Arrr’ you ready for the Buc Days festivities? Because we want you to have an unforgettable experience, we’ve put together this handy guide with all the details you need from parking information and ticket purchasing to the must-see attractions and where to grab a bite to eat after the festival. So read on, plan your schedule, and buckle up because you’re in for a wild ride.  

Location 

We love a conveniently located festival and everything you need from the carnival rides to indoor shopping and the rodeo are all conveniently located in and around the American Bank Center. There are two gates from which to enter the grounds: 

• Gate 1 – Located at Shoreline Blvd. & Fitzgerald St. 
• Gate 2 – Located in the Harbor Playhouse Parking Lot off Chaparral St & Hirsch St. 

Weather 

The month of May in Corpus Christi brings pleasantly warm and breezy weather. Temperatures range from mid-70s to mid- 80s, which is perfect weather for outdoor activities.  

Tickets 

Don’t get caught empty-handed – make sure to grab tickets that best suit the experience you’re looking for. There’s something for everyone, so choose from single-day gate entry or all-you-can-ride wristbands and browse all the add-on ticket purchases to customize your experience.

SINGLE DAY GATE ENTRY, $10

Gain access to the Stripes Carnival, Treasure Island, Buckin’ Marlin Stage, Wings Over South Texas, BBQ on the Bay, and other non-Arena attractions. Gate admission also includes access to the Art Museum of South Texas along with the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History as part of the Buc Days STEAM Expo.

Purchase General Admission tickets at the Box Offices outside of the festival grounds. 

Note: Rodeo CC tickets, Professional Bull Riding (PBR) tickets, Wings Over South Texas reserved seating tickets and pre-sale Carnival wristbands do not require Single Day Entry tickets on day of said Arena event. Children under 36″ tall get in FREE.

ALL-YOU-CAN-RIDE WRISTBANDS, $25-40 

Get more for your money with the All-You-Can-Ride Wristband! 

Pre-Sale, $25 – skip the lines and go straight to the gate. Head to the Carnival Kiosk and pick up your wristband for non-stop fun. Available online only. You can still purchase this wristband at the festival, but first, you’ll need to purchase the $10 Single Day Gate Entry ticket at the Box Office and then purchase the All-You-Can-Ride Wristband at the Carnival Kiosk inside the gate.  

Keep in mind that other events require additional tickets. Stop by the American Bank Center Box office or purchase online at bucdays.com/tickets/ for the following:  

Rodeo Concert Series: Enjoy performances by national recording artists like Bret Michaels, La Mafia, Aaron Watson, Josh Turner, and a Division Youth Showcase with William Beckmann. 

PBR Velocity Tour Finals: 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!   

Bag Policy

It’s important to know what you can or can’t bring with you to Buc Days before heading out. We’ve got all the details for a smooth entrance into the event areas.  

AMERICAN BANK CENTER BAG POLICY

Any bags larger than a clutch bag will need to be clear. Bags no larger than 12″x12″x6″ will be permitted inside American Bank Center. We do allow each member of the party to bring in a large clear Ziploc bag, including children, of their belongings. Guests who have bags larger than this size will be asked to return them to their vehicles. All bags will also be searched for prohibited items at entry before walking through the metal detectors. 

STRIPES CARNIVAL BAG POLICY

Bag checks will be conducted at all public gates during public operating hours. Bags, briefcases, strollers & backpacks are subject to search and seizure. 

SERVICE ANIMALS POLICY

Service animals are defined as dogs (or miniature horses when reasonable) that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with disabilities. Such animals are welcome in areas where the public is normally allowed to go. 

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control through voice, signal, or other effective controls. 

Parking and Shuttle  

$15 PARKING

Available at multiple parking lots labeled near the American Bank Center.  

WHATABURGER FIELD SHUTTLES

Pay $15 for parking at Whataburger Field and then hop on one of the FREE CCRTA shuttles to get dropped off at the gate. 

CCRTA Shuttle Schedule

• Thursday 5/2 – Friday 5/3  |  5pm – Midnight 
• Saturday 5/4 – Sunday 5/5  |  Noon – Midnight 
• Wednesday 5/8 – Friday 5/10  |  5pm – Midnight 
• Saturday 5/11 – Sunday 5/12  |  Noon – Midnight 

Avoid parking altogether by utilizing the Ride Share lot near both gates! 

Parade Tips and Finding the Best Spot 

One of the most exciting parts of viewing the parade is finding the perfect spot. Viewers often arrive early at various locations along the parade route to secure a prime viewing spot. You might find spots decorated in chalk with the reserved name along with folding chairs or blankets to sit on. Getting this spot ready is an important part of the parade experience for many spectators, so please be respectful of these spots. If it’s marked, it’s taken!

Don’t worry – you can always find another prime viewing spot, or purchase a ticket for the Stadium Show at Buccaneer Stadium.  After its decade-long hiatus, the Leopard St. Route is open again and the best seats in the house are now available. Ticket sales end 5/4 at 10:00 p.m., CDT. 

General Admission, $10  West Side – Sections A, B, D, E 

Reserved Seating, $15 West Side – Section C Chairback Seating 

Purchase tickets online at https://corpuschristiisd.hometownticketing.com/embed/event/1170 

For more information on the Stadium Show, visit https://bucdays.com/parades/night-parade/  

Remember: Obey all NO PARKING signs around the parade route. Violators will be towed at the owners’ expense. Let’s celebrate the people and organizations that make Corpus Christi shine. During the Rally Night Parade at Buc Days, you’ll see marching bands, spirited dancing, dazzling floats, and our Official Wrecker Service, Apollo Towing, clear the route for all the fun.

Nearby Restaurants 

The Exchange 

224 N. Mesquite St.  

Easygoing, local stop offering hearty American eats such as burgers, wraps, and beers, while enjoying live music. 

Brewster Street Icehouse  

1724 N. Tancahua St.  

A Texas themed grill and icehouse serving 4-star food in casual environment filled with fun for the entire family.  

BUS – Bar Under the Sun 

702 N Chaparral St. 

Patio style bar open during lunch and dinner with food trucks, signature cocktails.  

Mesquite Street Pizza and Pasta Co. 

617 N Mesquite St. 

Enjoy some of the best pizza with homemade sauces and fresh dough at this neighborhood pizza parlor that turns into a comedy club at night.  

Dokyo Dauntaun 

424 N. Chaparral St.  

Enjoy classic favorites and innovative creations at this Japanese and Korean fusion restaurant in a modern and intimate setting.  

Water Street Oyster Bar 

309 N. Water St.  

A classic Corpus Christi establishment offering a front row seat to the Gulf Coast Capital’s freshest seafood and relaxing coastal ambiance.  

Executive Surf Club  

306 N. Chaparral St.  

The perfect spot to grab a casual meal, listen to the best in live local music, or simply enjoy the Coast! 

Visitor Information Center

The Corpus Christi Visitor Information Center is your destination for all things Corpus Christi. Open daily at 309 N. Water St. next to Water Street Oyster Bar, this is the information hub for locals and visitors in search of creating memorable experiences in the Gulf Coast Capital. While you’re there, meet our friendly Gulf Coasters, shop for locally made goods and souvenirs, and enjoy some vibrant and colorful Instagrammable moments in the shop. Don’t forget to pick up pamphlets with information, coupons, and discounts to enjoy everything Corpus Christi has to offer.