CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx — For those preparing to stay close to home this Memorial Day weekend, communities across the Coastal Bend are offering a variety of entertainment, cultural celebrations and family-friendly activities.
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LEGO “Star Wars” Display
In Corpus Christi's southside, Alamo Drafthouse will have a special LEGO-themed “Star Wars” display Saturday and Sunday in celebration of the release of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” The exhibit will feature large-scale brick-built creations designed for fans of all ages.
Address: 7601 South Staples St.
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Margarita Festival Downtown
Downtown Corpus Christi will host The Bus’ second annual Margarita Festival throughout the weekend. The event will feature live music, frozen drinks and a variety of margarita flavors. Admission is free.
Address: 702 N. Chaparral St.
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Spring Roll Cooking Class
For those looking for a hands-on culinary experience, Mimi Kitchen Boss will host a spring roll cooking class Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional spring rolls during the interactive class.
Address: 1809 N. Chaparral St.
Buddha Birthday Celebration
Later Saturday evening, the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures will transform for a Buddha birthday celebration from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will include cultural performances, traditional ceremonies, local vendors and food trucks.
Address: 1809 N. Chaparral St.
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Biplanes and Breakfast Fundraiser
In Rockport, Vintage Air Tours and Wings Over Rockport are partnering for the “Biplanes and Breakfast” fundraiser Saturday morning from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Aransas County Airport. Visitors can enjoy discovery flights, biplane rides, military vehicle rides, raffles and family-friendly activities while helping raise scholarship funds for aspiring pilots. Organizers say, as of Friday the event is still planned despite the weather forecast and they will award $7,000 in scholarships at 9 a.m. during the pancake breakfast.
Address: 421 John D. Wendell Rd.
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Blue Ghost Fan Experience
Corpus Christi Hooks fans can head to the USS Lexington on Saturday for the Blue Ghost Fan Experience beginning at 10:30 a.m. The event will allow visitors to tour the historic aircraft carrier, meet Hooks players and compete for prizes including signed memorabilia, team merchandise and game tickets.
Address: 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd.
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Memorial Day Events
While the holiday weekend offers entertainment and community events across the Coastal Bend, Memorial Day also serves as a time to honor and remember the U.S. service members who died while serving the country.
Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park Ceremony
The local Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will host a Memorial Day ceremony Monday at Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 10 a.m. Community members are invited to attend and honor fallen service members.
Address: 222 S. Shoreline Blvd.
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USS Lexington Memorial Day Ceremony
The USS Lexington will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony Monday at 2 p.m. inside the ship’s Hangar Bay. The ceremony will recognize and remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
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“Boots in the Field” Tribute Display
Beginning Friday, Island Presbyterian Church will display its “Boots in the Field” exhibit throughout Memorial Day weekend. The visual tribute is designed as a drive-by experience honoring fallen military members.
Address: 14030 Fortuna Bay Drive
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Faith Methodist Church Memorial Service
In Rockport, Faith Methodist Church will host a special Memorial Day service Sunday at 10 a.m. Outside the church, flags and crosses will be displayed, with each one representing a life lost in service to the nation.
Address: 400 N. Live Oak St.
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Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery Ceremony
The Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery will remain open 24 hours throughout Memorial Day weekend, giving visitors additional time to honor loved ones and service members laid to rest there. The cemetery will also host a Memorial Day ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. honoring veterans and fallen heroes.
Address: 9974 IH-37 Access Road