McAllen, McAllen Parks and Recreation, Lark Community Center, Youth Sports, Volleyball

Staff Report

McAllen TX - McAllen Parks and Recreation will offer Mini Lark’s Volleyball, a program for children ages 3 to 4, at the Lark Community Center.

The program will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., according to the department. The program is designed to help young children learn basic motor skills, team play, and the fundamentals of volleyball.

Those interested can register at mcallenparks.net or in person at the center. Spots are limited.

Source - City of McAllen Parks and Recreation

McAllen, McAllen Marathon, Scott Crane Jr. Running Series, Tricks & Treats 2K, Westside Park

Staff Report

McAllen TX - Registration is open for the Tricks & Treats 2K, part of the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Jr. Running Series, organizers announced.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at Westside Park, with the race starting at 6 p.m. The race is open to children ages 3 to 12.

Participants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medal, race bib and a carnival wristband, according to organizers.

Registration is available at mcallenmarathon.com.

Source - McAllen Marathon / Scott Crane Jr. Running Series

McAllen, McAllen Performing Arts Center, Matteo Bocelli, Arts for All, Broadway, Fall for the Arts

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The City of McAllen and the McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation unveiled new arts initiatives and announced the upcoming season’s entertainment lineup at the second annual Fall for the Arts event.

The event featured the launch of Arts for All, an initiative aimed at connecting students across the Rio Grande Valley with live performing arts experiences. The program aims to reach approximately 900 to 1,000 students each year through five to six Broadway productions, giving students the chance to attend performances, connect with touring artists and learn about careers in the arts.

Community members, businesses and organizations can support the initiative by sponsoring a student’s Broadway season for $250, with funds providing students access to performances and educational experiences at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.

Officials said Broadway subscriptions have increased 15 percent, and several single-night engagements have sold out. Beginning with “Beetlejuice,” McAllen will expand select productions from one-night to two-night engagements, with a long-term goal of attracting extended Broadway runs to the Rio Grande Valley.

The event also included the announcement that “Winter Nights with Matteo Bocelli” will come to the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Dec. 19. Bocelli, an Italian singer and songwriter and the son of tenor Andrea Bocelli, has built a career blending classical influences with contemporary music.

In conjunction with the concert, the McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation will host a pre-show wine dinner and meet-and-greet fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the foundation’s arts access and education initiatives, including Arts for All.

The 2026-2027 entertainment lineup includes Broadway productions such as “The Music Man,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Waitress,” “Beetlejuice” and “Legally Blonde,” along with performances by Edith Márquez, Juanes, Alicia Villarreal, José Madero, Jim Gaffigan and Gary Owen, among others. The season will also include community events such as Noche de Vino, the South Pole Illuminated Festival, the Deborah Case Winter Recital and holiday performances.

City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the arts strengthen quality of life and help connect generations and communities, and that Arts for All is meant to ensure more young people have the opportunity to experience the arts.

Tickets and the full entertainment lineup are available through the McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office or Ticketmaster.

Source - City of McAllen / McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation

McAllen, McAllen Marathon, Scott Crane Running Series, Fright Nite 5K, Registration

Staff Report

McAllen TX - Registration is open for the Fright Nite 5K, part of the McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Running Series, organizers announced.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026.

Runners are encouraged to wear costumes for the event, according to organizers.

Registration is available at mcallenmarathon.com.

Source - McAllen Marathon / Scott Crane Running Series

McAllen, McAllen Parks and Recreation, Fall Activity Guide, Registration, Youth Programs

Staff Report

McAllen TX - McAllen Parks and Recreation has opened registration for its Fall 2026 programs, according to the department.

The Fall 2026 Activity Guide lists more than 300 programs, including youth programs, adult leagues, senior activities and outdoor recreation facility rentals, the department said.

The activity guide can be viewed at issuu.com/mcallenp.../docs/fall_2026_activity_guide_. Registration is available at mcallenparks.net

McAllen Parks and Recreation is located at 2001 Trophy Drive. For more information, call 956-681-3320.

Source - City of McAllen Parks and Recreation

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Craft and Chat, clay creations, tote bags, adults, community

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library will host two Craft and Chat sessions in August 2026, open to adults ages 18 and older, in Conference Room B at the Main Library, 4001 N. 23rd St. Supplies will be provided while they last. Registration is required at bit.ly/mpl25.

• Saturday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m.: Clay Creations

• Saturday, Aug. 22, at 3 p.m.: Tote Bags

For more information, call (956) 681-3061.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Anime Manga Club, adults, community

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library will host its monthly Anime Manga Club on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 4001 N. 23rd St.

The free monthly event brings adults together to meet fellow fans and discuss popular manga and anime titles. All adults 18+ are welcome, whether longtime fans or newcomers to the genre.

For more information, call (956) 681-3000.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, McAllen Holiday Parade, Wild Christmas, H-E-B, Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley, Honorary Animal Grand Marshal, pets, community

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The City of McAllen is searching for an Honorary Animal Grand Marshal to join the 2026 McAllen Holiday Parade presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden Rio Grande Valley during Wild Christmas, marking the first time an animal will hold the honorary role.

