Annual Events in Weslaco, Texas: A Complete Guide to Local Festivals and Celebrations

Weslaco, Texas, is a city rich in culture, history, and community spirit, nestled in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of annual events that bring residents and visitors together to celebrate everything from local agriculture to heritage, art, and music. These events are an integral part of what makes Weslaco a vibrant and dynamic place to live or visit.

If you’re planning a trip to Weslaco or already call this city home, there are plenty of annual events that you won’t want to miss. From family-friendly festivals to cultural celebrations, this guide will take you through the most popular annual events in Weslaco, Texas, so you can mark your calendar and join in on the fun.

77
88
99
22
33
44

1. Texas Onion Fest: A Tribute to the 1015 Onion

One of Weslaco’s most beloved events is the Texas Onion Fest, held every spring to celebrate the region’s famous Texas 1015 sweet onion. This iconic festival attracts thousands of visitors every year, eager to experience the fun and flavor that only Weslaco can offer.

The Texas Onion Fest includes live music, cooking demonstrations, onion-eating contests, and even a Parade of Clowns that’s fun for the whole family. Visitors can also enjoy local vendors selling onion-themed dishes, handcrafted goods, and more. It’s an opportunity to celebrate one of the city’s most important agricultural products in a festival setting that’s both entertaining and educational.

Highlights of the Texas Onion Fest:

  • Cooking demonstrations featuring onion-inspired recipes
  • Live entertainment from local musicians and performers
  • Kid-friendly activities such as face painting, carnival rides, and petting zoos
  • A delicious selection of food vendors offering everything from blooming onions to onion rings

When: Every March
Where: Weslaco City Park

2. Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade: A Holiday Tradition

The Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade is a festive tradition that brings the magic of the holiday season to the streets of downtown Weslaco. This annual parade, which takes place in early December, features elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus himself.

Spectators can line the streets to watch the beautifully illuminated floats as they make their way through the city, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. The event culminates with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the town square, bringing the community together to kick off the holiday season.

What to Expect at the Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade:

  • Brightly lit floats adorned with Christmas lights and festive decor
  • Performances by local school bands, dance teams, and community groups
  • Holiday-themed vendors offering snacks, hot chocolate, and gifts
  • A visit from Santa Claus to spread holiday cheer

When: Early December
Where: Downtown Weslaco

3. Alfresco Weslaco: Live Music and Community Fun

If you love live music and good food, Alfresco Weslaco is a must-attend event. Held several times throughout the year, Alfresco Weslaco is an outdoor street party that brings together local musicians, food trucks, and vendors for a night of fun under the stars.

This event takes place in downtown Weslaco and provides an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s vibrant music scene. Whether you’re a fan of Tejano, country, or rock and roll, there’s always something for everyone at Alfresco Weslaco. Families are encouraged to attend, and there are plenty of activities for kids, making it a perfect community gathering.

Alfresco Weslaco Event Highlights:

  • Live music from local bands and performers
  • A variety of food trucks offering everything from tacos to barbecue
  • Arts and crafts vendors showcasing local talent
  • Family-friendly activities like face painting and games

When: Several times a year (dates vary)
Where: Downtown Weslaco

4. Dia de los Muertos Festival: Honoring Mexican Culture

Weslaco’s Dia de los Muertos Festival is a colorful celebration of Mexican culture and the tradition of honoring deceased loved ones. Held every year in November, this festival is a vibrant display of art, music, and tradition. The event features altars (ofrendas) where families can leave offerings for their departed, as well as parades, live music, and folk dances that celebrate life and death in Mexican culture.

In addition to the cultural activities, the Dia de los Muertos Festival also includes food vendors, art exhibitions, and a costume contest for those dressed as Catrinas (skeleton figures), which are iconic symbols of the holiday.

Key Features of the Dia de los Muertos Festival:

  • Beautifully decorated ofrendas honoring loved ones
  • Traditional Mexican music and dance performances
  • Face painting, especially creating the Catrina look
  • Authentic Mexican food vendors and artisans

When: Early November
Where: Downtown Weslaco

5. The Annual RGV Birding Festival: A Nature Lover’s Dream

As part of the Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco is known for its rich biodiversity, especially its variety of bird species. Each year, birdwatchers from across the country flock to Weslaco for the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, one of the premier birdwatching events in the United States.

