The historic San Augustin Plaza covers the downtown district that was the original city of Laredo. It contains historical monuments such as the Cathedral of San Agustin, the oldest building in Laredo since 1755, as well as the Republic of the Rio Grande Museum and the Border Heritage Museum. Architecture within the plaza consists of Mission, Spanish Revival and Greek Revival styles.
Brace yourself for this month-long festival. George Washington's Birthday, the largest of its kind since 1898. Special events within the festival include the Society of Martha Washington Colonial Pageant and Ball, the Jalapeno Festival, the Noche de Cabaret, the Princess Pocahontas Pageant and Ball, several parades and a finale of fireworks.
The Laredo Center of the Arts aims to unleash the artistic potential in every Laredo resident. This grassroots organization has grown over the year to encompass three galleries and a variety of artistic and cultural events, such as local, regional, national and international art exhibitions, dance performances, art history lectures, musical performances and art education classes for adults and children.
Once the home of two Laredo merchant families in the early 20th century, the restored Italiante-style residence is now the Border Heritage Museum. This museum showcases the region's history, culture, industry and populations through a series of changing exhibits and educational seminars.