April 2019 Events & Attractions
Annual Tour of Homes and Studios

When: April 6-7
Visitors will tour both artists’ studios and homes of local art collectors. We are excited to feature and support the arts community and Rockport Center for the Arts, who have cemented Rockport’s reputation as the most charming art colony across Texas and the United States.
Taste of Rockport-Fulton

When: April 12
The 18th Annual Taste of Rockport-Fulton event features culinary delights from a host of local restaurants, bakers and caterers. The event features food and wine tastings from local Fulton and Rockport restaurants and caterers. Live auction, bucket auction, a Mystery Box and much more! Monies raised fund our scholarship and community service projects.
Rockport Cultural Art Districts Kite Festival

When: April 27-28
Gather up your family and friends and come out to Rockport for the 2019 Rockport Kite Festival. The Rockport Center for the Arts will be hosting their Free Family Event with projects and kites for children to work on while attending. The Kite Festival will feature professional kite-flying demonstrations, kiteboarders in the ski basin, food vendors, and music. Volunteers will be on hand to help families and to ensure smooth flying.
Attractions
Fishing in the Bays are Plentiful

Open piers:
Breakwater (End of Market Street) pier, Rockport Beach North Pier, Leggett Channel, Rockport Harbor Seawall, Bulkhead at Fulton Harbor, Copano Kayak Site, Howard Murph Park, Copano Causeway Boat Launch.

State Park:
Goose Island pier is closed but fishing is available at Day Use Area, Boat Ramp, and West Side.

Open marinas:
Cove Harbor Marina, Copano Causeway Ramp and Boat Launch, Rockport Beach Park, and Fulton Harbor and Cove Harbor Marina.
Birds are Flying High

Birding Migration:
From the Gulf of Mexico to beaches, bays and estuaries and inland woods, prairies and fields, one will find extraordinary birding throughout Aransas County. We have 10 birding sites on the Great Texas Birding Trail.

From November to March, the world's only migrating flock of over 265 Whooping Cranes calls the Aransas Wildlife Refuge home. Nowhere else can you view these magnificent birds so closely.
Accolades
To see more of our accolades, visit our website at rockport-fulton.org/featured-news .
Around Town Community Events
Pickin' on the Porch
April 3- Come on over for some Music, fun and make new friends. Fabulous time, right on our front porch and just for you! FREE! Bring your lawn chair and friends | 12-1:30 PM | Rockport Fulton Chamber of Commerce "Front Porch at the Visitors Center" 319 Broadway

Riding the Rails: A Journey Through South Texas on Railroads
April 5, 5-7 pm- Meet and greet sponsored by the Friends of the History Center.
Come and enjoy refreshments and the current Exhibits of Quilts: “Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Going” Location: History Center 801 E Cedar St Rockport
April 6, 8:30 am-3:15 pm- At the Aquarium Education Center- 706 Navigation Circle Rockport, TX. There will be a series of lectures including refreshments, door prizes, and more. Call 361-798-4280 or 361-798-6588 for more information.

For The Love of The Outdoors 
April 6- For the Love of the Outdoors! 5K run/walk, food, fun, and entertainment all day long! LAC Class XXII will be hosting an outdoor, fun-filled event fun for the whole family - face painting, games, and raffles, and more. $10.00 admission fee to all day event. Call 361-729-6445 FMI or visit www.rockport-fulton.org

Rockport Art Loop  
April 6- 5-7 PM, 8 art spaces in downtown will have simultaneous receptions starting at 5 pm  
Rockport Center for the Arts, Anita Diebel Studio, The Gallery at Latitudes Restaurant, Coast Modern, Wind Way Gallery, Estelle Stair Gallery, John Martel Photography, and Stan Irvin Ceramics. FMI 361-729-5519 or visit  rockportartcenter.com   

