Here’s what’s up in SETX,
This week is stacked. We’re officially moving into the heart of February, which means the smell of King Cake is in the air and the Golden Triangle is gearing up for its biggest party of the year. Between major energy infrastructure upgrades in Port Arthur and the final countdown to Mardi Gras at Doggett Ford Park, there is plenty to keep track of this week.
Today's edition is brought to you by Tailored Financial Solutions, your local partner for bookkeeping and CFO-level guidance.
Let's dive in. ☕
📰 THE BIG NEWS
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas in Beaumont (in 2025)
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas Preps 28 Floats
Mardi Gras Southeast Texas returns to Doggett Ford Park tomorrow for its second year at the venue. The traditional chicken toss kicks things off at 5 PM Friday, followed by the ExxonMobil Krewe of Krewes Parade at 7:30 PM. Saturday brings the Valero Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade (the big one), and Sunday wraps it all up.
What’s new this year: outdoor headliner concerts moved outside the arena so they're not separated from the parade action. Parking is FREE, and viewing the parades from the parking lot perimeter is also free. Tickets to "Party on the Plaza" start at $27.50. The nonprofit event supports 13 local charities. Get the full schedule at mardigrastx.com.
👉 Why it matters: This is one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in Texas and it's right in our backyard. Rain or shine, the Golden Triangle knows how to party.
If you commute downtown or plan to attend, now’s the time to check parade routes and parking plans before the beads start flying.
📋 THE RUNDOWN
'Pulling Threads' on display at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas
🏗️ Port Arthur Approves Minimum Property Standards - The Port Arthur City Council has approved new minimum property standards aimed at improving neighborhood conditions across the city. This means stricter enforcement on things like overgrown lots, structural disrepair, and abandoned properties. If you own property in PA, it's worth reviewing the new requirements.
🗳️ Jefferson County Voting Update: No Card Needed - Heading to the polls in Jefferson County? You no longer need your voter registration card — just bring a valid photo ID. This is a good reminder to double-check what you need before heading out.
⚡ Entergy Reflects on Spindletop's Lasting Impact - Entergy published a deep dive into the legacy of the Spindletop gusher and how it shaped the modern energy landscape of Southeast Texas. A great read if you want a reminder of why our region matters on the global energy stage. 🔗 Read on Entergy's blog
🌕 Mark Your Calendar: Blood Moon Eclipse Coming in 2026 - A total lunar eclipse aka a "blood moon" is on the horizon for Southeast Texas. Astronomers say it'll be visible right from your backyard. Details on exact timing are still coming, but stargazers start planning now.
🎨 "Pulling Threads" on Display at Art Museum of Southeast Texas - A new textile-based art exhibit called Pulling Threads is now showing at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. It explores storytelling through fabric, weaving, and fiber art and it's free to visit.
💰 Free Tax Prep at Port Arthur Library — Starting now, the Port Arthur Public Library offers free tax preparation services. No appointment needed! Just bring your docs.
👩⚖️ Beaumont's First Black Female City Attorney Reflects on Her Journey - Beaumont City Attorney Tyrone Cooper shared her story during Black History Month, reflecting on her path to becoming the first Black woman to hold the role. A powerful profile worth your time. Read her story via 12News
TOGETHER WITH TAILORED FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS
💰 New year, new financial plan. TFS supports local entrepreneurs and growing businesses through accurate bookkeeping, CFO-level guidance, and strategic decision support. They make financial management clear so you can focus on building your dreams.
✅🎨 Artist Submissions Due Feb 20 — The Beaumont Mural Festival (March 21–22) is still accepting entries, but the deadline is this Thursday. Even if you're not selected, your work will be considered for future Beaumont CVB public art projects throughout the year. Don't sit on this one. → Submit here
✅🤝 Nonprofit Stepping Up Applications Close Feb 16 — If your nonprofit wants to bring on a Reaud Honors College student board member through the Stepping Up Program, applications close Sunday. It's a win-win: real governance experience for students, extra capacity for your org. → Apply here
✅Stargazers: Set your alarm for the Blood Moon on March 3. Best viewing 4:30-6:00 AM. Find a spot with a clear western horizon.
