Happy last Tuesday of 2025, Corpus Christi! In today’s edition: Robotic knee surgery, the Harbor Bridge opening, First Friday Artwalk, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

New era in orthopedic care: Corpus Christi Medical Center introduced robotic-assisted technology for knee replacements, letting surgeons plan in 3D and fine-tune implants before surgery. The system boosts precision and could expand beyond knees — see how the tool works.

Resilience on roads and runways: TxDOT celebrated a year of achievements, from opening Corpus Christi’s Harbor Bridge to a flood response in Central Texas, plus safety gains and funding for airport upgrades and highway projects — see the accomplishments and funding.

Fresh chapter in city politics: Former councilmember and mayoral candidate Michael Hunter was appointed Port Commissioner for Corpus Christi after a City Council vote, while Mayor Paulette Guajardo and Sylvia Campos supported other candidates — learn what the role entails.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!

Highlights this week

• Feast on Southern New Year’s Day classics
• Explore downtown ArtWalk with pop-up parties
• Enjoy lowriders, music, and local vendors
• Join a family-friendly Oak Park cleanup
• Discover South Texas’ premier wedding expo
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is $150 off

🫶 We got your back

Costs and relief options: Starting Jan 1, Corpus Christi water and wastewater rate increases will be reflected on utility bills, impacting all customer classes. City Council approved the changes to fund long-term system upgrades. Assistance is available through the Project One Water Utility Assistance Program, with up to about $150 in aid that may change. Get details and assistance info.

Centuries-old pageantry returns: The 42nd Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is set for January 10 in Corpus Christi. Expect 180 costumed performers, a 50-member chorus and orchestra, and carol sing-alongs. Admission is free, and donations of non-perishable food will support the Food Bank of Corpus Christi. Learn how you can help.

Pancake comfort, Corpus-style: If your morning needs a hug, Andy’s Country Kitchen serves fluffy, from-scratch buttermilk stacks. Customize with chocolate chips, pecans, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or cinnamon apples, all served with small-town warmth they’ve poured since 1978, bright and early.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

This week

🌀 New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Walk @ All Saints’ Episcopal Church | Wednesday (12/31) at 4:30 PM – Skip the glitter confetti and take a New Year’s Eve labyrinth walk, complete with meditative music, warm wassail, and sweet and savory bites. Wander, breathe, and scribble a few intentions at the journal tables. It’s the calm reset your future self will thank you for.

🎆 Rockin’ New Years @ Fifth & Elm | Wednesday (12/31) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats ringing in the new year on the Great Lawn under the stars, same Dick Clark’s show you watch at home, just on a giant screen with concert sound, better company, and fewer crumbs. Free to enter, with food, drinks, and optional reserved tables.

🎩 New Year’s Eve Gala Package @ Omni Corpus Christi Hotel | Wednesday (12/31) at 7:00 PM – New Year’s Eve without the Uber surge? Book Omni’s Midnight on the Bay package and glide from carving stations to the ballroom, Emotions Band, and a midnight toast, then crash upstairs with late checkout. Semi-formal or Western semi-formal required, 21+, cash bar.

❄ Polar Bear Plunge & New Year’s Day Fun Run 2026 @ Fajitaville-Corpus Christi Beach | Thursday (1/1) at 11:00 AM – Kick off New Year’s Day with a 30-minute fun run, a splash into the bay, and a thaw-out with drinks, music, and swag, all to freeze out ALS. Every dollar goes to ALS TDI. Top fundraisers score prizes, and the location is new.

🎹 Jon Perez @ Prohibition Corpus | Friday (1/2) at 9:00 AM – Patio weather can wait, this is an indoor kind of night. Settle into an intimate set of piano jazz with Jon Perez, members and guests welcome, and if the martini confidence kicks in, grab the mic for some charmingly impromptu, live karaoke.

