South Texas Comic Con is an annual Pop-Culture convention in McAllen, Texas featuring celebrity meet & greets, Q&A panels, comic book creators, music, wrestling, card and video gaming, a huge vendor market, artist alley and so much more.
Celebrity List :
Rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including martial arts legend Chuck Norris, machete-wielding badass Danny Trejo, ’80s icon Corey Feldman, iconic Spongebob voice actor Tom Kenny, Futurama voice actor Billy West, Comic Book writer, artist, and podcaster Donny Cates, and so many more!!!
TV/FILM
MUSIC
ANIMATION
COMICS
Event Hours:
Friday, April 26:
10:30 AM: Main Stage Opens for VIP
11:30 AM: Exhibit Hall Opens for VIP
12:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Opens for GA
8:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Closes
8:00 PM: After Party Doors Open (Ballroom)
Saturday, April 27:
9:00 AM: Main Stage Opens for VIP
10:00 AM: Exhibit Hall Opens for VIP
10:30 AM: Exhibit Hall Opens for GA
7:00 PM: Exhibit Hall Closes
7:00 PM: After Party Doors Open (Ballroom)
Sunday, April 28:
9:00 AM: Main Stage Opens for VIP
10:00 AM: Exhibit Hall Opens for VIP
10:30 AM: Exhibit Hall Opens for GA
6:00 PM: Event Closes
We’ll See You Soon!
Ready to dive into the excitement of South Texas Comic Con? Head over to their official website, southtexascomiccon.com, to see ticket prices and find out more information. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this epic pop-culture celebration!
So grab your cosplay gear, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend of geeky goodness at South Texas Comic Con. We can’t wait to see you there!
Now open in 2023 are some new McAllen restaurants to try out. Try a wide variety of fantastic food and dishes inspired by culture and style and a unique combination of flavors that are mind-blowing!
The Dolly Llama
7600 N 10th St.
● Friday and Saturday 12 PM – 12 AM
● Sunday – Thursday 12 PM to 10 PM
Waffles and Ice cream are the best of both worlds! At the Dolly Llama, you can get both at excellent prices choose from a variety of flavors including matcha green tea, ube, pistachio, and horchata! Get some of their signature shakes and bubble waffle treats. Check out their full menu online!
The Chicken Salad Factory
5612 N 10th St.
● Monday – Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM
The newest addition to McAllen is the chicken salad factory! Here you can get all kinds of premium chicken salad combinations you may have never thought of before. Don’t forget to grab a soup and sandwich while you are at it, and dare to try their spicy options!
Edith’s Mexican Buffet
4809 W Expy 83 Suite 100
● Monday – Saturday 7 AM to 8 PM
It’s a buffet of Mexican food with a Texas twist! Edith’s Mexican Buffet is a local buffet that serves valley residents breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Enjoy classic enchiladas, pollo con arroz, tostadas, sopa, and more all to your heart’s content
El Itacate McAllen
1300 Trenton Rd. Suite 380
● Tuesday – Sunday 8 AM to 4 PM
A restaurant with history and lots of flavors is El Itacate. El Itacate is a local restaurant that has held it’s roots locally for over 30 years. Stop by to enjoy supreme pupusas, authentic street tacos, and savory desserts.
Tacos Kissi
705 S 10th St.
● Sunday – Saturday 8 AM to 11 PM
If Mexican fish cuisine is your thing, then you have to stop by Tacos Kissi for their famous seafood dishes. Enjoy sushi, and nearly every fish under the sea, at this local eaterie!
New McAllen Restaurants To Try!
Are you enjoying the food in McAllen? Remember to vote for your favorite restaurants in McAllen Food Madness 2023! Votes will be tallied all month, so remember to cheer for your favs and nominate your best restaurants for the food madness!
Spring break is a time to go out and have family fun. There are tons of fun things to do. Enjoy an afternoon at these 5 McAllen parks are enough to satisfy your family’s fun! Here are five excellent and scenic park recommendations in McAllen’s great city!
McAllen Nature Center
4101 W Business 83
(956) 681-3333
Tuesday – Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM
McAllen Nature Center has plenty of nature walks and pathways for you and your family to enjoy! The park has lovely tours of beautiful nature and trees while spending some quality spring break with your family!
Bill Schupp Park
1300 Zinnia Ave
(956) 681-3111
Monday – Sunday 6 AM to 11 PM
Enjoy playgrounds, tranquil nature walks, and an afternoon picnic at Bill Schupp Park. It’s the ideal park that your whole family will enjoy. With plenty of hiking trails and biking trails to follow, you’ll have lots of things to do at Bill Schupp Park!