✅ SPONSOR: Tailored Financial Solutions is your local partner for bookkeeping, CFO-level guidance, and small business strategy. Visit tailoredfinsolutions.com 💰
📅 COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mark your calendars for these upcoming highlights.
THIS WEEKEND
Feb 13-15: Mardi Gras SETX | Doggett Ford Park, Beaumont. Parades, concerts, food, and 28 floats. Free parking and parade viewing.
Feb 13-14: LaMardi Gras | Lamar Fire Dept. Food, live music, parade on the Lamar Peninsula to benefit the Volunteer Fire Dept.
Feb 14: Love That Saves Lives | Kids Club at Central Mall. Fun crafts, activities, and hands-only CPR training for the whole family. Free; registration required.
Feb 14 Riverfront Farmers Market | Get your local goods at the boardwalk.
MOVIE NIGHTS @ JEFFERSON THEATRE
Feb 13: Hidden Figures | 7 PM
Feb 20: The Wiz | 7 PM
NEXT WEEK
Feb 18: Lunar New Year Sensory Event | 10:30 AM at Sertinos Cafe, Beaumont. Hands-on play and cultural activities for kids. $15/child.
Feb 19: Lunar New Year Lion Dance Celebration | 4:30 PM at Riverfront Park, Downtown Beaumont. FREE and family-friendly.
Feb 19: Texas Nonprofit Formation Workshop | 10 AM-12 PM at R.C. Miller Library. FREE. Learn how to legally establish a nonprofit in Texas.
Feb 20: Dancing with the Stars of SETX | 6 PM Cocktails, 7 PM Show at Beaumont Civic Center. Junior League of Beaumont's 10th annual event.
Feb 21: Beauty and the Beast Ballet | 2 PM at Julie Rogers Theatre. Beaumont Civic Ballet. Perfect Valentine's late gift!
Feb 21: Hutto Market Days | 9 AM-2 PM at The Gin at Hutto Co-Op. Local vendors and artisans.
COMING UP
Feb 26: Mardi Gras Mixer | 4-6 PM at Staybridge Suites, Port Arthur. Greater Port Arthur Chamber networking event. Beads encouraged, business cards recommended.
Feb 26: IHOP Ribbon Cutting | 10-11 AM at 5875 Eastex Fwy, Beaumont. Greater Beaumont COC welcomes new member.
Feb 14 & 28: Riverfront Farmers Market | Get your local goods at the boardwalk.
Feb 19-22: Boomtown Film & Music Festival | A showcase of independent film, live music, and panels across Beaumont. Passes available now.
Feb 24-25: Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical | "Helloooo!" Family-friendly musical comedy. Tickets $63-$103.
🍽️ FOOD CORNER
Three New Spots Making Moves in SETX
🌮 Qdoba Mexican Eats — Coming to Beaumont's West End! The fast-casual chain known for free queso and guac on any entrée is expanding in Texas. No opening date yet, but construction permits are in.
🦀 Fiery Crab — Seafood boil fans, your moment has arrived. Fiery Crab is doing a soft opening in Beaumont. Expect Cajun-seasoned boils, fried baskets, and a casual vibe.
🍔 Bubba's 33 — The Texas Roadhouse–affiliated sports bar and restaurant concept is heading to the Eastex Freeway corridor. Think handcrafted burgers, cold beer, pizza, and wall-to-wall TVs. This is a big get for that side of town.
Local Favorites Worth Knowing About
Vautrot's Cajun Cuisine 🐊 — Just outside Beaumont on Hwy 105, Vautrot's continues to be a bucket-list-level stop. The gumbo is legendary, the Big Seafood Platter (shrimp gumbo, crawfish étouffée, fried crawfish, stuffed crab, fried alligator, and frog legs) is enough for two, and the banana pudding seals the deal. If you haven't been, fix that.
Beaumont Food District 🏪 — This modern food hall concept brings multiple local vendors under one roof:
Broke Boys — Smash burgers, chicken tenders, wings. The Classic Double Cheeseburger ($15) is being called one of the best burgers in SETX.