Pet owners may enter their dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, reptiles, or other animals for a chance to ride in the parade, receive VIP tickets, and serve as the official Honorary Animal Grand Marshal. One entry is permitted per pet. Entries close Oct. 31, 2026.

Further details on how to submit an entry were available via QR code in the original announcement. For more information, follow the City of McAllen on social media.

Source - City of McAllen

McAllen, Quinta Mazatlan, Valley Land Fund, Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest, Through the Eyes of Children, Urban Frontier, H-E-B, MVEC, AEP Texas, Frost, Vantage Bank

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan will host Through the Eyes of Children, a free outdoor photo exhibit and awards ceremony for the Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest, on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive.

The evening will feature a children’s photo exhibit, a live animal presentation by Urban Frontier, educational booths, screenings of “A Texas Wildlife Story” and “Children’s Photos,” and food trucks.

The event is sponsored by H-E-B Our Texas Our Future, the Valley Land Fund, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, AEP Texas, Frost, and Vantage Bank.

Source - Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Back to School Bash, Palm View Branch Library, Kate Horan, Javier Villalobos, South Texas College, RGVeducator, Aimee Nuñez, school supplies, community resources, back to school

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library will host the 4th Annual Back to School Bash on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Palm View Branch Library, 3401 Jordan Rd. The event is free and open to all families while supplies last.

Students entering Pre-K through 12th grade are encouraged to bring their own backpacks to receive school supplies, hygiene kits, and educational materials. Community partners will be on site distributing supplies and providing information on programs and services available throughout the year. Participating partners include RGVeducator with Aimee Nuñez, M.Ed., along with schools, colleges and universities, healthcare organizations, nonprofit agencies, and community service providers. Financial aid experts from South Texas College will also be available to provide guidance on college planning, higher education, and future career pathways.

Library Director Kate P. Horan highlighted the library’s ongoing role in supporting families.

“McAllen Public Library continues to be a place where families can access resources that support learning and growth at every stage,” Horan said. “Attendees will enjoy raffle prizes, interactive activities, and educational opportunities designed to engage families.”

Mayor Javier Villalobos said the event reflects the city’s investment in its students.

“Every child deserves to begin the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed,” Villalobos said. “Our Back to School Bash is about bringing our community together to support students, strengthen families, and remind every child that McAllen is invested in their future.”

For more information, contact the Library’s Information Desk at (956) 681-3114 or visit mcallenlibrary.net.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, South Texas International Book Festival, STIBF, Youth Bookmark Contest, Pages to Possibilities, McAllen Public Library, Kate Horan, Isaac Tawil, Javier Villalobos, Rio Grande Valley, youth art

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The South Texas International Book Festival is inviting young artists ages 5 to 18 from across the Rio Grande Valley to participate in its 2026 Youth Bookmark Contest, with submissions accepted through Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 5 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Pages to Possibilities,” invites participants to tell their stories through art by capturing meaningful moments from their past, present experiences, or hopes for the future. Entries will be judged in three age categories: ages 5 to 8, 9 to 13, and 14 to 18.

Winning designs will be professionally printed and distributed at McAllen Public Library locations throughout the year. Winners will be recognized during a special awards ceremony at the STIBF on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.

Official entry forms are available at all McAllen Public Library locations and online at southtexasbookfestival.com. Submissions opened Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.

Library Director Kate Horan said the contest gives young artists a meaningful platform.

“Our Youth Bookmark Contest gives young artists an opportunity to share their creativity in a way that becomes part of the library experience for the entire community,” Horan said. “Every bookmark tells a story, and we look forward to seeing the unique perspectives students bring to this year’s theme.”

City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to cultural and educational access.

“The City remains committed to supporting programs that expand access to educational and cultural opportunities for residents of all ages,” Tawil said. “Through initiatives like the STIBF and Youth Bookmark Contest, we continue creating opportunities that encourage learning, celebrate creativity and strengthen connections throughout our community.”

Mayor Javier Villalobos praised the contest for its role in elevating young voices.

“Our young people have incredible ideas, talents and stories to share, and it is important that we provide opportunities for them to express themselves and grow,” Villalobos said. “The STIBF Youth Bookmark Contest celebrates imagination, builds confidence and gives students throughout the Rio Grande Valley an opportunity to become part of an event that brings our community together.”

Teachers, homeschool educators, and youth organizations are encouraged to share the opportunity with their students. For more information, contact the Main Library’s Teen Department at (956) 681-3090.

Source - South Texas International Book Festival

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Cine Sin Cámara, ENTRE RGV Film Center, direct animation, bilingual, family, free event

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library will host Cine Sin Cámara, a free bilingual hands-on filmmaking workshop, on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room AB at the Main Library, 4001 N. 23rd St.

Presented in partnership with ENTRE RGV Film Center and Regional Archive, the workshop is open to all ages. Participants will explore Direct Animation by drawing and painting directly onto film to create camera-less motion pictures. All materials are provided.

For more information, call (956) 681-3061.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, Parks and Recreation, Diner’s Club, Palm View Community Center, after-school, children, summer program

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department is offering the Diner’s Club after-school program at the Palm View Community Center, running Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. Session 4 runs July 21 through Aug. 1, 2026.