McAllen Sports Park
3301 Buddy Owens Blvd
(956) 681-3333
Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 5 PM
Is your household filled with little athletes who cannot get enough outdoor time? McAllen sports park is the ideal place for your family to enjoy sports as well as a park for everyone else! Hold family tournaments, play regular games, or place to walk and exercise.
Fireman’s Park
201 N 1st St
(956) 681-3333
Monday – Sunday 8 AM to 11 PM
Plan your family get-together at fireman’s park! There are picnic areas, volleyball areas, as well as nature, walks for your family to enjoy. You can even rent out a famous McAllen Duckie row boats!
McAllen Parks and Recreation
1000 S Ware Rd
(956) 681-3333
Enjoy marvelous parks and recreational activities hosted through the parks and recreation department! Find the perfect activities, outdoor classes for you and your family for you to enjoy, and it’s assured that the kids will love them! Read more online!
Visit these McAllen Parks & More Things to Do in McAllen for Spring Break
If you haven’t started following us online, it is a must to find out more fun things to do in McAllen! Here are a few spring break activities to enjoy:
Foodies and food enjoyers unite as the time has come to choose and nominate your favorite restaurants, food trucks, or chain restaurants for McAllen Food Madness 2023! McAllen Food Madness is a competition hosted by the city of McAllen, where you can vote on your favorite McAllen restaurants.
Vote on ExploreMcAllen.com, before the week ends, to push your favorite McAllen restaurants to the top spot as the McAllen Madness 2023 champion!
Save the Dates!
Feb 22nd –28th we tallied your nominations!
March 1st – 8th begins the first round with 16 restaurants going head to head.
March 9th – 16th begins the second round with 8 restaurants going head-to-head.
March 17th – 24th begins the third round with only 4 restaurants going head-to-head.
March 27th – April 3rd begins round 4 with the last 2 restaurants going head to head.
April 4th
The winner is announced!
Nominations for McAllen Food Madness 2023
Two restaurants tied for this year’s #32 spot in the McAllen Food Madness tournament. And it is Mori vs. Doble M! We asked the people to vote, and you chose Mori as the final contender! We thank all McAllen restaurants and encourage you to try again next year.
Did you know:
This was the first year we allowed food trucks to be nominated!
Both Baja Tacos and Diego’s Food Truck have made it to the top 32!
The Mercado District had one restaurant make it to the top 50 – Jolene’s is known for simple southern food
We had our first-ever food prep restaurant make it to this year’s nominations – be on the lookout for FitGrill in the Upcoming weeks!
Magnolia Coffee Bar is the first coffee shop to make it onto the McAllen Food Madness 2023!
Yasuke Noodles and Bar is back by popular demand–will it keep its reigning title? You decide!
Don’t Forget to Vote for McAllen Food Madness 2023!!
Vote on ExploreMcAllen.com, for all of your favorite McAllen restaurants before the week ends!
If you love the great city of McAllen, then show us your favorite fan photos online.
February is the month of love, so why not spend it together while doing some fun things to do in McAllen for Valentine’s Day? If you are looking for ways to spend the day with your loved one, the wait is over! Here are a few ideas of what you can do with your loved ones as you celebrate Valentine’s Day!
Take a Tour of McAllen
Whether it’s an area you’ve never been to or a date-night favorite, there are plenty of fun things to do in McAllen. Spend the day by becoming a tourist in the town and finally checking off a few areas within your bucket list.
Cine El Rey
311 S 17th St.
(956) 278-0626
Visit the active cinema filled with history about the valley’s contribution to music and the film industry, plus stay to watch a movie while you’re at it!
Quinta Mazatlan
600 Sunset Dr.
(956) 681-3370
Take a walk through the flowers, and enjoy a Valentine’s date through a scenic route, plus you could even spot gorgeous birds flying overhead.
International Science Museum of Art & Science
1900 W Nolana Ave.
(956) 681-2800
Are you looking for something artsy to do around McAllen? Visit IMAS with your sweetheart and tour an art exhibit, all while experiencing unique perspectives through art and culture.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Going out that day of Valentine’s might be packed with restaurant reservations, so why go shopping instead? Gain some quality time, and experience some super savings at local businesses!
RGV KPop Shop & More
410 Pecan Blvd.
(956) 627-3188
Ever wanted to know where you can find local Asian commodities and collectibles? Visit RGV KPop shop for lots of Korean and Asian finds at amazing deals!
