Coastal Bend Buzz

Coastal Bend Events & Featured Happenings

  • Built for Victory

    When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the nation faced an urgent need for ships, and the Texas coast was ready to answer the call. Built for Victory explores the remarkable shipbuilding effort that took place along the Texas coast during and after World War I. With steel in short supply, shipbuilders turned to an abundant Texas resource: pine. Shipyards sprang up along the coast, including yards in Orange, Beaumont, Houston, Aransas Pass, and right here in Rockport. The exhibit tells the story of the Emergency Fleet Corporation and its ambitious effort to build wooden steamships for the war effort. Discover the innovative Ferris-class vessels built from Texas lumber, experimental concrete barges launched in Aransas Pass, and the story of Heldenfels Brothers Shipyard, which brought wartime shipbuilding to Rockport and employed hundreds of local workers. But the story didn’t end with the armistice. Many of the vessels built during this extraordinary period were never completed or were later dismantled and sunk. Today, some of their remains rest beneath Texas waters, where they have become part of the state’s maritime landscape and unexpected habitats for fish and wildlife. Built for Victory reveals a fascinating chapter in Texas maritime history, showcasing the ingenuity, ambition, and determination that helped transform the Texas coast during a pivotal moment in history. Built for Victory is open now in the Museum’s Main Exhibit Gallery and is available to view during regular Museum operating hours, Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest

    Ahoy, Mateys! Enter Our 2026 Maritime-Themed Pumpkin Decorating Contest Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween this year? Set sail with your imagination and enter the 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest at the Texas Maritime Museum! As always, we’re diving deep into a maritime theme, so think pirate ships, sea monsters, treasure chests, mermaids, and everything nautical. Whether you’re a seasoned pumpkin carver or a decorating novice, this is your chance to show off your creativity and win one of three exciting prizes. 2026 Pumpkin Contest Details Theme: Maritime Magic! Design your pumpkin with a seaworthy twist. Ideas include: - Pirate ships or captains - Deep-sea creatures - Treasure maps or treasure chests - Lighthouses, anchors, or sailboats - Mermaids, sea serpents, and more How to Enter: Drop off your painted, decorated, or carved pumpkin at the Museum front desk between October 13th & October 30th, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Be sure to leave your name and phone number when you submit your entry. Prizes: You have three chances to win, and we’re offering exciting rewards: - 1st Place: $75 Walmart Gift Card - 2nd Place: $50 Walmart Gift Card - 3rd Place: $25 Walmart Gift Card Voting and Winner Announcement: Visitors to the museum will vote for their favorite pumpkins on Saturday, October 31st, Halloween Day. Winners will be announced at the end of the day by phone and on our Facebook page. Tips for a Winning Pumpkin - Use mixed media: Add fabric, paint, rope, seashells, or even sand for extra nautical flair - Stay on theme: The more maritime, the better - Be original: Surprise us with something we haven’t seen before - Think spooky sea vibes: It is Halloween, after all - Fun for the Whole Crew This is a perfect activity for families, kids, and creative adults. Whether you’re a local artist or just love Halloween, our pumpkin decorating contest is a great way to get involved with the community and celebrate the spooky season at the Texas Maritime Museum. Join Us for a Halloween to Remember: Celebrate Halloween with a splash at our 2026 Maritime Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Show off your skills, share your creativity, and maybe even take home a prize. Don’t miss out; all entries must be received by 4 PM on Friday, October 30th. Sorry, no exceptions.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • Archaeology Day

    Dig Into the Past at Archaeology Day – A Hands-On Family Event at the Texas Maritime Museum! Calling all young explorers, curious minds, and homeschool families! Get ready to travel back in time and uncover ancient secrets at our exciting Archaeology Day, a fun, educational, and hands-on event for all ages, but designed especially for families and homeschool groups. Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Come & Go Location: The Texas Maritime Museum Education Room Experience the Thrill of Discovery At Archaeology Day, your family will step into the shoes of real archaeologists. Kids and parents alike will love participating in interactive stations and hands-on activities that bring history to life: - Dig for “Artifacts” – Unearth buried treasures just like a real excavation site. - Reconstruct Pottery – Piece together the past with broken pottery puzzles. - Make Your Own Clay Pinch Pot – Create a take-home artifact using ancient pottery techniques. - Dress the Part – Costumes are encouraged! Come dressed as your favorite archaeologist, ancient character, or historical figure. Whether you’re studying ancient civilizations or just love history, this event is a perfect supplement to homeschool curricula and a great opportunity for hands-on learning in a museum setting. Perfect for Homeschool Families & Learning Groups Archaeology Day is designed with homeschoolers in mind. We provide an engaging educational experience that combines science, history, and art, all in one afternoon. Families, learning pods, and small groups are welcome. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other homeschooling families, explore the museum, and make learning memorable. Know Before You Go: - Great for all ages - All materials provided - No charge to participate (but donations to the Education Department are welcome) - No pets, please - Held indoors in the Museum Education Room—rain or shine! Mark your calendars and join us for a day of digging, discovery, and creativity. Whether you’re a budding archaeologist or just curious about the past, Archaeology Day at the Texas Maritime Museum is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • 65th Annual Texas Jazz Festival

    The Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi is the longest-running free jazz festival in the country, celebrating over 60 years of music, culture, and community. Held annually in the iconic Heritage Park, the festival showcases local, national, and international jazz musicians across multiple stages. With its laid-back coastal atmosphere, variety of food vendors, and artisan booths, it offers a unique experience for jazz lovers and families alike, making it a must-attend event in the Gulf Coast Capital. Jazz Like Never Before The longest, largest free-running festival in the world! The Texas Jazz Festival welcomes all ages to experience three stages of live jazz, incredible food, and vibrant market vendors.