City of Rockport Parks Department
April 13- 10 am  FREE EASTER EGG HUNT  at the location of the new county courthouse grounds located at 319 N. Magnolia St. (across from the old HEB parking lot). In conjunction with Friends of Fulton Mansion, we will have different organizations providing free crafts, games and giveaways. There will also be free hot dogs and chips along with music to add to the eggs-citement! The first hunt will start at 10:30am with the other age groups to follow. For more details please visit  www.cityofrockport.com  or call 361-727-2158 or find the Facebook event on Fulton Mansion State Historic Site 

Art Center Market
April 13- In the Heart of Downtown Rockport, 106 S. Austin St – FREE ADMISSION! Paintings, Jewelry, Woodwork, Glass-work, Yard Art, Metal Art and More! Food Trucks and Music - Rain or Shine

Keep Aransas County Beautiful
April 13- Fulton Beach Clean up 9-12 Fulton Marina Pavilion for the Texas General Land office Spring Adopt a Beach Clean up event .

Rockport-Fulton Market Days
April 19-21: Over 160 booths filled with great vendors, over a dozen food vendors, 3 days of live music, covered seating and as always, a pet friendly environment! EVERY 3RD FULL WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH. Open Friday with select vendors and early bird specials from 12-5, Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 10-4. Come join the fun and add your energy to our recovery!!! FMI, follow Rockport-Fulton Market Days on  Facebook  |  Website  | 361-463-0125.

2nd Annual "Easter on the Beach"
April 20- 10 am-1 pm, The Children's Coalition of Aransas County is holding a free community event being held at the Rockport Festival Grounds, in collaboration with Rockport-Fulton Market Days! Come by with your family for Easter egg hunts! Email childrenscoalitionac@gmail.com for more information.

Easter Community Sunrise Service
April 21- 7 am, 1st Baptist Church presents an Easter Community Sunrise Service behind the Bay Education Center. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful view on the beach while listening to the sermon for the day. If the weather does not permit, the service will be moved to 1st Baptist Church. Call 361-729-6382 for more information.

11th Annual Women in the Wild
April 27-28: This outdoor event is intended to provide women with a safe and fun environment to familiarize themselves with some of the many outdoor recreational opportunities in the Coastal Bend. Our cadre of amazing instructors, game wards and volunteers are looking forward to seeing you all soon. We have many classes to choose from including a couple new options such as Fly Fishing, Eco/Advanced Kayaking and Dog Training. For more information, see attached registration form or visit our website  http://www.TOWNRockport.org  and click on the "wild" tab

Fulton Mansion State Historic Site
PLEASE NOTE : The Fulton Mansion is currently closed for repairs due to damage from Hurricane Harvey. The Education and History Center will remain OPEN and FREE to the public Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 1-4pm. Call ahead for the most up-to-date information: 361.729.0386 or visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/visitfultonmansion

Texas Maritime Museum - Education Center 
April 9: Seafaring Saga Movie Night, 7 PM. We’ll be showing the 1944 thriller Dangerous Passage. In
this film, Joe Beck sails to Texas to claim an inheritance. When someone tries to stop him from boarding
the boat, Joe finds himself trapped in a web of intrigue with no idea whom he can trust. Movie nights
are free, and popcorn and soda will be available for purchase.
April 10: Homeschool Days, 10 AM to 12 PM (grades 1-4) and 1-3 PM (grades 5-8). The title
is Delving into the Depths: Stories of Submarines. We will teach campers about the history and science
of submarines, then engage them in crafts and games related to the topic. The cost is $8 per child. For more information, contact Aaron martin at 361-729-1271 or educator@texasmaritimemuseum.org
Texas Maritime Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM-4 PM and Sunday 1-4 PM. For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-729-1271 or visit  texasmaritimemuseum.org

Rockport Center for the Arts 
Children can enjoy free, high caliber art instruction year-round, including summer camp- ArtSpace and Free Family Saturdays during the school year. Rockport, famous for its vast colony of more than 800 artists, has been identified as "The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America" by John Villani and "Top 10 Artist Colonies" by Allen Bunting in Coastal Living Magazine.
Visit Rockport Center for the Arts location at  106 S. Austin  in Rockport.
Hours of operation Tues-Sat - 10 AM-4 PM | FMI 361-729-5519 or visit  rockportartcenter.com   

