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Reply MAILDROP for the details and to lock in a founding rate.

Editor's Note

Hey Valley fam — it’s one of those weekends where you wish you could clone yourself. Cinco de Mayo celebrations are lighting up every corner, markets are popping up left and right, and somehow we’ve also got K-pop taking over McAllen (we love range 💅).

What we love most? It’s all local. From vendors hustling under string lights to families dancing in the park, this is the kind of energy that makes the 956 feel like home. So whether you’re chasing tacos, live music, or just a good sunset stroll — there’s something waiting for you.

And hey… if you’ve been thinking about fostering, this might be your sign (Remy’s story below 🐾).

📊 Quick Poll

Which Cinco energy are you bringing this weekend?

• 🌮 Taco Tour Champion

• 💃 Dance Floor MVP

• 🛍️ Market Hopper Supreme

👉 Vote here

First Friday: Downtown After Dark✨
Fri, May 1 | Brownsville
Music, nightlife, and walkable vibes take over downtown with multiple themed blocks.

Forever K-Pop: A Celebration Concert🎤
Sun, May 3 | McAllen
A high-energy show bringing global K-pop hits to life on stage.

Viva Streets: Cinco de Mayo Festival🎉
Fri, May 1 | Harlingen
Food, music, dance, and a taco showdown all in one lively street fest.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration🎶
Fri, May 1 | Weslaco
Live performances, vendors, and community vibes at La Plazita Park.

A Bikini Bottom Market🍍
Sat, May 2 | Mission
A fun, themed night market packed with vendors, food, and family-friendly energy.

Upper Valley (Mission • McAllen • Edinburg)

UTRGV Baseball vs. UIW
May 1–3 | UTRGV Baseball Stadium, Edinburg | Tickets

Star Wars Day with Palm Valley Animal Society
May 2 | 3–6 PM | Laurie P. Andrews Center, 2451 N US Expressway 281, Edinburg

Sun-Kissed Market
May 2 | 3–8 PM | Pizza Hut, 404 S 10th St, McAllen

Farmers & Artisan Market
May 2 | 4–8 PM | Archer Park, 101 N Main St, McAllen

A Bikini Bottom Market
May 2 | 4–9 PM | Leo Placita Peña Park, Mission

Forever K-Pop: A Celebration Concert
May 3 | 3 PM | McAllen Performing Arts Center

Berry & Booked Market
May 3 | 3–8 PM | Allysa’s Acres, 1711 E Mile 2 Rd, Mission

Mid Valley (Weslaco • Donna • Mercedes)

Cinco de Mayo Celebration
May 1 | 6–9 PM | La Plazita Park, Weslaco

RGV Line Dance Flashmob
May 2 | 9:45 AM | Don Wes Flea Market (on N Victoria Road between Business 83 and I-2)

Free Comic Book Day at The Cave
May 2 | 10 AM | The Comic Cave at the RGV Outlets, 5001 E Expressway 83 Ste 917, Mercedes

Lower Valley (Harlingen • Brownsville • SPI)

Star Wars Weekend: May the 4th be with you
May 1–2 | Children’s Museum of Brownsville

Viva Streets: Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 1 | 6–9 PM | Lon C. Hill Park, 1217 Fair Park Blvd, Harlingen

First Friday: Downtown After Dark
May 1 | 7 PM | Downtown Brownsville

Cinco de HIIT-o
May 2 | 8:30 AM & 10 AM | Sommer Sculpt, 3800 Padre Blvd, SPI | Book Class

Big News for Future Lawyers in the 956

The Valley just scored a major win in higher education. A new partnership between University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and St. Mary's University is launching the Rio Grande Valley Legal Education Hub right in Edinburg — opening the door for students to earn law degrees without ever leaving home.

Through flexible online and hybrid programs, locals can now pursue their Juris Doctor or Master of Jurisprudence while staying rooted in the community. It’s a big step toward building more homegrown attorneys who understand — and represent — the Valley.

Read More→

Image Source: Website | UTRGV's The Newsroom (Photo by Silver Salas)

Meet Remy— a 5-month-old Terrier (Pitbull mix) who’s spent over 200 days at Palm Valley Animal Society waiting for his chance. This sweet pup has made big strides learning leash walking, pee pads, and trusting people, but the shelter can still feel overwhelming for such a young dog. He’s ready for a calm home where he can keep growing, feel safe, and finally just be a puppy.

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

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

🧠Local Laugh

Why did the taco refuse to fight? Because it didn’t want beef… it wanted carne asada 😎

🌱 Quote

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

— Bobby Unser

✅ Life Hack

Cinco festival parking gets wild — park a few blocks away and bring cash for local vendors (trust us, it saves time and stress).

We’re taking 956 Pulse offline and into 5,000 real mailboxes — featuring a select group of local businesses (one per category).

Reply PULSE for the details and to lock in a founding rate.