Events
From award-winning parades to bi-cultural, multi-day festivals, McAllen boasts some of the best destination events in the country.
Plan your next getaway during one of these travel-worthy, annual celebrations.
McAllen’s International CarFest is a car-lover’s dream. With more than 300 vehicles are on display at the McAllen Convention Center, the 10th annual event features 90 different categories of vehicles ranging from classic and antique to muscle cars, hot rods and race cars to modern and concept vehicles.
The McAllen Marathon is one of the premier running events in Texas. The race course flat and fast with a South Texas breeze that cruise through canopies of tree-covered neighborhoods with all the support needed to get you across the finish line! The McAllen Marathon is a USATF-certified marathon, a great Boston Qualifier!
Each year, foodies come together for McAllen’s number one food festival, Taste McAllen. More than 25 area restaurants slice up savory samplings of their top dishes for all to enjoy. Festival goers can experience cooking demonstrations and live music while also sipping the latest craft beer offerings.
The sky fills with monumental blasts of color and light during the annual celebration of our nation’s birthday. The family-favorite event is most known for its unique Fourth of July firework extravaganza, dubbed the “Concert in the Sky.” The day-long event starts with a parade and festival features music, food, games, arts and crafts, and its free for all to enjoy!
MXLAN is multiple days of events where traditions rarely seen outside interior Mexico happen alongside modern artists and revelers honoring their cultural roots. Join real calenda-style street parades with live music, giant dancing dolls, and an unforgettable experience – Oaxaca’s La Guelaguetza performers sharing ancient traditions with new generations. Festival goers witness the MXLAN Unite Music Festival, Mezcal & Tequila Catrina night, Circo Hermanos Vazquez, Neon Nights 5K, Sabor de Mexico, MXLAN Mindgames e-sports, and La Guelaguetza.
The weekend-long celebration first made its debut in 2006. The festival features live music from local and international acts, vibrant dance performances, an artisan market, a variety of international cuisine, and an eclectic array of cultural activities for guests to participate in. Fiesta de Palmas is open to all ages! Attendees will be treated to an array of sights and sounds, courtesy of live music and dancers across the event layout. Entertainment soon to be announced. Guests are encouraged to navigate the different stages and booths to experience all the festival has to offer.
Experience REAL snow in the Rio Grande Valley at FRIO! —a Winter Fiesta full of thrills, fun and magical memory-making moments for the whole family at the McAllen Convention Center. Soar down Pingüino Plunge our indoor ice mountain, throw REAL snowballs at Santa’s Snowball Toss, build your own snowman, decorate gingerbread in a life-sized gingerbread house, ice skate, marvel at dazzling holiday lights and one-of-a-kind photo-ops, meet Santa Claus and more!
The McAllen Holiday Parade is the largest illuminated parade in Texas. The award-winning parade is the most-anticipated event of the holiday season, and it happens each year in December. The celebration features 55 magically illuminated floats, 39 larger than life inflatable character balloons, 14 bands and a celebrity filled line-up. The festivities kick off with Christmas in the Park where visitors can enjoy a fun-filled carnival, delicious fest food, handmade crafts and live performances by top music acts.