The History Center for Aransas County
April 5-13 Fridays-Sundays: Where We've Been and Where We're Going, Presented by: The Piecemakers By The Bay Quilting Guild.
April 7- Barbara Goodlock will be presenting Collages and Applique.
April 27-   Barrier Island  Exhibit Opening with special guest speaker Rick Pratt, retired director of Port Aransas History Museum
Hours: Friday 1-4 PM; Saturday 10 AM-4 PM; Sunday 1-4 PM
801 E. Cedar St. Rockport  | A Pathways Venue
For membership, volunteer information, and other activities: call 361-727-9214 or visit  www.thehistorycenterforaransascounty.or g

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Aransas County
A&M AgriLife Extension Office,  892 Airport Rd., Rockport, TX
Call 361-790-0103 or visit  www.aransas.agrilife.org  for more information

Rockport Little Theatre
Our new location is La Palma is located at  2955 Hwy 35, Rockport , TX. FMI:  www.rockportlittletheatre.com  |  President@RockportLittleTheatre.com

Rialto Theater
Every Tuesday: Music Jam from 6-9 pm. Happy Hour until 7 pm. $1 Admission.
April 1- Auditions for "A Year with Frog and Toad" Musical. We need 6-10 men and women between the ages 18-50.
The Rialto Bar offers a wide selection of beer and wine plus setups for BYOB. Located at  327 South Commercial Street, Aransas Pass . Visit us on Facebook. FMI: 361-758-0383 or  art@rialtotheater.org  or rialtotheater.org

Rockport Country Club
Rockport Country Club has reopened to an overwhelmingly positive response from members. With a new bar concept, redesigned dining area and lounge with all new furnishings, Rockport Country Club is poised to offer its members a lifestyle not found anywhere in the Coastal Bend area. For membership or to be a "Member for a Day" contact Stan Reeder at 361-450-4393. FMI visit our website  www.rockportcc.com

Rockport Beach
Texas' first Blue Wave Beach! Located at 210 Seabreeze Drive, Rockport, TX 78382. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 6am-11pm and Friday-Saturday, 6am-11pm. Parking costs for the Rockport Beach are $5/Daily and $20/Yearly.

Aransas Pathways
Discover your Pathway! Hiking-Biking-Kayaking-History and Birding. Attractions and Nature trails throughout Aransas County. Visit:  www.aransaspathways.com  | 361-729-6445

Birding and Dolphin Tours/Boat & Kayak Excursions
Boat Tours are available. Information on Dolphin and birding adventures can be obtained by contacting the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce 1-800-242-0071

Community Aquatic and Skate Park
Free private swim lessons
Free adult swim lessons (shirts, goggles and swim caps are free if wanted)
Lifeguard Instructor Course- April 13,14, & 20, $254.00
Pool Hours: Monday-Closed | Tuesday & Friday 9-5 | Wed, Thur & Sat 9-6 | Sunday 12-5
The pool and park are now open at 9AM (Tues-Sat). Admission is $5. Classes include: Water Aerobics, Water Walking and Lap Swim. The park houses an 8 Lane, 25 yard pool (heated to 86 degrees) and diving area, a bathhouse, towel warmer and swimsuit dryer. The park includes a 6000 sq. ft. modular skate park (open) It also has a playground, picnic area, and a ¼ mile nature trail. FMI:  pool2@cityofrockport.com  | 361-727-9989 |  www.cityofrockport.com

