The calendar says fall. The Rio Grande Valley forecast may have other ideas.
South Texans probably won’t be pulling out sweaters anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean we have to skip the season altogether. From iced pumpkin spice lattes to migrating hawks and evening festivals, there are plenty of ways to lean into fall without waiting for the temperature to cooperate.
Here are seven ways to get into the fall spirit in the RGV — no sweater required.
1. Get the pumpkin spice — just order it iced
Head to your favorite coffee shop and indulge in the fall menus. Southern Rose Coffee has already rolled out its fall flavors, including an apple cider tonic and brown sugar shaken espresso. You can find them at their San Benito and UTRGV locations. Farther west, Reset Specialty Coffee in McAllen has a pumpkin spice latte that can be ordered hot or iced.
2. Spend Saturday morning at a farmers market
Think farmers-market fall — minus the scarf and boots.
The McAllen Farmers Market runs Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the McAllen Public Library, with fresh produce and locally-made goods. Edible RGV also lists Saturday markets in Brownsville and McAllen throughout September.
Go early, let the kids pick something out, and head home before the day’s temperature reaches its high.
3. Go hawk-peeping instead of leaf-peeping
South Texas may not have much leaf-peeping, but it does showcase bird migrations this time of year.
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission is holding Hawk Watch throughout September, where visitors can watch — and even help count — migrating raptors passing through the Valley.
4. Move the nature walk to the cooler part of the day
A noon picnic in September won’t work down south. Instead, head out early or wait until evening. Quinta Mazatlán in McAllen offers trails, wildlife, and plenty of greenery without requiring a road trip out of the Valley.
Its September programming includes Thursday Night Live, a weekly all-ages evening program from 6 to 7 p.m. that explores different wildlife species and nature topics. Quinta Mazatlán also offers Urban Forest Birding on Sept. 5, 19 and 26 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. The birding sessions cost $3.
5. Look for butterflies instead of falling leaves
In other parts of the country, fall means watching leaves change. In the Valley, the seasonal show has wings.
Estero Llano Grande State Park in Weslaco offers ranger-led Butterfly and Dragonfly Tours, giving families a chance to spot some of the wildlife moving through South Texas this time of year.Consider it the RGV version of fall colors.
6. Make it a cozy museum afternoon
When the afternoon heat wins, take fall indoors.
The Museum of South Texas History in Edinburg gives families a chance to explore regional history — including the museum’s historic former jail — while enjoying the very underrated perk of air conditioning.
Another option is IMAS in McAllen, which has family-friendly science and art exhibits. Admission for children ages 3 to 17 is currently $5, and its Sept. 26 Day of Play is expected to include hands-on activities, games and a community market.
7. Put a fall festival on the family calendar
Because eventually, you need an actual festival.
Riofest in Harlingen on Sept. 26 brings live music, food, an artisan market, a petting zoo and activities for kids.
That same evening, McAllen’s Water Lantern Festival begins at 5 p.m., offering another option once the worst of the afternoon heat starts to fade. Events956 has details on both events and other September happenings across the Valley.
For fall festivals across the state that are worth a little road trip, check out our must-do list.
