Buu Mon Garden Festival
2025-05-31 08:30 - 2025-06-01 23:00 (America/Chicago) | Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, 2701 Procter St., Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Get out in the gardens!
This is a family- and photo-friendly celebration of colorful blooms at Buu Mon Buddhist Temple. Towering bamboo, lotus blossoms and citrus plants are part of the landscape. Koi ponds and statues dot the grounds. Bring your camera to capture the beauty and get a tour of the temple. Look for monks in saffron robes and relax in the outdoors. Vendors and cultural programs are part of the festival.
The event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. On Saturday music will be from 5 to 11 p.m. and on Sunday music will be from noon to 5 p.m.
The Rev. Tri Quang invites guests to enjoy the grounds and perhaps some vendor foods including sugarcane, sticky rice and bun rice noodles.

Juneteenth Flag Raising and Lunch in the Park
2025-06-12 10:30 - 12:30 | Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse, 525 Lakeshore Drive,, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Celebrate Culture
The African American Cultural Society will host Port Arthur 2025 Juneteenth events. Join the community in raising a flag. The event will be at 10:30 a.m. on June 12, 2025, before Juneteenth. Gather at the Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse, 525 Lakeshore Drive. Stay for lunch.
Because this is near our beautiful seawall, look out to the waters to check for seagoing vessels. For info, call (409) 983-8300.
Port Arthur Juneteenth Events
Thursday, June 12, 2025
· 10:30 a.m. – Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony, Jefferson County Sub-Courthouse 525 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur, food vendors will offer lunch in the park opportunities.
Thursday, June 19, 2025
· Sunrise – Grand Rising silent tribute at boardwalk, 500 Lakeshore Drive
· 3 p.m. – Fun in the Park, activities, vendors at Barbara Jacket Park, 100 Gilham Circle.
· 6 p.m. – Marcus Garvey Parade. Line up at 5 p.m., Procter Street and Stillwell Boulevard

Juneteenth & Father's Day Festival
2025-06-15 13:00 - 21:00 | Pleasure Island Marina, 520 Pleasure Island Blvd., Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
Family Fun on the Island
Love the water? Love the family? Come see what’s new on Pleasure Island. This Sunday, June 15th! Get ready for an unforgettable day of fun, sun, and celebration! Join us on Pleasure Island Pier Blvd for a special festival honoring Juneteenth and Father’s Day: Make a Splash: Enjoy watercraft rentals including jet skis, kayaks, boats and pedal boats Feast Mode: Indulge in delicious bites from community-favorite food truck Groove to the Beat: Get down with our amazing DJs and live music performances Fun for Kids: Let the little ones loose in our exciting bounce house playgroundsBring your loved ones for a fantastic day out celebrating freedom, fatherhood, and community spirit! #juneteenth #loveportarthurtx

— at Pleasure Island Commission.

Juneteenth
2025-06-19 | Barbara Jacket Park, 100 Gilham Circle, Port Arthur, 77642, United States
Join in
Honor Juneteenth and meet the community at this annual celebration.
The African American Culture Society arranges festivities that include a parade with activities from 3 p.m. at Barbara Jacket Park.

Sunrise Grand Rising silent tribute, boardwalk, 500 Lakeshore Drive.
3 p.m. – Fun in the Park, 100 Gilham Circle
Marcus Garvey Juneteenth Torchlight Parade – 6 p.m., June 19, Stillwell Boulevard to Barbara Jacket Park (lineup at 5 p.m.).

For more information:
Gail Pellum, organizer, is a (409) 332-1709.
Here’s some history
Do you know the history? On the 19th of June, 1865, enslaved people in Texas learned the Emancipation Proclamation was signed long ago, on Jan. 1, 1863. Because of this, they discovered they were supposed to have been freed. Texans historically observe this date with various cultural celebrations.

