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Happy weekend, McAllen! In today’s edition: La Sal Del Rey’s bucket-list glow, Cirque Italia’s water circus, Mrs. Doubtfire the musical, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

A king’s namesake lake: Texas Highways named La Sal Del Rey in the Rio Grande Valley a 2026 bucket-list pick. North of Edinburg, its waters are ten times saltier than the ocean — see what made the list.

Brunch, but make it cozy: Birdie Bistro channels a vintage European vibe and an airy terrace in McAllen, serving breakfast all day so brunch fits your schedule. Expect slow coffee, unfussy comfort, and easy conversations. It’s the kind of catch-up spot you’ll keep in your back pocket.

Transformative projects reshape region: UTRGV bought McAllen’s former Monitor building for $12.1 million to house a School of Optometry, as upgrades continue with Brownsville arts plans and a Port Isabel marine facility under construction — get all the details.

Public safety takes flight: DPS unveiled its largest aircraft operations hangar in Edinburg, an $11 million site at South Texas International Airport to house helicopters and planes, boosting border security and rapid response across the state — read the full story.

Spotlight on advanced surgical care: STHS McAllen, STHS Edinburg, and STHS Heart were recognized among America’s Best Hospitals for Minimally Invasive Surgery by the Women’s Choice Award for outcomes and patient satisfaction — see why these hospitals stand out.

Innovation shaping community learning: McAllen Public Library received the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award for the 12th straight year, keeping MPL among top Texas libraries and highlighting programs for families — explore MPL’s award-winning programs.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/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.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

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

🎨 Mission Bell Craft Show @ Mission Bell & Trade Winds RV Resort | Monday (2/16) at 8:00 AM – If your gift stash is looking bleak, swing by this hometown craft show for legit handmade finds, something for everyone, and zero big-box vibes. Shop local, chat with the makers, then refuel with Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, or chicken salad for seven bucks.

🎪 Cirque Italia – Water Circus @ La Plaza | Monday (2/16) at 7:30 PM – Cirque Italia’s Water Circus sets up at La Plaza Mall, turning a shopping trip into a splashy fever dream of acrobats, aerialists, and dancing fountains. It’s elegant, dramatic, and blissfully animal-free, the kind of spectacle that pairs oddly well with a post-show pretzel.

👵 Mrs. Doubtfire – The Musical @ McAllen Performing Arts Center | Tuesday (2/17) at 6:00 PM – Remember the 90s classic about a dad who moonlights as a very committed nanny? It’s back as a Broadway musical, packed with big vocals, quick changes, and heart. Great date-night energy, solid laugh-to-tear ratio, and no sitter required, the nanny’s already on stage.

🎲 Mardi Gras Lotería @ Suerte Bar & Grill Uptown | Tuesday (2/17) at 6:30 PM – Grab your crew and head to Suerte Bar & Grill for Mardi Gras Lotería, basically bingo’s cooler cousin with beads, prizes, and free play-to-win. Jaime and Benji run the show, Taco Tuesday keeps you fed, and yes, purple, green, and gold are highly encouraged.

🌿 Walk With A Naturalist @ Quinta Mazatlan | Wednesday (2/18) at 9:00 AM – Whether you can spot a kiskadee at fifty paces, or still call every shrub a green thing, this easy, guided stroll at Quinta Mazatlan keeps it friendly and fascinating. A naturalist leads you through gardens and forest to ID local plants, birds, and critters.

🛍 Scrubs & Uniforms Warehouse Sale @ Wyndham Garden McAllen at La Plaza Mall | Thursday (2/19) at 10:00 AM – One-day scrub jackpot at the Wyndham by La Plaza in McAllen, with up to 70% off the good stuff. Nurses, docs, vets, and students, this is your stock-up moment, Grey’s Anatomy, Landau, Carhartt, the works. Limited quantities, free parking, and yes, first come, first served.

🍲 Soup Supper @ Bit-O-Heaven RV & Mobile Home | Thursday (2/19) at 4:00 PM – Nothing beats bottomless soup when the weather decides to be dramatic. It’s all you can eat, BYOTS, so bring a trusty spoon and that bowl you swear is just right, then save room for the dessert table, where everything’s for sale, and worth the splurge.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 McAllen report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 91°F – Low: 63°F – Precip: 4%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. South southeast wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 63. Southwest wind 2 to 10 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 88°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 88. Northwest wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. East northeast wind 2 to 8 mph.

Most popular house this week

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