Things to do in East Texas this weekend: August 3-6
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, 8/3
Women in the Arts Reception
- When: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Where: Winnsboro Center for the Arts, Winnsboro
- Cost: Free
Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and get a first look at the outstanding art.
National IPA Day at True Vine
- When: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler
- Cost: Free
Where are the IPA lovers out there? It’s a day to celebrate this hoppy style of beer! We have 3 fantastic options for you to drink up on Thursday...
NEW RELEASE: HAZY DADDY’S JUICE BOX - DOUBLE IPA
SLICE OF HEAVEN - NEW ZEALAND HAZY IPA
MY FRIEND, BOB SACAMANO’S - FAVORIE HAZY IPA
3rd Annual MixPo
- When: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: Texan Theater, Kilgore
- Cost: $5-$10
Join us for a “mini-mixer” and a “mini-expo” and do some business-to-business networking. Door Prizes, FREE Adult Beverages & Appetizers.
2023 School is Cool
- When: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: W.T. Brookshire Conference Center & Rose Garden Center, Tyler
- Cost: Free
It’s that time again! We are excited about our 10th Annual School is Cool Celebration to promote student preparedness for the upcoming school year. We hope you will join us in providing critical support to thousands of Tyler area families.
Pints & Pups
- When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Where: ETX Brewing Co, Tyler
- Cost: Free
Grab the pups for some OUTDOORS fun and food on the patio at ETX Brewing Co. for PINTS & PUPs
Come out and support a great cause.10% of all proceeds go to the SPCA of East Texas. Donations Welcomed! Thank you for your support and we hope to see you there!
Old Settlers Reunion
- When: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Where: Governor Jim Hogg City Park, Quitman
- Cost: Free
Join us at the Old Settlers Reunion, August 3-5th 6 pm-10 pm for food, fun, and live music!
Thursday night - Dale “The Big C” Cummings singing live!
Friday night - Rafael Espinoza & The Rockabilly Railroad, Quitman Chamber Annual Cornhole Tournament!
Saturday - Meet the Bulldogs with the Quitman Athletic Department!
Rides, Food, Games, and Fun every night!
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.
ETX Regulars Show
- When: 8:30 PM
- Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler
- Cost: $10-$15
A standup comedy show featuring all local comedians, Glenn Stuart, Benjamin Neeley, Tagan Dodson, JoshGaines, & PJ Dullard. BYOB.
FRIDAY, 8/4
Scavenger Hurt at Purtis Creek
- When: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Where: Purtis Creek State Park, Eustace
- Cost: Free
Start at any time of the day and discover the park with a scavenger hunt!
Back to School Party - Jacksonville
- When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Where: Legacy at Jacksonville, Jacksonville
- Cost: Free
LEGACY AT JACKSONVILLE Back to School Party FREE ENTRY WATER SLIDE: BBQ Friday August 4th 10:00AM 2:00PM 810 BELLAIRE DON’T FORGET YOUR TOWEL!
Picnic in the Park
- When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Where: Festival Park, Nacogdoches
- Cost: Free
Bring your picnic lunch and enjoy the playground, basketball court, games and new restrooms!
Old Settlers Reunion
- When: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Where: Governor Jim Hogg City Park, Quitman
- Cost: Free
Join us at the Old Settlers Reunion, August 3-5th 6 pm-10 pm for food, fun, and live music!
Thursday night - Dale “The Big C” Cummings singing live!
Friday night - Rafael Espinoza & The Rockabilly Railroad, Quitman Chamber Annual Cornhole Tournament!
Saturday - Meet the Bulldogs with the Quitman Athletic Department!
Rides, Food, Games, and Fun every night!
Original Works
- When: 7:00 PM
- Where: ArtsView Children’s Theatre, Longview
- Cost: $7
Come celebrate with us as we bring the winning plays from our Playwright Contest to life!
