Entertainment makes for great stocking stuffers

Are you stuck not knowing what Christmas gifts to buy this season? Want to stay away from socks, cheap cologne and gift cards? Well, we have the perfect idea for last-minute stocking stuffers that will sure to make everyone smile – tickets to a show!

There is a plethora of entertaining events in Beaumont that cover all genres – music, comedians, sports and even stuff for the kiddos to enjoy.

When searching, start with the City of Beaumont’s beaumonteventstx.com. Emily Wheeler, Director of Event Services, and her staff do a fantastic job not only booking shows in downtown Beaumont, but also executing without any issues.

An early Christmas present comes this Sunday, Dec. 18, as the legendary Gatlin Brothers take the Jefferson Theatre stage at 7 p.m. The Gaitlins will perform holiday favorites as well as their popular hits. Ticket prices start at $35 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com.

For those adults who enjoy whiskey, the Civic Center will host the first ever SETX Whiskey Festival on Jan. 6-7, 2023. This one-of-a-kind festival will give attendees the chance to taste premium spirits, mingle with fellow whiskey lovers and learn from the best in the whiskey and bourbon business. More than 400 bottles of fine whiskey and bourbon will be on display. Tickets start at $79 and are available online at setxwhiskeyfest.com.

Want to laugh? Comedian and country music artist Rodney Carrington returns to the Jefferson Theatre on Friday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $49.50 and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com. Carrington is a multi-talented comedian, actor, singer and writer playing sold-out shows around the world as one of the Top 10 highest-grossing touring comedians for the past two decades.

Funnyman Rickey Smiley and friends will appear at the Julie Rogers Theatre on Friday, Jan. 27, at 8 p.m. Smiley is a legendary comedian, actor, author, television host and award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” Tickets start at $60 and are available online at ticketmaster.com.

Two big concerts are on tap for the Jefferson Theatre in February beginning with Staind frontman Aaron Lewis on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Grammy-winning group, The Mavericks, will take the stage Friday, Feb. 10. Tickets for both shows can be found on ticketmaster.com.

Ford Arena will host Peppa Pig’s Adventure on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 6 p.m. Join the popular Peppa this holiday season on an exciting camping trip in the winter woods with George and her school friends, including Pedro Pony, Suzy Sheep, and Gerald Giraffe. With lunchboxes packed and Daddy Pig driving the bus, Peppa and friends are excited about their outdoor holiday adventure, full of singing, dancing, games and surprises. Little piggies everywhere will love celebrating the season with this 60-minute live musical experience. Tickets start at $25.50 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

Hurricane Pro Wrestling will once again host a family-friendly show at Ford Park on Saturday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 at ticketmaster.com.

International comedy sensation, comic and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham will perform at Ford Arena on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 5 p.m. Dunham along with his cast of hilarious characters including Achmed, Peanut, Walter, José and Bubba J are set to embark on the “Jeff Dunham: Still Not Canceled Tour.” Tickets start at $48.50 and are online at ticketmaster.com.

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will play those peskey Washington Generals on Friday., Feb. 3, inside Ford Arena at 7 p.m. Your favorite Globetrotter stars are bringing out their amazing basketball skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop “LOL” good time. Tickets start at $20 and are available at ticketmaster.com.

Looking for the best theatrical performances? Look no further than the Lutcher Theater in downtown Orange. “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” takes the stage Thursday, Feb. 2, followed by a performance from Home Free on Sunday, Feb. 19; Voctave on Saturday, March 4; “Anastasia” for two shows on Thursday, March 30, and Friday, March 31; Jimmy Fortune and the Malpass Brothers on Saturday, April 22; and “Tootsie” on Monday, May 1. Tickets to those shows can be purchased at lutcher.org.

-Chad Cooper, Entertainment Editor