The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), the premier association supporting and enabling festival and event professionals worldwide, announced and recognized McAllen, Texas, United States, as a 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City during the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, presented by atVenu, in Tucson, Arizona, on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026.

City officials used a press conference to unveil celebrity hosts and premium ticketed experiences for the Dec. 6 McAllen Holiday Parade, confirmed returning partners and introduced a new giant helium character balloon. The McAllen International Airport and the Dallas Cowboys announced return of a Skybox fan experience with contest giveaways.

City of McAllen announced celebrity hosts, a returning South Padre Island Welcome Zone, new giant balloons and the launch of a Santa giveaway as the 2025 McAllen Holiday Parade approaches Dec. 6; tickets for the SPI Welcome Zone are on sale and a follow-up press conference is scheduled Oct. 21.