Held on the Corpus Christi Bayfront each spring, Buc Days is a culturally diverse event that brings all kinds of activities and entertainment to enjoy when visiting Corpus Christi! Buc Days has something for everyone, including a rodeo, carnival, two parades, and so much more. This year's festivities will take place from April 30-May 10, 2026. Here's what you can expect: 

Rodeo & Professional Bull Riding

There’s no energy like rodeo energy! Step into the arena and catch some saddle bronc riding, mutton bustin’, barrel racing, and more. Watch man vs. bull in the national PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour, where some of the world’s best riders go head-to-head with bulls born to buck, in a live-action, adrenaline-fueled fight for the big prize! 

2026 Dates:

• PBR Velocity Tour Finals | May 1-2, 2026
• Rodeo Corpus Christi | May 5-9, 2026

Rodeo Concert Series

Rodeo Corpus Christi isn’t just about thrilling rides and record-breaking runs—it’s also bringing national recording artists straight to the Hilliard Center Arena! When the last bull bucks and the dust settles, the arena transforms into a concert stage for an unforgettable night of live music. No need to go anywhere—just stay in your seat and get ready for a boot-scootin’ good time at the Hilliard Center! 

2026 PBR Velocity Tour Finals Concert Performers:

Carly Pearce 

Larry the Cable Guy

2026 Rodeo Corpus Christi Performers: 

The Marshall Tucker Band

SWITCHFOOT

David Lee Garza Reunion with Jay Perez & The Emilio Navaira Tribute ft. Diego & Emilio Navaira

Carnival

Whether you’re a thrill seeker on lightning-fast, mind-bending rides, or a fan of the carousel and the Ferris wheel, the Buc Days Stripes Carnival has a ride for everyone of all ages! Don’t forget about food, too!  Grab an order of Fried Oreos, a Turkey Leg, and some ice-cold lemonade on festival grounds.

All-You-Can-Ride Wristbands:

• Pre-sale: $25 | includes price of gate admission and can be purchased online only
• Festival: $30 | Monday - Friday only; purchase Single Day Gate Entry ticket for $12, then purchase wristband at Kiosk inside the gate.
• Festival: $40 | Saturday & Sunday only; purchase Single Day Gate Entry ticket for $12, then purchase wristband at Kiosk inside the gate.

Parades

Light up the night at the Night Parade! There will be no shortage of marching bands, dancing, grand floats, and more. It’s not enough to just have one parade in the Gulf Coast Capital – round up your little pirates and get ready for the Children’s Parade which features spirited dancing, marching, and creative floats from some of Corpus Christi’s standout schools, youth organizations, and more. 

2026 Parade Dates:

• Children's Parade: April 18,2026 | 10:00 a.m. | Portland, TX across from the new Harbor bridge
• Night Parade: April 25, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. | Downtown CC

Shopping

Beat the heat and coast over to The Shops at Treasure Island at the Hilliard Center, an indoor shopping extravaganza that carries cowboy hats, boots, and a variety of true Texan products. With over 76,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, you’re guaranteed to find a wide range of items. Here, you’ll also find a petting zoo, pig races, pony rides, and snacks to keep the kiddos entertained.  

STEAM Expo 

May 9

Back for another year, the STEAM Expo will let imaginations run wild with activities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics fields for kids. Enjoy a variety of events from IQ, drone, and robotics competitions to cooking challenges, Lego Leagues, and Horticulture competitions. For a full schedule, visit the Buc Days STEAM Expo page. 

BBQ on the Bay Coastal Bend Showcase

May 9 | 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Get ready for the ultimate BBQ experience at the Buc Days BBQ on the Bay Coastal Bend Showcase presented by IBC Bank. On Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., head over to the Water Garden area and watch as 10 BBQ restaurants showcase their skills. Grab your tickets now and get ready to indulge in the best BBQ the Coastal Bend has to offer.

Dunking of the Mayor

It’s not officially Buc Days until the Mayor of Corpus Christi walks the plank! The mayor will be ceremonially “kidnapped” by the Buc Days Leadership Program Scholars and taken aboard the Red Dragon Pirate Ship where she will jump into the water.  Plant yourself on the seawall and get ready to see some scallywags throw the mayor overboard at this time-honored tradition.  

Be sure to check out our upcoming events for even more ways to enjoy Corpus Christi. For insider tips and inspiration, explore our visitor guides packed with local favorites and hidden gems. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the loop on the latest happenings along the coast.