Elvis Gospel & Beyond
- When: 7:30 PM
- Where: Liberty Hall, Tyler
- Cost: $25-$70
The incredible songs, the fantastic stories, and the history of a legend, Elvis Aaron Presley, will come to life on the stage in Stardom Entertainment’s production, “Elvis Gospel and Beyond 2023,” in Tyler, Texas, at the Liberty Hall, Friday, August 4, 2023, 7:30 pm. The show features The Blackwood Quartet, Mark Blackwood, Casey Shepherd, Tony Goforth, Justin Terry, and Elvis Tribute Artist Kraig Parker. Kraig is backed by his incredible band, the Royal Tribute Band from DFW.
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.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
- When: 7:30 PM
- Where: Longview Community Center
- Cost: $15
The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and he is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. Normal is a myth when you’re a demigod. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed theatrical adventure that will rock your world - and the underworld.
Join us for Theatre Longview’s first musical in 5 years at the Longview Community Center! Reserved seating tickets on sale now! Performances are August 4, 5, 11, & 12 Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and August 6 & 13 Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.
Open Mic Night
- When: 8:00 PM
- Where: The Understudy, Tyler
- Cost: $10
Open mic night at the The Understudy is happening!
SATURDAY, 8/5
Tara Winery Harvest Festival
- When: 7:00 AM - Noon
- Where: Tara Vineyard & Winery, Athens
- Cost: $25
Join us for our 2nd (and last) 2023 Harvest Festival for our Black Spanish Grapes! Participants will form teams & compete to harvest the most grapes, then be rewarded with food, sangria, wine and Harvest T-shirts! The top-harvesting teams will also win prizes like our award-winning wines and Tara gift cards. The contest begins at 7AM and will last around 2-3 hours. Winery tour, tasting, and a chance to stomp your harvest t-shirt with wine juice to mark the occasion will also follow the event.
This event is family-friendly with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the natural beauty of our gorgeous vineyard. Best of all, tickets are only $25 per person and you can RSVP on our website!
Coffee & Cars
- When: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- Where: 119 Simpson St, Gilmer
- Cost: Free
Great door Prizes..... Great entertainment....Great cars....and most of all a bunch of Great people supporting Great causes.
That is supporting our generous sponsor, The Upshur County Museum, in Association with The Upshur County Historical Society.
Summer Mingle 2023
- When: 8:00 AM
- Where: Barnwell Mountain Recreational Area, Gilmer
We will be hitting the trails at the Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area in Gilmer, Texas.
Perfect off-road trip before school starts back up and schedules get BUSY!
Everyone is welcome!
Kilgore Farmers Market
- When: 8:00 AM - Noon
- Where: 11 E North St, Kilgore
- Cost: Free
Produce, crafts, food, & more every Saturday morning from April 15th till October 21st 2023.
Saturdays on Main
- When: 9:00 AM
- Where: Downtown Palestine
- Cost: Free
Saturdays on Main is a family friendly event held on the first Saturday of each month to feature all the fun things to see and do in the 44 blocks of the Palestine Main Street District in downtown Palestine, Texas.
Superhero Party
- When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Where: Bear Creek Smokehouse, Marshall
- Cost: $25
Boys AND girls of all ages are welcome. We’ll have several superheroes in attendance for a meet & greet and photos (provided by Healthcare Express), plus breakfast and a super fun craft and a snack bag from Healthcare Express that your child can take home. Come dressed as your favorite superhero, and let’s have a SUPER FUN TIME!
First Saturday Hike & Paddle
- When: 9:00 AM - Noon
- Where: Tyler State Park, Tyler
- Cost: $6 Park Entry Fee
We’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. in the lot adjacent to the Camp Store. This is a group led hike and not organized by a specific person. As a group, we’ll decide which trail(s) to hike.
Since it’s so hot we’ll probably do a shorter hike followed by a paddle in the lake. If you don’t have your own kayak or SUP, Tyler State Park has rentals available. Contact them directly for info or to reserve.
