Events in Port Arthur

The people of Port Arthur are proud of their melting-pot heritage, and they get together throughout the year to celebrate it. Sea Rim State Park offers a first-day hike along the Gulf of Mexico, and in spring we're ready for Taste of Gumbo. Juneteenth honors the day enslaved people of Texas learned they were free. Celebrate the freedom of all Americans as fireworks explode over the waters of the Intracoastal Canal waterway on Independence Day. So come join the fun any time of year and experience real Southeast Texas culture at some of these annual events in Port Arthur.

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February

Taste of Gumbo, Etc. & Craft Show

Hosted by the Port Arthur Rotary Club, this annual event raises money for scholarships, literacy programs, and other local charities. One ticket gets you all the gumbo you can sample, entrance to the craft show, and a chance at some fun door prizes.

Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center
3401 Cultural Center Drive
Port Arthur, TX 7764

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March

Nederland Heritage Festival

The Nederland Heritage Festival is a long-running celebration of the unique Dutch heritage of the town of Nederland. Festivities include carnival amusements and rides, concerts by popular regional bands, a treasure hunt, a petting zoo, a parade, a chili cook-off, and a washer tournament. The six-day festival is held on historic Boston Avenue in mid-March.

Festival Grounds
1523 Boston Ave
Nederland, TX 77627

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April

Cajun Heritage Fest

Laissez les bons temps rouler at this celebration of all things Cajun, including the food, music, and dancing. Port Arthur is the Cajun Capital of Texas! Come see why. 

Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center
3401 Cultural Center Drive
Port Arthur, TX 7764

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May

Port Neches RiverFest

In late April or early May, head just up the road to Port Neches for five days of wave-blasting boat races, rounded out with a horseshoes tournament, pet show, fireworks display, beauty pageant, carnival rides, and a whole lot more.

Port Neches Riverfront Park
600 Grigsby Ave
Port Neches, TX 77651

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June

Garden Festival

Bring a camera and your family for a fun afternoon of music and Vietnamese culture at the Garden Festival. Meander through gardens of lotus blossoms, roses, bamboo, citrus trees, and koi ponds, while saffron-robed monks guide visitors through the temple and meditation areas. Then browse food and crafts stalls or gaze at the several statues that tower above the grounds. The festival is held in early June at the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple in Port Arthur.

Buu Mon Buddhist Temple 
2701 Procter Street
Port Arthur, TX 77642

Port Arthur Juneteenth

The city marks the historic day slaves in the United States were set free with a parade through downtown, followed by presentations and a gathering at Barbara Jacket Park.

Barbara Jacket Park 
100 Gilham Circle
Port Arthur, TX 77640

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July

Independence Day Celebration

Do the Fourth downtown and enjoy performers, which have included barbershop quartets and patriotic bagpipe music. Cap it off with a dazzling fireworks show by the water.

Carl A. Parker Multipurpose Center
1800 Lakeshore Drive
Port Arthur, TX 77640

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September
Mexican Heritage Festival

Enjoy traditional Mexican cooking, dance, dress, and music at the Mexican Heritage Festival in Port Arthur. The festival also features a queens’ pageant and a children’s costume contest, just two fun events that are part of this mid-September celebration.

Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center
3401 Cultural Center Drive
Port Arthur, TX 7764

 

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October

CavOILcade Parade

CavOILcade is a tribute to the oil industry that has been a Port Arthur favorite since 1953. The event includes a style show, parade, and queen’s coronation.

Downtown Port Arthur
Port Arthur, TX 77642

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November

Groves Pecan Festival

Go nuts at the Groves Pecan Festival, a celebration of all things pecan. If you're looking for competition, you can enter a contest to cook, toss, or eat a pie made from the star of the show. Or you can leave the competition to others and enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, a pet show, and a parade.

Lions Park
6200 Jackson Blvd.
Groves, TX 77615

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December

Lighted Cultural Holiday Parade

Ring in the holiday season with Port Arthur’s downtown parade that incorporates all the diverse cultures that give the city its unique identity.

Downtown Port Arthur
Port Arthur, TX 77642