Issue No. 9

America turns 250 in the 956. 🎆

Issue No. 9 — McAllen Independence Day Parade, Texas Cook'em Edinburg, Starship Flight 13 Boca Chica

Hey 956 👋

Every city in the Valley is throwing a party this weekend. It's America's 250th birthday, Starship is breathing fire on the pad, and there are more fireworks shows scheduled from Boca Chica to Roma than you could possibly hit in three days. Here's where to find the best ones.

🚀 SpaceX Alert — Flight 13 Could Launch Any Day
On June 25, SpaceX completed a full-duration single engine static fire test of Flight 13's Starship. The launch is officially targeting no earlier than July — meaning it could happen any day now. Even better: SpaceX is hosting its own 2nd Annual 4th of July Celebration right on Boca Chica Beach this Saturday night. Grab the free RGV viewing guide so you're ready when it happens.

🎆 Thursday, July 2 — Pre-Weekend

San Benito kicks off the holiday weekend early with Infusion Live Band, Madelyn Victoria, a car show, and fireworks over the resaca.
4:00 PM – 11:00 PM · Heavin Memorial Park, San Benito · Free
Watch a fireworks show over the bay followed by a free outdoor screening of "National Treasure" at the historic lighthouse.
9:00 PM · Port Isabel Lighthouse · Free
Mission's "Party in the U.S.A." features free food, live music, and family games to start the holiday weekend right.
6:30 PM – 9:00 PM · Lions Park, Mission · Free

☀️ Friday, July 3

Mercedes goes big for America's 250th with a massive drone show, fireworks, food, and a live DJ under the dome.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Mercedes Dome · Free
The perfect small-town 4th featuring watermelon, hot dogs, a jalapeño eating contest, and a fireworks finale.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Los Fresnos Memorial Park · Free
Stroll the galleries and shops on the island before catching the weekly Friday night fireworks over the Laguna Madre.
Evening · South Padre Island · Free

🎇 Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day

An all-day affair: 4K run at 7 AM, Main Street Parade at 9 AM, Freedom Festival through the afternoon, and the Concert in the Sky fireworks show at 9 PM.
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM · Municipal Park, McAllen · Free admission
Over 12,000 people expected at this massive BBQ cook-off with a skydive show, car show, all-day live music, and the H-E-B Sizzle and Stripes fireworks at 10 PM.
4:00 PM – 11:20 PM · Edinburg · Free admission
Brownsville's biggest party of the summer: Grupo Siggno, a car show, tailgating, and a drone and fireworks show at 9:20 PM.
Gates 6:00 PM · Brownsville Sports Park · Free
Live music from De Parranda, a beer garden, kids carnival, and fireworks over Lon C. Hill Park.
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Lon C. Hill Park, Harlingen · Free
SpaceX hosts a community celebration right on Boca Chica Beach next to the launch pad, alongside Senator Hinojosa and Rep. Janie Lopez.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Boca Chica Beach · Free
Start the morning with a parade down the sand at Beach Access #8, and end the night with fireworks over the bay at Stillman's Landing.
Parade 9:00 AM · Fireworks 9:15 PM · South Padre Island · Free

🌿 Sunday, July 5

Keep the weekend going with local soccer action as Harlingen takes on Brownsville under the lights at H-E-B Park.
7:30 PM · H-E-B Park, Harlingen · Ticketed
Hunt for treasures, local art, and antiques in the shadow of the lighthouse to close out the holiday weekend.
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Beulah Lee Park, Port Isabel · Free

That's your 4th of July weekend, 956. Get out there and make it count. 🤘

Know something happening in the 956 that should be in here? Reply to this email and tell us. We read every one.