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March 20–22, 2026 | Spring vibes, markets & BIG Valley wins 🌸

March 23, 20267 min read

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Editor's Note

Hey Valley fam,

Spring officially feels like it’s here. You can see it in the packed markets, the outdoor runs, the garden shows… even the Easter eggs are already making appearances 🐣

What we love most this week? It’s not just how many events are happening — it’s who they’re for. Families, small businesses, artists, runners, night owls… everybody’s got a spot this weekend.

And while the fun is everywhere, so is the progress. From a once-forgotten park in Alamo now full of life, to local workers powering billion-dollar projects — the 956 keeps showing up for itself.

So grab your crew, support local, and don’t stay home too long — the Valley’s calling.


📊 Quick Poll

What’s your true Valley personality this weekend? 😏

  • 🌮 “I came for one snack… I left with 6”

  • 🛍️ “Support local? Say less.”

  • 🕺 “If there’s music, I’m there.”

👉 Vote here


This Weekend's Top 5 Picks - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

Lunada Artisan Market🌙
Sat, Mar 21 | 6 PM | Brownsville
Handmade goods, local art, and chill night market vibes.

Downtown at Sundown🌆
Sat, Mar 21 | 7 PM | Harlingen
Live music + downtown energy under the night sky.

Rio Grande Valley Big Bloom Home & Garden Show🏡
Fri–Sun, Mar 20–22 | McAllen
Get inspired with plants, home ideas, and spring setups.

Hop Into Spring Market🌸
Sat, Mar 21 | 3 PM | McAllen
Festive shopping, treats, and Easter-ready fun.

Ladies Night with Rustic Rose💃
Fri, Mar 20 | 9 PM | Weslaco
Girls’ night out with music, drinks, and no cover for ladies.


Full Event Calendar - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)

Rio Grande Valley Big Bloom Home & Garden Show
Mar 20–22 | McAllen Convention Center | Free | Info

Mexican Imports Spring Warehouse Sale
Mar 21 | 8 AM–2 PM | Mexican Imports, 520 East Cedar Suite E, McAllen

Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Mar 21 | 10 AM–3 PM | 2510 E. Griffin Pkwy, Mission

Hop Into Spring Market
Mar 21 | 3–8 PM | Archer Park, 101 N Main St, McAllen

Build-Con RGV Expo
Mar 22 | 10 AM–6 PM | Bert Ogden Arena, Edinburg | Register for free entrance

Easter Market
Mar 22 | 4–9 PM | Ramiro Guerra Pavilion, 1000 S Ware Rd, McAllen

March Madness Market
Mar 22 | 5–9 PM | 1701 S McColl Rd, Edinburg


Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes)

Livestock Show and Rodeo
Mar 20 | 7:30 PM | Payne Auto Group, 1000 N Texas Ave, Mercedes | Tickets

Ladies Night with Rustic Rose
Mar 20 | 9 PM | Mustang Lounge Night Club, Weslaco | 🎟️ No cover for ladies all night, $10 for men

Community Market & Customer Appreciation Day
Mar 21 | 8 AM–4 PM | Don-Wes Flea Market, Donna


Lower Valley (Harlingen • Brownsville • SPI)

District Fun Easter Egg Hunts
Mar 20 | 6 PM | 3 Brownsville locations: Brownsville Sports Park, Monte Bella Trails Park, and Gonzalez Park

Spring Break Daytime Pool Parties
Mar 20 & 21 | 12–5 PM | Isla Grand Beach Resort, 500 Padre Blvd, SPI

Si Lantro Festival
Mar 21 | 9 AM–12 PM | Brownsville Farmers Market | Register

Animate & Play: Spring Break Kayaking
Mar 21 | 11 AM–2 PM | Children’s Museum of Brownsville

Rotary Shrimp Fest
Mar 21 | 5:30–8:30 PM | Casa De Amistad, 1204 Fair Park Blvd, Harlingen | 🎟️ $35 | Tickets

Lunada Artisan Market
Mar 21 | 6–10 PM | Linear Park, Brownsville

Downtown at Sundown
Mar 21 | 7–10 PM | Jackson & Lozano Plaza, Harlingen

3rd Year Anniversary Open House & Pop-Up Market
Mar 22 | 1–5 PM | La Cantera Event Venue, 1655 Ruben M Torres Suite 215, Brownsville


