Queen Isabella Days Returns to Port Isabel for Eight Days of History, Culture and Coastal Celebration
October 3–10, 2026, brings eight days of community events, music, art, food, culture and history to Port Isabel.
The origins of Queen Isabella Days traces its roots to the completion of the second Queen Isabella Causeway in 1974, which inspired 11 years of festivities still remembered by the community. Its 2026 return will invite residents and visitors to rediscover the history, coastal character and welcoming spirit that make Port Isabel a South Texas treasure.
Queen Isabella Days will feature events throughout the week including museum and lighthouse exhibits, a car show, the Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market, a Queen Isabella Days crowning, a 1978 time capsule check-in, paella and live music, Lucha Libre, a community dance and events hosted by the Port Isabel business community and organizations.
Featured activities include:
-
“Queen Isabella” exhibit at the Port Isabel Historical Museum
-
“Who Is Isabel?!” exhibit at the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site Visitor Center
-
A car show and meet-and-greet at Port Isabel’s Tex-Best Travel Center
-
The Port Isabel Antique & Flea Market at Beulah Lee Park
-
Community programs at the Port Isabel Public Library
-
Paella, live music, Lucha Libre and the Queen Isabella Days Dance at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center
-
A Drone Show over downtown Port Isabel
The celebration culminates with the 14th Annual Pachanga, newly presented as Pachanga on Maxan Street, from 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10 in downtown Port Isabel.
Approximately two and a half blocks of Maxan Street will become a pedestrian-friendly festival district filled with dozens of food, beverage, artisan and activity vendors. Live music and community performances will take place near the Manautou and Longoria Street intersections.
SAVE THE DATE!
Event Info: info@copitx.com
Pachanga Vendors: (956) 433-1015 • librarydirector@copitx.com
Event Sponsorship: Roy De los Santos • roydc.btx@gmail.com • (956) 371-7221