The festival offers guided birding tours, workshops, and lectures that focus on the Valley’s diverse bird population. Visitors have the chance to see rare species, including the Altamira Oriole and Green Jay, in their natural habitats. It’s a must-attend event for birding enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

What to Expect at the RGV Birding Festival:

  • Guided birdwatching tours led by expert birders
  • Lectures and workshops on bird conservation and photography
  • Opportunities to see rare and exotic bird species
  • Networking with fellow birding enthusiasts

When: Every November
Where: Various locations in Weslaco and surrounding areas

6. Texas Citrus Fiesta: A Celebration of the Valley’s Agricultural Heritage

The Texas Citrus Fiesta is a longstanding tradition in Weslaco and surrounding cities, celebrating the region’s agricultural history with a particular focus on citrus fruits. Held every January, this festival pays tribute to the importance of agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley and offers a weekend of activities for people of all ages.

The Citrus Fiesta includes a parade, carnival, cooking contests, and a pageant where local citrus queens compete for the crown. Additionally, there are plenty of citrus-themed exhibits, showcasing the region’s best oranges, grapefruits, and lemons.

Texas Citrus Fiesta Highlights:

  • Citrus-themed parade with floats decorated in citrus fruits
  • Live music and performances
  • Citrus cook-off featuring dishes made from local fruits
  • Carnival rides and games for the whole family

When: Every January
Where: Weslaco City Park

7. Mid-Valley Christmas Bazaar: Holiday Shopping with a Local Twist

The Mid-Valley Christmas Bazaar is a holiday shopping event that showcases local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses. If you’re looking for unique, handmade gifts for the holidays, this is the perfect place to find them. From home decor and jewelry to seasonal crafts and baked goods, the bazaar offers a wide variety of items that you won’t find in traditional retail stores.

Visitors can enjoy live entertainment while they shop, and there are plenty of holiday treats and beverages available to keep you in the festive spirit.

What to Find at the Mid-Valley Christmas Bazaar:

  • Handmade holiday decor, including wreaths and ornaments
  • One-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories
  • Locally made candles, soaps, and other gift items
  • Holiday-themed snacks and beverages

When: December
Where: Weslaco City Hall

8. South Texas Music Festival: A Celebration of Local Talent

Music lovers won’t want to miss the South Texas Music Festival, an event that showcases the best of local talent in a variety of musical genres. Held in the fall, this festival offers live performances by Tejano, country, rock, and indie musicians, making it a great event for those who want to enjoy the diverse sounds of South Texas.

In addition to the music, the festival features a variety of food vendors, craft beer, and family-friendly activities like face painting and games.

Festival Highlights:

  • Live performances by local and regional musicians
  • A wide selection of food trucks and beer tents
  • Opportunities to support local musicians and artists
  • A fun, laid-back atmosphere perfect for families

When: September
Where: Downtown Weslaco

9. Weslaco Youth Stock Show: Celebrating Future Farmers

The Weslaco Youth Stock Show is an important event for the local agricultural community, showcasing the hard work of young farmers and ranchers. This annual show takes place every spring and provides a platform for FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4-H participants to display their livestock and agricultural projects.

The event includes livestock auctions, food stalls, and plenty of family-friendly activities, giving everyone the chance to learn more about the region’s agricultural roots while supporting the next generation of farmers.

Key Features of the Stock Show:

  • Livestock competitions featuring cattle, pigs, sheep, and more
  • Food stalls serving barbecue and other local favorites
  • Live entertainment and family activities
  • Auctions where visitors can support young farmers by purchasing livestock

When: Spring (April/May)
Where: Weslaco Livestock Show Grounds

10. Taste of Weslaco: A Culinary Adventure

Foodies, rejoice! The Taste of Weslaco event is an annual culinary celebration where local restaurants and chefs come together to showcase the best of Weslaco’s food scene. Held in the summer, the event provides attendees with the opportunity to sample dishes from a variety of local restaurants, food trucks, and vendors.

From authentic Tex-Mex and barbecue to international cuisine, the Taste of Weslaco highlights the city’s diverse culinary offerings. It’s an ideal event for anyone who wants to try new foods and discover hidden gems in the local restaurant scene.

Taste of Weslaco Highlights:

  • Food tastings from dozens of local restaurants and vendors
  • Cooking demonstrations by local chefs
  • A variety of cuisines, from Tex-Mex to seafood
  • Live music and entertainment to enjoy while you eat

When: July
Where: Weslaco City Hall

Conclusion

Weslaco, Texas, is a city that knows how to celebrate. With a rich mix of cultural, agricultural, and festive annual events, there’s always something exciting happening throughout the year. From the iconic Texas Onion Fest and Dia de los Muertos Festival to the family-friendly Weslaco Lighted Christmas Parade and vibrant South Texas Music Festival, these events not only bring the community together but also invite visitors to experience the charm and hospitality of Weslaco.

Whether you’re a local resident or just visiting, these annual events in Weslaco provide endless opportunities for fun, food, and celebration. Make sure to mark your calendar for these exciting occasions, and immerse yourself in the traditions and culture that make Weslaco such a unique and welcoming city in the Rio Grande Valley.