Events & Happenings

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23: Lighting of the Island. 6 p.m. at the SPI Visitors Center. Join Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for the official lighting of the Island, refreshments and Christmas carols. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

23-24: SPI Invitational Division I Basketball Tournament. SPI Convention Centre. Division I basketball teams from around the nation hoop it up on South Padre Island. For more information, call 1-888-SPI-TKTS.

30-Dec. 2: Here Comes Santa Claus Parade Weekend. SPI and Port Isabel. Join us Friday for the 20^th Annual Parade of Lights on SPI with prize drawings at participating restaurants. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

1: Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Port Isabel. For more information, call (956) 943-2262.

1-2: Beach Bonanza Basketball Tournament. SPI Convention Centre and Los Fresnos High School. 16-team high school tournament. Session tickets: adults $5, students $3 and tournament passes $10. For more information, call 1-888-SPI-TKTS.

31: Fireworks on the Bay. Watch the lights dance in the sky over the Laguna Madre Bay on New Year’s Eve. Midnight between Marlin and Red Snapper streets. Cost: Free. Sponsored by the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

January

1: Polar Bear Dip. Embrace the New Year in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Noon at Boomerang Billy’s Beach Bar/Surf Motel, 2612 Gulf Blvd. 10 a.m. registration. First 50 to register receive tickets for a pre-swim beverage, bowl of black-eyed peas and a champagne toast. Cost: Free. For more information, call (956) 761-6853.

6-8: Market Days. Enjoy arts, crafts, jewelry, trade-show items and specialty foods. 8-a.m.-5 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Cost: $1. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

9: SPI Winter Texas Golf Classic Registration. 8 a.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Register for this popular foursome tournament. First-come, first-serve. Cost: $180 for foursome. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

13: Longest Causeway Run & Wellness Walk. Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge. Hundreds of runners/walkers join in for a view from the 2 1/2-mile causeway that connects the Island with the mainland. For more information, call (956) 943-2262, or visit www.portisabel.org.

14: SPI Taste of the Island. 2-5 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Please the palate with local cuisine. Cost: $12. For more information, call (956) 761-4412.

16-17: SPI Winter Texan Golf Classic. South Padre Island Golf Club. Registration is Jan. 9 at the SPI Convention Centre. Drawings, putting contests and tons of fun in the sun. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

26-28: Market Days. Enjoy arts, crafts, jewelry, trade-show items and specialty foods. 8-a.m.-5 p.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Cost: $1. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

February

3-4: B&S Kites Fun Fly. North of the SPI Convention Centre. Kite enthusiasts from around the country descend on SPI for a fun fly! Cost: Free. For more information, call (956) 761-1248.

6-7: Winter Texan Snowbird Extravaganza. SPI Convention Centre. Senior citizen lifestyle expo with entertainment, exhibits and seminars. Cost: Free. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

10: KOA World’s Largest Surf Fishing Tournament. Andie Bowie Park. Three age groups compete for prizes. Register online at fishacrosstexas.com. Day-of-event check-in at KOA South Padre Island. Cost: Adults $10 and children $5. Sponsored by Fish Across Texas. For more information, call (956) 371-4099.

10: SPI Chili Expo. Louie’s Backyard. Enjoy or compete in this spicy event. Sponsored by the SPI Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (956) 761-4412.

16: Winter Texan Adopt-a-Beach Clean-up. 9 a.m. at County Access 5, Edward Atwood King Park. Registration is from 8-8:45 a.m. Bags and gloves are supplied. Give back to the beach that gives to you! Sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. For more information, call (956) 761-6433.

17: Isle Ditter Dog. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Louie’s Backyard. Show off the pooch at this annual doggie fund-raiser that includes games for all. Sponsored by the Laguna Madre Human Society. For more information, call (956) 943-3888.

March

3-4: Audiobahn Spring Break Jam Car Show. South Padre Island Convention Centre. Annual sound off and truck and car show attracts statewide participants and attendees. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

12-16: Texas Week/Spring Break. South Padre Island. The majority of Texas schools are out for Spring Break. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

APRIL

13-15: Beach ‘N’ Biker Fest. South Padre Island Convention Centre. Come on down for this 2007 rally, fajita cook-off, vendors, entertainment, food and a ride to Mexico. For more information, go to www.beachnbikerfest.com, or call (956) 494-4964.

14: Annual Queen Isabella Market Day. Port Isabel. For more information, call 1-800-527-6102.

19-22: SPI SPLASH. This alternative-lifestyle event draws more than 2,000 visitors annually. For more information, go to www.upperdeckhotel.com, or call (956) 761-5953.

21: 41^st Annual Texas State Surfing Championship. Isla Blanca Park Jetties. The surf championship takes place weather permitting. For more information, go to www.tgsa.org.

28: Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup. 9 a.m.-noon at Cameron County’s Access 5 north of Town on SPI and Boca Chica Beach. Hundreds of volunteers join in keeping the beaches clean. Gloves and bags provided. For more information, call (956) 761-5494.

