If you’re looking for fun things to do in East Texas this weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our rundown of some fun things happening around the area! For a look at live music around East Texas, check out our Live Music Lineup!

If you know of another event, or see an inaccuracy below, please let us know here.

THURSDAY, 7/27

Todrick the Not-So-Terrible

When: 10:00 AM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $8

Before his coronation, Todrick the Terrible (Tenth of his Name) must complete an evil quest: capture a lost maiden, tie her to a rock, and feed her to his pet dragon. The trouble is, Todrick isn’t very terrible. In this anti-Arthurian legend, a young prince desperate to fulfill his evil purpose must seek out the Magical and Conveniently-Placed-Blade-of-Destiny in the Stone…or risk throwing off the delicate balance between the Kingdoms of Good and Evil.

Escape Room: Wild West Showdown

When: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Nacogdoches Public Library, Nacogdoches
Cost: Free

Bring your group of up to 10 and see if you can find the rustler’s treasure! Just be on the lookout for Black Bart and his ilk as they search for it, too!

The Comedy of Errors

When: 2:00 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

After being separated from their family in a tragic shipwreck two twin brothers search for answers alongside their servants--who also happen to be twins. Mistaken identities abound as the sets of brothers go on a hilarious journey of love and friendship ending with the reuniting of all who were once lost. Featuring unforgettable characters, this comedy will have you laughing all the way home.

Gardening for Pollinators

When: 2:15 PM
Where: Longview Arboretum & Nature Center, Longview
Cost: Free

Join us on July 27th at The Longview Arboretum and Nature at 2PM and learn about Gardening for Pollinators, presented by our very own Lin Grado.

Pirates at the Splash Pad

When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Longview Jack M. Mann Splash Pad, Longview
Cost: Free

Join us at the Jack Mann Splash Pad for a Primary Pirate Party!

Playdates are for new, old, and future Primary Pirates.

Sister Act Jr.

When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
Cost: $15

You’re in for a Divine treat this summer with our Main Stage Musical, Sister Act Jr! When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Deloris finds a way to breathe new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Join us in this adapted version of Sister Act that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Show dates July 27 – 29 at 7pm, and July 29- 30 at 2pm, and tickets are $15.

Footloose

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Tyler Civic Theatre Center, Tyler
Cost: $15-$30

To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Pride & Prejudice

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language since its publication in 1813. A Regency era comedy of manners, Pride & Prejudice follows the story of the five Bennet sisters and their journey toward love and security. When a mysterious rich bachelor moves next door, much excitement begins. Austen refers to the vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” For the first time in TSF’s history, we are thrilled to bring Jane Austen’s work to our stage through one of literature’s most sweeping and romantic love stories.

FRIDAY, 7/28

Todrick the Not-So-Terrible

When: 10:00 AM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $8

Free Teen Field Day

When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Broughton Park, Longview
Cost: Free

Come and join us for a fun morning of kickball, tug of war, water games, arts & crafts and more.

Escape Room: Wild West Showdown

When: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Nacogdoches Public Library, Nacogdoches
Cost: Free

Bring your group of up to 10 and see if you can find the rustler’s treasure! Just be on the lookout for Black Bart and his ilk as they search for it, too!

Butterfly Day

When: 11:00 AM - Noon
Where: Longview Arboretum & Nature Center, Longview
Cost: Free

Join us July 28th at 11am for butterfly day! All are welcome for this FREE event.

Lear

When: 2:00 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

Nearing retirement age, Lear must divide her estate between her three daughters. After years of being flattered and lied to, she has misjudged who has her good intentions at heart. This fatal mistake sends her into the arms of those who seek to harm her and away from her youngest daughter, Cordelia, who truly cares for her. Only through trials and tribulations does Lear realize her wrong choice, after she has already been driven to madness. TSF’s production stars Festival favorite Sasha Hildebrand in the iconic role of Lear, giving a feminine spin to one of William Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies.

Pop-Up Shop: Fresh by Brookshire’s

When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Fresh by Brookshire’s, Tyler
Cost: Free

We’ll be having a pop-up shop this Friday from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at FRESH by Brookshires. Come find us on the patio and get some FRESH swag!

Family Movie Night: The Lorax

When: 6:30 PM
Where: Alba Public Library & Museum, Alba
Cost: Free

Come join us for Family Movie Night as we check out another cool book to movie combo, watching Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax”.

