What year did the Art Museum of Southeast Texas open in its current location on Main Street? 

The beloved YMBL South Texas State Fair returns to Beaumont’s Doggett Ford Park this Thursday, March 26, creating excitement across Southeast Texas.

The fair runs through April 5, offering classic carnival rides, festive foods, livestock shows, and that unmistakable sense of community tradition locals cherish.

Admission is $10 for guests ages 3 and up, with children two and under entering free. Parking is complimentary, making it easy for families to enjoy all the festivities.

Hours vary each day, with opening night festivities starting at 6:00 PM Thursday.

Beyond fun, the fair supports local students through scholarships and boosts the area’s economy. Whether you love the midway or simply savor a bird’s-eye view from the Ferris wheel, this annual tradition truly welcomes all.

Your fair ticket also grants access to general admission seating for the YMBL Rodeo and Chute Out, though rodeo seating is first-come, first-served.

Beaumont’s State of the City event, dubbed "The Beaumont Awards," lit up the historic Jefferson Theatre on March 24, 2026.

Inspired by the Oscars, the free celebration honored the city’s standout achievements and progress from the past year.

Guests enjoyed complimentary concessions and treats from local food trucks while applauding awards that spotlighted each city department’s major milestones.

Residents were invited to voice their questions during a live Q&A with city leaders, promoting open dialogue and genuine community participation.

Red carpet photo ops infused a festive, glamorous spirit, ensuring the evening was both lively and informative.

This year’s event highlighted the dedication of Beaumont’s employees and underscored the city’s ongoing focus on growing together with its community.

The Symphony of Southeast Texas returns to the Julie Rogers Theatre this Saturday, inviting audiences to experience “Destiny, Dance, and Spirit.”

This bold concert blends classics with inventive contemporary works, featuring Verdi, John Adams’ energetic “The Chairman Dances,” and John Rutter’s gospel-inspired “Feel the Spirit,” performed with the SOST Chorus.

The program also showcases Respighi’s dramatic “Pines of Rome,” complete with lush orchestration and surprising sound effects.

Rather than sticking to one era, the Symphony reimagines what classical music can be—modern, spirited, and reflective of many traditions.

For over 70 seasons, SOST has ensured the art form remains vibrant and relevant to Southeast Texas audiences.

Tickets start at $36.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 28 at Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl Street, Beaumont.

Why don't symphonies ever get locked out?
Because they always have the right key!

Lamar University's Business Week takes place March 23-27, providing business students with a unique opportunity to connect directly with local employers in Beaumont and Southeast Texas.

This annual spring event, hosted by the College of Business, features industry speakers, interactive student panels, and essential networking sessions designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the realities of the regional business world.

Through these connections, students gain insights into local career opportunities, fostering relationships that often lead to long-term professional growth right here in Beaumont.

Every year, many Lamar graduates face the choice of staying, leaving, or returning to contribute to the community's economic future.

Business Week plays a key role in encouraging graduates to envision themselves thriving in the area, ensuring that Beaumont retains a robust, homegrown professional class.

Various sessions throughout the week help prepare students for real-world success, from entrepreneurship to industry-specific knowledge.

Interesting Facts

Lamar's College of Business holds AACSB accreditation - a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of business programs worldwide. Graduates from AACSB-accredited schools are considered more desirable to employers than those from non-accredited programs.

Beaumont’s beloved Friends of the Library Book Sale returns downtown March 27-28, turning withdrawn library books into critical support for local programming.

Organized by dedicated volunteers, the sale lets residents buy bags of books for just $2 each.

All proceeds fund essential offerings, from summer reading and outreach to materials for kids whose families otherwise wouldn’t have access.

Cathy Saur Allen, president of Friends of the Library, highlights the group’s mission to help bridge gaps left by city funding.

This community-powered event serves as the library’s main fundraiser, making extra programs at all four branches possible.

Shoppers can sift through 118 boxes of fiction and a wide range of nonfiction, children’s books, audiobooks, and large print titles.

The annual sale is not just about buying books—it’s about Beaumont’s commitment to accessible literacy for all.

UPCOMINT EVENTS

Friday, March 27

• Friends of the Library Book Sale — Preview Sale | 3:00-7:00 PM | Downtown Beaumont Public Library | $10 individual / $20 family membership required

Saturday, March 28

• Friends of the Library Book Sale — Public Sale | 9:00 AM-2:00 PM | Downtown Beaumont Public Library | Open to all, $2 per grocery bag

• Symphony of Southeast Texas Concert: "Destiny, Dance, and Spirit" | Julie Rogers Theatre | Reserved seating, first-come first-served

Southeast Texas often sees treasured local businesses disappear as chain stores take over, leaving residents with fewer familiar faces and longtime staples.

Martinez Small Engine Repair, nestled on Calder Avenue, stands out by celebrating its remarkable 40th anniversary.

Founded by Carlos Martinez in 1986, the shop started with little more than a toolbox and a promise to repair any small engine — from lawnmowers to generators.

Decades later, Martinez still greets customers personally, offering honest advice and hands-on service, setting the shop apart from faceless franchises and automated systems.

In an age where most things are built to be replaced, his commitment to repairs and genuine customer care is increasingly rare.

If you need something fixed, visit Martinez Small Engine Repair at 3847 Calder Avenue — open weekdays, no appointment needed.

This kind of small, community-rooted business deserves to be supported for years to come.

Setting yearly reading goals sparks motivation and friendly competition. My target this year is to finish 30 books, hoping to outdo myself from past years.

So far, I've conquered five titles, with two clear favorites.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard transports readers into a divided world where people with silver blood possess superhuman powers, ruling over the powerless Reds.

The journey follows Mare, a Red who discovers her own abilities, drawing her into royal intrigue and a secret rebellion.

It’s a thrilling story about loyalty and trust in a world built on secrets.

Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker centers on a couple who adopt a child whose birth mother warns them about a looming threat.

Years later, danger resurfaces and the family must go on the run, exploring how far people will go for those they love.

What books are you eager to read this year? Share your favorites!

Answer: 1987

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