Events in San Juan today

Experience a narrated, ranger-driven tour of Estero Llano Grande aboard a quiet electric tram. This two-hour ride is especially helpful for guests with limited mobility, yet it is open to everyone. Electric open Bird Buses travel to most areas, offering opportunities to see birds, butterflies, dragonflies, alligators, frogs, and possibly a bobcat, along with lakes and a diverse mix of trees and shrubs. If the heat becomes overwhelming, participants can be returned to their car at any time. In the event of rain or muddy trails, the route may be limited to the paved Tropical Zone with a focus on plants. If lightning or thunder occurs, the tour will be canceled. Regular park admission applies at $5 for adults, with children 12 and under admitted free, and there is no additional fee for Bird Bus tours. Space is limited to eight seats and reservations are required at 956-565-3919.

Enjoy a quiet reading meetup that begins with about 20 minutes of friendly conversation, then shifts to silent, independent reading. Choose a comfortable spot, open your current book, and settle in for focused time without distractions. Simple, relaxed, and centered on making space for your own reading escape.

Take part in a Hololive tournament that uses Swiss pairings. Bring your deck, enter for $5, and compete for store credit awarded to top finishers.

A Magic: The Gathering Commander tournament using Bracket 2 EDH, this event features a $5 entry and runs on custom software. The Top Cut receives store credit or, when available, packs or promos. The Magic banned and restricted list applies. Bracket guidelines include no cards from the Game Changers list, no intentional two card infinite combinations or mass land denial, extra turn effects kept to a low count without chaining or looping, and tutors used sparingly. Scoring is point based, awarding 4 points for first place, 3 for second, 2 for third, and 1 for fourth. In the case of a tie, the remaining points are split among the tied players. If time is called, each player takes one final turn and any players still in the game after the last turn are recorded as tied. Seating and rankings also consider how quickly a table finishes compared with other players who have the same point total.

The Sole Mates Run Club brings runners in the Rio Grande Valley together for a twice-monthly group run that sets out from Howling Rabbits BeerWorks. Each meetup features swag for participants, and a gift certificate drawing takes place during the second gathering of the month.

This ranger-led tour is designed for all ages and experience levels and focuses on spotting butterflies and dragonflies throughout the park, including species found in the United States only in South Texas. More than 300 butterflies and 100 dragonflies are known to fly in the Valley, often unnoticed until a guided outing highlights them. A tram is available to help the group move through the park when it is hot. These tours have been offered at Estero for nineteen years. Participants may bring a camera or binoculars, and loaner binoculars are available. Meet on the deck outside the Park Store. The tour is free with park entry. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

Celebrating 15 years, Fiesta Fridays is a weekly, yearlong series featuring VIP tours, coloring sheets, craft kits, and exclusive MooMoo stickers. No appointment is required and walk-ins are welcome. The celebration also shares gratitude with the RGV community for 15 years of smiles.

The 47th Annual IMAS Collage Gala honors Dr. Guy Bailey, president of UTRGV, with an elegant evening at the McAllen Convention Center. Serving as the International Museum of Art & Science’s signature fundraiser, it brings together local leaders, museum supporters, and champions of culture to celebrate creativity and curiosity. Proceeds fuel IMAS initiatives that advance art and science learning throughout the Rio Grande Valley, supporting hands-on programs, dynamic exhibitions, and engaging experiences for children, families, and lifelong learners. The night features fine dining, live entertainment, auctions, and interactive art and science experiences, all benefiting the museum’s mission to inspire, educate, and connect the community. Sponsorships are available.

A weekly Commander event runs in pods with Swiss pairings. Bring a deck and a $5 entry fee. Top finishers receive store credit. The multiplayer ban list is enforced, and proxies are not permitted.

Learn archery at an Eagle Scout archery range with guidance from rangers. All equipment is provided, so personal bows and arrows are not permitted. The program is free, and regular park admission applies, with adults $5 and children 12 and under free. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Meet on the deck outside the Visitor Center Park Store. Reservations are required by calling (956) 565-3919, and requests cannot be made through Facebook or email.

