Issue No. 3
Otaku fest, fireworks, and yes — Starship is tonight
May 22, 2026 · Memorial Day Weekend
Hey 956 👋
Memorial Day weekend is finally here, and the Valley is delivering. The Otaku festival is taking over Sunrise Mall, SPI is wall-to-wall live music, Harlingen's got a barber festival you didn't see coming, and Starship launches tonight. Here's everything worth doing this weekend.
🚀 SpaceX Update — It's Tonight
Starship Flight 12 — the first-ever V3 launch — lifts off tonight with a window of 4:30–6:00 PM Central Time from Starbase. Road closures on Hwy 4 (Boca Chica Blvd) are expected 2–3 hours before the window opens. If you're heading out, go early. Grab the free RGV viewing guide here — best spots, parking, and what to expect. Latest launch status →
🌙 Friday, May 22
Live music at Pirate's Landing's Saltwater Cowboy Saloon in Port Isabel Friday night. A great warm-up before hitting the Island — Port Isabel is slept on and this is exactly why you should go.
Santa Fe Steakhouse Cantina brings in Grupo Ache Del Barrio for a late Friday night set. Full dinner and live music — this is the move if you're staying in the Valley.
A full Friday night set at Mustang Lounge with JB Flore & Wreckless Heart plus Arturo Quintero Band. This one goes late and Weslaco's most reliable live music venue never disappoints.
SPI's Friday night live music season is in full swing. DrZog takes the outdoor stage at Wanna Wanna — trop rock, cold drinks, ocean breeze. The perfect way to kick off the long weekend on the Island.
Solo guitar at Josephine's Kitchen (Tabby's Lounge) Friday morning. Start your Memorial Day weekend with breakfast and live music in Port Isabel before the crowds wake up. This is the 956's best-kept secret morning.
☀️ Saturday, May 23
The famous Otaku Food & Anime Festival rolls into Brownsville for a free 2-day mini Summer Tour with a One Piece theme. Food vendors, anime culture, and a crowd that will make you feel like you accidentally walked into a convention — in the best way. Free entry, all ages, and yes it's at Sunrise Mall which is having a moment.
Steve Molina & Joe Cabrera take the Santa Fe Steakhouse Cantina stage Saturday night. If you know, you know. If you don't — this is your introduction and you're welcome.
A full Saturday night set at Mustang Lounge. Weslaco's most reliable live music venue delivers again for the long weekend.
LongBoard Bar & Grill brings Texas Storm Band to the stage Saturday night from 8 PM to midnight. This one goes hard. If you're on the Island this weekend, this is your Saturday night anchor.
Bayside fireworks show Saturday night at 9:15 PM. Grab a spot on the water early — this one draws a crowd and the view from the bay is unbeatable. If you're already on the Island for the day, don't leave before this.
🌿 Sunday, May 24
Day 2 of the Otaku Festival at Sunrise Mall. If you missed Saturday, Sunday is your shot. Same free entry, same great energy, and the vendors are usually even more stocked on Day 2.
This one came out of nowhere and it's going to be massive. A full barber festival at the Harlingen Convention Center on Memorial Day Sunday — live competitions, vendors, and a crowd that takes their fades seriously. Kids under 5 are free.
Bourbon Street brings in the Double Cut Band for a Sunday afternoon set. A great way to ease into the last day of the long weekend without committing to a full night out.
Stand-up comedian Willie Barcena takes the stage at Lone Star Theater in Pharr on Sunday. A great way to close out the long weekend with a laugh — and Pharr's Lone Star Theater is a gem that more people in the 956 should know about.
Solo guitar at Pirate's Landing Sunday morning. Breakfast, coffee, and live music in Port Isabel before the Sunday crowds hit the Island. If you've never done a Sunday morning in Port Isabel, this is the excuse you needed.
Every evening at sunset, Lobo Del Mar Café does live bagpipes on the beach. It's a thing. It's incredible. You need to see it at least once this summer — and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to finally do it.
That's your Memorial Day weekend, 956. Get out there and make it count. 🤘