The Webb County Heritage Foundation invites the community to join in celebrating the 271st anniversary of the founding of Laredo with a citywide celebration on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Launched in 2024 by the Webb County Heritage Foundation, Laredo’s Birthday Celebration was created to bring the community together to honor the city’s history, culture, and people. Now in its third year, the celebration continues to grow as a collaborative, community-wide effort, with local businesses, nonprofits, and organizations hosting events and special programming across Laredo.
The celebration will take place throughout the day, with activities beginning in the morning across the city. The official kickoff will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Border Heritage Museum with an opening ceremony featuring a cake cutting, mariachi, and a community gathering. From there, the celebration will extend throughout Laredo, offering a variety of experiences including artisan markets, live music, cultural programming, food specials, and family-friendly activities.
“This celebration is about bringing people together,” said Andrea Ordoñez, Director of Operations for the Webb County Heritage Foundation. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate not only the founding of Laredo, but the community that continues to shape it. What makes this event distinctive is how it brings together and highlights the organizations, businesses, and individuals who make our city so special.”
Participating partners across Laredo will host events ranging from pop-up markets and guided hikes to exhibitions, performances, and themed food and drink offerings. Participants in this year’s celebration include: Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Border Heritage Museum, Republic of the Rio Grande Museum, Laredo Main Street, Laredo Public Library, Laredo College, Instituto Cultural Mexicano de Laredo, Laredo Film Society, Laredo Cultural District, Monte Mucho Audubon Society, Imaginarium of South Texas, Laredo Center for the Arts, MileOne, Tu Casa Gráfica, Shop195, Indoor Gardens, The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo, La Posada Hotel, and Martin High School Tigres del Sur Mariachi.
Food and beverage partners include: ALA Burger, TacoLare, Gorilla Smoke and Grill, Tremendo Taco, Picate Mucho, 550 Pizzeria, El Mesón de San Agustín, Livi’s Mexicue, Tito’s Burgers & Snack, Los Pasteles Bakery, Gloria’s Coffee Bar, Organic Man Coffee, Sabor a Cielo, Dark Rock Coffee, Mama Matcha, Luna Llena Coffee Shop, Wonderland Coffee, Sweets and Dream Café, Café La Oficina, Los Olvidados Café, Ke Fresca, Jardín X Contreras, and Saludos Brewery.
As part of the celebration, participating businesses will offer special promotions and limited-time menu items, including collaborations such as birthday-themed drinks and treats created specifically for the occasion.
Laredo’s Birthday Celebration is a community-wide event dedicated to honoring the founding of the city, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to explore and experience Laredo in a meaningful and festive way.
The Webb County Heritage Foundation also recognizes the Indigenous communities, including the Coahuiltecan and Carrizo peoples, who lived in this region long before the founding of Laredo in 1755.
This year’s celebration is made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors, including the City of Laredo, County of Webb, the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau, the 1848 Event Center, Los Pasteles Bakery, H-E-B, the Guadalupe and Lilia Martinez Foundation, La Posada Hotel, and IBC Bank.
The public is encouraged to attend and explore events happening throughout the city. A full list of activities and event details can be found at webbheritage.org and on the Webb County Heritage Foundation’s social media platforms, @webbheritage.
