UH-Victoria

Cultural Activities

Explore Victoria, the only city in Texas where all six of the state’s historic flags have flown. Five museums celebrate the region, each filled with rich stories and significance from Victoria and Texas. Take a look and enjoy all that Victoria has to offer

  • Nave Museum

    This museum was erected in 1930 and is the only fine arts museum serving Victoria and the seven-county Golden Crescent Region. Exhibiting significant contemporary works from past to the present. *306 W. Commercial * 1 - 5 p.m. * Tuesday-Sunday * Adults $2/Children $1. 361-575-8227

  • Museum of the Coastal Bend

    Showcasing the rich multicultural heritage of the midcoastal region of Texas, the museum’s purpose is to collect, preserve, educate and enhance the appreciation of the region’s heritage. *2200 E. Red River * 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. * Tuesday-Saturday * Adults $3.50/Seniors $2.50/Children $2, Students & Children under 4 Free * 361-582-2511

  • Hiller House

    Built by German immigrants Friedrich and Margaretha Beck Hiller in 1852 after their challenging journey from the old port of Indianola. Also the headquarters of “Keep Victoria Beautiful.” Live re-enactment second Sunday in October * 3003 N. Vine St. Call ahead to schedule your visit to the museum, or go by and enjoy the back porch nature deck! * 361-571-0582

  • Bridge Street Art Gallery

    The Bridge Street Art Gallery features beautiful artwork and pottery for sale from local artisans. Also holds pottery sculpting classes for beginners and more experienced artists throughout the year. Contact the Victoria Art League for class information * 905 S. Bridge St. * Tuesday-Saturday * Noon-5 p.m. * 361-572-0825

  • Children’s Discovery Museum

    The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent gives children and families the joy of learning through play and hand-on experiences. * 204 N. Main St. *Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. * Friday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. * Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. * Sunday 1-4 p.m. * Adults $3/, Members/Children under 2 Free * 361-485-9140

The Texas Zoo

Inside Riverside Park, with more than 150 animals native to Texas, as well as exotic animals from all over the world, the Texas Zoo provides opportunities for visitors to interact with animals and learn about conservation through education programs. * 110 Memorial Dr. * 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except Christmas and New Year’s Day * 361-573-7681

Riverside Park

Riverside Park features 562 acres of woodland bordered by 4½ miles of the Guadalupe River. There are 200 picnic areas with tables, pits and areas for group outings. Also a public boat ramp, canoe and kayak paddling trail, exercise trail, duck pond, baseball, softball and playground facilities.

Rose Garden at Riverside Park

The Rose Garden features 1,050 rose bushes representing 105 varieties, an ornamental water fountain, gazebo and walkways. For more information about the park, contact the Victoria Parks & Recreation Department * 361-485-3200

Historic Driving Tour

Victoria has a wealth of fine old buildings and houses. The Historic Driving Tour features more than 100 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many sites also are Texas Historical Landmarks. For a free self-guided Driving Tour of Old Victoria brochure, contact the Victoria Convention and Visitors’ Bureau at VisitVictoriaTexas.com

Victoria Educational Gardens

Garden enthusiasts will enjoy the peaceful and relaxing environment as they tour through the Children’s Garden, Vegetable Garden, Water Garden and Military Honor Garden. Located next to the officers club at the Victoria Regional Airport, guests follow pathways around the gardens and enjoy the beauty and fragrances of the plants and flowers while learning about the rainwater harvesting system. Open dawn to dusk. * 361-575-4581

Music, dance and theatre come alive on stage through Victoria’s performing arts groups. Watch as new life is brought to old tales, while age and wisdom are infused into new ones at Theatre Victoria. Discover the magic of classical music at one of the many performances from the Victoria Symphony or Victoria Bach Festival or be captivated by the spectacular sets and beautiful costumes in the delightful dance interpretations of Victoria Ballet Theatre.

Victoria Symphony

The Victoria Symphony Orchestra is a leading artistic force in the Victoria area. Seasons consisting of five subscription performances, with varied repertoire in the fall and spring. * 2112 N. Navarro * 361-576-4500

Victoria Ballet Theatre

Victoria Ballet Theatre offers Victorians and visitors a chance to see local talent shine on the stage in beautiful dance ensembles. The season starts in the fall and continues through the spring. For additional information about performances, call 361-575-2313

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

In 1992, the Victoria Community Theatre Board of Governors selected the vacant Dunlap’s Department Store building on the corner of Main and Goodwin streets as the candidate for the renovation. Today, the Leo J. Welder Center offers a fully-equipped modern performing space with fly-loft and 475 seats. The complex provides a headquarters for the Cultural Council of Victoria and Theatre Victoria as well as support space and services to other area arts organizations. For more information about the Victoria Community Theatre, call 1-800-677-5696 * 214 N. Main St.

Theatre Victoria

There are at least 60 performances offered each year, which allow visitors to see entertainment usually only found in big cities. Six productions are offered during a season that runs July to May. For more information about performances and events, call 361-570-8587.

Victoria Skate Park

A 150,000-square-foot skate park awaits the adventurous while visiting Victoria. The park was designed by skaters and offers the best of street and bowl skating. Located behind the Victoria Community Center, the park is open daily, dawn to dusk. * 307 N. Ben Wilson St.

