Glow Nights, Market Days & Puppy Love 💫🐾

Archive| 2026

February 23, 2026•6 min read

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Editor's Note

Hey Valley fam,

If February had a personality, it’d be this weekend. We’ve got monster trucks breathing fire, Lunar New Year lanterns lighting up IMAS, markets popping up from Mission to SPI, and a whole gala dedicated to puppy love. The 956 never slows down — it just changes vibes.

What makes it special isn’t just the events. It’s the way y’all show up. Supporting local vendors. Dancing at hometown halls. Advocating for wildlife. Even turning hospital window washers into superheroes for a day.

So grab your crew, try something new, and don’t forget to tag us when you’re out there living your best 956 life.

Let’s make it a good one. 🌞

📊 Quick Poll

What’s your favorite hidden gem in the 956 that you almost don’t want to gatekeep?

A café? A thrift shop? A taco stand? A peaceful park bench?

Reply to this email or comment here — we promise to keep it (mostly) secret. 👀✨

Lunar New Year Festival at IMAS🐉
Sat, Feb 21 | McAllen
Culture, performances, and family fun at the International Museum of Arts & Science.

SPI Market Days🛍️
Fri–Sun, Feb 20–22 | South Padre Island
Coastal views + local vendors = weekend therapy at the South Padre Island Convention Center.

Pokémon 30th Anniversary Market⚡
Sat, Feb 21 | McAllen
Nostalgia, collectibles, and cosplay energy take over Archer Park.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™: Glow-N-Fire™🔥
Sat–Sun, Feb 21–22 | Edinburg
High-flying stunts and glow-in-the-dark chaos at Bert Ogden Arena.

Annual Car & Motorcycle Show🚗
Sat, Feb 21 | Donna
Chrome, classics, and horsepower on full display at Don-Wes Flea Market.

Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)

Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes)

Lower Valley (Harlingen • Brownsville • SPI)

Goodwill South Texas Opens New Regional Hub in San Juan

Big ribbon, bigger impact. Goodwill Industries of South Texas officially opened a new Thrift Store and Job Connections Center on North Veterans Blvd in San Juan this week — and it’s more than just a place to shop. The new space blends retail with real opportunity, offering job training and employment services to Mid-Valley residents looking for a fresh start. In true 956 fashion, it’s neighbors helping neighbors — one donation, one résumé, one success story at a time. Watch here→

“Rally for the Refuge” Brings the 956 Together in Alamo

More than 100 community members gathered at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge for the “Rally for the Refuge,” hosted by Friends of the Wildlife Corridor. The event combined advocacy with a guided hike, reminding everyone just how special our public lands are — not just environmentally, but economically too. Nature tourism is part of the Valley story, and this turnout proved people here care deeply about protecting it. Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

Dozens of Couples Say “I Do” at McAllen’s “City of Love” Event

Love showed up big at the McAllen Convention Center as dozens of couples gathered for a mass Valentine’s Day wedding ceremony. Supported by city and county leaders, the celebration gave local couples a joyful, community-centered way to exchange vows or renew commitments. It was festive, heartfelt, and uniquely Valley — because when the 956 celebrates love, we do it together. Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

The Superheroes of Driscoll RGV

This week’s heroes didn’t arrive in ambulances — they rappelled down the walls of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley dressed as Batman, Spider-Man, and Robin. Partnering with J&D Window Washers, the hospital turned an ordinary Tuesday into a sky-high surprise, bringing big smiles to young patients like 4-year-old Lucas Casares. In the 956, even window washers can be superheroes. Read More→

Image Source: Website | myRGV

Meet Jigsaw — a 6-month-old Domestic Shorthair currently in a foster home and waiting for her forever family. At just over six months, she’s still a young kitten with plenty of growing (and exploring) ahead of her. Opening your home to Jigsaw means giving this sweet girl the fresh start she deserves.

📍Currently in Foster Care through Palm Valley Animal Society | Adopt, Donate, or Share→

Brought to you by Hexapaws💚
Smart ramps & comfy gear made for happy, wagging tails!

Sidebar RGV (Edinburg)

If you’re craving bold bites and craft cocktails, Sidebar RGV is the move this weekend. Tucked in the heart of Edinburg, this local favorite serves up elevated comfort food with a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for date night or catching up with friends. Come hungry, order something shareable, and don’t skip the drinks — trust us. 🍹

🕐 Tue–Thurs, 4–11 PM | Fri–Sat, 4 PM–12 AM | Sun–Mon, Closed
📍 215 E University Dr, Edinburg, TX 78539

Check out the vibes on their Instagram.

Image Source: Facebook | Sidebar RGV

🧠Local Laugh

The group chat said “we’re leaving at 7.” It is now 8:26 and someone just said, “On my way.” Very 956 behavior. 😂

🌱 Quote

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

— Martin Luther King Jr.

✅ Life Hack

Headed to a market or festival? Bring cash in small bills. Some vendors take cards, but cash = faster checkout and happier small businesses. 💵✨

THIS WEEK'S EDITION IS PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

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If your business depends on reputation, relationships, and word-of-mouth that actually matters, this room was built for you.

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