MAY

5: RGV Chili, Chili Verde & Salsa Cook-off. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. This is an ICS-sanctioned event. For more information, go to www.chilicookoffspi.com, or call (956) 434-9164.

5-6: Windsurf Blowout. 10 a.m. at the flats north of the Convention Centre. Registration is Friday evening. Course runs on Saturday and long-distance on Sunday. Group dinner Saturday evening to be announced. For more information, call (956) 767-2373.

6: Pedal to Padre. 8 a.m. Pedal with the River Rockets Adventure Club on a bicycle tour to South Padre Island and Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. Tour begins at the Brownsville Event Center and ends at Schlitterbahn. Park discounts available to event participants. For more information, go to www.riverrockets.com, or call (956) 541-9712.

26-27: SPI Beach Volleyball Tournament. 9 a.m. at Boomerang Billy’s. Annual Men’s, Women’s and Co-ed Competition on the beach. For more information, call (956) 761-2420.

26: Memorial Day Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. This annual summer weekend fireworks tradition kicks off. Fireworks continue every Friday night through Labor Day weekend. Sponsored by the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

27: Miss International South Padre Island. SPI Convention Centre. This pageant is unique in that it is the first of its kind that allows international participants. Ages 6-25. No experience necessary. For more information, call (956) 207-4032.

JUNE

1: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

2-7: Biennial Race to the Border Regatta. Galveston to South Padre Island. The Galveston Bay cruising Association hosts its third annual biennial regatta from Galveston to SPI with yachts 27 feet and over making the 240-mile nautical journey and racing for trophies and bragging rights. Ground crews, family and friends meet for three days of sun and fun on SPI. Sponsored in part by the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, go to www.racetotheborder.com, or call (956) 761-2420.

8: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

21: International Surfing Day. Isla Blanca Park. Surfrider Foundation South Texas Chapter will be holding two clinics for local and visiting children ages 8-14. The first clinic will be from 8:30-11 a.m., and the second will be from 12:30-3 p.m.  Limit 20 children per class.  Classes will be free and include an educational presentation on what makes a wave, water safety and surfing instruction. If you are interested in participating, call Rob Nixon at robaroo2000@gmail.com or (956) 433-1472.  Interested parties can also inquire at On The Beach and Island Native Surf House.

22: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

29: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

JULY

4: Fourth of July Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. Sponsored by the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

6: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

13: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

14: Texas Junior Angler State Championship. Fish Bones Pier & Grill on SPI. young anglers from across the state will have an opportunity to compete for the title of Texas Junior Angler State Champion. The first annual TJASC tournament, which includes three competitive age classes, is set to be held on that date at the South Padre KOA and Fish Bones Pier on South Padre Island. Participating junior anglers will have the opportunity to fish the clear waters of the Lower Laguna Madre while vying for this prestigious title. During the tournament, children age 4-6 will compete in the Piggy Perch division, while children ages 7-12 will compete as Small Fry, and children ages 13-17 will compete as Junior Anglers. For more information, go to www.fishacrosstexas.com.

20: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

27: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

28-29: Beachcomber’s Art Show. Artists from across the state exhibit their art. Vendor booths, food and fun! For more information, go to www.harlingenartforum.com, or call 1-800-SOPADRE.

AUGUST

1-5: Texas International Fishing Tournament (TIFT). Registration takes place at the SPI Convention Centre, and the tournaments takes places over SPI and Port Isabel waters. This 69^th annual event is the largest bay- and deep-sea fishing tournament in Texas. More than 1,200 participants are expected. For more information, call (956) 943-8438.

3: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

10: Ladies Kingfish Tournament. Registration takes place at the SPI Convention Centre. This year marks its 26^th year. More than 250 competitors are expected for the bay- and off-shore divisions. Sponsored by the SPI Chamber of Commerce. For more information, go to www.spichamber.com, or call (956) 761-4412.

10: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

17: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

24: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

24-25: South Padre Island Beach Bash Volleyball Tournament. SPI Convention Centre. Eight volleyball teams representing NAIA universities from the Midwest, Texas and Mexico to compete. For more information, go to http://athletics.utb.edu, or call (956) 882-8911.

25-26: USA Duel of the Dunes Adventure Race. Paddle, run, swim, bike and play! Two-person teams compete. Packet pick-up at Louie’s Backyard. Accepting first 100 teams to register. Sponsored by Unlimited Sports Adventures. For more information, go to www.unlimitedsportadventures.com, or call (956) 451-1500.

31- SEPT. 2: Ruffrider Regatta. 10 a.m. at the flats north of the Convention Centre. Annual race for catamarans. Registration 5-8 p.m. Friday at Louie’s Backyard. 10 a.m. Skippers meeting Saturday on the flats. For more information, go to www. Ruffrider.net.