A free self-defense training session designed for women takes place in Mission, Texas. Rooted in martial arts, the class focuses on practical personal safety skills and techniques to build awareness and confidence. The emphasis is on women’s self-defense and core training for everyday situations.

High school musicians are invited to South Texas College for free TMEA All-State etude clinics that focus on practical tips and techniques to strengthen audition preparation. The clinics are open to the public, and registration is required. Instruction is available for flute with Mr. Alexis Saenz, soprano clarinet with Dr. Melissa Vaughan, low clarinet with Prof. Bill O’Neil, oboe with Mr. Carlos Cantu, bassoon with Ms. Yingching Jeter, saxophones with Prof. Cindy Cripps, trumpet with Mr. Bryan Morrell, trombone with Mr. Guillermo Rivera, horn with Mr. Bobby Salazar, euphonium with Prof. Norman Gamboa, tuba with Dr. Kevin Wenglin, and percussion with Mr. Ron Schermerhorn. Information about clinic rooms, parking, and other details will be shared by email. For questions, contact Dr. Kevin Wenglin at 312-868-7942 or kwenglin@southtexascollege.edu. Participants can build skills and connect with other young musicians in the RGV.

Improve your sparring with targeted training designed to refine technique, boost confidence, and advance your practice. Registration is available by phone.

Take part in a weekly Dungeons & Dragons session at Kaboom Games - McAllen Tx. New players are welcome, and all the materials required to play are supplied, making it simple to jump in and start the adventure.

Experience a uniquely challenging night trail run on the scenic trails of Estero Llano Grande State Park. As the park’s only nighttime trail run, it highlights views of Alligator Lake, Ibis Pond, and lush greenery while runners make their way through the paths of Llano Grande. The atmosphere centers on the running community with a fun and supportive feel.

Casa Vibra becomes a lively hub for the RGV Chess Community, bringing together players, families, friends, and anyone who enjoys the game. Free open play offers a relaxed setting to sit down for casual games, watch others, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Those seeking a structured challenge can enter a $5 tournament that includes coaching and workshop moments, prizes for top players, and recognition for sportsmanship. The tournament is limited to 14 participants, and reservations are required for those planning to compete. Beyond wins and losses, the emphasis is on consistency, focus, and building something meaningful together.

Loteria night returns with a relaxed BYOB setup. There will be plenty of food and prizes, and Hotrods Family Kitchen will provide michelada mix for beer.

At The Flying Walrus, five tribute bands salute the 90s and 2000s records that shaped heavy music. TESTIFY channels the fury of Rage Against the Machine, Knifeprty captures the atmosphere of Deftones, Numbered Days hits the crushing riffs of Killswitch Engage, And The Hero Prevails dives into the chaos of Limp Bizkit, and The Emo Knights bring singalong anthems from emo legends. This night focuses on volume and energy, with the era’s defining tracks performed live and loud. Attendees can scream every word, mix it up in the pit, or simply relive a soundtrack that still resonates.

Part two of a dinosaur themed back to school celebration takes place at Topgolf in Pharr. Families can show off their favorite dino gear and get into the school spirit together. A small number of vendor spots are still available.

Enjoy constructed format play with a $5 entry fee. A Nexus Night promo pack is provided upon entry.

This weekly One Piece tournament features Swiss pairings. Bring your deck and $5 for entry. Promo items are included with entry, and top players receive store credit.

The weekly Powerball Sundowner at Tierra Santa returns with a three person ABC scramble and a shotgun start. Players can participate throughout the season to earn points, and the top points earner receives a six month membership. Prizes are awarded at every Sundowner. Entry is $30 for members and $40 for non members, and each entry includes one drink ticket. The Powerball skin is not included. To register, call the Pro Shop at 956-973-1811.

This weekly tournament for the Gundam trading card game invites players to bring a deck and enter for a $5 fee. Matches follow Swiss pairings. Entry includes promo items, and top finishers receive store credit. Booster packs may be used as prizes if available.