Page 20 Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide 2026-2027 McAllen Performing Arts Center Since opening day, the $44.9 million, 1,828seat, 93,000-square-foot McAllen Performing Arts Center has been an incredible venue. It has hosted Chicago The Musical, Mean Girls, Hadestown (June 2026), America, Mamma Mia, Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, Valley Symphony Orchestra, and many other exciting shows, bringing the best of the arts to the city of McAllen. The venue offers unobstructed views and perfect sound with a magical house experience and stage presentation. Commercial development exploded in what is now referred to as the Convention Center District, with multiple hotels, major restaurants chains, dozens of retail shops that entice the entire family, and a park featuring a pond that often sees paddle boats and outdoor community events taking place. The McAllen Performing Arts Center is located at 801 Convention Center Blvd. For information about upcoming shows, go to www.experiencemcallen.com or call the box office at (956) 681-3800. Veterans War Memorial of Texas The Veterans War Memorial of Texas honors the 1.4 million American military men and women killed in all the wars and conflicts of the U.S.A. This beautiful grass covered and landscaped five-acre Rio Grande Valley endeavor is located at the east side of the McAllen Convention Center, at 29th St. and Col. Plummer Dr. The “American Spire of Honor” is a black granite five-sided 105’ majestic spire with a silver dome. It rises from the center of the circular configured memorial site. Vertical and circular landscaped pathways with multiple-colored pavers are found throughout the Memorial. In the outer pathway there are 113 flagpoles each with a fluttering U.S. flag, they encircle the Memorial. The flagpoles stand as symbolic guardians of the American honored heroes and as sentinels far into the distant future. There are many pathways in the interior; all are lined with historical stories engraved on granite walls and plaques. One of the many histories found in the Memorial, “The Plaza of Liberty”, depicts the beginning of the struggle of the American people to be free. The Daughters of the American Revolution and its 180,000 members brings life to that era with 12 walls of history stories, 6 bronze plaques of war scenes, bronze statues of George and Martha Washington and Patrick Henry with his pre-war speech… “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!!” with all supported by their historical stories. This is a beautiful site and a photographic treasure. A visit to the Memorial is truly an outing for families, school children, public and foreign visitors. All stories are written for easy understanding. When taken together, the stories and supporting material allow a better understanding of the struggles and sacrifices of the Nation’s people to capture the dream of freedom and independence. This also allows the people of this era to pass a permanent and unchanging history of the Nation’s Forefathers. The history of this Memorial will pass through generations to the Nation’s children and their children’s children, who are our future leaders. It allows them to better understand our Nations struggles and sacrifices to be free. Entrance and admission are free, open 24/7. All are invited to visit this schoolroom of history. International Museum of Art & Science The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) located in the Rio Grande Valley (McAllen, TX) inspires audiences of all ages to explore art and science through its permanent collections, exhibits, programs, and partnerships by empowering learners to discover their interests and pursue their passions. IMAS is a Smithsonian Affiliate, fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, and is the premier art and science museum of South Texas for visitors of all ages containing over 50,000 square feet of exhibit spaces. The fine art galleries host a
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTczOTk5Mg==