VBR

A Storybook Christmas Parade
2022-12-02 19:00 (America/Chicago) | Richard Flores Stadium, 320 E. Mark S. Pena Drive, Edinburg, TX, United States
The City of Edinburg hosts the return of the Edinburg Night of Lights Parade Dec. 2 featuring individuals, schools, businesses and organizations in “A Storybook Christmas.”
The parade route runs along North Closner Boulevard beginning at the corner of Mark S. Pena Drive and North Closner Blvd. at Richard Flores Stadium. The parade ends on the corner of West McIntyre Street and North Closner Blvd. at the Museum of South Texas History.
Award trophies and prize money go to competitive floats for first, second and third places in Business/Civic, School and Marching Band divisions.
For more information, contact the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Rio Grande City Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
2022-12-02 19:00 | Rio Grande City, Rio Grande City, TX, United States
The Rio Grande City Annual Lighted Christmas Parade takes place Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The Spectacular and Historical Christmas Parade makes it way down Main Street from Britton Avenue to the Fort Rinngold entrance.

Fire Stoppers Festival
2022-12-02 18:00 - 22:00 | Edinburg Central Fire Station, 212 W. McIntyre St., Edinburg, TX, United States
The Edinburg Fire Department and the City of Edinburg invites the public to its annual Fire Stoppers Festival on Dec. 2. Families can enjoy a night of fun, food, kid’s rides, entertainment and live music performances by Tejano Highway 281, Conjunto Cats, Spare Parts and Frankie Caballero Jr.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets while you enjoy the music at the new amphitheater.
For more information, call 956-378-5525.

Edinburg Lighting Of The Tree
2022-12-01 18:00 | Edinburg Ampitheater, 201 W. McIntyre, Edinburg, TX, United States
The City of Edinburg hosts a tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 1 with the city debuting its new 30-foot energy-efficient led Christmas tree atop the grassy knoll by the amphitheater. The Lighting of the Tree event will also host a variety of vendors, carolers, music performances and dance presentations.
The Edinburg Christmas Market immediately follows the Lighting of the Tree ceremony, open from 6-9 p.m. The Christmas Market, hosted right outside the Edinburg Amphitheater, will feature unique vendors selling all sorts of Christmas gift ideas and décor, pictures with Santa, Letters to Santa and much more.
The ceremony will signify the start of the holiday season and will also light up all the city’s additional Christmas-themed displays along the downtown promenade. The tree and lights will remain lit for the entire month of December for families and visitors to enjoy.

Despierta Brownsville: Texas Legislature 101
2022-11-29 08:00 - 10:30 | Historic Alonso Building, 510 E. St. Charles St., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Advocacy Committee presents Despierta Brownsville: Texas Legislature 101 on Nov. 29. Business leaders, small business owners, and entrepreneurs may join the conversation on how the Texas Legislature has a major impact on commerce across the State of Texas. Guest speaker is Texas Senator Eddie Lucio Jr., District 27.
With its responsibility to pass the budget and its ability to pass bills affecting commerce, the legislature has a major impact on the state of business in Texas.
Attendees will learn:

What the Texas Legislature is
How to engage with legislators
What happens after the legislative session

Despierta Brownsville is a quarterly series tackling community issues impacting the City of Brownsville. The public may submit questions for speakers online.
Registration is $25 for Brownsville Chamber members, $30 for non-members. Register online.
For more information or assistance registering for the event, contact the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Little Nashville
2022-11-18 18:00 - 22:00 | H.E.B. Park, 520 E. Second Street, Mercedes, TX, United States
The City of Mercedes/Mercedes Chamber of Commerce presents The Christmas Tree Lighting/Little Nashville on Nov. 18. The evening includes food, crafts, music and festive fun with Santa Claus.

San Benito Chamber Casino Night
2022-11-17 18:30 - 23:00 | Oak Hill Event Center, 1780 US-77, San Benito, TX, 78586, United States
The San Benito Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Casino Night Fundraiser on Nov. 17 at Oak Hill Event Center. Games for the evening include Roulette, Craps and Blackjack. This event is strictly for entertainment purposes. All playing chips earned will be able to be used as raffle tickets to win door prizes.
The chamber holds fundraisers to help fund various community events that it sponsors. Examples are The Back 2 School Bash, Coffee with the Chamber, Job Fair and various local events. The majority of Chamber work focuses on attracting visitors to the City of San Benito and encouraging them to patronize the businesses, services and attractions offered by chamber members.
Tickets are available online.