    Texas Jazz Festival Society

  • Tiny Tots

    Spark curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning at Tiny Tots, the Texas Maritime Museum's weekly story and craft program for young learners, led by the Museum's own Education Director, Miss Shelly! Designed especially for children ages 2–6, Tiny Tots offers a welcoming hour of discovery where little ones can enjoy a themed story, create a fun hands-on craft, and explore new ideas alongside their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Each activity is thoughtfully planned to encourage early learning while helping children build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, creativity, and confidence in a relaxed, supportive environment. Just as importantly, Tiny Tots gives children the opportunity to interact with other young learners, practice important social skills, and make new friends through shared activities and play. While the program is designed with preschool-aged children in mind, older siblings are always welcome to join the fun. Best of all, Tiny Tots is completely free to attend, making it an easy and affordable way for families to enjoy a meaningful morning together. Whether you're looking for an enriching weekly outing, a chance to connect with other families, or simply a fun morning of stories, creativity, and exploration, Tiny Tots is a wonderful way to learn, create, and make memories at the Museum. Wednesdays 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Texas Maritime Museum Education Room Free Admission We can't wait to see you there! *Please note that Tiny Tots will not take place on the following dates: 9/9/26, 10/28/26, and 11/25/26.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • Harbor Haunts

    Harbor Haunts at the Texas Maritime Museum: A Free Family-Friendly Halloween Event Get ready for a spooky good time at the Texas Maritime Museum during our annual Halloween celebration, Harbor Haunts! This free, family-friendly event is packed with fall fun, festive decorations, and candy-filled adventures perfect for kids of all ages. Event Details: Date: Saturday, October 24th Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |Come & Go Location: Texas Maritime Museum, 1202 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX Admission: Free and open to the public, but donations to the Education Department are welcome Note: No pets, please Exclusive Early Access for Commodore and Admiral Level Museum Members: Begins at 10:45 AM with proof of membership for first dibs on candy and games! What is Harbor Haunts? Harbor Haunts is a Halloween-themed community event designed to bring families together for a safe and festive day of fun. The entire museum will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, complete with spooky (but not scary) decorations that create the perfect atmosphere for seasonal excitement. Children can explore the museum while collecting candy, playing games, and participating in hands-on activities hosted by local area organizations. Each station will offer something new, whether it’s a seasonal craft, a carnival-style game, or a sweet treat to take home. What to Expect - Trick-or-Treating: Candy stations throughout the museum - Games and Activities: Provided by local community partners - Festive Decor: A fully decorated museum with themed areas to explore - Photo Opportunities: Capture memories with fun, Halloween-themed backdrops - Costumes Encouraged: Kids (and grown-ups) are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween finest for the occasion Harbor Haunts is the perfect event to kick off your Halloween weekend in Rockport. Whether your child is a tiny pirate, a swashbuckling sailor, or a mini sea monster, there’s something for everyone at this come-and-go celebration. This event is more than just trick-or-treating; it’s a way to connect with the local community and celebrate the season in a safe, welcoming environment. It’s ideal for families looking for a daytime activity that’s free, fun, and festive. No registration is required. Just show up in costume, bring a candy bag, and get ready for a hauntingly good time.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • The Maritime Ball - Shape of the Wind

    Step into an evening of elegance, intrigue, and maritime legacy at this year’s most anticipated event, The Maritime Ball: The Shape of the Wind, our annual fundraising gala benefiting the Texas Maritime Museum. Inspired by the unseen force that has guided ships, shaped coastlines, and influenced the course of maritime history, this extraordinary evening invites guests to celebrate the stories, people, and forces that have shaped Texas and its relationship with the sea. Hosted at the beautiful Rockport Country Club, guests will enjoy complimentary valet parking, a gourmet three-course plated dinner, an open bar, and beautiful live ambient music in an elegant setting. The evening will also feature both live and silent auctions, offering exclusive treasures, unique experiences, and opportunities to support the Museum’s mission. We warmly invite you to join us in supporting our mission to preserve and share Texas maritime history. Proceeds from the event will help fund future exhibitions, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and the ongoing stewardship of our historic collections. Whether you attend as a ticketed individual guest, sponsor, or underwriter, your participation helps ensure that the stories of Texas’s maritime past continue to be preserved, shared, and carried forward for generations to come.

    Texas Maritime Museum

  • 30th Annual Texas Maritime Museum Mah Jongg Tournament

    Some traditions are simply the greatest! In 2027, the Texas Maritime Museum celebrates 30 years of Mah Jongg, camaraderie, and friendly competition with a milestone anniversary tournament worthy of the occasion. Inspired by the Year of the Goat, we’re bringing a little G.O.A.T. spirit to the tables as we celebrate three decades of one of our most beloved fundraising traditions. Join us Friday & Saturday, January 29th–30th, 2027, at Rockport Country Club for the 30th Annual Texas Maritime Museum Mah Jongg Tournament. It’s a landmark year, a reason to celebrate, and an opportunity to make every tile count in support of THE official Maritime Museum of Texas. Here’s to 30 years, and to making this year’s tournament the G.O.A.T.! Advanced registration is required and will fill up quickly. Registration opens Monday, December 28th at 9:30 AM for members, and January 24th for all others. Visit https://texasmaritimemuseum.org/mah-jongg-tournament-2027/ for more information and to bookmark the registration page.

    Texas Maritime Museum