Skating Rink

Skate World * 108 Monterrey St. * 361-578-9725

Victoria Generals Baseball Team

The local collegiate summer league baseball team is the Victoria Generals. Go out to the field to enjoy some good old-fashioned baseball. The team is in the Texas Collegiate League and plays teams from all over the region. Season runs from April to August. *Riverside Stadium * 405 Memorial Dr. * 361-485-9522

Bowling

Century Lanes * 3401 John Stockbauer Dr. * 361-576-1166

Woodlawn Bowling Center * 1326 E. Red River St. * 361-576-0491

Movie Theater

Cinemark Theater * 7806 Navarro * 361-485-1569

Putt Putt Golf

Putt Putt Golf Course of Victoria * 3102 Sam Houston Drive * 361-573-3131

Polo

March – Victoria Regional Museum Association presents Polo at McFadden Ranch the last Saturday in March. Includes polo matches, gourmet tailgate snacks and live music. Bring a lawn chair and spend the day!

Market Days

Spring and Fall – The Victoria Parks & Recreation Department hosts Market Days featuring vendors from across the state. Browse more than 100 vendors selling unique gift items and handmade goods. *Third Saturday in March, April and May, then again in October, November and December * Riverside Park by the Stadium

Jaycee Livestock Show

March – In Victoria, March means it’s time for the annual Jaycee Livestock show. Thousands of people attend every year to enjoy the parade, cook-off, carnival, karaoke contest, and, of course, some of the best livestock in South Texas.

Victoria JAM

April – Jazz, Art and More! Street fair with unique artisans featuring their paintings, watercolor, jewelry, textiles and gourmet food. Live entertainment will fill the streets!

Downtown Rhythms

April – Victoria Symphony proudly invites you for an evening of food and fun at the annual free family concert “Downtown Rhythms.” The symphony performs selections from pops, jazz and movie favorites. A musical petting zoo, food and games are held at Victoria’s historic DeLeon Plaza.

Cinco de Mayo

May – Energy fills the air during Cinco De Mayo, a celebration of the Hispanic culture featuring some of the best Tejano bands in Texas, traditional dance performances, a car show, kids’ games, plus lots of great food!

Victoria Bach Festival

June – An entire week of innovative and engaging musical experiences unfolds during the Victoria Bach Festival. Named a “Texas Treasure” by National Public Radio, the festival is led by Grammy-nominated conductor Craig Hella Johnson and features orchestral, choral and chamber works performed by local and nationally acclaimed artists in various venues.

Czech Heritage Festival

September – Enjoy the sounds, sights and tastes of the Czech Heritage Festival! It begins with a Czech-English Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. Then attendees can enjoy traditional Czech music, foods, children’s games, cultural demonstrations and exhibits. Admission $6, free for 15 and younger.

Bootfest

October 5-6, 2012 – The festival weekend will be filled with family fun activities including music, food and a carnival. Events include a concert featuring some of the best in today’s country music, a BBQ cook-off, carnival, motorcycle poker run, arts and crafts, kids contests and much more!

Texas Kickin’ Bullride

October – This annual fundraiser is hosted by the Victoria East High School Drill Team. The event is packed with fun for all ages including mutton bustin’ and a dance featuring wonderful Texas music from local bands.

South Texas Farm & Ranch Show

November – For more than 25 years, this annual free show provides South Texas agribusinesses and its representatives the opportunity to relay to farmers and ranchers the advancements in technology, equipment, seed genetics and more.

Victoria’s year-round weather is perfect for lots of outdoor recreation. Tee off at one of three golf courses; run, ride or walk along the new hike and bike trail; play ball at the youth sports complex; make a day of fishing, skiing and other water activities at area lakes or paddle along the Guadalupe River. Plus, Victoria is just minutes from the Gulf Coast where some of the best saltwater fishing abounds!

Paddling on the Guadalupe

The Guadalupe River winds through Victoria and provides a great area to enjoy paddling in your canoe or kayak. The water entrance is in Riverside Park. So plan an adventure on the Guadalupe.

Coleto Creek Reservoir

Jet Skiing & Boating – Many people enjoy heading to Coleto Creek to enjoy the water and sun on a jet ski or a boat. Public boat ramps are available. Get ready for a weekend of fun on the water.

Fishing – Is fishing more your thing? You can also grab your fishing pole, tackle box and waders and head to the Coleto Creek reservoir for fresh-water fishing. For more information, call 361-575-6366.

Saltwater Fishing

Port O’Connor is less than an hour from Victoria. Many visitors go shopping or golfing in the morning and then put on their wading boots and head to the coast for an afternoon fishing trip. It is a great way to spend time with friends.

Coleto Creek Reservoir & Park offers four camping cabins for the outdoors family to enjoy. Reservations are encouraged. For more information, call 361-575-6366.

Golfing

Victoria has three great golf courses to choose from. Colony Creek and Riverside Park Golf Course are both open to the public, and the Victoria Country Club has a private course. All are challenging and are sure to provide the means to a great time with friends.

Riverside Park Disc Golf

One of Texas’ most challenging courses, the disc course is located inside Riverside Park and borders the Guadalupe River. The course features 21 holes in length set in the appealing shade of rows of pecan trees. The holes are marked by hanging chain baskets throughout the park. The game is played similarly to golf, but instead of a ball, a weighted Frisbee is used. Head to the park and check out all the fun.

Coffee Shops

The Longleaf Coffee Company & Bakery * 215 South Main St. * 361-578-7785

Starbucks Coffee 8 7105 N. Navarro * 361-485-9851