McAllen Activities

Dining

Whether you're in search of a comfortable spot to grab food with friends, or looking to try a unique cuisine for the first time, McAllen MSA has a variety of restaurants to offer for every occasion. Settle into the urban vibe of House.Wine as you enjoy wine and soak up the local artists' best; or try the fun, festive patio of Republic of the Rio Grande for a big group that loves live music. See www.exploremcallen.com for all the distinctive dining choices available for your next dinner out!

Shopping

McAllen MSA is home to an array of shopping selections, guaranteed to have something for everyone. La Plaza Mall, the highest grossing mall per square foot in America, is home to brand name stores including Macy's, Express, Foot Locker and many more. For an outdoor shopping experience, try downtown McAllen: 16th street offers shoppers the opportunity to enjoy the southern sunshine while strolling past inviting storefronts and sampling local cuisine. For quick, convenient errands, there are multiple shopping plazas offering useful options like Kohls, Walmart, Target, Marshalls, PetSmart and Hobby Lobby. Visit Explore McAllen for a full listing of the shopping options available here in South Texas.

Arts and Culture

McAllen MSA's unique geographic position allows its residents to sample two unique cultures, while fueling our own unique blend of art, music, and literature. Take a stroll down Main Street on the first Friday of every month and be engulfed by the sights and sounds of local artists during the ArtWalk; a collaboration of multimedia art on display for sale- or just appreciation. If the performing arts are more up your alley, check out Broadway in McAllen to see a list and schedule of Broadway Plays making a stop in our hometown.

Events

Every spring, McAllen MSA residents don their cowboy boots and hats to head down to the Livestock show for great food, animals and country music styling. If you'd rather participate in the action, try running the Borderfest half marathon and enjoy the food and games at the State Farm Arena. Come fall, head over to the McAllen Convention Center to celebrate the cultural dancing, food, art and contests held there for Palmfest. Annual events like these cycle through the community calendar each year, but great events in McAllen don't end there. Las Palmas race park offers not only Quarter Horse racing every Sunday, but a variety of concerts in a laid-back outdoor setting.

Outdoors and Sporting

Year round mild weather and the sunny skies of McAllen MSA contribute to a great variety of outdoor events. Running/Biking paths are strewn across the McAllen MSA area, connecting an elaborate public outdoor park system. Whether you want to beat the heat in a community swimming pool, or take a dive in a sand volleyball court, you can find the facility to suit your needs. When you want to take a break and watch someone else do the work, check out the Valley Vipers basketball game, the Killer Bees Hockey game or the brand new McAllen Thunder Baseball team!

Nightlife

Given that the average age in McAllen is 27, the city boasts an impressive repertoire of nightlife activities for every interest. The jumbo screens and endless flavors of buffalo wings at Wings and Rings on South 10th are great for a game day get together. If you're in search of a way to enjoy our year round mild evenings, try the patio and impressive draft beer selection of Roosevelt's at 7. A big night out would call for a visit to 17th Street, where urban clubs and bars line both sides of this pedestrian only street. Regardless of your style, McAllen MSA has options to fit your nightlife needs. For more information visit the Heart of the City.

Family

The affordable cost of living here in McAllen MSA provides endless opportunities for family friendly activities. Take the kids to the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge and let them check out the turtles, fish and birds that reside there. A walk in Quinta Mazatlan will offer you and your family an escape from reality as you walk down wooded, shady paths while the kids explore the patterns of wild flowers that bloom at every turn. While you're here, take advantage of all the great parks and rec centers that McAllen MSA has to offer, including the new water spray park located at 29th and Zinnia or the Zone Action Park where you can enjoy miniature golf, go-carts, and an arcade!