Great White Shark Family Day
2025-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
Great Fun!
“Great White Sharks in the Gulf” will have its premier showing at the Museum of the Gulf Coast’s free family day, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 21. Filmmaker Chester Moore of Higher Calling Wildlife will offer an introduction. gulfgreatwhites.com

4th Annual Juneteenth Showdown in Port Town 2025
2025-06-27 08:00 - 2025-06-28 17:00 | Max Bowl Venue Center, 3500 Regional Dr., Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Click HERE for information on the host hotel.

Otaku Summer Matsuri
2025-06-28 - 2025-06-29 | Central Mall, 3100 F.M. 365, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Anime + Food Returns to Port Arthur
The biggest and most famous Anime + Food Festival is coming back to Port Arthur.
Otaku is teaming up with Central Mall to bring you Summer Matsuri!
This is a FREE entry, two-day family food and anime event with 100+ food/drink vendors, anime vendors, Sumo wrestling, Cosplay guests and contests, voice actors, live entertainment, photo ops, entertainment, plenty of parking, and so much more!
Food vendors will be serving food from all across Asia, including Filipino food, Japanese street food, Thai street food, Taiwanese boba tea, noodles, baos, Latin food, Vietnamese grilled chicken and eggrolls, and soo much more!
Make sure to bring cash to this popular event.
Central Mall (3100 FM 365 Port Arthur, TX)
Saturday, June 28: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 29: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
You can check out event details down below:
Follow the group on Facebook and Instagram (@otakufoodfestival) for more drool-worthy photos and event updates!

Black Music Month
2025-06-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Port Arthur Public Library, 4615 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Honor Zachary Breaux
June is Black Music Month. The Port Arthur Public Library will celebrate and honor the late jazz musician Zachary Breaux. Discover and listen to Black Music that has contributed to all musical genres with local talent, from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28.
Breaux is among many musicians honored at Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Fireworks on the Seawall!
2025-07-04 18:30 - 22:00 | Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 1500 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
Fourth of July in Port Arthur
What’s the Fourth of July without a big bang?
Catch the city of Port Arthur’s fireworks display over the water and wear your red, white and blue.
Lamar State College-Port Arthur helps residents and visitors enjoy Independence Day.
Activities around the Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center will include family events for all ages.
The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Watch from the seawall.
The 2025 celebration will include free games and activities from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Motiva will sponsor free ice cream. Look for food trucks, music by DJ Relampago, giveaways and prizes.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur, the city of Port Arthur are sponsors.

S.A.L.T. Summer Classic
2025-07-18 - 2025-07-20 | S.A.L.T. Club, 900 T.B. Ellison Parkway, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
S.A.L.T. Life
The S.A.L.T. Water Angler’s League of Texas – Sabine Chapter, is ready to focus on kid fishing. Formerly known as Salt Memorial Tournament, this Salt Summer Classic will be in July. It will continue to be a family-oriented fishing tournament with more focus towards the kids every year.
The event will be from Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20, 2025.
See the flip book here.

For details, call James Sparrow at (409) 719-2418. setxsaltclub@gmail.com

S.A.L.T. thrives on Pleasure Island
Learn a bit more about the S.A.L.T. Club, here.
Want to know why you’ll love fishing in Port Arthur? Need a free guide? Click here.

Model Trains Show
2025-07-25 - 2025-07-27 | Port Arthur Public Library, 4615 Ninth Ave., Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Library Hosts Model Trains
Run the rails to the Port Arthur Public Library to view running passenger and freight model trains. These are fully equipped with to-scale locomotives, cars and buildings.
The East Texas and Gulf Rail Modelers Association will show off miniature scenes and promote this hobby.
Finally, consider that you may be so excited you’ll have to check out a book or two on trains. The display will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025.
For information, call (409) 985-8838.

Back 2 School Fun Fest
2025-07-26 11:00 - 14:00 | Memorial High School
Family Fun and School Prep
Ready or not, Port Arthur Independent School District students are headed back to the classroom soon. Students and families are invited to a fun day with free food, games, prizes and clear backpacks at Memorial High School. Learning is fun!

Vivarita Vibe: Elite Fishing Series Live-Weigh In Tournament
2025-08-29 - 2025-08-31 | Holiday Home Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Port Arthur West Tour Stop #3
Stay Tuned for Details!