For more information, contact Cathy Weaver at 956-626-2559 or info@chamberofsanbenito.com.

LRGVDC First Annual Vet Fest
2022-11-16 10:00 - 15:00 | LRGVDC, 301 West Railroad Street, Weslaco, TX, 78596, United States
The LRGVDC hosts its first annual Vet Fest on Nov. 16. Veterans and their families will have access to several resources, including on-site health screenings, mental health assessments, vaccinations, raffles, food and refreshments.

Brownsville Chamber Connect +
2022-11-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 15 at Chamber Connect + to learn about what the chamber of commerce can do for you or to receive a refresher on membership benefits.
Attendees will learn how to:

take advantage of membership benefits
join a committee
stay connected with members-only online portal
set up membership profile

This event is free and open to the community.
For more information, contact Brownsville Chamber.

SPI Chamber Winter Wonderland Annual Gala
2022-11-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Isla Grand Beach Resort, 500 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce hosts its Winter Wonderland Gala and Fundraiser on Nov. 12. The evening begins at the Isla Grand Beach Resort at 7 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction. An extravagent buffet begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by dancing until 11 p.m. with “The Agency.”
Dress is formal. Individual tickets are $90.

Mercedes Veterans Day Parade
2022-11-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Mercedes, 6th Street, Mercedes, TX, United States
The American Legion Family Post 172, Mercedes Independent School District and the City of Mercedes host the 10th Annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. The parade honoring our Veterans will start on 6th Street and end at the RGV Livestock Show Grounds.
For further details, contact the parade coordinators Leo Villarreal at 956-472-6425, Rolando Herrera at 956-514-2077 or Tony Sanchez at 956-975-9397.

SPI Coffee & Conversation
2022-11-10 09:00 - 10:00 | Padre Island Brewing Company, 3400 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 10 for an update on what is going on with the Laguna Blvd. project. Special guests are Mayor Patrick McNulty and City Manager Randy Smith.
The conversation will also air on Facebook Live @spichamber.

Hiring Red, White & You!
2022-11-10 08:00 - 12:00 | Brownsville Event Center, 1 Event Center, Brownsville, 78526, United States
Hiring Red, White & You! is a statewide hiring event that connects veterans, transitioning military members and military spouses to employers across Texas. This year’s local event takes place Nov. 10 at the Brownsville Event Center.

Hiring Red, White and You! has been working to connect Texas veterans with employers since 2012.
In that time, it has:

Worked with more than 20,131employers.
Connected more than 114,778 job seekers to meaningful job opportunities.
Helped facilitate over 3,198 same-day hires.

Job seekers may register online.
*Sources: Texas Workforce Commission, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Edinburg EDC Meet & Greet Mixer
2022-11-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Society 204: A Coworking Community, 204 East Cano Street, Edinburg, TX, 78539, United States
Join the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 9 as it welcomes Raudel Garza, the new Edinburg Economic Development Corporation executive director.
This event is free and open to the public.
Register online.

Veterans Parade
2022-11-05 16:30 - 20:00 | Downtown Pharr, 118 South Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX, 78577, United States
Come out and show your gratitude to the men and women who have served our nation with the City of Pharr’s Veterans Parade on Nov. 5. Sport your stars and stripes with pride and bring out the red, white and blue in you.
A fireworks spectacular begins at 8 p.m. Fireworks will launch from (North Display) North Raider Drive and (South Display) West Las Milpas Road.

29th Annual Shrimp Cook-off and Seafood Festival
2022-11-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Sutherlands Port Isabel Parking Lot, 1723 TX-100, Port Isabel, TX, 78578, United States
The 29th annual Shrimp Cook-off and Seafood Festival takes place Nov. 5 with live music all day by The Agency, kids’ games, vendors from the local Port Isabel Flea Market and food vendors.Entry fee is $5 with kids ages 10 and under admitted for free.
For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page.