We will serve popcorn and water! Hope to see you Friday night!

Shark Party

When: 6:30 PM
Where: Purtis Creek State Park, Eustace
Cost: Free

In honor of shark week, we’re having a shark party at the pavilion!

Sister Act Jr.

When: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
Cost: $15

Footloose

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Tyler Civic Theatre Center, Tyler
Cost: $15-$30

Matilda

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Texas Theatre, Palestine
Cost: $10-$15

Come out and support this large cast and crew that consists of your friends and neighbors as well as some new friends from a little farther down the road. They have worked hard all summer to bring you a fabulous production of another one of Roald Dahl’s classic tales. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30 PM, and Sundays begin at 2:00 PM. There will be an opening night reception at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 21.

Something Rotten!

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

Welcome to the Renaissance! Set in the 1590′s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of the Renaissance rockstar known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self…and all that jazz.

Open Mic Night

When: 8:00 PM
Where: The Understudy, Tyler
Cost: $10

Open mic night at the The Understudy is happening!

SATURDAY, 7/29

Back to School Bonanza 2023

When: 8:00 AM - Noon
Where: Pitser Garrison Convention Center, Lufkin
Cost: Free

Back to School Bonanza is a community-wide event for students Pre-K through 12th grade in Angelina County. It is presented by the Junior League of Lufkin, in conjunction with Angelina County churches, service organizations, and businesses.

Our goal is to provide students with the items they need to start back to school, at no cost to the families. We offer free backpacks filled with school supplies, health kits, uniforms, shoes, socks, and undergarments.

Kilgore Farmers Market

When: 8:00 AM - Noon
Where: 100 E North St, Kilgore
Cost: Free

Produce, crafts, food, & more every Saturday morning from April 15th till October 21st 2023.

Hot to Trop 5K, 10K

When: 8:15 AM - 11:25 AM
Where: Mineola Nature Preserve, Mineola
Cost: $20-$26

- free photos

- course through beautiful nature preserve on railbed trail

(~25% paved, 75% hard packed gravel/dirt)

- 5k is out and back in Mineola Nature Preserve

- 10k is the 5k course repeated twice

- medals for all participants, no shirts to keep costs low

- results posted on the website evening of the race

- small, fun, friendly 5k and 10k run or walk open for all

Back to School at the Market

When: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Palestine Farmers Market, Palestine
Cost: Free

Come out and get ahead of back to school with local vendors who will be bringing cool snacks, tshirts and cups and teacher gifts. What teacher wouldn’t like a nice cut flower arrangement to brighten her day? We will also have kids games and fun and giveaways starting at 10:30am (must be present to win) and we will be taking school supply donations to bless a local charity who helps those in need. We love our community!

Back to School Backpack Drive

When: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Where: Festival Park, Nacogdoches
Cost: Free

We will be giving out backpacks while supplies last. Backpacks will include supplies from elementary to high school.

Show & Shine Car Show

When: 10:00 AM
Where: Treviso Transitional Care, Longview
Cost: Free

Todrick the Not-So-Terrible

When: 10:00 AM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $8

Build-a-Bug

When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point
Cost: $5 Park Entry

Insects come in many different shapes and sizes depending on the habitat they call home. Join a Ranger at the Swim Beach to learn about them as we create our own bugs.

This program is FREE with park entry ($5 per person aged 13 and older).

Splash Day

When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Nichols Green park, Jacksonville
Cost: Free

Splash Day will be at the splash pad at Nichols Green Park from 10am to 1pm. Free Snowcones!!! Free Tacos provided by Taqueria Torres and sponsored by JEDCO.

Cruise & Moos Car Show

When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Chick-Fil-A West Lufkin
Cost: Free

Free Entry, Donations to benefit local nonprofit: Neighborhood STRONG, All classes & ages of show-mobiles are welcome!

Guests will vote on their favorite rides, Skoolz Out mobile gaming bus set up & ready to play

Escape Room: Wild West Showdown

When: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Nacogdoches Public Library, Nacogdoches
Cost: Free

Bring your group of up to 10 and see if you can find the rustler’s treasure! Just be on the lookout for Black Bart and his ilk as they search for it, too!

Mosaic Market

When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Where: Sola Bread Co, Tyler
Cost: Free

Pastry, sourdough, wood fired pizza, mimosas, LIVE music on the pavilion stage by the talented Michael Olson and the absolute best local artisans, farmers & creatives. Shop small & support your local businesses with a little something for everyone!

