Issue No. 4
Dargel Tournament, Puppy Pals, and Starship Flight 13 is coming
May 28, 2026 · Weekend of May 29 – 31
Hey 956 👋
We're rolling into the weekend of May 29th and the Valley is stacked. The Dargel Boat Owners Tournament is taking over South Padre Island, Brownsville's Sombrero Festival is bringing Bag of Donuts and The Great Divide, Harlingen has outdoor movies and the Diamonds & Tiaras Expo, McAllen's bringing Puppy Pals Live and heavy metal, and Starbase is gearing up for Flight 13. Here's everything worth doing this weekend.
🚀 SpaceX Update — Flight 13 Targeting June
Starship Flight 13 — the second flight of the V3 megarocket — is targeting launch in June 2026. Following the successful splashdown of Flight 12 last week, SpaceX is moving fast. Road closures on Hwy 4 (Boca Chica Blvd) for testing are expected to ramp up soon. If you're planning to watch the next launch, now is the time to prepare. Grab the free RGV viewing guide here — best spots, parking, and what to expect.
🌙 Thursday, May 28
The action-packed comedic stunt dog show rolls into Payne Arena for one night only. Featuring adopted and rescued dogs performing incredible stunts — it's a family-friendly theater event that's genuinely unlike anything else coming through the Valley this year.
☀️ Friday, May 29
The annual Dargel Owners Tournament kicks off Friday evening at the SPI Convention Center. Hundreds of anglers from across the state descend on the Island for this massive two-day event. Even if you're not fishing, the weigh-ins are a spectacle worth watching.
The 2026 Sombrero Festival kicks off Friday night at the Brownsville Event Center with Bag of Donuts headlining. One of the biggest annual music events in the 956 — and this is just night one.
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and the whole family to Liberty Gardens Park for a free outdoor screening of Disney's Encanto. Don't talk about Bruno — but definitely talk about free movie night in the park.
Progressive metal band Fervence hits the stage at The Flying Walrus, supported by Enthronement, Super Market, and Quiet Ghosts. If you need something louder than a Disney movie, this is it — and The Flying Walrus is one of the best live music rooms in the Valley.
Chris Rivera takes the LongBoard stage from 4:30–8:30 PM, followed by Infusion from 9 PM to 1 AM. And every Friday night through summer, SPI lights up the bay with fireworks — grab a spot at Henrietta's or LongBoard for dinner and the show.
🌴 Saturday, May 30
Lace up early Saturday morning for the Run to the Rescue charity 5K at the Brownsville Event Center. Benefiting local animal rescue — a great way to start the day before the rest of the weekend kicks in.
Night two of the Sombrero Festival brings The Great Divide to the Brownsville Event Center, with opener Hayden Haddock warming up the crowd. The Great Divide is a legitimate Texas country act — this is one of the best live music nights of the year in the 956.
Rising Texas country artist Triston Marez plays Silverado Saloon in Port Isabel Saturday night, with Bryce Mauldin also on the bill. Port Isabel doesn't get shows like this often — if you're near the Island, this is worth the detour.
The RGV Red Crowns are back at home taking on Austin United FC — and it's Bark in the Park night, so bring your dogs. Harlingen Field is one of the best live sports experiences in the Valley and the Red Crowns are building something real this season.
LongBoard Bar & Grill serves up live music all day Saturday, capped off by the Kayla Jane Band in the evening. And this summer, fireworks hit the beach every Saturday night too — not just Fridays. Grab a drink, watch the sky light up over the Laguna Madre, and let the night take care of itself.
🌿 Sunday, May 31
Planning a wedding or quinceañera? The Harlingen Convention Center is hosting the Diamonds & Tiaras Expo — vendors, fashion shows, and everything you need for the big event. One of the biggest bridal expos in the Valley, all under one roof.
Close out the weekend at the McAllen Performing Arts Center supporting local talent at La Fragua Dance Studio's 11th annual recital. If you know a dancer in the Valley, this is their moment.
LongBoard's Latin Sunday series keeps rolling through the summer, and El Chavalon closes it out from 8 PM to midnight. If you're still on the Island, there's no better way to end the weekend than live music on the water.
That's your weekend, 956. Get out there and make it count. 🤘
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