Divine Flavors — Fried fish, shrimp, salt & pepper wings.
Manny's Catering — Street tacos, quesadillas, nachos, fresh guac.
Plus: cold-pressed juices, craft cocktails, freeze-dried treats, and cookies. Ideal when your group can't agree on one thing.
Twisted Egg Shack Expanding to Orange! 🍳
Already a hit in Beaumont, Twisted Egg Shack is moving into the former Carl's Jr location at 288 Strickland Dr in Orange. Expect fast, gourmet breakfast and lunch plus drive-thru and dine-in along with fresh craft coffee and premium squeezed juices. Opening date TBA, but Orange County, get ready.
🏢 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Tailored Financial Solutions: Built on Intelligence and Trust
A dedicated partner to local entrepreneurs and growing businesses making SETX a thriving community through accurate bookkeeping and CFO-level guidance. TFS empowers small businesses and visionaries through strategic decision support and clear financial management.
📧 Want to learn more? Reach out to TFS via their website at tailoredfinsolutions.com and mention What's Up SETX for a complimentary consultation.
🌲 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Beaumont to host Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Riverfront Park
Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Riverfront Park (Feb 19) — Not technically a hike, but getting outside on the downtown Beaumont riverfront on a February evening to watch a lion dance? That's a win. Meet at 4:30 PM.
Cattail Marsh Boardwalk — February is prime time for migratory bird watching. Grab your binoculars, layer up, and hit the boardwalk at Cattail Marsh Wetlands in Tyrrell Park. Free, peaceful, and uniquely SETX.
Village Creek State Natural Area — Perfect weather for a paddle or a trail run through the Big Thicket. The park is about 15 minutes north of Beaumont and rarely crowded on weekdays.
💬 Outdoor lovers, sound off: What's your favorite trail, park, or outdoor spot in the Golden Triangle? Bonus points if it's a hidden gem most people drive right past. 🌲 Reply and share cause we'll feature the best ones in a future Outdoor Adventures roundup!
💼 Jobs & Opportunities
Industry Advancement Expo (Feb 12) — Free to attend. If you're looking to break into the industrial sector or connect with local employers, this is your networking event. Multiple exhibitors, and the new Owners Lounge offers face time with plant leaders.
Stepping Up Board Program — College students in the Reaud Honors College can apply for real nonprofit board positions through TFS. Applications close Feb 16. → Apply
Beaumont Mural Festival Artists — Selected artists for the March 21–22 festival will be compensated. Submissions due Feb 20. Even non-selected entries stay in the pipeline for future Beaumont CVB projects. → Submit
Greater Port Arthur Chamber Sponsorships — Small businesses looking for visibility can sponsor the Mardi Gras Mixer (Feb 26) starting at just $150. Contact [email protected].
💬 Job seekers and business builders: Are you hiring in SETX? Know of a company that is? Reply with the details and we'll include it in next week's Jobs section currently free of charge. Let's help our neighbors find work. 💼
🧠 SETX TRIVIA
Did you know? Port Arthur hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in Texas. The tradition started in 1993 and spent 27 years in downtown Port Arthur before moving to downtown Beaumont, then to its current home at Doggett Ford Park. The festival supports local charities and is run entirely by volunteers. Laissez les bons temps rouler! 🎭⚽
📣 Your Turn
Every week, we ask a few questions because this newsletter is a two-way street. Hit reply cause we read every single one.
🍔 What's the most underrated restaurant in SETX? We're building a community favorites list.
🎭 Are you hitting any Mardi Gras events this year? What's your krewe or your parade-day tradition?
🎨 Local artists: Are you submitting to the Mural Festival? We'd love to follow your journey.
🏡 Port Arthur neighbors: What do you think about the new property standards? Good move or overreach?
📰 What do you want more of in this newsletter? More food? More jobs? More events? More deep dives? Tell us and we'll deliver.
That’s it for now, see you next week!
Stay in the know,
The What’s Up SETX Team
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