SAN BENITO — If you enjoy listening to live bands or are looking for a day that includes food and fun-filled family activities, the city of San Benito has the event for you.
The city is hosting a festival that officials say has received thousands of Facebook responses of interest from within and beyond the city.
Gates will open at 3 p.m. Saturday for the South Texas Music Festival at the W.H. Heavin Memorial Park.
The music will start at 4 p.m.
The band Solido will be headlining the festival and additional musical acts include Whiskey D, Ruben de la Cruz, Hollow Slaughter Creek and the Lauren Corzine Band.
According to San Benito museum coordinator and event organizer Luis Contreras, the festival extends beyond being “just an entertainment venue.”
He believes events like the South Texas Music Festival will enhance the community and educate, nurture and inspire the talents of today’s generation by preserving and promoting the cultural heritage and musical history of San Benito.
“The festival promotes the musical heritage of the city, from the early sounds of conjunto to the contemporary sound of today, such as rock, blues, jazz and country music,” he said. “It’s also a vehicle for forming communities, attracting tourists and bringing family and friends together.”
City officials believe thoroughly planned cultural districts are an excellent economic development tool for cities and set the foundation for rejuvenation efforts to repurpose vacant buildings, improve neighborhoods and enhance property values.
San Benito hosted its first annual South Texas Music Festival last year. In prior years, the city hosted the Conjunto Festival for 25 years until it relocated to Los Fresnos.
If You Go
What — South Texas Music Festival
When — Saturday from 3 to 10 p.m.
Where — W.H. Heavin Memorial Park, 705 North Bowie
Admission
• $5 per person
• Children younger than 10 years old are admitted free of charge
If food and arts and crafts vendors are interested in participating in the festival, contact Martha McClain at (956) 361-3804, extension 301.
