Charro Days, Brownsville/ Matamoros. Last weekend in February. International sister cities throw a party including parades, mariachi bands, folkloric dancing and Mexican cuisine. Don’t miss the famous "grito," or cry, that marks the opening of the festivities. (956) 542-4245.

Fiesta Edinburg, weekend-long event in late February. Enjoy parade, rodeo, fajita cook-off, live concert music, and exhibits in celebration of the founding of the city. Edinburg Chamber, (956) 383-4974.

Heart of the Valley Health Fair, McAllen Civic Center, early February. Free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes, glucose, glaucoma, vision and blood pressure, podiatry, massage and oral hygiene. Immunizations for children, and screenings for scoliosis, and hearing. (956) 682-2871.

"Winter Texan Appreciation Party" held at Outdoor Resorts second week of February. Dance contests and refreshments, gifts, and prizes. One thousand attended last year. (956) 943-6449.

Borderfest, Hidalgo, three days in early March. A colorful parade, beauty pageant and folkloric dancers signal Hidalgo’s Borderfest, as well as "crafts in action," mariachis and food. (956) 843-2734.

Taste of the Valley, Pharr. Hosted by the Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Taste of the Valley is a food fair featuring leading Valley restaurants and entertainment at the Pharr International Convention Center. The first Thursday in March. (956) 787-1481.

Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, Mercedes. Held in Mid-March, the livestock show is one of the Valley’s most popular annual events with an average attendance of 160,000. Support 4-H and Future Farmers of America high school students as they show their wares. For entertainment don’t miss the rodeo, carnival, nightly dances, games, contests and other family-oriented entertainment. (956) 565-2456.

Riofest, Harlingen. Celebrate culture with food, music, arts and crafts at Harlingen’s annual festival. Art exhibits, contests at indoor and outdoor exhibits. Artists of every age can show their work or just look and learn by taking lessons at no extra charge. The make-believe "Western Town" for the kids, complete with a jail, is a favorite attraction. RioFest features dozens of musical acts - amateur and professional. Second weekend in April. (956) 425-2705.

Onion Festival, Weslaco, late April. Can it be done with an onion? If so, it’s here. Watch or enter onion-clipping contests and onion recipe contests. Enjoy food booths and games, storytellers, bands and entertainment. (956) 968-2102.

Texas Tropics Nature Festival, McAllen, late April. Celebrates one of the richest areas for birding on the continent. Field trips introduce festival goers to the natural and cultural delights of the Valley. Includes seminars, evening keynote speakers, an all-day photography workshop, a children’s program, and a full trade show. (956) 682-2871 or 1-800-250-2591.

Port Mansfield Fishing Tournament, mid-July. Fishing takes the spotlight in July and August with this annual tournament. (956) 944-2354.

Texas International Fishing Tournament, South Padre Island, first weekend in August. This legendary contest to land the big one draws anglers from all over the continent. If you’re not going to fish, you can come down to the docks and see them weighing in at the end of each day. (956) 943-8438.

The Longest Causeway Run and Wellness Walk, Port Isabel to South Padre Island, first Saturday in October. A 10-kilometer run/walk over one of the nation’s longest bridges. 1-800-527-6102.

World’s Championship Shrimp Cook-off, Port Isabel, Columbus Day Weekend. Takes place on one and a half city blocks. Help judge the world-class shrimp dishes. Street dance in the evening, along with a folk art festival, food booths. 1-800-527-6102.

Texas Butterfly Festival, Mission, late October. Workshops, garden tours, youth and adult seminars, nature trade show. Mission Chamber, (956) 585-2727.

Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, Harlingen, early November. Attracts birders from all over North America. The festival features field trips, tours, seminars by several of the country’s top birding authorities, and a trade show which includes art, optics, birding supplies and gear, crafts, clothing and more. There is also a children’s program. Call (956) 423-5440 or 1-800-531-7346.

Winter Vegetable Show, Pharr, early December. This exposition showcases the Valley’s many vegetables shown by 4-H and Future Farmers of America members. Get in on the vegetable auction. (956) 787-1481.

Candlelight Posada, Archer Park in McAllen, first Friday and Saturday nights in December. Christmas entertainment with a South Texas flair. You’ll enjoy food booths, luminarias, twinkling lights, caroling, and a live nativity scene. (956) 682-2871.

A Christmas Celebration, Edinburg, second Saturday in December. Celebrate the season with mariachis, dancers, a crafts fair, and Las Posadas production. (956) 383-4974.

Christmas Street Parade, South Padre Island, early December. Grab your favorite parking spot on Padre Blvd. for the enchanting Christmas Street Parade. (956) 761-3000.

Christmas Boat Parade, Port Isabel, early December. Do not miss this spectacular parade as boats make their way from Port Isabel, along the causeway, and along the bay at South Padre Island. (956) 943-2262.