Elite Series Kayak Tour Tournament
2025-08-30 | Holiday Home Park Central, 2929 Jimmy Johnson Boulevard, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Brecknell Elite Kayak Live Weigh-In Tournament
Stay tuned for details. Check tournament website for updates.

Sabine Showdown Fishing Tournament
2025-09-06 | Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 1500 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
2025 Sabine Showdown
Lamar State College Port Arthur’s 6th Annual Sabine Showdown Fishing Tournament will feature $15,000 in prizes. Golden Pass LNG and Motiva are sponsors.
Categories:
Heaviest redfish stringer, heaviest flounder stringer, and heaviest trout stringer.
“The support for this tournament has been incredible,” said Scott Street, LSCPA Director of Athletics and tournament director. “The area petrochemical industry and their partners, especially, have been all-in from the time we announced our plans to host this tournament.”
Date: September 6 starting at 6:40 a.m. with weigh-in from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center on the campus of Lamar State College Port Arthur, 1800 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur.
Proceeds from the tournament will be used to provide scholarships, purchase and maintain training equipment, and other campus needs at LSCPA.
Get Registered:
Scott Street
Tournament Director
Lamar State College Port Arthur
www.sabineshowdown.com
409-984-6292

Mexican Heritage Fiesta
2025-09-13 08:45 | Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Fiesta time!
Come see the famous Mexican Heritage Society’s Folklorico Dancers as they swirl in colorful costumes. Fiesta features traditional dances and a Parade of Costumes representing Mexico’s states and regions.
Want to know more? Pageants, a live Mariachi band, dance band and food vendors are typical Fiesta draws. Bring the family for youth activities. As you can imagine, there will be plenty of favorite flavors the Tex-Mex cuisine crowd will love. Like it spicy? We do.
The fiesta will begin at 8:45 a.m. and end at midnight.

Why we celebrate?
We’ve told you the fun you can have. In conclusion, know there’s a reason to celebrate. Hispanic Heritage Month begins in September, so this is why we celebrate now. Fiesta commemorates Mexico’s Independence from Spain.

Scarecrow Festival
2025-10-07 09:00 - 2025-10-25 16:30 | Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Discovery Center, 2111 West Park Ave., Orange, TX, 77630, United States
Scarecrow Festival at Shangri La Gardens
Wacky, weird and clever…
You won’t believe the detail on scarecrows that community groups, schools, churches, businesses and families create. No two are ever the same. Attend at no charge from Oct. 7-25 at Shangri La Gardens in Orange. See fall flowering displays, thousands of pumpkins and autumn decor in addition to these special scarecrow visitors.
Also, a Sip & Stroll will be from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 16 and Autumn Fair will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 25.

Groves Pecan Festival
2025-10-09 - 2025-10-12 | Lions Park, 6200 Jackson Blvd., Groves, TX, 77615, United States
2025 Groves Pecan Festival
The 56th Annual Groves Pecan Festival is coming up October 9-12, 2025, and it is going to be a festival to remember. Expect more live entertainment, more vendors and more contests with great prizes and more fun for attendees. The festival will kick off the Saturday before the festival, with a Car Show on October 4, 2025. Cajun Sunday will close out our festival this year with some entertaining French Rockin’ Boogie from Geno Delafose! A beer garden will be open Friday through Sunday also. Don’t forget to get your pic with our World’s Largest Pecan just blocks away. Plan to come out and bring your family and friends, let us show you a good time in Groves!

For festival information, call the Groves Chamber of Commerce at (409) 962-3631.

Spooktacular Family Fun Day
2025-10-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
Come in Costume!
Come to the Museum of the Gulf Coast on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a FREE Family Fun Day SPOOKTACULAR event! We will have many fun activities for the whole family, and admission to the museum is FREE during the event.
Facebook Eventhttps://www.facebook.com/events/1118262326398272
This FREE Community Event is made possible by Chevron Phillips Chemical, Port Arthur, Texas.
What’s Happening: Costumed characters Free face painting & balloon animals Live animal encounters Candy for the kids A festive photo backdrop for your perfect family picture And much more!