Use the comments section to discuss the hike with other members of the group. As a reminder, there is a $6.00 park entry fee, unless you have a state park annual pass. We suggest arriving at the park no later than 8:45 to allow time to go through the gates, register and pay.
As usual, please make sure you bring plenty of water, bug repellent and sunscreen. Dogs, on leash are welcome. Please clean up after your pets.
Dog Days of Summer
- When: 10:00 AM - Noon
- Where: Longview Swim Center, Longview
- Cost: Free
We are nearing the end of the Summer, which means it’s time to give our four-legged friends a splash! Dog Days of Summer is here!
Vaccination information must be presented!
Block Party & Open House
- When: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Where: Tyler Care Clinic - Troup Hwy, Tyler
- Cost: Free
Come celebrate with us East Texas!!!
Tyler Care Clinic – Troup Hwy. is excited to welcome you to our healthcare center BLOCK PARTY & OPEN HOUSE!
Join us Saturday, August 5, 10am-1pm for a day of FREE health screenings, FREE giveaways and prizes, local food trucks, games, vendors, local resources and guided tours of our health center!
This is a FREE event for ALL! See you there!
August Market on Main (Indoor Market!)
- When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Where: 305 East Main Street, Nacogdoches
- Cost: Free
Join us downtown Nacogdoches the first Saturday of each month to shop local goods, made by local people. Market on Main will be open from 10:00 am-2:00 pm with incredible vendors.
TSTC Car Show
- When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Where: Texas State Technical College, Marshall
- Cost: Free
Get ready for a day filled with cool cars, good times and tasty bites. All attendees will be entered for a chance to win a BBQ grill. Most importantly, by participating, you’ll be supporting our students and their educational journey. We can’t wait to see you there!
Bring your family and friends to enjoy a day filled with stunning cars, great company, and delicious eats!
All Dolled Up Barbie Event
- When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Where: Jim Bartlett Fine Jewelry, Longview
- Cost: Free
Grab some Street Licious with your girls, get permanent jewelry with LoveLinked, and shop at the Dazee’s Boutique pop up shop!
Saturday, August 5th we will be having:
-Drinks
-Hair Tinsel
-Snacks
-Permanent Jewelry by LoveLinked
-Streetlicious
-Selfie Station
Back 2 School at Bergfeld Park
- When: Noon - 4:00 PM
- Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler
- Cost: Free
Giving out free school supplies to help prepare kids in our community for the upcoming school year.
Open House Pool Party
- When: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
- Where: Fitness 360, Nacogdoches
- Cost: Free
Bring your towels and pool toys, and let’s celebrate the end of summer and the start of a new dance year with us!
I’ve Got Your Dog mobile hot dog cart will be on site for a bite to eat, and we’ll have treats!
Not a part of our studio yet? Come join us and see what we’re all about; you’ll have a chance to register here!
Angier Peavy Gallery Walk & Talk
- When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Where: Museum of East Texas, Lufkin
- Cost: Free
We hope you’ll join us when retired Foreign Service Officer and World Traveler Angier Peavy gives a Gallery Talk/Walk on Saturday, August 5 at 1 p.m. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to hear her share stories about her travels and treasures from around the world. All are welcome and there is no admission fee.
Back to School Bash - Kid City
- When: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Where: Kid City USA, Canton
- Cost: Free
This is our first annual Free School Supply Giveaway! We will have snacks, face painting and arts and crafts.
End of Summer Bash: Harry Potter’s Birthday Party
- When: 2:00 PM
- Where: Nacogdoches Public Library, Nacogdoches
- Cost: Free
Close out the Summer Reading season with a birthday party for Harry Potter! Expect themed games, crafts, snacks, and Summer Reading raffle prize winners!
Summer Party at Old School Performance
- When: 2:00 PM
- Where: Old School Performance, Nacogdoches
- Cost: Free
Live Music, Food, Drinks, Motorcycles, 50/50 Tickets, Fun, and did I say Motorcycles?
