The City of McAllen is getting ready for this year’s McAllen Independence Day Celebration, presented by H-E-B, and is inviting the community to take part in all of the patriotic festivities. The 95th Annual Independence Day Celebration will take place on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 with an early morning 4K race, a patriotic program, immediately followed by the Main Street Parade and then the Freedom Festival, a family-friendly festival held at Archer Park. Music, food, and games will be highlights of the events. The event will conclude with the H-E-B Concert in the Sky Fireworks Extravaganza.
Read more: 95th Annual McAllen Independence Day Celebration invites community to participate
The Pharr Memorial Library is proud to present an exhibit and short talk with Roel Florez on his portraits and paintings that focus on Conjunto and Tejano music and Migrant work. Florez will also have copies for sale of his self-published book, based on his memoirs, entitled “La Ultima Pesada”/The Last Weigh-In, by Robert Longoria. (66 pages)
Read more: Tejano/Conjunto painter Roel Florez at Pharr Memorial Library, May 27
The Museum of South Texas History will host the online Sunday Speaker Series presentation, “The Compleat Moscow Calling,” featuring author José Alaníz at 2 p.m. on May 28 on Facebook Live.
Alaníz’s “Moscow Calling” is the first ongoing American comic strip in Russia, appearing in the English-language newspaper The Moscow Tribune. The comic strip is a 1990s epic of expat life in Russia. Innocent abroad Pepe Pérez finds himself in a vibrant post-Soviet Moscow of colorful personalities, extreme contrasts and a “mafiya” boss after his head. Worst of all, there’s no Mexican food. “The Compleat Moscow Calling” gathers and concludes the strip along with additional material, including the unfinished sequel “Cassie’s Turn” and the novella “Moscow ‘93.” Copies of the comic books can be purchased at the Museum Store.
Read more: Artist shares vault of comic strips published in Russia
The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society (RGVHS) dog kennels are over capacity at both Mission and Harlingen locations. RGVHS is asking the community to help find foster or forever homes for our canine friends. Dogs will be at risk of euthanasia if we cannot make space through adoption or foster.
Thanks to the support of our community, for over three years, RGVHS has not had to euthanize a single animal for space. With the severe weather on Friday evening, we have seen a massive influx of lost animals roaming the streets and anticipate heavy intake in the coming days. Lives are at risk and we need your help today.
All adoption fees for dogs are completely waived. All adopted pets will go home up to date on vaccinations, dewormer, on preventatives for fleas/ticks/heartworms, microchipped and either already spayed/neutered, or with an appointment for spay/neuter at no cost to the adoptive family. Anybody interested in adopting a dog should head to the shelter as soon as possible.
Fostering a pet is always free and incredibly rewarding. RGVHS will provide foster parents with everything they will need to care for the pet, including food, toys, and other care items. Foster families can customize the length of foster to meet their availability, with foster periods lasting a few hours to a few months.
Read more: The Rio Grande Valley Humane Society over capacity, seeks community's help
The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport will host the Food Bank RGV’s Empty Bowls Paint Party Kick-off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 3, at 2721 S. 10th St, McAllen.
Food Bank RGV invites the public to participate in this family-friendly event and help paint bowls for the Food Bank RGV. The Radisson Hotel McAllen Airport will provide a hotdog and hamburger BBQ, D.J., door prizes, and more to celebrate the Empty Bowls season kick-off. To take part in this event, there is a $10 donation per person to cover the costs of paints and supplies for the Food Bank RGV.
Read more: Kick-Off for Food Bank RGV’s Empty Bowls Season June 3
Texas Cook'Em High Steaks is back and better than ever! The annual event will be held on June 30, through July 1, at Ebony Hills Golf Course. This year's event promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring top musical acts, exciting attractions, and of course, some of the best Steak BBQ cook-off in Texas.
Headlining the free event were announced during a press conference hosted by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. On Friday, June 30, is country music star Aaron Watson. With hit songs like "Outta Style" and "Kiss That Girl Goodbye," Watson is sure to put on an unforgettable show for fans of all ages.
Read more: Texas Cook'Em High Steaks in Edinburg 2023 to bring country star Aaron Watson to RGV
Join the McAllen Public Library for a free gardening program on, "Garden Herbs," to be held on May 20, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 4001 N. 23rd St. in McAllen. This class is part of the Texas Master Naturalist series where speaker, Bill Rich, will present "Six Herbs From My Garden: Thyme, Parsley, Cilantro, Oregano, Dill, and Basil."
Learn how to preserve and cook with herbs, and how to chiffonade basil leaves. A food recipe will be demonstrated. Participants will receive a free herb plant, while supplies last. Registration required at 9(956) 681-3000.
Quinta Mazatlan welcomes Presenter Dr. Timothy Brush on Thursday, June 1st from 
Fun and informative programs for all ages. Scheduled programs are free with park admission. Reservations required for some programs. All programs will meet at the tram turnaround at park headquarters unless otherwise specified. Please call ahead to confirm program schedule and details at (956) 584-9156. Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park is located on 2800 South Bentsen Palm Drive in Mission, Texas.
This Summer Pharr Community Theater (PCT) will present The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit, a two-act comedy, in English, written by Ray Bradbury, (to be directed by Seres J. Magaña). The story is set in the 1970's in Los Angeles, where four young men pull together their money to buy a wonderful white suit that they believe will bring them better luck, especially in romance.