Quips & Quotes
5011 N 10th St.
(956) 928-0800
Get a new pandora charm, or shop cute clothes, precious jewelry, and shoes all in one convenient place!
Thrift City McAllen
924-US 83 Bus.
(956) 684-7438
A favorite among young and lively couples, thrift each other outfits, take a few photos, and bond over incredibly good prices at this local thrift store.
Make a Reservation at a McAllen Restaurant
If you and your partner are foodies, this idea could be for you both! Don’t limit yourself to the same restaurants every day, take the chance this Valentine’s weekend to go to a new restaurant for dinner, and for drinks!
Crabby’s Cajun Seafood and Bar
4401 W Expy. 83
(956) 627-5775
If you enjoy seafood dishes and some cajun cooking, try out Mr. Crabby’s Cajun seafood bar. Take out available! Via app or online!
Espana Nouveau Mediterranian
701 N Main St.
(956) 627-2650
Are you looking for a Mediterranean place with dining and takeout options? Then Espana is the place for you to go for your Mediterranean cravings! Check out their menu here!
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
3200 W Expy. 83
(956) 687-2005
A local brewery along with your favorite local dishes and foodie favorites! Order online here!
Visit Some Historical Landmarks
If you’ve never been able to enjoy your city by visiting some local parks, then now is the time to go! Whether walking in a park, or enjoying a couple’s picnic, enjoy the fresh air with your partner at one of these McAllen parks.
McAllen Nature Center
4101 US-83 Bus
(956) 681-3333
This local park has a wide range of land filled with lots of trees and picture-worthy scenery!
Fireman’s Park
201 N 1st St.
(956) 681-3333
A local park with a duck pond and a perfect place to go paddle boating with you and your loved one!
Summer Breeze Park
401 N Bentsen Rd.
(956) 681-3333
A park with a jogging track, a family-friendly area, and a local volleyball court.
Have You Found More Fun things to Do in McAllen for Valentine’s Day? We’d Love to See it!
Got some fantastic food and places to share? We’d love to see your personal experiences and photos! Share them with us online!
February is the month of love and McAllen is on board! If you’re looking for a great way to spend some time with those you love this month, come and check out the upcoming Amor McAllen Market before Valentine’s Day! Save the date this February 11, and experience a valentine’s day market that will be open to everyone with lots to do!
Join Us at Archer Park
This McAllen event takes place along Archer Park (101 N. Main St.) from 10 AM – 3 PM. This a big family-friendly event, with options for shopping and entertainment for everyone!
Calling Singles and Lovebirds!
Whether you’re single or a lovebird, there will be plenty of things to do and enjoy while attending this Love Market! Participate in events like:
Raffles
Yoga sessions
Selfie Stations
Arts and Crafts
What’s Going On?
If you’re looking forward to this local event, get excited for these local favorites brought to you by your local vendors and businesses of McAllen! A few of the McAllen events happening at the Amor McAllen Market include:
Are you and your single friends reclaiming this day?! If you have a personal beef with cupid, we have a few surprises for all you lucky singles. Join the market!
Join Us and Get Ready for McAllen Food Madness 2023
If you LOVE the great city of McAllen, then show us your favorite fan photos on our social media! Don’t forget to place your votes for McAllen Food Madness 2023, starting February 1! Stay up to date on this McAllen event online!
Ever wanted to eat something different but not sure what? While new McAllen businesses are opening, don’t forget about these five international markets in McAllen near you! Find your inspiration in 2023 with new McAllen restaurants and international markets.
Jerusalem International Foods
413 S 12th St.
(956) 627-2478
Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM
Saturday – Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM
If you enjoy international foods like Mediterranean cuisine, then this place is the place to shop and dine! Shop for everything Mediterranean and try out staples, including fresh-made Baba Ghanoush, hummus, and entrees such as beef shawarma, kabobs, lamb chops, and Turkish coffee!
De Dios Filipino Store
6500 N 10th St. Ste. T
(956) 664-2210
Monday – Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM
If you are looking forward to trying out some new cuisine this year, why not start at De Dios Filipino Store? Here there is plenty of exquisite Filipino and Asian cuisine to enjoy! Shop fresh produce from around the world, famous Ube baked goods, specialty cheese, unique ice cream flavors, and popular snacks of South East Asia.
Indian Restaurant Universal Market
905 Dove Ave.
(956) 631-4414
Monday – Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM
If you’ve always wanted to try Indian cuisine, why not visit the Indian restaurant universal market in McAllen? Shop in-store or try out some prepared dishes next door for savory Indian food featuring curries, masala, fluffy naan, and more!
