Good morning, Corpus Christi.

Today, the 87th Buc Days Festival kicked off in Corpus Christi with new STEAM events (including a robotics competition with 4,000 students competing for cash prizes) and a traditional dollar carnival night.

The festival will also feature a rodeo, live entertainment, a petting zoo at the American Bank Center, and a barbecue showcase set for May 10 (all proceeds funding local student scholarships).

Today, City Council approved funds for design work on the Oso Bay train trestle project (with construction set to finish by 2027), a new wastewater maintenance building next to the Greenwood Treatment Plant that will raise rates by $0.03 annually, and a $35 million repair project for 27 miles of residential roads amid neighbor concerns. Bill Witt Park is closed for road improvements and will reopen at 5 p.m. today, while the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures offers free admission this weekend and Corpus Christi Animal Care Services waives pet adoption fees from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

The City of Corpus Christi announced the recipients of the 2025 Arts Grant Program, which will provide $300,000 to support local cultural events.

The grants—up to $15,000 each—reward a range of groups such as local art centers and performance organizations.

Joseph French Green built La Quinta on a raised lot near Corpus Christi to impress ranch owner Charles Taft and his bride Mae Mathis — the mansion housed 100 guests and even welcomed President Taft’s half-brother in 1909 before it burned down in 1938.

Kingsville ISD received an F rating and a score of 59 from the TEA report based on 2023 data after a 19-month court battle over changed grading rules — the superintendent said the lawsuit was meant to have the ratings use the original criteria set at the start of the school year.

City officials shared at the April 15 Council meeting that water in Corpus Christi’s primary reservoirs dropped to 434 feet—significantly lower than the 462 feet recorded in 2011.

Experts and activists warned that the drought may worsen if the city does not act to boost conservation and explore more water sources like desalination.

Corpus Christi offers a busy May schedule with the Buc Days Carnival running today through May 11, a Farm to Table brunch on May 8, a Mother’s Day spa night on May 10, an airshow and Go Red luncheon on May 15, a fishing tournament on May 16-17, a wine and food festival on May 24 and the Beach to Bay race on May 31—providing a variety of local activities for all ages.

Louie Mandel Acoustic Set at Art Walk

6 PM — House of Rock — Free entry — Enjoy an acoustic performance by Louie Mandel on the side stage during Art Walk.

The Meza Band Performance

7-10 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night of live music by The Meza Band at a popular local venue.

Mike Pinto Concert

7 PM — House of Rock — $20 to $150 — Enjoy a night of music with Mike Pinto and special guest Sonny Salinas in celebration of the venue's anniversary.

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta

11 AM — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — $3 Margaritas All Day — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live mariachi music and good vibes.

Open Mic Night at House of Rock

6:30-10 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — Showcase your musical and comedic talents at this vibrant open mic night hosted by Mattman.

Midland RockHounds vs. Corpus Christi Hooks

11:05 a.m. — Whataburger Field — Tickets available — Catch the excitement as the Midland RockHounds take on the Corpus Christi Hooks in an action-packed baseball game.

Blue Angels Air Show

8 AM-7 PM — Corpus Christi Bayfront — Free entry — Enjoy breathtaking aerial performances as the Blue Angels celebrate the Navy's 250th anniversary.

Open Mic Night

6:30 p.m. — House of Rock — Free entry — Celebrate creativity and talent with a night of music, comedy, and performances at the House of Rock.

Emma James Concert

7-11 p.m. — Brewster Street Icehouse - Southside — Free admission — Enjoy a live performance from Emma James in a vibrant local venue.

INDIO Concert Event

9 p.m. — House of Rock — $11.15 — INDIO returns with special guests Navarro and The Creatures & Alex and The Space Cadets.