The area code 409 was created March 19, 1983, as a split from 713 (Houston). It included nearly a dozen counties, Chambers, Galveston, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Polk, Sabine, Trinity, Tyler and closer to home – Jefferson and Orange.
“409,” more than just an area code, has taken on a life of its own in each city it covers, mores specifically Beaumont. With the culture coming together like a perfectly cooked gumbo, the city of Beaumont will celebrate its heritage with “409 Weekend,” with is first three-day, all free event, which promises to showcase the community, cuisine, and culture that embodies the spirit of Southeast Texas on April 26-28.
The weekend begins Friday, April 26, with a Block Party at the downtown Fire Museum (400 Walnut St.) from 4-7 p.m. Take your picture in front of the original World’s Largest Fire Hydrant, which will also be set off every hour.
Catch a glimpse of the Lamar Football Cardinals Spring Game at 7 p.m. near campus at Provost Umphrey Stadium (4400 S MLK King Jr. Parkway). The Cards finished last season 6-5, which was the most wins since 2018.
Patrons are then invited to “Movie at the McFaddin-Ward House” (1906 Calder Ave.) with the showing of the 1993 Disney dog-friendly feature film, “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Jounry” at 7:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks as they gather on the historic home’s grounds to enjoy a family-friendly film with their canine and other friends.
The festivities continue Saturday, April 27, with 409 Day at Tyrrell Park (6088 Babe Zaharias Dr.). From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., patrons can enjoy a variety of activities including live music, engaging performances, and interactive games suitable for the whole family. The event, hosted by 409 Family and the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, encourages exploration of local vendor booths, a taste of regional flavors from local food trucks, and the scenic beauty of Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh.
“409 Day is a celebration of everything that makes us fall in love with the 409-area code,” said Danielle Sutton, co-founder of 409 Family. “The 409 Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate everything that makes our region special. With the entire event being family-friendly, all ages can enjoy a free and fun weekend.”
The celebration continues Sunday, April 28, at SETX Crawfish Festival at the Downtown Event Centre. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., sample from seven different crawfish vendors, including one from Louisiana, all with varying dishes and prices, enjoy live music, and soak up the lively atmosphere. This culinary feast hosted by Pour09 promises to be a delight for the taste buds and a treat for the soul.
“We’re inviting everyone to join us in celebrating what makes our city truly special,” said Min Dai, CEO of Obana Restaurant Group, inviting the community to participate. “We are also thankful for the City of Beaumont and Beaumont Events giving us this opportunity to celebrate the community.”
At the same time and location, the Downtown Beaumont Cultural Arts District (DBCAD) will host its Spring Arts Festival, featuring an art competition, vendors, and live music. This event offers a platform for artists to showcase their work and for attendees to discover and support the local creative community.
“DBCAD was looking for a way to celebrate our area, and we are excited for this collaboration of arts, food and culture,” said Sue Bard, director of DBCAD. She also shared that local artists can submit work for the competition by emailing director@downtownbeaumont.org. There is a $20 entry free with cash prizes of $100, $300 and $500 to be awarded.
In recognition of the importance of this weekend to the community, the City of Beaumont has proclaimed the last weekend in April as “409 Weekend,” celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture that knows no boundaries and spans from the Gulf Coast to the Louisiana state line.
“There’s no better way to highlight our area than with family, nature, art and crawfish.” Christina Lokey, marketing and tourism director for the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau, who expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming weekend. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together, have fun, and make lasting memories.”
The Beaumont community and visitors are invited to take part in the 409 Weekend, with all events being free of charge. For more information about these events, please visit the Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau website at VisitBeaumontTx.com or follow Visit Beaumont TX on social media.
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