Community Wins Around the Valley - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

Alamo Revitalizes Abandoned Space into an All-Inclusive Park

After more than 45 years sitting unused, a space in Alamo is finally full of life again. City leaders and residents came together on March 13 to celebrate the opening of the Alaniz-Villagomez All-Inclusive Regional Park — a $4 million project built for everyone. With an inclusive playground, fitness court, and walking trails, it’s more than a park… it’s a statement about access, dignity, and community pride in the 956. Read More→

Alamo Revitalizes Abandoned Space into an All-Inclusive Park

Image Source: Website | Texas Border Business


Community Spotlight - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

Port of Brownsville LNG Projects Prioritize Local Hiring

Big projects, but even bigger local impact — Officials say the Rio Grande LNG project is nearing peak construction, and about 70% of the workforce is local, from Brownsville all the way up to McAllen. That means real jobs, real skills, and real opportunity staying right here in the Valley. Long-term? We’re looking at around 2,500 permanent high-paying jobs. That’s generational change in motion. Read More→

Port of Brownsville LNG Projects Prioritize Local Hiring

Image Source: Website | Rio Grande Guardian


Good News Spotlight - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

PSJA ISD Golf Classic Raises Record $68,000 for Student Scholarships

The Valley showed up strong for students once again. The PSJA ISD Superintendent’s Scholarship Golf Classic just pulled in a record-breaking $68,000 — all going straight to scholarships for graduating seniors. Events like this remind us: when the 956 invests in education, everybody wins. Read More→

PSJA ISD Golf Classic Raises Record $68,000 for Student Scholarships

Image Source: Website | Texas Border Business (Image courtesy of PSJA ISD)


Hero of the Week - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

Meet Thalia Muñoz

With over 50 years of service, Thalia Muñoz, CEO of Starr County Memorial Hospital, was honored as a 2026 Healthcare Champion by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s led through expansion, crisis, and change — all while making sure rural communities don’t get left behind. Because of leaders like her, families in Starr County don’t have to travel far for quality care. And that? That’s legacy work. Read More→

Thalia Muñoz

Image Source: Facebook | Starr County Memorial Hospital


Pet of the Week - 956 Pulse Newsletter BannerPet of the Week: Lemonade

Meet Lemonade 🐾— a 2-year-old female Shepherd mix currently at Palm Valley Animal Society. She urgently needs a foster or adopter by Monday, March 23.

Lemonade is timid and overwhelmed in the shelter environment, often retreating to the back of her kennel, but with the right foster, she has the chance to feel safe and truly come out of her shell. She needs a calm, patient home as soon as possible — if you can foster, please reach out ASAP (dog meet-and-greet required if you have pets at home).

📍Currently with Palm Valley Animal Society | Adopt, Donate, or Share→


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


This Week's Bite - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

El Hueso de Fraile (Brownsville)

A true hidden gem in the Lower Valley — El Hueso de Fraile in Brownsville feels less like a café and more like stepping into someone’s creative living room. Run by a family of musicians, it blends coffee, sandwiches, and live jazz/folk into one soulful experience.

Whether you’re there for a quiet morning or a late-night jam session — it’s one of the most authentic vibes in the 956.

🕐 Hours:
Tue–Thu: 6:30–10 AM, 7 PM–12 AM
Fri: 6:30–10 AM, 7 PM–2 AM
Sat: 7 PM–2 AM
Sun–Mon: Closed


📍 837 E Elizabeth St, Brownsville, TX 78520

Check out this spotlight by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.


Brain Break - 956 Pulse Newsletter Banner

🧠Local Laugh

You know it’s Valley spring when your outfit is 8 AM hoodie… and 2 PM “why did I wear jeans?”


🌱 Quote

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

— Albert Einstein


✅ Life Hack

If you’re heading to SPI or any outdoor event this weekend — bring a light jacket and sunscreen. Yes, both. Because the Valley will give you sunburn at 2 PM and a breeze at 7 PM like nothing happened.


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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