We’re one week into 2023, and I still haven’t made any resolutions. New year, new me? I’ll figure that out sometime this month – but now that the holidays are over, there’s still fun to be had! Check out these weekend events to start 2023 off on the right foot.
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
Friday, 5:30 p.m.
Downtown
It’s the first Friday of the year – and you know what that means: It’s artwalk time! Head downtown to pick up something from your favorite local vendors (or, if you’re like me, those super late holiday gifts) while groovin’ to local bands. 
FIRST FRIDAY AT THE ART MUSEUM
Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Art Museum of South Texas
First Friday also means free admission all day to the Art Museum, presented by Frost Bank! Grab the whole family to take in the rotating exhibits on display. With extended hours, there’s no excuse not to embrace your inner Warhol or Picasso and find your way to the AMST. Bonus: hit the AMST outreach table at artwalk for giveaways and art activities. (I mean, who doesn’t love free things?!)
JANUARY OPENING EXHIBITS RECEPTION
Friday, 5-7 p.m.
Art Center
Can’t get enough art? The Art Center is hosting their first opening reception of the year on Friday. And it’s also free! Exhibits opening include All Membership 2023; Waxing Poetic: Collage and Encaustic by Kelly Shaub, Best of Show of All Membership 2022; and Small Works. I dare you to leave without saying, “OK, Picasso, I like it.”
NEW YEAR’S AFTER PARTY CAT SHOW
Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Omni Hotel, third floor
No, I’m not kitten: Cat of all breeds and ages will compete at the International Feline Showcase at the Omni Hotel this weekend. This event is pawsitvely jam-packed with events for the whole cat-loving family, including coloring books for the kiddos and purrveyors of the finest feline goods. The Cattery will also be onsite with adoptable feline friends. Pounce on your tickets right meow ($10 general admission, $15 for a three-day pass, $5 for kids ages 5-12).
BOAR’S HEAD & YULE LOG FESTIVAL
Saturday, 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
First Christian Church
Hear ye, hear ye: Christmas isn’t over yet! Wish glad tidings and a fond farewell with a traditional end to the Christmas season at the Boar’s Head & Yule Log festival at First Christian Church. The event celebrates the story of Christmas through song, music and dance – with 180 costumed characters set in a medieval English manor house (that’s a lot of tights). By royal decree, admission is free – but donations of non-perishable food items are accepted for the Food Bank of Corpus Christi.
YOGA AT THE YACHT CLUB & BEACH BARRE
YOGA: Saturday, 9 a.m.
Yacht Club
BEACH BARRE: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
North Padre Island, Mile Marker 215 (next to the Holiday Inn)
New year, new you? Get those fitness resolutions on track with two classes presented by Water Dog Yoga. Get stretchin’ with the donation-based yoga class at the Yacht Club or meet up at the barre at the Sea Wall Beach. Book your spot here.
FULL MOON HIKE
Saturday, 5:45 p.m.
Goose Island State Park
Howl at the full wolf moon this weekend with a hike after dark at Goose Island State Park. Or, actually, no don’t do that – I doubt the ranger leading the one-mile hike would appreciate you scaring off the nocturnal dwellers that call the park home. Explore the park after dark at this free event (just pay the park entrance fee: $5 per person, children 12 and under are free).
HERITAGE PARK MARKET DAYS
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Heritage Park
Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket? Still need to grab some gifts for your favorite Capricorns or forgot someone on your holiday gift list? CaTS’ Heritage Park Market Days returns for their first first Saturday of the year. This family- and pet-friendly market features local vendors and should have something for everyone.
SATURDAY LIGHTS RIDE OUT
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Water’s Edge Park
Strap on your helmets and knee pads for the Saturday Lights Ride Out! All ages and skill levels are welcome to join this casual-paced five mile ride through Shoreline and downtown. Grab your bicycle, ebike, skateboard, rollerblades, roller-skates or scooter and wheel out for this ‘ride at your own risk’ event.
NEW YEAR’S MANGA MIXER
Saturday, 2 p.m.
La Retama Central Library
Nani?? Ring in the lunar new year by donning your best cosplays and heading down to the La Retama Central Library for an afternoon of fun activities and anime watching. It’s the Year of the Rabbit, so it sounds like it’s the perfect time to break out those Usagi cosplays. (In the name of the moon, I’ll punish you … for not getting that reference.) This free event is for teens and young adults.
INTERACTIVE MYSTERY DINNER
Saturday, 6 p.m.
Maddaloni’s Venue & Events at London Square Plaza
Ever dreamed of being in your own version of ‘Clue’? There might be a distinct lack of Tim Curry, but this interactive mystery dinner should whet the appetite of any aspiring gumshoe. Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you try to sniff out the culprit – and there’s food! (Every detective and suspect needs to eat, right?) Get your tickets here.
COASTAL BEND SPORTS & COLLECTIBLES SHOW
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 pm.
Emerald Beach Hotel
Add to your collection with some purchases from the Coastal Bend Sports & Collectibles Show at the Emerald Beach Hotel. For $8, you get access to vendors from all over South Texas who’ll be showing off their sports cards, memorabilia, wrestling figures, Funko POP figures and more. Sounds like a good excuse to get yourself that Christmas gift you *really* wanted. Sports fans can also participate in meet and greets with MLB and Phillies prospect Jose Acuna, wrestler Matt Cardona and more.
HUSTLE NEVER DIES
Saturday, 6 p.m.
Emerald Beach Hotel
Hell yeah, brother! It’s wrasslin’ time! This live event, presented by the Texas Wrestling Cartel, features Matt Cadorna, PCO, Bryan Keith and more. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. WOO*! (*This writer is not very well-versed in wrestling, so apologies for the outdated references, y’all). Tickets available at Off the Wall Sports and Collectibles in the Corpus Christi Trade Center, booth 57, or online through Ticketleap.
WEDDING FAIR COASTAL BEND
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
American Bank Center
Planning your nuptials got you feeling like a bridezilla? He put a ring on it, and now what? Get inspiration at the Wedding Fair at American Bank Center. Find local wedding vendors to make sure your big day goes on without a hitch – besides you know, you gettin’ hitched. The event will also have prizes, gifts and fashion shows. Whether you’re planning a country chic wedding, coastal beach wedding or something more glam, you’ll find all the inspo you need at this expo.