Tokyo Asian Market
2112 N 10th St. Ste. A
(956) 664-9007
Monday – Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM
Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Come for the unlimited variety of ramen, and stay for the jaw-dropping diversity of fresh produce and prepared food. If you are looking for an inclusive grocery store that features Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Japanese products, look no further than Tokyo Asian Market.
Ruben’s Grocery
620 N 20th St.
(956) 686-5752
Monday – Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM
Family-owned for 48 years, Ruben’s Grocery offers products for the full-immersive Hispanic flavors, Caribbean, and Central and South American cuisine! Find specialty kitchen staples and top-quality meat, cut to order.
What Are You Eating? Be Sure to Check Out these International Markets in McAllen & Vote on McAllen Food Madness 2023!
Do you need a little food inspiration this year? Don’t worry, Taco Tuesday is still a big deal, but with so many new McAllen restaurants available this year, you might want to switch out your go-to’s. McAllen businesses, entertainment, and markets are popping up constantly, so make sure to add these to your Google Map Favorites.
Have you been to Dave’s Hot Chicken yet? If you are a fried chicken expert, you have got to try this new McAllen restaurant. At Dave’s, you have the option to choose your level of spiciness! Choose between mild to no spiciness or an overload of flaming spice. Dave’s is available for online orders or come and visit the restaurant and try out their amazing chicken sandwiches and combos!
Smokin’ Moon Barbeque is coming to McAllen! Enjoy Texan-approved classics from prime rib brisket to pulled pork and Angus beef dino ribs. Don’t forget the sauce!
Mula Cantina
4901 W Expy. 83
(956) 627-3609
●Tuesday – Wednesday 5 PM to 12 AM
●Thursday – Saturday 5 PM to 2 AM
What do you get when you mix deep-rooted music, North Mexico recipes, and fine dining? You find inspiration at Mula Cantina, serving a relaxing yet unique atmosphere and savory dishes. Dance the night away and say yum!
Maria Curandera
4129 W Expy. 83
(956) 313-8710
●Monday – Wednesday 10 AM to 10 PM
●Thursday 10 AM to 12 AM
●Friday – Saturday 10 AM to 2 AM
●Sunday 10 AM to 7 PM
Looking for a restaurant that makes authentic Mexican dishes? This new McAllen restaurant Maria Curandera is a perfect restaurant to dine and try out all your favorite local dishes with a marvelous atmosphere.
Fantastic pizza dishes mixed with fine dining! At Brunetta Tinto Pasta, you can dine and order authentic pizzas, pastas, and the finest desserts. Reserve your table and enjoy fine Italian dining within the great city of McAllen!
Come and experience Mexican flavor fusions at La Cocinita! Enjoy Mexican food with rooted inspiration in authentic recipes, plus a twist on jochos tacos, you just have to try in person.
McAllen Restaurants Coming Soon in 2023
Jeremiah Italian Ice
1300 Trenton Rd. Ste. 300
Say it twice, here comes Jeremiah Italian Ice, a cool new way to enjoy frozen treats with inspiration and flavors that honor Italy. This unique take on ice cream and flavor that will surely tickle your sweet spot! Check out their flavors online.
Miha Hot Pot & Boba
3400 W Expy 83 Suite 700
Gather your loved ones and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of Asia at the new Miha Hot Pot & Bob McAllen restaurant. Be on the lookout for the grand opening to enjoy heated soups, meat, and veggies bubbling at each table.
Ace’s BBQ
111 E Nolana Ave.
Feast on savory ribs, sweet n’ tangy coleslaw, shredded bbq nachos, from one of the Rio Grande Valley’s favorite family-owned businesses. Taste for yourself this year when they open this year.
Loving the Great city of McAllen? We’d Love to See it!
Got some amazing food and places to share? Share them on our Facebook and Instagram! We’d love to see your personal experiences and photos!
Check out these McAllen events in 2023 and start off on the right foot! Try something new or build new memories with the family all month long. Whether at one of our shopping centers, catching a show at the McAllen Performing Arts Center and an endless variety of healthy places to eat, there are always fun things to do in McAllen.
January 10 – Basic Computer Class
4001 N 23rd St.
3 PM – 4 PM
Always wanted to learn the computer basics but haven’t had the opportunity? Join the McAllen Public Library for a Basics Computer Class every Tuesday, all month long! Register online and learn the basics of using:
Keyboard
Key mouse functions
Microsoft Office programs
January 12 – Toddler Time
4001 N 23rd St.
10 AM – 11 AM
Hosted every Thursday of this month, the McAllen Library is hosting Toddler Time, which includes interactive stories, rhymes, and activities for you and your kid to enjoy. Don’t forget to also visit the Palm View Branch to enjoy Toddler Time StoryTime.
