If you're looking for a classic Americana experience, a visit to a small town's Rialto Theater is a must-do. The name itself, meaning the theater district, is steeped in history and tradition. And if you're in the Texas Coastal Bend, you're in luck, Aransas Pass has its very own Rialto, right in the heart of downtown. It's one of the few remaining Rialtos in the country, and it's just a short drive from downtown Corpus Christi. The Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass is a hub for visual arts, music, and live theater performances. The original building has been renovated and reborn, offering a year-round event schedule packed with traditional and eclectic performances. You can catch a show in the 100-seat theater auditorium, grab a drink at the 40-seat beer/wine bar, or check out the art exhibits in the gallery and lobby.
Join Aransas Pass Shrimporee's yearly grand festival, where you get to devour some of the best shrimp dishes South Texas has to offer, leaving your tastebuds happy. As you roam the grounds, try out the Shrimp Eating Contest, enjoy the Folklorico Dancers, Mariachis, and Belly Dancers, and take your kiddos to the Kidz Zone, Magic Show, Pony Rides, Arts & Crafts, and check out the Culinary Stage, Games, Carnival, and the Exotic Animal Exhibit. Relax a bit from the recreations and check out the 80-plus vendors, where you can enjoy shopping and a large variety of food from gumbo to funnel cakes and shrimp. Visitors can also expect to enjoy a wide variety of music that will provide continuous entertainment that should appeal to young and old alike.
If you're craving authentic Italian cuisine with a strong Sicilian touch, Bellino Ristorante is the place to go. This restaurant in Corpus Christi has a well-deserved reputation for offering classic dishes that reflect the rich traditions of Sicilian culture. And if you're into sustainable eating, you'll be glad to know that Bellino Ristorante is a member of GrowLocal South Texas and uses locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The menu at Bellino Ristorante has something for everyone, whether you're a meat lover, a fish lover, or a vegetarian. They offer traditional Sicilian meat, fish, vegetable dishes, and freshly-prepared pasta dishes, with vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. Also, everything from the bread and pasta to the sauces and desserts is made in-house daily, so you can expect to enjoy the freshest ingredients possible.
Join us for a fun-filled day on the waters of the Lydia Ann Channel, where the pirate crew of Red Dragon Pirate Cruises will keep you entertained with exciting activities, such as cannon fire, dolphin watching, sword fighting, treasure hunting, and much more. They offer a variety of adventurous pirate cruises for all occasions, including birthdays, weddings, school field trips, private charters, special events, and more. The pirate ship is perfect for all ages, from the youngest sword fighters to the most seasoned deck mates. Bring the whole family and enjoy an experience you'll never forget. And for the adults, don't miss out on our tales of the high seas, adult pirate grog, and stunning views around Port Aransas.