Summer crowds are gone, the water is still warm, and the island calendar is filling back up. These are the fall and winter dates we could confirm with the people running each event. Dates can still move for weather, so check the organizer's page before you drive in.
Shrimp Cook-Off & Seafood Festival: Saturday, November 7
The 33rd annual Shrimp Cook-Off & Seafood Festival is set for Saturday, November 7, at Sutherlands in Port Isabel, with gates opening at 11 a.m., according to the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce.
Lighted Boat Parade: Friday, December 11
The Lighted Boat Parade returns Friday, December 11, starting at 6 p.m., according to the South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau. It is free, and fireworks follow. This year's route has not been posted yet. Last year the boats ran from Sea Ranch Marina to Jim's Pier, so the bayfront between the two is a good bet once the route is confirmed.
SPI Market Days: January 22–24
Market Days fills the South Padre Island Convention Centre January 22–24, 2027, and again February 19–21. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, and admission is $2, according to the organizer.
Winter Texans: the expos are on the mainland
If you are here for the season, the Winter Texan Expo runs January 19–20, 2027, at the McAllen Convention Center and January 21 at the Brownsville Event Center. Admission is free.
New Year's Day
The Polar Bear Dip at Clayton's is one of the island's New Year's traditions, but the 2027 details have not been announced yet. We will add them when they are.
Getting around
Island Metro buses are free and run daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a route across the Queen Isabella Causeway into Port Isabel.