Finance Your Venture: Lender Roundtable for Veterans - Boots to Business Reboot Extended Tour
2022-11-04 10:50 - 11:50 | St. Joseph Academy, 101 Saint Joseph Dr. - Room 120, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The “Finance Your Venture: Lender Roundtable” workshop on Nov. 4 introduces veterans to different lenders who operate in Lower Rio Grande District. By the end of the “Finance Your Venture Lender Roundtable,” attendees will have a better understanding of how diverse types of lenders function and better prepare the veteran to seek funding for businesses in all stages of development.
The Boots to Business Extended Tour series is a collection of workshops meant to give veterans a deeper understanding of covered topics, as well as exposure to relevant subject matter experts. Each Boots to Business Extended Tour workshop is a freestanding event. There is no requirement to attend any other workshop besides the ones that interest you.
Register online.

Ranching for Veterans - Boots to Business Reboot Extended Tour
2022-11-04 09:40 - 10:40 | St. Joseph Academy, 101 Saint Joseph Dr. - Room 120, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Boots to Business Extended Tour series on Nov. 4 is a collection of workshops meant to give veterans a deeper understanding of covered topics, as well as exposure to relevant subject matter experts.
The Ranching for Veterans workshop gives veterans exposure to the plethora of resources that exist to help start, grow and expand ranching operations. By the end of the class, attendees will have a better grasp of the opportunities available to current and aspiring ranchers.
Each Boots to Business Extended Tour workshop is a freestanding event. There is no requirement to attend any other workshop besides the ones that interest you.
Register online.
For more information, contact Josh Patton at Joshua.patton@sba.gov or 956-261-4307, or Veronica Chavez.

Franchising for Veterans - Boots to Business Extended Tour
2022-11-04 08:30 - 09:30 | St. Joseph Academy, 101 Saint Joseph Dr. - Room 120, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Boots to Business Extended Tour series on Nov. 4 is a collection of workshops meant to give veterans a deeper understanding of covered topics, as well as exposure to relevant subject matter experts.
The Franchising for Veterans workshop dispels the myths and misunderstandings related to being a franchisee. By the end of the class, attendees will have a better grasp of the opportunities franchising can provide to a veteran entrepreneur and will have the chance to speak directly with a franchise consultant who can match a veteran’s skillset with available franchises.
Each Boots to Business Extended Tour workshop is a freestanding event. There is no requirement to attend any other workshop besides the ones that interest you.
Register online.
For more information, contact Josh Patton at Joshua.patton@sba.gov or 956-261-4307, or Veronica Chavez.

McAllen Chamber of Commerce 67th Annual Banquet
2022-11-03 18:30 - 22:00 | Embassy Suites by Hilton, 800 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX, 78501, United States
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its 67th Annual Banquet “Man & Woman of the Year” Awards on Nov. 3, celebrating a “Black & White Masquerade Ball.” The event honors Paul R. Rodriguez and Sony Rego as Man and Woman of the Year.
“We are looking forward to another wonderful event. The committee has been meeting regularly and is doing an extraordinary job of organizing a class act event and bringing you an unforgettable black-tie affair, full of glamour,” stated Sally Fraustro-Guerra, committee chairwoman. “We have a fantastic evening planned for everyone, including incredible items up for bid in a live auction.”
The event proceeds will fund different chamber programs throughout the year.
Reserved tables start at $1,500.
For more information, or to sponsor the event, contact Blanca Cardenas at bcardenas@mcallenchamber.com or 956-682-2871.

Weslaco Networking Lunch Mob
2022-11-02 11:30 - 13:00 | TBA
Join the Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce for it monthly networking lunch on Nov. 2. The event provides an opportunity to network with other business community members and support a local restaurant. Everyone pays for his/her own lunch.
Register online to receive event location and instructions.

Not-So-Scary Halloween Bash
2022-10-29 11:00 - 16:00 | Children’s Museum of Brownsville, 501 E Ringgold Street #5 Dean Porter, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
Join the Children’s Museum of Brownsville on Oct. 29 for a Not-So-Scary Halloween Bash featuring games, spooky arts and crafts, and many creepy crawly surprises. Goodie bags are also available.
Kids will be able to participate in fun science-based activities like making slime and building spooky light circuits, among other creepy activities.
All activities and supplies are included with paid admission of $9 per person.

