Soul Sisters
In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the International Sister Cities goodwill program, which encouraged cities in the U.S. to befriend communities in other countries with common goals and interests. Most participating U.S. cities have one or two partner communities, but Laredo has more than 40 from different states of Mexico: Guerrero, Oaxaca, Nuevo León, Puebla, Morelos, and Michoacán. In honor of its many sister cities, Laredo has held the International Sister Cities Festival since 2002, where artisans from the different communities gather at Sames Auto Arena to sell their crafted goods and food.
Due to the pandemic, this year’s event is the first in two years. The festival is free to attend and showcases about 200 exhibitors selling pottery, art, clothing, jewelry, and Mexican foods such as aguas frescas, gummy candies, fresh corn tortillas, spicy cactus candies, and corn with cactus tortillas. “We try to bring in products you couldn’t normally find here in the States,” says Joel Vazquez, assistant director for Visit Laredo. “Some of the vendors are even doing their work on-site, which is cool to see live.”
Live performances showcase the diverse attire, dance, and music styles of the various regions of Mexico. “Each state is different, so the food, performances, and crafts are all going to vary depending on what region of Mexico they’re coming from,” Vazquez says. “Instead of going to Mexico, we’re bringing Mexico to our attendees.” —Amanda Ogle
International Sister Cities Festival
July 15-17
Sames Auto Arena,
6700 Arena Blvd., Laredo.
BIG BEND COUNTRY
ALPINE
Viva Big Bend
July 27-31
Viva Big Bend showcases the area’s natural beauty and distinctive culture. More than 50 bands and solo artists are expected to perform at venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, and Fort Davis. Various locations. vivabigbend.com
DEL RIO
Noches Musicales
Through Aug. 5
Held every Friday from June to August, Noches Musicales includes dancing, music, and food trucks. Bring your own chairs and beverages. Brown Plaza, 302 Cantu St. 830-768-2287; lacasadelacultura.org
MARATHON
Fourth of July Dance
July 4
The Marathon Volunteer Fire Department hosts this annual Fourth of July Dance at Post Park. Post Park, Avenue D. marathontexas.com/events
MONAHANS
Freedom Festival
July 4
Celebrate July 4 with a parade, food and craft vendors, games, live music, and fireworks. Hill Park, 500 S. Allen St. 432-943-2187; monahans.org
GULF COAST
BRAZORIA
Santa Ana Ball
July 16
This ball is a reenactment of the Santa Ana Ball given in Brazoria at Jane Long’s Tavern in 1832. The annual event includes a gourmet dinner and silent and live auctions. Lloyd E. Thomas Gymnasium, 205 N. Nevada St. 979-824-0455; brazoriahf.org/new
HOUSTON
Comicpalooza
July 15-17
Texas’ largest pop-culture festival draws fans of art, celebrity, comics, films, gaming, and literature. Comicpalooza hosts panels, autograph and photograph sessions with celebrity guests, a literature conference, a film festival, and cosplay competitions. Comic books, collectibles, toys, clothing, and other goods are for sale. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. 713-853-8149; comicpalooza.com
PALACIOS
Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
Festivities include a flag-raising ceremony, a children’s parade, food vendors, a carnival, helicopter rides, bingo, a LaSalle landing reenactment, and fireworks. East Bay Park, 300 E. Bay Blvd. 361-920-2891; facebook.com/palacios.lions
PALACIOS
Poker in Palacios
July 9
The Palacios Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual Texas hold’em fundraiser, plus a gun raffle and live auction. Palacios Recreation Center, 2401 Perryman
