www.visitvictoriatexas.com

Visit Victoria and be prepared to discover that much more converges here than the three highways most commonly credited for our status as the South Texas Crossroads.

Music, dance and theater come alive on our stages, thanks to a host of talented, dedicated performing artists in Victoria Ballet Theatre, the Victoria Symphony and Theatre Victoria.

Our rich heritage, which traces back to the fi rst settlement in Texas, is beautifully showcased at places such as the Museum of the Coastal Bend, Historic Hiller House and the Royston Nave Museum, and at historic sites such as Memorial Square. History and architecture buffs will also

delight in the carefully preserved homes that line the streets of Old Victoria.

A calendar full of cultural and arts celebrations, including events like the Bach Festival, Jazz Fest, Noche en Old Victoria and the Victoria Czech Heritage Festival, awaits you.

And our family-focused attractions, such as The Texas Zoo and the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent, have the power to inspire a child’s sense of wonder no matter your age.

This is truly a place where past and present are perfect neighbors – friendly neighbors welcoming you to stay and explore.

South TexasWelcome to

Clockwise from Left: Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts; Victoria Symphony performance of Smetana’s String Quartet No. 1; Victoria Symphony’s Downtown Rhythms

J. KYLE KEENER

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Victoria SymphonyDiscover the magic of classical music through a performance

of the Victoria Symphony, a 36-year-old organization that has grown to include approximately 65 musicians from Victoria and surrounding cities and regularly features guest artists from around the world. Its season runs from September through April with inspirational programs that include a four-concert Family Series and a fi ve-concert Master Series. These memorable performances are held in the Victoria College Auditorium, as well as at other venues throughout town. Downtown Rhythms is one of the symphony’s most popular events. Billed as an evening of food, families and fun, it includes a free concert, performances by school ensembles and activities for children.

Theatre VictoriaWatch as new life is brought

to old tales while age and wisdom are infused into new ones during performances at Theatre Victoria, the resident company of the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts. Last year, more than 39,000 people attended its productions and events. The 2010 season features productions such as Side by Side by Sondheim and Neil Simon’s comedy, The Dinner Party.

Victoria Symphony2112 N. Navarro(361) 576-4500www.victoriasymphony.com

Victoria Ballet Theatre2508 Mockingbird(361) 575-2313www.victoriaballet.org

Theatre Victoria214 N. Main St.(361) 570-TKTSwww.theatrevictoria.org

Tickets and Info:

Music, dance and theatre come alive on stage

Victoria Ballet TheatreSpectacular sets and costumes set the tone for the

delightful dance interpretations of Victoria Ballet Theatre. The annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker is a highlight, and the organization promises an entire Storybook Season for 2009-10 with local performances at Victoria College and the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts. Spring Gala in March will showcase The Sleeping Beauty Act III, Aurora’s Wedding, and the children’s ballet, The Button, which is based on the Frog and Toad books.

Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing ArtsOperated by Theatre Victoria, the resident company,

the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts represents Victoria’s commitment to the arts. The Welder Center is named for a local rancher, businessman and philanthropist. The 476-seat theater hosts theatrical and musical performances.

Arts & Culture

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Art LeagueBridge Street GallerySee the creative yield of local visual artists at the Bridge Street Gallery, home of the Victoria Art League. Founded in 1966, the league supports art education, creativity, art appreciation and exhibition of visual arts. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

McNamara-O’Connor Historical and Fine Arts MuseumInvestigate the social, economic and cultural lifestyle of middle class South Texans at the turn of the century at the McNamara-O’Connor Historical and Fine Arts Museum. Built in 1876 as the residence of Victoria businessman William J. McNamara, the house is open year round from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Royston Nave MuseumView the permanent collection of Royston Nave paintings as well as rotating exhibits of visual arts at the Royston Nave Museum. The museum is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Museum of the Coastal Bend

Explore the region’s heritage at the Museum of the Coastal Bend. Permanent exhibits detail the Coastal Bend’s rich history, showcasing regionally relevant collections focused on colonialism, the maritime industry, the local ranching industry and more. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $3.50 for adults; $2 for children; and $2.50 for seniors.

