—featuring dazzling floats, decorated vehicles, marching bands, cheer squads, and a true community spirit. Parade participants are free to join, and the theme is maritime/nautical—think anchors, waves, sea creatures, and don’t forget to rock the official colors: blue, orange, and white .

** Parking & Shuttle:**Parking on-site is available for $5–$7, with proceeds supporting local youth non-profits. Or take advantage of the free Park & Ride shuttles, operating all festival hours from satellite lots including the AP Chamber, Compton Hall, Dollar General, and more

HER 2025 Celebration Presented by The Port of Corpus Christi

Join The Bend for an evening of empowerment, connection and celebration. The HER 2025 Celebration takes the stage of the Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Performing Arts Center for an awards-show experience dedicated to honoring the women who shape our community starting at 6 p.m. 

While the spotlight of the evening is on the 2025 HER Honorees—whose inspiring stories will be revealed in the October issue on September 30th—the celebration extends even further. Past HER honorees will also be in attendance, making this a rare opportunity to honor this year’s awardees while mingling with some of Corpus Christi’s most accomplished and inspiring women.

The evening begins with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and conversation before guests take their seats inside the theatre. There, powerful speakers set the tone, leading into the presentation of this year’s HER Awards, highlighting achievement, leadership and vision in the Coastal Bend. Don’t wait for the announcement of honorees to secure your seat at the city’s most inspiring evening of the year!

A very special thank you to our sponsors: Port of Corpus Christi, American Bank and Wildflowers.

Friday, October 17, 2025, 7:30 PM 9:00 PM at Cole Park Amphitheater1526 Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi, TX, 78404.

$30 adults, $25 seniors, and $15 child and free for children under 5. Check in is at 7 p.m., opening ceremony at 7:3

 p.m. and run at 8 p.m.  All levels are welcome! 

Pre-Show Meet and Greet: 7:00 PM

Tickets: https://texashouseofrock.com/event/mc-magic/house-of-rock/corpus-christi-texas/

Sunset Sounds: Concert in the Park – Port Aransas

Join us for an unforgettable evening at Roberts Point Park as the Raeann and the Ride takes the stage for a night of great music! This FREE concert will take place from 7–9 p.m., and we invite you to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, drinks of choice, and snacks to enjoy the show. Free popcorn and lemonade will be available while supplies last, and we’ll have exciting opportunity drawings for amazing prizes throughout the night. Golf carts are welcome on the grass for the perfect seating experience. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy live music, good company, and a beautiful evening under the stars! We’ll see you there! 


Saturday, October 18

Brent Chesney’s Sandcastle 5K and 10K Race

Brent Chesney’s Sandcastle Run is a 5K and/or 10K run and walk to raise awareness for children struggling with Diabetes. All proceeds are donated to the American Diabetes Association to benefit children of the Coastal Bend with Diabetes.

Location: Padre Balli Park (15820 Park Road 22)

Race will Start Promptly at 8:00 AM

Race day at the event from 7am-8am

Your friends Daniel Tiger & Clifford the Big Red Dog can’t wait to see you! Mark your calendar with a red paw on Saturday, October 18th, 2025.

We will see you soon at the KEDT Kids Festival, right here at our studio located at 3205 South Staples Street starting at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. 

SAXET Gun Show – RMB Fairgrounds

Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall AOctober 19th & 20th

For over 20 years, SAXET Gun Shows have been the landmark gun and outdoor product trade shows for south and central Texas.

These shows are consistently filled to capacity with a huge variety of firearms, accessories, ammunition, knives, tactical gear, hunting, and target sports products, worthwhile organizations, and much more. 

$8 Adults $2 Children 6-11 $5 Active Duty Military Members and Police (ID required)

Tickets available for purchase at the door only.

Member Overnight Adventure – USS Lexington Museum

The USS Lexington Museum Members are invited to a one-of-a-kind overnight adventure on October 18, 2025! Enjoy after-hours museum exploration, movies in the MEGA Theater and on the Flight Deck, and a thrilling walk through the Haunting on the Blue Ghost during this Spooky Family Night with Historic Sights—fun and excitement for all ages!

Upon arrival, once guests check in and settle in their assigned berthing (sleeping) compartment, they are invited to explore the ship before going through the chow line for dinner. After an official welcome ceremony and LEX Jeopardy in Hangar Bay II, guests are guided to the Flight Deck for s’mores under the stars as they watch a family-friendly movie. Next, the adventure moves back to the stage in Hangar Bay II, for ghost stories with the Blue Ghost Paranormal Chief Investigators. Guests will have the option to experience the only Haunted House in Texas aboard a retired WWII aircraft carrier called Haunting on the Blue Ghost. The night concludes with another Halloween-themed movie in our MEGA Theater.

Tickets: $55.00 per Museum Member, available to purchase online at usslexington.com.


Sunday, October 19