The countdown is officially on! Laredo is getting ready to host the 21st Annual Laredo International Sister Cities Festival (LISCF) from Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, 2025 at the Sames Auto Arena. This beloved tradition continues to grow, and this year’s event promises to be bigger, brighter, and even more vibrant, with 205 booths highlighting the culture, flavors, and craftsmanship of Latin America and beyond.
Last year, more than 21,000 people walked through the arena doors, and this year, the City of Laredo and the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau are rolling out the welcome mat once again. Locals, Texans, and cross-border travelers alike are invited to explore the best of binational culture, all under one roof, and all free to attend.
A Marketplace of Culture & Connection
This year’s festival welcomes delegations and artisans from across Mexico, Central America, and South America, bringing with them an incredible mix of handcrafted furniture, jewelry, leather goods, linens, embroidered clothing, wool sarapes, ceramics, and more. You’ll also find delicious regional foods like carne seca, tortillas, dulces típicos, and traditional drinks, perfect for sampling between shopping sessions.
The bilingual opening ceremony kicks things off at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, with city officials and guests from Laredo’s sister cities coming together to celebrate a weekend of unity, exchange, and shared heritage
When & Where
- Dates: Friday, July 11 – Sunday, July 13, 2025
- Venue: Sames Auto Arena, 6700 Arena Blvd, Laredo TX
- Hours:
- Fri & Sat: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Sun: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Admission & Parking: Free all weekend
Why You Should Go
- Cultural Connection: Now in its 21st year, the festival showcases over 200 artisans from Laredo’s sister‑cities, including Nuevo Laredo, Guadalajara, Querétaro, Tijuana, Guadalupe and more, offering textiles, craftwork, gourmet street food, traditional garb, religious art, and so much.
- Binational Unity: City and consulate leaders emphasize it’s a real-life demonstration of border harmony.
- Local Impact: Beyond celebration, the festival pumps life into Laredo’s economy, supporting vendors, drawing tourists, filling hotels, and energizing the downtown scene.
New Highlights This Year
- First-Ever Sister Cities 5K & 1-Mile Walk
- When: Sunday, July 13, 7 a.m.
- Who: Open to all ages (min. 4 yrs). Disability‑friendly category included
- Fees: Early bird (June 1–30): $25 (5K), $10 (1-mile); then $35/$15; race-day $45/$15
- Extras: First 100 get a commemorative tee; strollers allowed (rear start); service animals OK
- Lele Doll Workshops
- What: Guided sessions by Otomí artisans from Querétaro to craft traditional Lele (Maria) dolls—cloth, ribbons, clay
- When: July 11 & 12 (check/exact times TBA)
- Cost: $30 per person—materials included
