PORT ARTHUR’S TOP ANNUAL EVENTS

Port Arthur and our neighbors plan fun all year long. That’s what we mean when we say Let the Good Times Roll in the Cajun Capital of Texas. Come see us any time.
Here’s some pretty regular events you can expect:

January

• Take a First Day Hike at Sea Rim State Park. What a fresh way to celebrate along the Gulf of Mexico. In the past they’ve served a little cornbread and black-eyed peas for traditional Southern good luck. We want some of that.
• The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group has long hosted a brunch and speakers on the civil rights leader’s birthday, Jan. 15. The Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center is the site for this inspirational program. In addition to good works, perhaps a drive over the Martin Luther King bridge to Pleasure Island and enjoy Port Arthur’s waterside scenery.

February

• Mardi Gras Port Arthur! The official Cajun Capital of Texas will celebrate Mardi Gras in 2027, just like old times. For decades the city celebrated a weekend in purple, gold and green. The Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau and the city are working with a committee of passionate Mardi Gras locals to create a new event. Port Arthur Mardi Gras will feature parades, family activities, vendor areas, food and…. BEADS! Mardi Gras will be in downtown Port Arthur Feb. 5-7, 2027.
  • Note that Mardi Gras dates are tied to the beginning of the Lenten season before Easter. It’s a lunar thing. In other years Mardi Gras could be as early as Feb. 3 and as late as March 9.
• Black History Month offers a chance to take our self-guided African American Heritage Tour.

March

• The Rotary Club of Port Arthur is famous for Taste of Gumbo, which brings hundreds to sample the best of the best. The Cajuns around here pride themselves on combinations of chicken and sausage and seafood. Okra, too. This event brings the best local restaurants and civic clubs together to serve gallons and gallons of their best. Fund help Rotary donate to local charities so, win-win. The silent auction also rocks.
• The Nederland Heritage Festival turns spring break into a carnival celebrating Dutch Heritage. A Cuisine Walk and fun in Texas Ritter Park go with live music and selfie opportunities at the Dutch Windmill Museum.

April

• The Cajuns come out to play. We’re talking accordion, guitars, triangles, you name it. The Cajun Heritage Festival celebrates our local culture and that covers music, dancing and dining. Crawfish races? Let’s go. The Southeast Texas Arts Council sponsors this fais do do.

May

• RiverFest focuses on boat racing in the Neches River along with a park full of fun. Entertainment draws this community together for a very long-standing tradition. La Maison Beausoleil, the Acadian home at Port Neches Park, is named for Beautiful Sunshine.

June

• Buu Mon Buddhist Temple hosts Garden Fest with a focus on peaceful lotus blossoms. You’ll want to take photos of koi ponds, fruit trees and Vietnamese cultural performances.
• Juneteenth observes June 19 as the day people enslaved in Texas learned they had already been freed. Look for parades and ceremonies. The Port Arthur Public Library features a history display.
• Beach and fishing fun: Sea Rim State Park hosts educational outdoor events throughout the summer and the Salt Water Angler’s League of Texas hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the season. Enjoy Sabine Lake throughout the seasons for trout, redfish and flounder.

July

• Lamar State College-Port Arthur usually heads up activities to celebrate the Fourth of July. Families gather until it’s time to watch the fireworks from the seawall.
• Again with the beach and fishing: We can’t stress it enough. Sea Rim State Park activities are throughout our warmer months and Sabine Lake is great to fish on you own, from Pleasure Island. Charters? We’ve got those, too. Salt Water Angler’s League of Texas hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the season. They’re big in to teaching our youth the joys of fishing.

September

• Pageants, programs and colorful heritage dancing highlights the Mexican Heritage Fiesta in September. The Mexican Heritage Society of Port Arthur celebrates during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Stop by Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine while you are in town.

October

• Focus on the food here. Or the carnival. Just know the Groves Pecan Festival does have something for everyone who loves fun.

November

• Art Walk on the Avenue in Port Neches and Christmas Tree Trails to Groves are two opportunities to shop ahead for the holidays.

December

• Four parades! Boy is Santa busy. Port Arthur, Nederland, Groves and Port Neches each host city parades. Each has their own personality. Port Arthur Yacht Club members have been known to put on lighted boat parades.

This is just a taste of the fun we’re having in Port Arthur. Visit our events calendar for more on concerts, exhibits and more.