By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
From beach runs and fishing tournaments to family festivals and community gatherings, the Port Isabel and South Padre Island area is packed with events throughout March and April, offering something for residents and visitors of all ages.
The month kicks off with a Full Moon Bike Ride on April 1 at 10 p.m., hosted by the Port Isabel and South Padre Island Chambers of Commerce. Cyclists will meet at the Isla Blanca Park Amphitheatre for a scenic nighttime ride under the full moon.
That same week, runners and families can head to the beach for the 4th Annual Fool’s Run 5K/10K on April 4 at Margaritaville Beach Resort South Padre Island. The family-friendly event includes a kids one-mile run, 5K and 10K options, with proceeds benefiting Friends of Animal Rescue, which operates the island’s no-kill animal shelter. Packet pickup is scheduled for April 3, with race day on April 4.
Also on April 4, families can take part in the 7th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site beginning at 10 a.m. Thousands of eggs will be hidden across the lighthouse grounds, including special “history hunt” eggs. The Easter Bunny will be on-site for photos, and participants are encouraged to bring their own baskets. The event is free and open to the public.
For those looking for a more relaxed evening, Sea Turtle Inc. will host a Sip and Paint event later that day, offering an ocean-themed guided painting experience. The 21-and-up event allows guests to bring their own beverages and snacks, with all materials included.
Shoppers can browse for treasures at the Port Isabel Antique and Flea Market on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Beulah Lee Park. The monthly event features dozens of vendors offering antiques, collectibles and unique finds.
Fitness enthusiasts can lace up for one of the area’s most iconic races, the 42nd Annual Causeway Run & Walk, set for April 11. Beginning at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center, participants will cross the Queen Isabella Causeway in either a 5K or 10K route, with the 10K being the timed event. Early registration discounts are available through March 10.
That same weekend, the island will host the Solazo Festival 2026, April 11–12 at the Holiday Inn Resort South Padre Island. The two-day beachfront event will feature beach volleyball, soccer and wrestling, along with yoga sessions, workouts, live music, sandcastle lessons and even a beach cleanup.
Later in the month, anglers can take to the water for the GMAR Cast Classic Fishing Tournament on April 17–18 at the SPI Cameron County Amphitheater. The tournament begins with a 6 a.m. shotgun start at Viva SPI and will include prizes, community activities and partial proceeds benefiting Sea Turtle Inc.
Community members can also give back during a Food Drive on April 15 at 6 p.m. in the Sutherlands parking lot in Port Isabel. Donations of hygiene items and canned goods are being collected to support local families.
On April 25, off-road enthusiasts will gather for the 2026 SPI Bronco Beach Run, hosted by the South Texas Area Broncos. The event, which drew more than 80 vehicles last year, invites Bronco owners and groups to cruise the beach together beginning at 10 a.m. A separate Beach Run will also take place earlier that morning at 7 a.m., meeting at Beach Access No. 6.
In nearby Laguna Vista, families can participate in the 6th Annual BiG HEROES Fun Run, featuring a 5K, one-mile run and a free kids race for children 10 and under. Proceeds benefit BiG Heroes, Inc., which supports local families and promotes awareness and inclusion.
The Laguna Vista Public Library also continues to host regular community programming, including toddler story time on Fridays at 10:30 a.m., along with book clubs, movie nights, crochet groups and games like lotería.
With a mix of fitness, family fun, community service and coastal traditions, the spring calendar highlights the vibrant spirit of the Laguna Madre area.