The program is open to children ages 5 to 11 and includes meals, games, creative activities, recreation, and social time. Registration fees are $45 for residents and $59 for non-residents. The activity code is No. 573900.01.

Registration is available at mcallenparks.net.

Source - City of McAllen Parks and Recreation

McAllen, Quinta Mazatlan, Hoppers, Disney Pixar, outdoor movie, family, City of McAllen

Staff Report

McAllen TX - Quinta Mazatlan will host an outdoor screening of Disney Pixar’s “Hoppers” on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 600 Sunset Drive. Admission is $5 per person.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 8 p.m. and the event concluding at 10 p.m. Chairs will be available on site, and attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs. Concessions and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Source - City of McAllen Quinta Mazatlan

McAllen, Quinta Mazatlan, Garden Wisdom, gardening workshops, plant propagation, sustainable gardening, environmental stewardship, City of McAllen

Staff Report

McAllen TX - Quinta Mazatlan will host the Quinta Garden Wisdom August Workshop Series on three consecutive Saturdays in August 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 600 Sunset Drive. Tickets are $10 per session. Space is limited and online registration is required.

The hands-on series is designed to inspire sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship, with each session led by a native gardening practitioner with experience growing plants in the Rio Grande Valley.

Workshop Schedule

• Aug. 1: Plant Propagation

• Aug. 15: Garden Preparation

• Aug. 29: Cactus and Container Gardening

Tickets and registration are available at events.ticketleap.com/events/quintamazatlan. For more information, visit quintamazatlan.com or call (956) 681-3370.

Source - City of McAllen Quinta Mazatlan

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, McAllen Public Library Advocates, book sale, Main Library Bookstore

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library Advocates will host a pop-up book sale Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Library Bookstore, 4001 N. 23rd St.

The sale will feature a wide selection of gently used books including bestselling fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, romance, paperbacks, and libros en Español. Hardbacks are priced at $1 and paperbacks at 50 cents. Credit or debit card payments only. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bag.

For more information, visit mcallenlibrary.net.

Source - McAllen Public Library Advocates

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Summer Vinyl Swap, Pharr Out Records, vinyl records, community event

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library is accepting donations of gently used vinyl records through Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, in preparation for an upcoming Community Vinyl Swap in partnership with Pharr Out Records.

Donations may be dropped off at the Information Desk or the Children’s Desk at the Main Library, 4001 N. 23rd St., during regular hours of operation.

For more information, call (956) 681-3000 or visit mcallenlibrary.net.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Nature Series, Birds in Focus, birding, nature photography, Rio Grande Valley

Staff Report

McAllen TX TX - The McAllen Public Library will host Birds in Focus, part of its Nature Series, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, 4001 N. 23rd St.

The program covers birding and nature photography in the Rio Grande Valley, including tips for spotting, identifying, and photographing local birds.

Registration is available at mcallenlibrary.libnet.info/event/16448532. For more information, call (956) 681-3061 or visit mcallenlibrary.net.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, McAllen Public Library, Palm View Branch Library, Back to School Bash, community partners, school supplies, health services, sponsorship

Staff Report

McAllen TX - The McAllen Public Library is seeking community partners and sponsors for its Back to School Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at the Palm View Branch Library, 3401 Jordan Rd. W.

Organizations interested in participating may serve as exhibitors to distribute school supplies, offer health services for youth including vision screenings, physical exams, and vaccinations, donate school supplies for the library to distribute at the event, or sponsor the event with monetary donations.

The deadline to submit an interest form is Friday, July 24. Forms are available at bit.ly/mplbtsb26form.

For more information, call the Palm View Branch Library Service Desk at (956) 681-3110.

Source - McAllen Public Library

McAllen, Quinta Mazatlan, Chicharras Live, cicadas, Valley Sereno Strings, nature, World Birding Center, family, education

Staff Report

MCALLEN TX - Quinta Mazatlan will host Chicharras Live on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., celebrating one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most recognizable summer sounds. Admission is $5 for adults and children, with children ages 2 and under admitted free. Tickets are available at events.ticketleap.com/events/quintamazatlan.

The evening will feature live music by Valley Sereno Strings in the park, live cicada rhythmic buzzing in the woods, a Storybook in the Woods: Cicada Symphony presentation, educational booths and crafts, and a drinks and food booth.

Chicharras, the Spanish word for cicadas, are a fixture of Rio Grande Valley summers. There are reportedly 11 cicada species found in the Rio Grande Valley, and South Texas cicadas are annual, meaning some individuals mature every year, making their chorus a reliable part of the season. The giant cicada is particularly abundant in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where its calls have been compared to various power tools, motors, fan belts, and steam engines.

Quinta Mazatlan is an urban sanctuary working to enrich people’s lives by sharing knowledge about birds, plants, and environmental stewardship in South Texas. The 20-acre Tamaulipan Thornforest property is part of the World Birding Center organization and is under the stewardship of the City of McAllen Parks and Recreation Department. Quinta Mazatlan is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen.

Source - Quinta Mazatlan