Back to School Bash

When: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Design M.D., Gilmer
Cost: Free

We are having our first Back To School Bash!!! Come out and do a little shopping. We will have a face painter for the kids from 11-2. Free popcorn. Door prizes through out the day. A huge raffle (all proceeds go to Gilmer Elementary for supply fees) bring a school supply get 20% off purchase. ALL school staff with a badge get 25% off in store purchase. The salon next door is doing $5 off back to school hair cuts.

East Texas Bridal Expo

When: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Where: W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler
Cost: $8-$12

The premier Bridal Expo of Texas is coming to the W.T. Brookshire Center on July 29th! East Texas Wedding Extravaganza will unveil the latest and greatest trends in all things wedding.

It’s the perfect opportunity to find everything wedding related under one roof! Let’s make your wedding day even more special and unforgettable!

The Comedy of Errors

When: 2:00 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

Sister Act Jr.

When: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
Cost: $15

Christmas in July: Snowy Car Mini-Scene

When: 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Where: Geektopia, Kilgore
Cost: Free

Join us to build a car snow mini scene. Free to build. Please bring a hotwheel or Matchbox car. Cars are available to purchase at Geektopia. All other supplies provided.

Christmas in July

When: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Top Notch Contractors, LCC, Tyler
Cost: Free

Come join us to help give back to the Tyler TX community! Christmas in July is an event based around the idea of helping those in need.

There will be live music, along with raffles, auctions, and a bounce house!

Kilgore Cruise Night

When: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Historic Downtown Kilgore
Cost: Free

Cars! Trucks! Motorcycles! If it’s got wheels it’s welcome to our ‘Shine & Show’ every Last Saturday of Every Month in Historic Downtown Kilgore, Texas. 3-6pm in the winter, 5-8pm in the summer Daylight Savings Time. It’s always a fun time and 50 - 250 cars arrive every Last Saturday.

The Little Mermaid @ Nobilitea

When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Nobilitea, Nacogdoches
Cost: $12

Come take a dive Under the Sea at Nobilitea Nacogdoches with our showing of The Little Mermaid July 29th! Tickets are $12 which includes a drink and popcorn. Call our store or pop inside to purchase today! Tickets can be purchased up until 5 p.m. the day of.

Murder at Sea - Mystery Dinner Theater

When: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Where: Backstage Coffee Lounge, Winnsboro
Cost: $25

This party is like the saying, “shaken, not stirred”. So lets get our spy gear out.

Murder at Sea is a murder mystery game set at the start of the first World War. In early August, in 1914, the American cruise liner SS Libertania set sail from New York, bound for Southampton.

In this interactive game, each guest has a full character with backstory, objectives and a list of people that they know. Just want to dress up and participate, no worries. Every good show has, “extras”!

Christmas in July: Longview Parks & Rec

When: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Where: The Green, Longview
Cost: Free

Come and join us for Christmas in July!! We will have games and arts & crafts for the kiddos. Enjoy a walk under the Christmas Lights and ride the Sleigh “Hay” Ride. Free Family event!

Christmas in July Party

When: 7:00 PM
Where: RNA Tavern, Mineola
Cost: Free

Get ready for RNA’s first Christmas in July party Saturday July 29th! Live DJ, White Elephant Gift Exchange, & prizes for best Christmas outfit!

Footloose

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Tyler Civic Theatre Center, Tyler
Cost: $15-$30

Matilda

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Texas Theatre, Palestine
Cost: $10-$15

Pride & Prejudice

When: 7:30 PM
Where: Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, Kilgore
Cost: $30-$38

Card 53 Comedy

When: 8:00 PM
Where: The Understudy, Tyler
Cost: $20

Improv Comedy from Card 53!

Sci-Fi Festival Concert Under the Stars

When: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Where: Kokomo Theatre, Longview
Cost: $10 Gate Pass, Free Movie after the concert

Gates Open 7:30, Concert 8pm at the Kokomo Outdoor Theatre. Gate pass $10. Online

Come and dance under the moon & stars to classic 50′s / 60′s Rock ‘n Roll Music and chart topping hits of the Piano Poundin, Rhythm Rockin, Bass Kickin, award-winning Rock ‘n Roll Swing of

Kelli Grant the Queen of Swing. July 29th, Creature from the Black Lagoon.