Pumpkins aren’t the only orange when it comes to Halloween.
South Padre Island is set for its 2nd Annual HalloWings Festival this weekend, dedicated to the monarch butterflies which are traveling south through Texas to winter in Mexico.
The festival begins Friday night and continues through Sunday, combining nature themes with Halloween and healthy doses of gulf seafood and outdoor activities.
“With the annual migration cycle of the monarch butterfly occurring the weekend before Halloween, our festival is a perfect blend for families, nature and supernatural lovers looking for a safe and affordable option to witness one of the most remarkable natural phenomena in the world along with festive Halloween activities,” said Keith Arnold, South Padre Island Convention and Visitors bureau director.
Festival activities will rotate between the South Padre Island Convention Centre, SPI Birding and Nature Center and Jim’s Pier.
LIST OF EVENTS
2nd Annual HalloWings Festival
Friday
Winged Gala — 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Celebrating the migration of the iconic monarch butterfly, the event raises funds for habitat, conservation and educational programming. Sample fine wines and local beers paired with hors d’oeuvres. Live music consisting of folk, classical and Spanish guitar will be performed. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center.
Boo Bash — Free arts and crafts starting at 6:15 p.m. with movie showing at 7 p.m. at the South Padre Island Convention Centre. The evening features Halloween crafts followed by a family-friendly movie night featuring Disney’s “Hocus Pocus.” Children are encouraged to wear their favorite Halloween pajamas and bring their own blankets. The event is free and refreshments will be provided.
Saturday
HalloWings Across South Padre Island — Beginning at 9 a.m. at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Spend the day learning all about the species and conservation efforts with activities including guided butterfly and bird walks, entertainment, vendors and nature film showings. Live butterfly tent from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
UnLITTER Trashion Show — Beginning at 11 a.m. featuring costumes made from discarded beach umbrellas, boogie board skins, tents, bags and plastic straws. The Trashion Show is a fun way to bring about awareness about litter and be mindful of its impact on the environment.
rkelley@valleystar.com
