Annual Events in Laredo
Jamboozie – Late January
A New Orleans-style Mardi Gras held in downtown Laredo as part of the Washington Birthday celebrations. Revelers come dressed in masks, beads and flamboyant outfits. Concession stands and live music feature local and regional bands.
Laredo International Sister Cities Festival – Last Week of January
In 1848, Laredo entered into its first sister-city relationship with Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Since then, numerous cities from Mexico and around the world have embraced Laredo as their sister. This Festival celebrates Laredo's sister cities.
Laredo Birding & Butterfly Festival – Early February
Home to over 240 species of birds and countless types of butterflies and moths, Laredo is the last great frontier for birding. Featuring field trips that take beginning and experienced birders onto established trails and into private, exclusive ranches to see some of the area's resplendent winged residents. Held in partnership with the Monte Mucho Audubon Society.
Washington's Birthday Celebration – Third Week of February
Founded in 1898, this is the largest celebration of its kind in the U.S. with 400,000 attendees annually. The month long event celebrates George Washington's Birthday with parades, a carnival, the celebrated pageant and ball featuring debutantes and their escorts dressed in lavish Colonial attire, air show, fireworks and live concerts. Various festivals include the Jalapeño Festival (one of the nation's top 10 festivals with a Jalapeno Eating Contest), the Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant & Ball, and the Princess Pocahontas Pageant & Ball.
