Are y’all ready to shamROCK? ’Cause, the paddy don’t start ’til I walk in: It’s Spring Break, y’all! And I bet you can tell what I’m most excited for this weekend. I’ll save some puns for later (and next week), but you get my drift. But, just because everyone’s springin’ for some green beer and wine this weekend, that’s not all that the Coastal Bend has to offer! See if you get lucky with any of these events:
TAKE AIM WITH ATLATL
Friday, 2:30 p.m.
Goose Island State Park
Ready, set, aim … and throw that spear! This event is all about spear-throwing, using an ancient technology called an atlatl. The program at Goose Island State Park brings history to life with a hands-on approach. Participants must be 8 years or older, and the program is free with the park entrance fee ($5 per person, children 12 and under are free).
CARDEN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUS
Friday, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
American Bank Center
You know how it goes: “Come to the circus, the greatest show in town!” That’s stuck in your head now, isn’t it? Sorry, not sorry, because it’s also stuck in mine. Relive those exciting childhood moments of seeing elephants, camels and their trainers and make new ones with your kiddos at one of the five shows this weekend! (Keep the clowns away from me though.)
SPRING BREAK 90’S PARTY
Friday, 7 p.m.
Little Woodrow’s
SPRING BREAK 1990: Get jiggy with it at Little Woodrow’s to kick off Spring Break. The DJ starts spinnin’ all the jams at 7 p.m. Party like it’s 1990 at this hella fly shindig – it’s bound to get crunk. (Ugh, as a 90’s kid, I know that was, like, so totally buggin’ of me.)
RED: A TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE
Friday, 9 p.m.
Brewster Street Icehouse – Downtown
Hey Swifties, have you got a blank space on your Friday night? Couldn’t afford tickets to Taylor’s The Eras Tour? Then, you belong at Brewster Street Icehouse at this Taylor Swift tribute. While it won’t be the real Taylor up on stage, you’re sure to be enchanted at Friday’s show. (Look what you made me do.) Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of the show.
SPÄTZLEFEST
Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
JB’s German Restaurant & Bakery
Get your fill of carbs from more than just green beer this weekend. Take a trip to Germany (on your way to Ireland, perhaps?) with JB’s German Restaurant’s Spätzlefest. The special menu celebrates homemade pasta, and the event features a demo showing you how to make your very own batch of spätzle.
ART ON AYERS MARKET
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3309 Ayers St., Corpus Christi, Texas
Want to get out this weekend, but the idea of jostling through downtown is making you feel a little green? Cre8ive Culture‘s Art on Ayers market is back – and now will be every second Saturday of the month! The market features local arts, jewelry and clothing vendors as well as food trucks.
CATFISH POINT TRAIL GUIDED HIKE
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Take advantage of what’s shaping up to be a beautiful Saturday, and head outdoors for a guided hike at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. This ranger-led hike will last 1.5 hours, is open to all ages and is free with park admission. Meet at the trailhead to Catfish Point Trail, which is 0.9 miles long and rated as easy.
ST. PADDY’S BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, noon
Downtown, Cassidy’s Irish Pub
Are you feelin’ lucky? You should be! Throw on your best green outfit for the biggest St. Paddy’s Block Party yet. There’ll be vendors, tons of music acts, green beer, Guinness, Irish step dancing, a kid’s zone and, of course, more green beer. It ain’t easy being green – and you don’t have to be Irish to partake in the celebration. No cash? No problem: This year there will be wristbands to link to a debit or credit card to pay. The pint’s the limit. Follow the St. Paddy’s Festival Facebook page for updates, music acts, and more information.
PAWS & PINTS
Saturday, 1-4 p.m.
Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson
Puppies. And. Pints. This event had me at ‘puppies,’ and the free beer was just an added perk! Bring the whole fam and furbabies out for a fun afternoon with the Gulf Coast Humane Society, STAR Rescue Group and other area rescues at Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson. You might even find a new furry family member, as there will be adoptable pups looking for their furever homes. And dress your pup to impress in a fashion show – the most dapper pupper takes home $100.
5TH ANNUAL CORPUS CHRISTI WINE FESTIVAL
Saturday, 3 p.m.
Heritage Park
OK, so green beer isn’t everyone’s cup of … wine. Last year’s postponed Wine Festival is finally taking place this year at Heritage Park. Vino, vidi, vici or whatever that guy in a toga said, right? In addition to more than 100 varieties of wine (available for purchase by the taste or glass), there will be food trucks, live art, shopping and live music. Catch headliners Stoney LaRue, Tristan Marez and Mobley. Tickets start at $30.
GRAND FINALE: CARMINA BURANA
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
TAMUCC’s Performing Arts Center
The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra caps off its season with Carl Orff’s famous “Carmina Burana.” You know the one – ask Alexa to play it if you need a refresher. It’s iconic, and I don’t say that lightly. Join Hope Thacker for a pre-concert talk at 6:30 p.m. Saturday to learn more about the concert’s music. Get tickets here.
SPRING BREAK FOAM PARTY
Saturday, 9 p.m.
The Sugar Shack, Fulton
Just typing “foam party” brought back some hazy memories (or really, bits and pieces) of crazy, college nights. But, for those of us that aren’t feeling their millennial age sneaking up on them – or those of y’all who are actually still in college – hit the Sugar Shack for “the hottest foam party on the Third Coast.” It is spring break, y’all! (21 and up with a valid ID; no cover.)
BRITTANY’S DIVA BRUNCH
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
Alamo Drafthouse
Class and sass up your Sunday brunch plans at Brittany’s Diva Brunch at the Alamo Drafthouse. Get a dose of fabulous with some of the best divas in Corpus. Doors open at 10:30, so grab your tickets now!
CORPUS MYSTIC MARKET – HOLISTIC FAIR
Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Emerald Beach Hotel
We just had a full moon in Virgo and Saturn has entered Pisces: are you feeling a little off? Head to the Emerald Beach Hotel for a “tune up” at the Mystic Market – Holistic Fair. Realign your chakras, raise your vibrations and get in touch with your more spiritual side. Find the answers you’re seeking from an intuitive or astrologer, participate in a Reiki session or pick up a new crystal (or two). Free parking and admission.
KICKIN’ IT BY THE BAY
Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
American Bank Center
Let’s be real: your wardrobe needs a vibe check. Refresh it Sunday at Kickin’ It By The Bay presented by Jay Vibez and Unboxd. Shop for new sneakers and score some sweet vintage finds at the American Bank Center. There’s bound to be something for everyone, and it helps a good cause – partial proceeds benefit the Goodwill of South Texas. Tickets are $5 presale, $10 at the door.
WATERCOLOR WONDERS
Sunday, 2 p.m.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Flex your creativity with some watercolor painting at Lake Corpus Christi State park. Connect with nature and your artistic side, and learn about art’s significance in parks. Your art (or your kiddos’) could even be featured on a park bulletin board. All ages are welcome. The program is free with paid admission. Find more information here.