Anyone else feeling the post-Valentine’s Day blues? No? Just me? Guess I better go hop on that discount chocolate train, ASAP. If that doesn’t help cure my “blehs,” here’s a list of all the fun things I (and y’all, of course – who else do I put this list together for each week??) can do this weekend in the Coastal Bend:
*SOLD OUT* 13TH ANNUAL SOUPER BOWL
Thursday, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Art Center of Corpus Christi
No flag on this play because the only thing you’ll be holding is a bowl of soup from local restaurants. Well, if you scored a ticket, that is. This sold-out event, hosted by the Art Center of Corpus Christi, also benefits the Coastal Bend Food Bank. For every bowl purchased, a family is fed – that’s definitely a win-win situation. You even get to take home a one-of-a-kind artisan crafted bowl. Missed your chance (*insert Brett Maher joke here*)? There’s always next year! 
THIRD THURSDAYS AT THE ART MUSEUM
Thursday, 5:30-9 p.m.
Art Museum of South Texas
Get a head start on your weekend on Thursday at the Art Museum! Stretch out those mid-week blues with yoga (reserve a spot here), grab something from your favorite local vendor, create some one-of-a-kind art and take advantage of the free admission and extended hours.
THE PEDDLER SHOW
Friday through Sunday, varying hours
Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds, Robstown
Shop ’til ya drop at the traveling Peddler Show when it sets up shop in Robstown this weekend. There’s bound to be something for everyone at this event, which has showcased artisans, crafters, boutiques and more since 1977. Pick up your weekend or single-day admission passes here. Kids 12 and under get in free.
NIGHT HIKE
Friday, 5:45 p.m.
Goose Island State Park
Get adventurous this weekend with a one-mile hike after dark at Goose Island State Park. Explore the park after dark and learn about the nocturnal-dwelling animals that call it home at this free event (just pay the park entrance fee: $5 per person, children 12 and under are free).
*SOLD OUT* USS LEXINGTON STAGE DOOR CANTEEN
Friday, 7 p.m.
The Lexington
Anchors aweigh! Get in the mood at the USS Lexington’s 30th annual fundraising event, Stage Door Canteen. Step back into the big-band era and swing the night away as the museum celebrates the 80th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning. Well, golly gee, it’s sold out this year – but mark your calendars for next year!
BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY PRESENTS FLEETWOOD MAC’S RUMORS
Friday, 8 p.m.
Selena Auditorium
Now here you go again, you say you want … to hear Fleetwood Mac’s iconic album performed live. Well, here’s your chance as Black Jacket Symphony performs the whole album at the Selena Auditorium. Relive those days of putting a vinyl on your record player and kicking back to listen to it in full (not that this millennial has, because it’s only in her crystal visions – and her dream record player is too expensive). Tickets available here.
2023 #CCSONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
Saturday and Sunday
Downtown
Every great pop song uses the same four chords (or so says the Axis of Awesome – I know you’ve seen that YouTube video). OK, that’s a little simplistic, and that’s why I’m not one of the internationally, nationally and regionally renowned songwriters featured in this two-day event. There’s workshops, concerts, and other songwriting events – all in our beautiful downtown. Find a whole list of songwriters, events, and how to purchase tickets on the festival’s website. (There are even some free events Saturday night!)
ARCHERY 101
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
String up those bows and channel your inner Robin Hood with the rangers at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. Let those arrows fly as you learn how to shoot archery N.A.S.P. style (National Archery in Schools Program). Program size is limited so reserve your spot now by emailing Josie.Gunter@twpd.texas.gov. Participants must be 10 or older. As my favorite character, Allan-a-dale, in the Disney classic sings, “Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly, what a day.”
BAREFOOT MARDI GRAS PARADE
Saturday, 11 a.m.
Padre Island
Let the good times roll all the way from White Cap Beach to Padre Bali park at this year’s Barefoot Mardi Gras parade! Kick off your shoes and get the party started while nabbing all the beads! Find a parade route map and more details here.
LET’S GLEAUX FOR THE RITZ!
Saturday, 6 p.m.
Downtown
Don your best Mardi Gras ’fits and race down to the starting line at the Ritz for a Mardi Gras Glow Ride benefiting the Ritz Theatre. Your $40 entry fee includes a raffle ticket for a CC LED light kit, H Y P E B Y K E (2) with two free months of virtual cycling and a $100 gift certificate from Blue Shore Pedal Lounge – and 100% of the fee goes to the Ritz as a donation. The ride’s route hits all our favorite places downtown, with participating bars offering drink specials. Best dressed will take how the King and Queen crowns.
GIMME GIMME DISCO
Saturday, 8 p.m.
House of Rock
Break out those platforms, honey, honey, because it’s time to boogie-oogie-oogie all night at House of Rock’s Gimme Gimme Disco. Take a chance to embrace your inner dancing queen (or king) while the DJs spin all of the ABBA hits you know and love (plus groove out to all the best disco jams of the ’70s and ’80s by The BeeGees, Donna Summer, Cher and more). Does your mother know you’ll be out? Grab yourself (and her!) a ticket here.
SINGLE & READY TO FLAMINGLE?
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Padre Island
“Speed dating meets yoga pants and island vibes”? Sounds like something that could get my heart racing. This event offers Acro yoga, Thai massage, dinner, and specialty drinks (or tea) for $65 at a private location. Register here (limited spaces); RSVP with @lovelyleah at 512-676-7985 via text or phone.
FOOD AND BEER PAIRING
Sunday, 5 p.m.
Lazy Beach Brewing
Five courses, five beers: What a way to end the weekend. The Texas Chefs Association of the Coastal Bend have teamed up with Lazy Beach Brewing to provide a delectable meal, with each course paired with a Lazy Beach brew. My stomach is rumbling already! Tickets are $75 per person for this 21+ only event.