Getting ThereBridge Street Gallery/Victoria Art League905 S. Bridge(361) 572-0825www.victoriaartleague.org

McNamara-O’Connor Historical and Fine Arts Museum502 N. Liberty(361) 575-8227www.victoriaregionalmuseum.com

Royston Nave Museum306 W. Commercial(361) 575-8227www.victoriaregionalmuseum.com

Museum of the Coastal BendCorner of East Red River and Ben Jordan(361) 582-2511www.museumofthecoastalbend.org

Visual InspirationMuseums, galleries showcase works of art

Above: Royston Nave Museum Right: Exhibit at Museum of the Coastal Bend; The Victoria Art League Center

J. KYLE KEENER

JEFF ADKINS

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Victoria Historic Homes TourPut on your walking shoes. Thanks to the 30 years

of work by Victoria Preservation Inc., more than 100 historically signifi cant structures await your examination and appreciation. By the end of the Civil War, Victoria’s splendid architecture made it one of the most beautiful cities in the state, and visitors can still see some of the best examples of that golden era today. The Victoria Historic Homes Tour endures as one of the city’s most popular attractions in April of each year. Self-guided and guided walking and driving tours also are available year-round. Printed guides are available at Victoria Preservation Inc., or the Victoria Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Hiller HouseJust north of the original town site of Victoria near

Evergreen Cemetery, you can peer into the windows of life as an early settler at the historic Hiller House, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. German immigrants Friedrich and Margaretha Beck Hiller built the house after arriving in Texas in 1852 and making the challenging journey from the old port of Indianola to put down roots here. A living history re-enactment, held the second Sunday in October, portrays the family’s story and educates people about the area’s German culture. The home, located at 3003 N. Vine St., is the headquarters of Keep Victoria Beautiful.

Rich in History and Charm

Seeking a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Texas? Make Victoria your fi rst stop. As the only county where all six fl ags over Texas have fl own and as the state’s second oldest incorporated city, we are a logical starting point for exploring the region’s history. Founded in 1824 by Don Martin DeLeon and named for the fi rst president of Mexico, Victoria offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy impressive historic architecture including our beautiful 1892 Romanesque Revival-style courthouse; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, circa 1898, one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic structures in Texas; the 1895 O’Connor-Proctor Building and many more historic structures.

J. KYLE KEENER

Home of the original Six Flags Over Texas, museums and beautiful architecture

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Jazz FestEnjoy all that jazz each October

during the Jazz Fest, a celebration presented by the Victoria Fine Arts Association. Music fi lls local venues; school jazz bands compete; and a concert draws big-name regional performers. For more information, see www.victoriajazzitup.com.

Noche en Old VictoriaEnergy fi lls the air each May

during Noche en Old Victoria, a celebration of Hispanic culture that features live music, traditional dance performances, a car show,

a kiddie carnival, scores of vendors and contests including best-dressed chihuahua and a jalapeno-eating face-off. See www.victoriachamber.org for more information.

Victoria Bach FestivalAn entire week of innovative and

engaging musical experiences unfold during the Victoria Bach Festival, held each June. Named a Texas Treasure by National Public Radio, the festival is a mix of intimate concerts by outstanding soloists and chamber groups; blockbuster oratorio and symphonic performances; and fun, informal family and outdoor concerts.

For more information, see www.victoriabachfestival.org.

Czech Heritage FestivalEnjoy the sounds, sights and

tastes each September during the Czech Heritage Festival. It begins with a Czech-English Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral. Then, attendees may enjoy traditional Czech music, foods, children’s games, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, the popular Homemade Beer and Wine Show, and much more. Admission is $6 and is free for those younger than 15. Learn more at www.victoriaczechs.org.

Festivals & Events

Top: Jazz Fest. Above: Kolaches are Czech Fest treats. The Victoria Bach Festival is a premier musical event.

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Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent

A day at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Golden Crescent packs in so much adventure that your kids won’t even realize it’s educational, too. Even those who are just kids at heart are likely to learn something at this interactive museum, which is located at 204 N. Main St. in downtown Victoria. Permanent exhibits include Triple B Ranch, El Mercado, Enchanted Theatre, Art Palooza, and Discovery Clinic. The museum welcomes individual visitors and school groups throughout the region and is open Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m. The museum extends its hours during the summer, winter and spring school breaks. Admission is $3 per person, with children younger than age 2 and museum members admitted free. For more information, see www.cdmgoldencrescent.com.