🖼 First Friday Artwalk @ Downtown Corpus Christi | Friday (1/2) at 6:00 PM – First Friday is back, presented by H-E-B, trading block-party chaos for stroll-friendly Park Parties and pop-ups at La Retama, Artesian, the Art Center, BUS, and Water Street Garden. Expect live music, food trucks, local makers, and plenty of downtown hopping.

This weekend

🏺 Intro to Clay Studio @ Art Center of Corpus Christi | Saturday (1/3) at 8:00 AM – Thinking about becoming a Clay Studio regular? Adam Haney gives you the lay of the land at Art Center’s orientation, covering slab rolling, glazing, and not blowing up the kiln. Supplies are handled, you finish with a three-month membership, and an excuse to ignore email.

🏋 New Year’s Workout @ BUS | Saturday (1/3) at 9:30 AM – Start the year at BUS Downtown with an AE Fitness workout and a Divine Moon Yoga cooldown, then earn your brunch with Navigating Corpus Christi, DJ Ero-Soul, and DJ Denzy. It’s free, no signup, just show up, with Rocks Discount Vitamins keeping your wellness honest.

💡 Make Your Own Mosaic Lamps Workshop @ Residence Inn by Marriott Corpus Christi South | Saturday (1/3) at 10:00 AM – Get hands-on and build your own Turkish mosaic lamp at the Residence Inn on SPID, with all the shiny bits, step-by-step help. Tea, Turkish delight, and homemade baklava are included, because motivation matters. Pick morning, afternoon, or evening, then take home a lamp you made.

🧘 Ring in the New Year Sound Bath @ Oils 2 Empower You | Saturday (1/3) at 10:00 AM – Whether your resolution is a marathon or just fewer group texts, this New Year sound bath delivers. Crystal bowls, gongs, and chimes meet calming essential oils, and you leave centered, unclenched, and ready for sleep. Bring a mat, a blanket, and your frazzled nervous system.

🎨 Paint & Sip 2026 Intention Setting Workshop @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (1/3) at 3:00 PM – Kick off 2026 by trading resolutions for guided reflection, a canvas, and a little courage in a cup. Designed for women and beginner friendly, you’ll customize a step-by-step painting with symbols and affirmations, then leave with wall art that gently keeps you honest all year.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

• 12/30 Open Mic Night @ House of Rock – 6:30 PM
• 12/31 New Year’s Eve Bash @ Pelican Lounge – 8:30 PM
• 12/31 The Max @ Rockit’s Whiskey Bar & Saloon – 9:00 PM
• 1/2 Jon Perez @ Prohibition Corpus – 9:00 AM
• 1/3 Twin Peaks Episodes 1-3 @ Alamo Drafthouse Corpus Christi – 11:00 AM
• 1/8 Trisum @ Brewster Street Icehouse – Southside – 7:00 PM
• 1/9 Jon Stringer @ Mesquite St Pizza and Pasta Co. – 8:00 PM
• 1/10 Mindcrime – Tribute to Queensrÿche @ Brewster Street Icehouse – 9:00 PM
• 1/17 Double Vision: Tribute to Foreigner @ Brewster Street Icehouse – Downtown – 9:00 PM
• 1/21 Maritime Expo & Career Fair 2026 @ Ortiz International Center – 2:00 PM

🏠 This house is wild

Listed by: Janice Cruz (Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Ste)

On a full acre in the Kitty Hawk Subdivision, the main home offers 3 beds, 2 baths, and an open plan with custom cabinetry, a wood-burning fireplace, and updated wall oven and microwave. An attached guest suite adds a living area, full bath, and a flex nook ready for a kitchenette. Permanent color-changing exterior lights add flair, and a whole-house generator installed around 2017 provides assurance.

Out back, an in-ground pool with fountain and automatic filler anchors a private retreat, plus a Wi-Fi booster and sprinkler system. Storage and projects are covered by a three-car setup with a double garage and a separate pass-through garage. A horseshoe driveway heightens curb appeal.

Take a peek inside →