This FREE Community Event is made possible by Chevron Phillips Chemical, Port Arthur, Texas.

Fall Festival
2025-10-25 16:00 - 20:00 | Amos J. Evans Multi-Purpose Building, 1308 B-Ninth Ave., Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Parks and Recreation Fall Festival
The city of Port Arthur’s Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Fall Festival to celebrate a change of season. Bring the family to an event designed for youth ages 4-11. Activities are from 4 to 8 p.m. and the costume contest will begin at 5:30 p.m. This is a free event with games, music, fun and wellness.
Flu shots will be available on site. For more information contact Pauline Como at The Parks and Recreation Department at (409) 983-8154.

Port Arthur Holiday Parade
2025-12-06 13:30 - 14:30 | Procter Street, United States
Celebrate the Season in Port Arthur!
The city of Port Arthur will host its annual Holiday Parade and invites everyone to join in.
Get in the holiday sprit in the Cajun Capital of Texas! The route will go along Procter Street and end at Houston Avenue.
To be in the parade, contact the city at (409) 983-8105.

Groves Lighted Christmas Parade/Tree Lighting
2025-12-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Groves, Groves, TX, United States
Groves Gets in the Spirit

The city of Groves invites all to the thrill of the Groves Lighted Christmas Parade. One of the area’s most enjoyable evenings, will start at the corner of 39th and Cleveland streets at 6 p.m.
Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, the fun does not end at Gulf Street at the free Hot Chocolate Stand! At 7 p.m. meet at Celebration Park at 4100 Lincoln Ave., for Santa and the Lighting of the Christmas Tree. Carols, Cookies, the Chick-fil-A cow and more hot chocolate and goodies. This evening of holiday fun is on Groves! Come one, come all!
The parade will typically begin at 39th Street at Cleveland Avenue, head west on 39th St., then will travel to 39th Street to Gulf Avenue. For information, call the Groves Chamber of Commerce at 962-3631.
Groves Lighted Christmas Parade. Dec . 6, 2025. 39th St from Cleveland to Gulf.

Annual Groves Christmas Tree Lighting. Dec 6, 2025. 7 pm. Celebration Park 4101 Lincoln Ave.

Light Up the Avenue; Port Neches Christmas Event
2025-12-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Port Neches, United States
Magic of Christmas
Join the Port Neches community for the annual Light up the Avenue. This is a magical evening that brings the holiday spirit to life! Enjoy the twinkling glow of Port Neches Avenue. Get into the holiday mood with beautiful choir performances, meet your favorite holiday characters, and capture the perfect moment with Santa Claus himself. Stroll through a Gingerbread Market, filled with unique holiday vendors. Don’t miss the highlight of the night — a grand Tree Lighting Ceremony that will illuminate the season with joy and cheer. This family-friendly event is packed with fun, shopping, and the magic of Christmas!
For information, call the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce at (409) 722-9154.

Nederland Lighted Parade
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Boston Avenue, 1515 Boston Avenue, Nederland, TX, 77627, United States
Celebrate!
Nederland Chamber of Commerce claims to stage the most spectacular nighttime lighted Christmas parade in Southeast Texas! Marching bands, drill teams, twirlers, school organizations, local businesses and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for this hometown Christmas happening. Enjoy more than100 entries all lighted up for the holidays. Don’t miss out on the fun, Tuesday, Dec. 9th at 7 pm!

MLK Brunch
2026-01-19 | Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Let Freedom Ring
The Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas hosts a day of award, speakers and entertainment to honor King and his civil rights works.
For information, call Terry Savoy-Hadley at (409) 543-3727.

Rotary Taste of Gumbo & More
2026-02-21 11:00 - 14:00 | Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Do you love Gumbo? We do!
You’re Invited! Rotary’s Annual Taste of Gumbo raises funds to impact our local community through grants. They will be having a Gumbo Cook-Off where local business and organizations will battle it out to see who has the BEST tasting gumbo in ALL of Southeast Texas!
ROTARY CLUB OF PORT ARTHUR

Want to Join?

