Life’s a little brighter in Beaumont, the southeast Texas community of 113,000 people where the buildings are adorned with vivid renderings of mermaids, Frida Kahlo, cattail marshes, and geometric shrimp. The murals are part of a beautification effort that began in 2022, led by local artists and business owners who wanted to transform Beaumont’s buildings from boring to breathtaking. In the years since, local and international artists have taken to the city’s streets each spring to paint the town red—and lots of other colors. Attendees get a front-row seat to the public art demonstration, where visiting and local artists create new downtown murals, some depicting scenes of South Texas history and culture. Participating artists aren’t given much direction before picking up a paintbrush. “We want them to be inspired and paint what they feel is part of their process,” says Sadie Atha, the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau’s marketing manager.
Three murals take center stage this year. One is on a nature trail at Cattail Marsh featuring the sights of the outdoors, including butterflies, bees, and birds; another will be painted on the side of a downtown warehouse across from Lakeside Center. Aside from watching the murals come to life, visitors can also find a kids art zone, a vendor market, and food trucks at Jefferson Theatre. Attendees are welcome to join the artists in painting a set of blank, 8-foot-by-8-foot cubes at Lakeside Center. The cubes become a permanent installation after the event concludes. “It really is an artist takeover of Beaumont, and the whole city becomes transformed with each painting,” Atha says.
Beaumont Mural Festival, Feb. 29-March 3
Downtown Beaumont.
409-673-2094;
BIG BEND COUNTRY
DEL RIO
Fiesta of Flight and Open House
March 9
This event showcases the men and women who serve in the United States Air Force. In addition to the aircraft displays and aerial crafts, the event features entertainment including a car show and activities for kids. A collaboration with Del Rio High School demonstrates aspects of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Laughlin Air Force Base, 561 Liberty Drive. 830-775-3551; www.laughlin.af.mil/fiesta-of-flight-2024
EL PASO
Marc Anthony in Concert
March 1
The Grammy Award-winning singer and actor best known for hit salsa music and songs like “Pa’lla Voy” and “Mala” brings his Viviendo Tour to El Paso. Don Haskins Center, 151 Glory Road. 915-747-5481; utepspecialevents.com/calendar/special_events
FORT STOCKTON
Comanche Springs Rodeo
March 21-23
Festivities include a parade, dancing, live music, and traditional rodeo events. Friday is Family Night; kids ages 12 and under get in free. Pecos County Coliseum, 1658 Airport Drive. 432-336-2264; comanchespringsrodeo.com
GULF COAST
BEAUMONT
SOAR Family Day
March 3
The free event is the culmination of one month of colorful butterfly displays throughout the outdoor campus. It includes live music, food trucks, craft activities, and