January 14 – NEW IMAS Exhibit and SAXET Gun Show
1900 W Nolana Ave.
5 PM – 7 PM
Come and experience nature with the surrounding environment to the fullest at IMAS newest exhibit Preview Reception: The Whole World is a Garden Exhibit by Mónica Chang. Become one with nature and see what makes this easily overlooked simplistic idea become a marvelous memoir.
700 Convention Center Blvd.
9 AM – 6 PM
Purchase your tickets for the upcoming SAXET Gun Show making its way to the McAllen Convention Center. See the latest in guns, ammo, knives, hunting, and outdoor trade products.
January 17 & 18 – Winter Texas Expo
700 Convention Center Blvd.
9 AM – 3 PM
Join in on the fun for the 30th annual Winter Texas Expo! This January 17th and 18th, enjoy live music, entertainment, good sweets and treats, and sign up for door prizes! See the latest in home goods, and fun experiences you and your family can enjoy in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley.
10th Anniversary Scott Crane Marathon
January 20th
700 Convention Center Blvd
3 PM – 8 PM
Prepare yourself for the upcoming marathon by participating in the runner bag expo! This event is exclusively for runner fans to get the chance to prepare for the marathons by picking up a bag for the exclusive event itself! Come and stop by the local convention center and get yourself a nice runner bag for the occasion!
January 21st
1000 S Ware Rd
7 AM – 4 PM
Have you registered for the 10th annual Scott Crane Marathon? Reserve your spot to join one of the several marathons. Find more information online.
Kid’s Final Mile
5K Marathon (5K)
10K Marathon (10K)
Marathon (26.2 miles)
Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
Relay Marathon (26.2 miles)
January 26th – Mazes and Monster Club
4001 N 23rd St.
6 PM – 8 PM
Always wanted to play Dungeon and Dragons but didn’t have the time to learn? Come and learn the basics of this imaginative role-playing game and play the classic game of dungeons and dragons! Learn the basics of puzzle solving, and cooperative team skills, you can sign up online at the McAllen Public Library.
Follow Us Online and Attend these McAllen Events in 2023
This holiday season, in between travels and hosting family over, make sure they have a place to stay in comfort like booking in McAllen. The city of McAllen offers plush stores, authentic and luxury restaurants, and even more luxury hotels. Drive by the McAllen convention center and find a hotel offering availability this new year.
RSVP at Double Tree Hotel
1800 S 2nd St
(956) 686-3000
If you need a place to travel for the holidays, then reserve a space at Double Tree! Double Tree has all the services you need to make your travels a success and stress-free. Services are Family Friendly and Room Service is Available to those who are looking to check in! RSVP online!
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
4801 W Expy 83
(956) 618-7240
With its location being 3 miles from the local airport, you can relax and rest easily at the Hawthorn Suites. This area is a perfect location to try out all kinds of places within the McAllen area! So book your stay here at Hawthorn Suites!
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
1800 S Ware Rd
(956) 682-6336
Located near the McAllen Convention Center, you can travel within walking distance of the convention center, so no need to stress about taking rentals for your next trip, but if you are looking forward to exploring McAllen, book online today.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
1800 S 6th St
(956) 627-2079
What can be better than free breakfast, a pool and fitness center, and wifi-included? How about access to rentals in one of the prime locations in the city of McAllen? Located within a mile from the local airport, you can rest easy, make your flights on time. Don’t delay and reserve your room here!
Cambria Hotel
701 S Ware Rd
(956) 618-7207
Also located near the McAllen convention center, your stay can include free wifi, free parking, as well as access to some of the most popular McAllen restaurants, bars, and shopping plazas. Book your stay at the Cambria hotel here!
Home 2 Suites by Hilton
525 S Ware Rd.
(956) 391-2964
Home 2 Suites has everything you’d need to get a headstart on your vacation! With front desk customer service, kid-friendly services, free parking, and airport shuttles. Book your room and set up your travel necessities here!
Drury Inn & Suites
300 W Expressway 83
(956) 682-3222
If you are looking for a place a little further into the McAllen area, then Drury Inn is the place for you! Located off Expressway Business 83, you can enjoy quick access to every New Year’s Eve party and shopping plaza. For more information book here!
Stay Tuned for More McAllen in 2023
Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram in 2023 to stay up to date on the latest McAllen events, and new businesses opening every year.