The event is rebranded as “Taste of Gumbo & More” in addition to gumbo, they have invited other vendors to be a part of this celebration. If you have a cooking team and feel that you can walk away with the crown, reachout for more details.

It’s a Cajun Thing in the Cajun Capital of Texas!

For more than 37 years the “Taste of Gumbo” has served the Greater Port Arthur area through grants funded by our yearly Taste of Gumbo fundraiser and many other events.

Previous Grants have benefited the following:

College Scholarships and Leadership Development
Capland Speech Therapy Center
Community Care-Prayer Outreach
United Board of Missions
Salvation Army
many other programs……

The Rotary Club is a service club with a belief, commitment and a motto of Service Above Self. Let’s come together as a community and make an impact! Email Jesus Acosta for participation details or call 409-985-7822 for tickets.

Nederland Heritage Festival
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-15 | Boston Avenue, 1515 Boston Avenue, Nederland, TX, 77627, United States
Go Dutch!
Nederand residents celebrate Dutch background during spring break and everybody joins in. A carnival and Cuisine Walk appear in the heart of the city, near Tex Ritter Park, named after the famous singing cowboy/actor. Grab some food on a stick and visit the Dutch Windmill Museum and La Maison Des Acadienne. Most events will be from March 10-15, 2026. For more info, visit nederlandhf.org or call (409)724-2269.

Cajun Heritage Fest 2026
2026-04-04 | Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX, 77642, United States
Keeping it Cajun
Get Your Tickets
Ready for some crawfish? Dancing? The Cajun Heritage Festival is back with music to make you shake a leg. Expect more entertainment updates for the April 4 event. That’s the Saturday before Easter Sunday, so it’s a celebration. This fest will get you dancing at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center. Our Louisiana friends love to visit us.
The festival promotes the shared history of Southeast Texans and Louisianans. How do we do it? Through music and food!
We’ll keep you posted on the music, food and more. Events are set from noon to 10 p.m.
On the musical menu:
Cajun Fest has hosted several award-winning musicians including Grammy Award winners Jo-El Sonnier and Wayne Toups. In 2024, Jamie Bergeron headlined. Check back here for this year’s additional acts.
What to expect?
This year Cajun Internet Sounds Radio, CSIR.LIVE, will present the festival. Sponsors have included The Southeast Texas Arts Council, the city of Port Arthur and Cajun Sounds Internet Radio. Other sponsors have been Texas Commission on the Arts, Union Pacific Railroad and the Foundation for Southeast Texas. Look for Cajun food vendors, beer and beverages, dance contests, crawfish racing and eating contests. Youth activities will be part of the day.
Come early
Explore Port Arthur’s Cajun heritage with a pre-trip. Stay the night after, too. Port Arthur eateries offer crawfish, shrimp and gumbo. Explore historical locations such as homes along Lakeshore Drive and get to our popular Museum of the Gulf Coast. CSIR.LIVE presents this event. For information, call (409) 718-1058.

Gulf Coast Gala with Tim Foust
2026-04-25 17:30 - 22:00 | Museum of the Gulf Coast, 700 Procter Street, Port Arthur, TX, 77640, United States
Foust Coming Home to the 23rd Annual Gulf Coast Gala
Tim Foust – who gained fame with acapella group Home Free – will headline this gala to benefit Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Enjoy a meal and performance that will keep the museum honoring area musicians, artists, sports figures and other notables with ties to the area. Call (409) 720-9912 for reservations.
Details to follow.

Trill City Car Show
2026-09-19 11:00 - 18:00 | Pleasure Island, 1520 W. T.B. Ellison Parkway, Port Arthur, Texas
Catch these rides on Pleasure Island
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, slingshots, food trucks and family fun await on Pleasure Island. Get to 1520 W. T.B. Ellison Parkway from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 19. Enjoy views on the island while you’re out and about.
Humidor Cigar Lounge will host this event.
Call 713-538-5087 for more information.
