Thousands attend anniversary celebration showcasing the South Texas port’s history, operations and industry partners
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (November 2, 2026) — The Port of Brownsville marked 90 years of service to the Rio Grande Valley with a Grand Community Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, welcoming thousands of residents to the Port of Brownsville Business Park.
The free event connected the community with the port’s maritime operations and celebrated its evolution into a gateway for international trade and a hub for diverse industries.
Community Celebration Offers an Inside Look at Port Operations
Families enjoyed bus tours of the port, live music, entertainment and food, along with a dedicated Kids Port activity area.
Equipment exhibits and educational displays from harbor partners across the region gave visitors opportunities to learn about the businesses and operations that make up the port community.
Held every five years, the celebration recognizes the port’s history while introducing residents to its continuing role in the Rio Grande Valley economy. The previous event, held in 2021 for the port’s 85th anniversary, attracted approximately 4,000 attendees.
Nine Decades of Maritime Trade and Industrial Development
The Port of Brownsville opened on May 16, 1936, initially helping move agricultural products to markets around the world.
Over the following nine decades, it developed into the only deepwater seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border. Today, the port supports a range of industries, including shipbuilding, ship recycling, steel, energy, construction and space.
The 90th anniversary celebration highlighted that transformation, bringing residents and harbor partners together to recognize the port’s longstanding connection to the community and its role in regional trade and industrial development.
