And just like that, we’ve leaped into March! February gave us a taste of that summertime (or rather, springtime in Texas) weather, and March has greeted us with a chilly reception. Or am I the only one who’s waking up with a mug of hot chocolate? Don’t let those cooler temps this morning keep you snuggled under the covers – the weekend is just warming up! Here’s what the Coastal Bend has in store for you over the next couple days:
ART WALK
Friday, 5 p.m.
Downtown
It’s the first Friday of the month, so you know what that means: ARTWALK! And even better: the block parties are back! 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. 
MARCH EXHIBIT OPENING
Friday, 5 p.m.
The Art Center of Corpus Christi
Stop by the Art Center of Corpus Christi during ArtWalk to catch its March exhibit opening. This month’s exhibits include ‘Dot: Elements of Design,’ ‘Power of Pop,’ and a 3D Art Showcase. And, as always, admission is free.
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 Art Walk for giveaways and art activities. (I mean, who doesn’t love free things?!)
LOCAL FILMMAKER FILM SCREENING AND Q&A
Friday, 6 p.m.
Art Museum of South Texas
Welcome home Latina filmmaker Sharon Arteaga with a special screening. This one-night-only screening, hosted by the Corpus Christi Film & Music Commission and Restoration Community Arts, will feature the Corpus Christi native’s short films, which have hit the silver screen at various Texas film festivals. Stay after the credits roll for a Q&A.
HOT YOGA, COLD BEER
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Nueces Brewing Company
Are you feeling a little downward dog? Seasonal affective disorder got you out of alignment? Do you feel a little more limber with some liquid help? This donation-based class is held weekly in the brew room of Nueces Brewing. Grab a cold one for some hot yoga, and we promise you, you’ll feel like a happy baby in no time.
PROHIBITION GRAND OPENING
Friday, 6 p.m.
326 N. Chaparral St., Downtown
Have you heard about the speakeasy that’s the bee’s knees? Stop by Prohibition, located at 326 N.Chaparral St., for their soft opening on Friday. Try not to get too zozzled on that giggle water! (Could you tell I googled some Prohibition-era slang? Giggle water is now part of my everyday lingo. No apologies.)
SICILIAN WINE DINNER
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
Bellino Ristorante Italiano e Bottega/Bar
Take your tastebuds on a food and wine journey to Sicily with Chef Francesco and Sommelier Corey at Bellino’s. Celebrate the arrival of chef’s dear Zia Franca and family from Palermo, Sicily, with a traditional Sicilian menu paired with all Sicilian wines.Make your reservations online or call 361-814-8998, specify wine dinner. Cin cin!
ICERAYS VS. COLORADO GRIT
Friday,, 7:05 p.m., and Sunday, 4 p.m.
American Bank Center
Smash into spring as the IceRays take on the Colorado Grit at the American Bank Center. Stay after the game to take to the ice for the post-game skate for $10. Grab your tickets online at Ticketmaster or at the American Bank Center office.
SOUTH CENTRAL SPEED LEAGUE #2 CC SPEED
Saturday and Sunday
Skateland Annaville Corpus
We-ell, do you have a brand new pair of roller skates … and the need for speed? Strap on your skates and take to the rink – er, track – this weekend. For more information on the competition and pricing, roll on over here.
WALK ON THE WILDSIDE
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
Put a spring in your step 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.
SOUTHSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET
Saturday, 9 a.m.
5800 Everhart Road
Stock up your pantry with local fruits, veggies and more at the Corpus Christi Southside Farmers’ market. This weekly market is held rain or shine in the Market shopping center at 5800 Everhart Rd.
NATIVE PLANT SALE & SWAP
Saturday, 9 a.m.
106 Cut Off Road, Port Aransas
Grab your gardening shears: it’s almost spring time – and time to get a-plantin’. As you clean out your gardens for the upcoming season, bring any extra cuttings and plants to trade with other local gardeners at Keep Port Aransas Beautiful and the Port Aransas Nature Preserve’s plant swap. Bring some spending money, too, to pick up more native plants. Native plants not only are beautiful, but also are adapted for Texas weather and are bird friendly, too.
HERITAGE PARK MARKET DAYS
Saturday, 10 a.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.
61ST GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOW
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.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. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
BRITTANY’S DIVA BRUNCH: TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Saturday, noon
The Galley Bistro & Bake Shop
Kick your weekend off in a fabulous style with Brittany’s Diva Brunch’s second anniversary celebration with Aaron Andrews, former Miss Texas Continental. Hosted by Brittany Andrews, this diva-tastic event stars Honey Andrews and Naomi Evans with DJ Chris Fonseca in the Mix. Doors open at noon. Grab your $15 ticket now before space runs out!
HOMECOMING BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, noon
American Bank Center
Shakas up, Islanders! It’s homecoming! In addition to Friday’s Lighting of the I, and other events, head over to the American Bank Center parking lot on Saturday to cheer on your Islanders to victory. This free, family-friendly event includes games, a petting zoo, inflatables music and more. And don’t forget to grab your tickets to the main event: a men and women’s Basketball doubleheader. The women hit the court at 1 p.m. and the men at 3:30 p.m. Get your Alumni Corner tickets here.
YMCA SALSA FEST
Saturday, noon
El Camino Comida & Bar
Spice things up this weekend with the YMCA CC Salsa Fest, sponsored by El Camino Comida & Bar. Sample the best salsas from around Corpus Christi as contestants bring the heat downtown. So, if you’re feeling spicy, grab your tickets now for the hottest competition in Corpus (or grab them at the door for $20).
WATER STREET FARMER’S MARKET
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Water Street Market
Kick off your Sunday Funday by supporting local vendors and restocking your pantries with fresh veggies, and more, when you head down to the only Sunday farmer’s market at Water Street Market.
CLASSIC CAR COASTAL CRUISE-IN
Sunday, 2 p.m.
The Annex
Cruise on over to the Annex for a funday Sunday complete with classic cars that are sure to rev up your weekend.
Hey besties! Got a beat on the hottest things happening around the Coastal Bend? Drop this events writer a line at diandraspicak@gmail.com, or find me on Instagram @deeanndruh or on Facebook. And, as always, email us at righton@rightoncorpus.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @rightoncorpus, and DM us there, too! We’re always looking for new things around the Coastal Bend.