State of the Chamber & Leadership Luncheon
2022-10-25 11:30 - 13:30 | Brownsville Event Center, 1 Event Center, Brownsville, 78526, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosts its State of the Chamber & Leadership Luncheon on Oct. 25 at the Brownsville Events Center. The event brings the business community together to reflect upon the accomplishments and challenges of the past year and look ahead at moving the community forward.
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Avi Schwarcz and President/CEO Esmeralda Villarreal will speak on the Chamber’s Strategic Plan and Vision for the coming year, and the newly elected board members will be sworn in. Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Richard Abete will honor all outgoing board members and reflect upon his accomplishments throughout the last year.
Tickets are $50 each. This event is open to chamber members and non-members.
RSVP in advance, seating is limited.

Noche del Vino
2022-10-21 18:00 - 21:00 | McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX, United States
Fiesta de Palmas presents Noche del Vino by H-E-B on Oct. 21, its first ever wine and food festival benefitting Make-A-Wish Foundation – Rio Grande Valley. The evening includes premium wines along with food tastings provided by H-E-B and live music.
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, McAllen Performing Arts Center Box Office or Fiestadepalmas.com.

Fiesta de Palmas 2022
2022-10-21 - 2022-10-23 | McAllen Convention Center, 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX, United States
This year’s Fiesta de Palmas includes fun family activities and an exciting music line up during the annual celebration of all cultures of McAllen Oct. 21-23.
Fiesta de Palmas provides activities for all to enjoy inside the McAllen Convention Center and all around the grounds, including Oval Park, the Reflecting Pond and the Amphitheater.
For more information, visit Fiesta De Palmas Set For Oct. 21-23.

ServSafe Food Managers Certification
2022-10-19 - 2022-10-20 | Multiple sites, South Padre Island
The ServSafe Food Managers Certification on Oct. 18-19 provides the training needed to meet SPI City Ordinances. Certification classes take place once a year and are good for five years. This is a two-day class offered in both English and Spanish, with the test administered on the second day.
Registration is $200 for South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce members, $225 for prospective members. Registration includes two days of classes, state exam and lunch on Tuesday. Those wishing to keep the instruction book may pay an additional $40 fee.
The English class takes place at 321 Padre Blvd., while the Spanish class is at 610 Padre Blvd.
Download the registration form and/or fly, and register online.

Texas Chamber of Commerce Week Cameron County Business After-Hours Networking Mixer
2022-10-18 17:30 - 19:30 | Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club, 1 Rancho Viejo Drive, Rancho Viejo, TX, 78575, United States
Texas Chamber of Commerce Week is a celebration of the contributions and dedication of chambers of commerce and the professional staff that serve them. This year, Texas Chamber of Commerce Week takes place Oct. 17-21.
In honor of the chamber members supporting their local chamber of commerce every day, the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Harlingen Chamber of Commerce, Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce, Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce and the San Benito Chamber of Commerce host a joint Cameron County Business After-Hours Networking Mixer on Oct. 18.
This Cameron County Business After-Hours Networking Mixer is presented by Rancho Viejo Resort & Country Club. Admission is free for members of participating Cameron County chambers of commerce.
Register online or by contacting the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

SPI Chamber Fall Member Showcase
2022-10-18 17:30 - 19:00 | SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 18 for its Fall Member Showcase. Visit with more than 50 chamber members.
Admission is free and includes one drink coupon.

SPI Coffee & Conversation
2022-10-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Padre Island Brewing Company, 3400 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce hosts its Coffee and Conversation on Oct. 13 with guest speaker Teri Capistran, superintendent of Point Isabel ISD. Explore the opportunities to engage with students and educators to meet the workforce needs of businesses.
Coffee and Conversation will also be on Facebook live @spichamber.

Día De Los Muertos Festival & Market At The Museum
2022-10-09 13:00 - 17:00 | International Museum of Art & Science, 1900 W. Nolana Ave., McAllen, TX, 78504, United States
Join the International Museum of Art & Science for its annual Día de los Muertos Festival on Oct. 9. This lively event includes performances, a display of altares created by community organizations, and a Market at the Museum featuring regional artists and artisans.
Activities include a candle painting, exhibit tours and a sugar skull decorating. Each activity is an additional $3 each.
IMAS Día de los Muertos Festival is presented by H-E-B Helping Here with additional support from Humanities Texas.
