And March comes in like a lion. A very hot lion – and no, I’m not talking about your crush on Simba from the Lion King (no judgment, though). Spring has sprung early, so take advantage of the sunshine and almost summer-like highs and get out and about the Coastal Bend this weekend. It’s got the makings of a beautiful one!
44TH ANNUAL FULTON OYSTERFEST
Thursday and Friday, 5 – 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fulton Beach Park
Aw shuck yeah, it’s time for Oysterfest! Now, while eating raw oysters may be a dividing issue for most (personally, I think they’re delicious but you couldn’t pay some of my friends to eat one), there’s nothing divisive about this festival. There’s carnival rides, games, live music, a parade, unique vendor booths and, of course, an oyster eating contest – clearly, there’s something for everyone! Find the whole schedule here. 
ARTWALK + ARTWALK BLOCK PARTIES
Friday, 6 p.m.
Downtown
It’s the first Friday of the month, so you know what that means: ARTWALK! Head downtown and catch your favorite local vendors and artisans, groove to live music and nosh on delicious meals from the coolest food trucks. The event spans nearly all of downtown from Lomax Street to Artesian Park, so there’s fun for the whole crew.
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?!)
SCULPTURE BY DR. SHERMAN TIPTON COLEMAN
Friday, 5 p.m.
Art Center of Corpus Christi
Pack even more art into your Friday night at the Art Center’s opening reception for an exhibit featuring the sculptures of Dr. Sherman T. Coleman. (Pero, like, who is that you’re wondering?) A veteran and cardiovascular surgeon, Coleman started his sculpting career at age 54. For the next 30 years, he sculpted public commissions throughout Corpus Christi inspired by the city’s history and his religious background. The exhibit runs through April 1, and it may be one of the last chances you’ll get to see the bronze sculptor’s works of art.
CORPUS CHRISTI HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Friday, 2 – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
American Bank Center
Is that honey-do list looking more like a honey-don’t list? We get it: home is where the heart is, so pick up all the things you need to do some sprucing up at your house. Find everything from outdoors to indoors and gadgets to decor at this home and garden show. Catch a seminar to help you turn that black thumb into a slightly green thumb (and of note, there’s also a Texas birds of prey one?? I’m en-raptor-ed.) Admission is free.
COMEDIAN CHONA E
Friday, 8 p.m.
Mesquite Street Southside
Head over to Mesquite Street Southside for a night of laughter as San Antonio’s Chona E and friends bring their own brand of South Texas comedy to the stage. Grab your tickets now for what should be a hilarious show!
EXPLORING THE PRESERVE
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Oso Bay Wetland Preserve
Here’s your chance to get a good dose of Vitamin D and head outdoors Saturday with a free chance to explore the Oso Bay Wetland Preserve. Bring the kiddos out and get lost in nature. Field guides and binoculars loaned out on a first come, first served basis.
HERITAGE PARK MARKET DAYS
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Heritage Park
Got a little extra green to go around this March? It’s not St. Paddy’s Day yet, but if you’re feelin’ a little lucky, you might find your pot of gold at CaTS’ Heritage Park Market Days. This family- and pet-friendly market features local vendors and should have something for everyone.
FISHING FOR DONORS BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cavender’s Boot City, Corpus Christi
Save a life, donate blood. If you need more convincing than that (and a cookie), donors at the 9th AnnualFishing for Donors Blood Drive will be entered to win an offshore fishing trip, a bay guided fishing trip, $500 H-E-B gift card, Astros tickets and more. PLUS you get a free T-shirt and coupon to the Texas State Aquarium. Schedule your appointment here (walk-ins welcome).
60TH ANNUAL GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOW
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.
Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds
This event is bound to ROCK. (Yeah, I know, I went for the low-hanging fruit – guess I was too afraid to be a bit boulder.) There’s bound to be gifts for rock hounds and rockheads alike at this show presented by the Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society.
FENG SHUI CLASS
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures
Learn how to harness Qi to strike balance and find harmony in your surroundings with this feng shui class. If it was good enough for the ancient Chinese, it’s good enough for me – I mean, there’s got to be a reason we’re still practicing feng shui hundreds of years later, right? Register for the class here – but hurry, spots are limited!
GIRLS’ DAY
Saturday, 2 p.m.
Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures
Who doesn’t love dressing up? Celebrate Girl’s Day by learning how to properly wear a kimono. OK, but what’s Girls’ Day, you ask (or, really I asked)? It’s an annual festival held in Japan to pray for the healthy growth, prosperity and happiness of girls, especially those that are 10 or younger. The more you know!
DISCOVERIES IN THE DARK
Saturday, 6:15 p.m.
Goose Island State Park
Hey, u up? Down for a nighttime adventure? Discover the park, and its nocturnal inhabitants, after dark on a Ranger-led one-mile hike. The program is free with paid admission to the park. Red filtered flashlights, only, so you can adjust to the dark. Meet at the Turks Trail parking lot near site #157.
COOKIEPALOOZA
Saturday, 7 p.m.
The Bay Jewel
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Girl Scout cookie season. And Cookiepalooza highlights all those wonderful flavors in an adventureful event that’s bound to make you do-si-do. Local chefs will be whipping up unique desserts highlighting those tasty Girl Scout treats. It’s bound to be a caramel deLite. Move over Miami Vice: Cookiepalooza is bringing the 80’s back with a coastal chic themed event, featuring local band In Dreaming Color, benefiting the Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas. Tickets are $100 each.
HOCKEY ’N HEELS: TAYLOR SWIFT NIGHT
Saturday, 7:05 p.m.
American Bank Center
Hey Swifties: I don’t know about you, but I’m feelin’ … like some hockey! February’s coming to an end, so shake it off at the IceRays’ Taylor Swift night. So, she wears high heels and you wear sneakers: that’s okay, dress up as your favorite Taylor era for some trivia, music and merch. It’s also Family Four Pack night: 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas and 1 popcorn bucket for $64!
MAGIC FOR ADULTS
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Mesquite Street Southside
Who says magic (tricks) is just for kids? This adults-only magic show is sure to tickle the young at heart. Grab your tickets now to be mesmerized by Eric Eaton’s comedy and magic.
SPRING DRAG BRUNCH
Sunday, 11 a.m.
House of Rock
Sunday is for brunchin’, and why not make it fabulous with some drag? Hosted by Isis Paris York, this event boasts a star-studded lineup. Grab your tables now (brunch included in the price). You’ll want to splurge, though, as the buffet isn’t included in general admission.