The Texas ZooLocated in Riverside Park, The Texas Zoo is a wildly popular attraction

for families and a great place to learn about the state’s biodiversity. The Texas House and Senate passed a resolution in 1984 that made the zoo the National Zoo of Texas. Visitors can see more than 150 animals native to the state including the alligators of the Texas marshes and the sleepy-eyed pelicans of the windy coast. The animals live in natural settings situated across 6 acres and within the Texas Animal Kingdom building. Expect to see 23 species of mammals, including two rare species of cats, margays and jaguarundis. And when it comes to the greatest diversity of bird species in the U.S., Texas rules the roost with 540. So, it’s no surprise the zoo has 23 species of them to welcome you. The Texas Zoo is located at 110 Memorial Drive and is open every day 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter. The cost of admission is $6, with children age 12 and younger admitted for $4, toddlers age 2 and younger admitted free. Seniors receive a discounted admission of $3.50. See www.texaszoo.org for more information.

Kidding AroundJust

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Thru January 24Texas Mid Century ModernistsFrom the collection of Carl R. McQuearyNave Museum

Thru January 30Wings Over VictoriaWWII in photography and memoriesMuseum of the Coastal Bend

January 12-30A Photographic Journal of Foster FieldBob Roberts, artistMuseum of the Coastal Bend

January 15Harlem Gospel ChoirLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

January 30Victoria Symphony Master Series 3Featuring Texas Sweetheart Kelly WillisVictoria College Auditorium

February 5 – March 14A World of GlassSusan Plum, artistNave Museum

February 11Murder Mystery TheatreFeaturing an excerpt from Gary Hall’s book, Murder and MaliceMuseum of the Coastal Bend

February 13Black History FestivalVictoria Community Center

February 13-15 & 19-21Side by Side by SondheimLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

February 27Victoria Symphony Master Series 4The Victoria College Auditorium

March 4 – January 31Where Texas History BeganMuseum of the Coastal Bend

March 6Victoria Ballet Theatre’s Spring GalaAurora’s WeddingLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

March 25 & 26Always Patsy ClineLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

March 26 – May 9Brad Braune, artistNave Museum

March 27Polo Match FundraiserTo benefi t Victoria Regional Museum AssociationMcFaddin Ranch

April 10-11Victoria Preservation’s Historic Homes Tour

April 22Victoria Symphony’s Downtown Rhythms

April 24Victoria Symphony Master Series 5The Victoria College Auditorium

April 30 – May 2 & 6-8The Dinner PartyLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

May Noche en Old VictoriaRiverside Park

May 21 – July 3Traffi c ReportPhotography by Maurice RobertsNave Museum

June 7-12Victoria Bach FestivalVarious locations

July 16 – August 29John Palmer and Chris SilkwoodNave Museum

July 23-25 & 29-31Summer Performance – TBALeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

September 3 – October 10Bronze Rave at the NaveKerry Cannon, artistNave Museum

September 18Victoria Symphony Master Series 1The Victoria College Auditorium

September 24-26 & 30-October 2Fall Play (TBA)Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

September 26Czech Heritage FestivalThe Victoria Community Center

OctoberTexas Kickin’ BullrideVictoria Community Center

OctoberJazz Fest

October 7Victoria Symphony Party in the Park

October 14Victoria Symphony Symphonic SpooktakularThe Victoria College Auditorium

October 16Victoria Symphony Master Series Concert 2The Victoria College Auditorium

October 16-17Victoria Garden Tours

October 22 – November 28A CelebrationDia de los Muertos 2010Nave Museum

October 29-30Victoria Preservation’s Annual Cemetery Tour

November 12-14 & 18-20Winter Play (TBA)Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

December 2Victoria Bach Festival’s Conspirare Christmas at the Carillon Concert

December 10 – January 16All That I Can’t Leave BehindLea Barton, artistNave Museum

DecemberThe NutcrackerLeo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts

Discover Victoria2010 Schedule of Events

This special section is published for Victoria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau by Journal Communications Inc.

C U S TO M M A G A Z I N E M E D I A

For more information, contact:Victoria Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

3404 North Ben Wilson • Victoria, TX 77901Phone: (361)582-4285, www.visitvictoriatexas.com

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