Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen launched its Fall for the Arts celebration, marking the start of National Arts and Humanities Month in October with an event that highlighted the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and transform communities.
Irma Chapa, Director of the Office of Communications for the City of McAllen welcomed attendees and media then made mention of the vast programs and lineups this season, from Fiesta de Palmas to Symphony in the Park at Sunset Live and the upcoming Broadway Series.
Commissioner Tony Aguirre. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
The event featured live music, seasonal treats, and remarks from community leaders including Commissioner Tony Aguirre, City Manager Isaac Tawil, State Representative Terry Canales, Dr. Diane Milliken Garza of the Texas Commission on the Arts, David Lobel of the Valley Symphony Orchestra, and Yajaira Flores, McAllen’s Director of Convention & Performing Arts Facilities.
State Representative Terry Canales reminded the audience of the deeper value of investing in the arts. “People want to go where there’s a true quality of life. And it is imperative that the stage you’re standing on isn’t just your destination, but a platform to raise awareness for the arts. There is nothing more important to the soul of a community than the arts,” said Canales.
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil emphasized the economic and cultural impact of McAllen’s dedication to the arts. “When civic leaders, state legislators, and community partners stand together, we don’t just bring in dollars, we bring opportunity,” Tawil said. “We can elevate our identity, strengthen our cultural assets, and ensure every resident participates in this vision. Placemaking is about more than buildings and events. It’s about identity. It’s about shaping the way people see McAllen and the Valley: vibrant, creative, full of opportunity.”
The press event also highlighted upcoming performances and programs, including:
• Symphony in the Park at Sunset Live – October 11, 6–10 p.m., McAllen Convention Center Oval Park. This free, family-friendly event, presented by HEB, will feature The Art of Video Game Music, with music from Halo, Civilization IV, Kingdom Hearts, and more, plus a string quartet Ozzy Osbourne tribute and percussion workshop for kids.
• Valley Symphony Orchestra 2025/26 Masterworks Season – Five concerts from November to April at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, celebrating Maestro Peter Dabrowski’s 25th year. Single tickets are now on sale. Tickets at Ticketmaster, the MPAC box office, and valleysymphony.org
• Sunset Live Outdoor Concert Series – Free monthly concerts in October, November, and December at Oval Park, connecting audiences with local and regional artists. The series offers free, family-friendly concerts that connect the community to live music in an open-air setting.
The event closed with a celebration of McAllen’s award-winning efforts in cultural programming. The City of McAllen’s Convention Center and Performing Arts team has earned 49 International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) awards, underscoring their commitment to creating one-of-a-kind experiences for residents and visitors alike.
“This year don’t go out of town,” said Chapa in closing remarks. “Bring your family and friends right here to McAllen! Your pocketbook will thank you, but the memories you create will be truly priceless.”
The announcement comes as the Texas Commission on the Arts awarded more than $288,000 in grants to McAllen arts organizations.
| Confirmed recipients include: |
| City of McAllen / Performing Arts Center – (Arts Create) (Cultural District Project: MXLAN) |
| City of McAllen / Public Library – (Performance Support: Elizabeth Kahura, Oct. 25, 2025) |
| International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) (multiple projects) |
| South Texas Symphony Association (Valley Symphony Orchestra) – (multiple projects) |
| ToGive International – (Cultural District Project: McAllen Creative Incubator) |
Director of Convention Facilities Yajaira Flores recognized the collaborative effort behind the season: “Our staff manage more than 500 events every year across the Convention Center, Performing Arts Center, and Quinta Mazatlán. None of this happens without meaningful partnerships. From the Texas Commission on the Arts to sponsors like Hope Family Clinic with Beer Around the World, to collaborations like Symphony in the Park, these efforts show what happens when we all work together. The future of the arts is here.”
Fall 2025 Arts Calendar (please post to online community calendars)
| Broadway in the Rio Grande Valley |
| Dec 10 – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical |
| Feb 18 – Mrs. Doubtfire |
| May 5 – Clue |
| June 3 – Hadestown |
| Fall Performances & Festivals |
| Oct 1 – Se Regalan Dudas |
| Oct 3 – Alfred Robles (Comedian) |
| Oct 3 – South Texas Comicon Presents Anime Fest |
| Oct 4 – The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight |
| Oct 11 – Alicia Villarreal: Donde Todo Comenzó Tour |
| Oct 11 – Sunset Live Featuring Symphony in the Park |
| Oct 17–19 – Fiesta de Palmas (featuring Christina Valdez, Alta Ralea, Alberto Cruz y El 956, Encanto, Los Estuches, Vanita Leo, Los Juanos, Vortex, Arzalez, JonWayne Eaden, Double Cut, Andrea Daniela, Sedona, Angelica Garcia) |
| Oct 18 – Beer Around the World Benefitting the Hope Family Clinic |
| Oct 18 – Mariachi Festival: Mariachi 7 Leguas & UTRGV Ballet Folklórico |
| Oct 23 – Perfume de Gardenia (2 shows) |
| Oct 24 – Jorge Lozano |
| Oct 25 – Jenifer Peña (Tejano & Latin Pop Artist) |
| Nov 1 – Yolanda del Rio |
| Nov 5 – World Ballet Company: Cinderella |
| Nov 7 – Music of the Greats – Valley Symphony Orchestra |
| Nov 11 – McAllen Duty Honor Country |
| Nov 13 – René Vaca (Comedian) |
| Nov 20 – C Street Brass – Brass Quintet |
| Nov 21 – Clave Especial |
| Nov 22 – Yandel – Sinfónico |
| Nov 29 – Kevyn Contreras – No Me Dejen Solo Tour |
| Dec 3 – Jesse & Joy – El Despecho Tour |
| Dec 5 – A Touch of Frost – Valley Symphony Orchestra |
| Dec 13 – The Nutcracker presented by Rio Grande Valley Ballet |