31: Friday Night Fireworks. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

SEPTEMBER

1: Labor Day Weekend Fireworks Over the Bay. 9:15 p.m. between Marlin and Red Snapper streets on the Laguna Madre Bay. Sponsored by the SPI Convention Centre. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

1-2: SPI Beach Volleyball/Labor Day Tournament. Boomerang Billy’s Beach at Surf Motel. Two-person open, men’s, women’s and co-ed divisions. Cash awards. For more information, call (956) 761-2420.

21-24: SPI Film Festival. SPI Convention Centre. For more information, go to www.spifilmfestival.com.

22: Texas General Land Office Adopt-A-Beach Fall Cleanup. 9 a.m.-noon at Cameron County beaches. Volunteers register at check-in sites from 8:30-9 a.m. Gloves and bags supplied. Sponsored by the Texas General Land Office. For more information, go to www.texasadoptabeach.org, or call 1-877-TXCOAST.

30: Walk for Women. Noon to 2 p.m. with registration at 10 a.m. at the SPI Convention Centre. Support the fight against breast cancer. For more information, go to www.spiwalkforwomen.org, or call (956) 761-4231.

OCTOBER

5-7: SPI SPLASH. This alternative-lifestyle event draws more than 2,000 visitors annually. For more information, go to www.upperdeckhotel.com, or call (956) 761-5953.

6: Lower Laguna Madre Coastal Cleanup & Restoration. 7 a.m.-noon at the Sea Ranch Marina. More than 300 pre-registered volunteers and several boats will be assigned quadrants in the Laguna Madre Bay. Sponsored by the Coastal Baywatch Foundation. For more information, call (956) 761-1663.

6-7: SPI Individual Half-marathon and 4-person Relay. 7:30 a.m. start/finish at Louie’s Backyard. Spend Columbus Day weekend with us! For more information and registration, go to www.rogersoler.com, or call (210) 695-6430.

6-8: SPI Triathlon and Kids Beach Ball Triathlon. 6:30 a.m. start/finish at Louie’s Backyard. Adult event: 800-meter bay swim, 14-mile bike and 5k on/off road run; Kids’ Beach Ball Triathlon: (approximately) 100-meter swim, 3-mile on-road bike and on-road run. For more information, go to www.rogersoler.com, or call (210) 695-6430.

11-14: SPI Bikefest. SPI Convention Centre. 14^th Annual Rally. Bikers from around the United States and Mexico make a roar by the shore! Concert at Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark Saturday. Regular Rally Package is $45 and includes armband, pin, souvenir, dog tag and concert ticket. Mexico Fiesta Run tickets are available for $15. For more information, go to www.spibikefest.com, or call (956) 668-7484.

13: Lighthouse Market Day. Enjoy arts, crafts, jewelry, trade-show items and specialty foods. For more information, call 1-800-527-6102.

18-21: Sandcastle Days. Sheraton Beach Hotel. International sand sculpture competition. Masters of the Future free sandcastle lessons Oct. 13-20. Amateur competition for all ages and groups on Saturday. Music, arts, crafts and vendors. For more information, go to www.sandcastledays.com.

21: SPI Kids Pedal-N-Dash Duathlon. 9 a.m. at Sheraton South Padre Beach Hotel and Condominiums. Sand Castle Days continues with a race that begins with a beachside run, followed by cycling in Isla Blanca Park and finishes with a run back to the Sheraton. Open to children of all ages. Cost: $15. For more information, call (956) 451-1500 (USA Sports Unlimited).

28-29: Women’s Tip of Texas Golf Classic. South Padre Island Golf Club. For more information, call (956) 533-0708.

NOVEMBER

2-4: SPI International Music Festival. Entertainment and venues to be announced! Sponsored by the SPI Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

4: World Championship Shrimp Cook-off. Port Isabel. Local teams cook for the masses. For more information, go to www.portisabel.org, or call (956) 943-2262.

9-11: Second Annual Women’s Festival. Upper Deck on SPI. This is an alternative lifestyle event. For more information, go to www.upperdeckhotel.com, or call (956) 761-5953.

23: Lighting of the Island. 6 p.m. at the SPI Visitors Center. Join Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for the official lighting of the Island, refreshments and Christmas carols. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.

23-24: SPI Invitational Division I Basketball Tournament. SPI Convention Centre. Division I basketball teams from around the nation hoop it up on South Padre Island. Current teams scheduled include University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa), Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tenn.), Bradley University (Peoria, Ill.), Austin Peay State University (Clarkesville, Tenn.), University of Valparaiso (Valparaiso, Ind.), University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne, Md.) and Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers, Fla.). For more information, call 1-888-SPI-TKTS.

30-Dec. 2: Here Comes Santa Claus Parade Weekend. SPI and Port Isabel. Join us Friday for the 20^th Annual Parade of Lights on SPI with prize drawings at participating restaurants. For more information, call 1-800-SOPADRE.