RGV Palm Awards 2026 | McAllen Performing Arts Center – May 13
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Red Carpet | 4:30 PM
House | 5:30PM
Show | 7pm
Celebrate excellence in the performing arts at the 8th Annual RGV Palm Awards, taking place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. This prestigious and highly anticipated event shines a spotlight on the incredible talent of high school theatre students from across the Rio Grande Valley, recognizing their achievements both on and off the stage.
Presented by McAllen International Airport and H-E-B Helping Here, and held in collaboration with the McAllen Performing & Cultural Arts Foundation and National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, the Palm Awards have grown into one of the most celebrated arts events in South Texas.
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Palm Awards deliver a dynamic, high-energy evening filled with live student performances, award presentations, and a glamorous red carpet experience. The event consistently sells out, welcoming over 1,800 attendees in person, while also reaching wider audiences through live streaming platforms.
Now in its eighth season, the Palm Awards continue to expand their impact, recognizing hundreds of students annually and providing meaningful opportunities that extend far beyond the stage. The program was founded by passionate theatre educators dedicated to creating a platform where students can grow, be recognized, and gain exposure for their talents.
Over the past four seasons alone, the organization has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students across the Rio Grande Valley. These scholarships help open doors for young performers to pursue higher education and careers in the arts, reinforcing the Palm Awards’ mission of creating real, lasting impact in the community.
🌟 A Special Night Hosted by Diego Rodriguez
Adding to the excitement of this year’s celebration, the 2026 Palm Awards will be hosted by acclaimed performer Diego Rodriguez, bringing star power and inspiration to the stage.
A proud connection to the Palm Awards community, Rodriguez is a 2-time Palm Awards winner whose career has reached international stages. He earned recognition as an Olivier Awards Best Actor nominee for his portrayal of Che in Evita on London’s West End, where he performed at the iconic Palladium alongside Rachel Zegler.
He is also part of a Tony Award-winning cast for Best Revival of a Musical in Sunset Blvd., further establishing his place among today’s most accomplished theatre performers. His return to the Palm Awards stage as host represents the full-circle impact of the program demonstrating how local Rio Grande Valley talent can rise to national and international acclaim.