Fulton Schoolhouse Museum
The Schoolhouse Museum is the original one-room schoolhouse of Fulton, TX that was rebuilt in the 1940's after being damaged by a hurricane. Visitors to the museum will experience a sense of what education was like from a bygone era. Expect to see the schoolhouse as it was originally set up along with numerous original artifacts of that era. Free tours but items are available for purchase, such as note cards, bookmarkers and all donations are accepted, as well. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1–4 PM, and for groups of four or more any time (or by appointment, call 361-729-5533). Come see what a one-room schoolhouse looked like, a huge model of the Fulton Mansion, and lots of photos and memorabilia of old time Fulton. For more information or to schedule future group tours call 361-729-5533 or visit  www.fultontexas.org | 205 N 7th Street, Fulton, TX 78358

The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor - Education Center
The Aquarium at Rockport Harbor Education Center offers a multitude of events throughout the year. All events are free at this time but donations are always welcome to help support the Aquarium. Open Daily 1pm - 4pm ~ Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Visit our website for more information.
Aquarium Education Center is located at 706 Navigation Circle, Rockport, TX.

Goose Island State Park 
Every Wednesday & Saturday, 8:30-11 AM -Shorebird Walks: We will explore different habitats and discover a variety of birds together. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Check in at Park Headquarters, then meet at the Rec Hall.
Every Thursday, 8:30-11 AM - Woodland Bird Walks: Join us for an exploratory walk through the woods of Goose Island State Park. We’ll learn about and identify the birds we see on our route, which includes a stop at the bird viewing area. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Check in at Park Headquarters, then meet at the Turks Cap Trail parking lot by campsite #157.
Every Friday, 8:30-11 AM - Big Tree Natural Area Bird Walks: Join us for a hike through the Big Tree Natural Area, an area of the park that is otherwise closed to the public. We’ll observe birds in a variety of habitats including coastal oak forests, coastal prairies, marshes, and bay shorelines. We may even be lucky enough to see an endangered Whooping Crane! All ages and skill levels are welcome. Check in early at park headquarters to obtain a tour ticket, then meet at the Big Tree parking lot.
Programs are FREE with park entrance ($5/person, children 12 & under are free) or Texas State Parks Annual Pass. Goose Island State Park is open 7 days a week from 8 AM-10 PM. Park Headquarters is staffed 7 days a week from 8 AM-5 PM. For more information, visit  https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island https://www.facebook.com/GooseIslandSP/ , or call 361-729-2858.
The wooded area of Goose Island State Park is open for overnight RV and tent camping. The boat ramp, fish cleaning station, nature trail, picnic area, and West Bayfront are available for day use. There is no Bayfront camping at this time and the fishing pier and East Bayfront remain closed. Park operating hours are 8 AM-10 PM.
While at Goose Island, be sure to visit one of the most famous live oaks in the world, the "Big Tree" estimated to be centuries old.
Goose Island State Park offers a variety of programs for all ages. For more information on scheduled openings or park programs, visit  www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/goose-island  or 361-729-2858
 
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Refuge tours Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 1-3 pm
Beginner Birding Tours Fridays at 9 am through April
Visitor Contact Station will be closed Monday-Tuesday beginning April 15
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. The Visitor Contact Station is currently open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-4 PM. Come hike a trail, fish off the pier or from your kayak, or drive the 16 mile auto tour. FMI, visit  www.facebook.com/AransasNWR , www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas/  or call 361-349-1181.
(Voted the #1 birding spot and # 5 National Wildlife Refuge in the USA for USA TODAY Readers' Choice)
 
Bingo
Come enjoy a fun time playing Bingo! Bingo can be played on Wednesday and Friday at 7 PM at the Rockport American GI Forum-  1911 Hardee St. Rockport . FMI: 361-729-7144

Cards
Every Monday and Friday, 12-4 PM - Play Canasta or Party Bridge at the Woman's Club of Aransas County |  1104 E. Concho, Rockport . (Across from the Chamber of Commerce near the Rockport Harbor) Members $4 | Non-members $5. FMI: 361-557-1150 or visit our  website
Connect With Us
This is a publication put together by the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce.
800-242-0071 I Rockport-Fulton.org I #VisitRockportFulton