Back to School Bash - Broadway Square Mall
- When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Where: Broadway Square Mall - Center Court, Tyler
- Cost: Free
Back to School shopping and more!
Show off your Back to School fashion finds with a 360 photo booth, numerous back drops for photo opportunities, face painting, balloon twisters, just to name a few!
Enjoy a chalk art installation outside the Main Entrance by Kerian Art.
Back to School Extravaganza
- When: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: Poynor Civic Center, Poynor
- Cost: Free
We will be giving out school supplies starter packs to those who need supplies, backpacks will be given out to the kids that are present and is in need of a backpack. There will be free hot dogs chips and drinks...
We will have vendors onsite, with a Food Truck present as well. Come look around and support our local vendors.
Friends Become Family Benefit Concert
- When: 2:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- Where: The Forge Bar & Grill, Ben Wheeler
- Cost: Free
Any&All Donations Are Greatly Appreciated! If You’d Like To Donate Clothes Sizes Are Girl 5t Or Xs, Boy 3t, 12-18Mo Boy, Size 4 Diapers; Rascal&Friends, Glen Is Size L Shirts & 32 In Pants Or Medium Shorts. Im In Small, Medium Or Large Shirt. Size Small Or Medium Pants.
Auto Show Cruise Night
- When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: Gregg County Courthouse, Longview
- Cost: Free
he show starts about 5 PM when the Classics and Newer autos begin to line up on E. Methvin St. in front of the Gregg County Court House. There is no charge for the collectors/restorers and no charge to enter. Come on out and have some fun!
Longview Cruise Night will be held on E. Methvin, in front of the court house, the first Saturday of each month from April to November. We will have collectors showing both classic and new cars.
Exclusive Art Gallery Pop Up
- When: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Where: Books & Barrels, Longview
- Cost: Free
Stop by for a glass of wine and see work featured by Longview creatives. The diverse selection of art available will surely provide many options for anyone wanting to level up the decor in their home. Shop for books, enjoy the music, and come have a great time.
Edom Art House Artisan Pop Up
- When: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Where: Edom Art House, Edom
- Cost: Free
Join us for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and craftsmanship at the Edom Art House Artisan Pop-Up event! This captivating showcase will feature a diverse collection of unique handmade art from talented local artisans.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to support local artisans and immerse yourself in a world of creativity and beauty. Bring your friends and family to experience the Edom Art House Artisan Pop-Up—it’s an event that promises to leave you inspired and full of creative energy.
Music Fest
- When: 6:00 PM
- Where: The River Bend Venue, Big Sandy
- Cost: $10
Old Settlers Reunion
- When: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Where: Governor Jim Hogg City Park, Quitman
- Cost: Free
Join us at the Old Settlers Reunion, August 3-5th 6 pm-10 pm for food, fun, and live music!
Thursday night - Dale “The Big C” Cummings singing live!
Friday night - Rafael Espinoza & The Rockabilly Railroad, Quitman Chamber Annual Cornhole Tournament!
Saturday - Meet the Bulldogs with the Quitman Athletic Department!
Rides, Food, Games, and Fun every night!
Dinner & Show presents the Adults Only Magic of Eric Eaton
- When: 7:00 PM
- Where: The Reo Palm Isle, Longview
- Cost: $35-$40
Eric is back with more Laughs and Illusions!!! Dinner will be served prior to the show.
Grease Sing-Along
- When: 7:00 PM
- Where: Liberty Hall, Tyler
- Cost: $8-$10
Come dressed in your best 50s attire and be ready to sing every lyric with a room full of fans!
Australian good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fell in love over the summer. But when they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance despite their eccentric friends?
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.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
- When: 7:30 PM
- Where: Longview Community Center
- Cost: $15
The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and he is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. Normal is a myth when you’re a demigod. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed theatrical adventure that will rock your world - and the underworld.
Join us for Theatre Longview’s first musical in 5 years at the Longview Community Center! Reserved seating tickets on sale now! Performances are August 4, 5, 11, & 12 Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and August 6 & 13 Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.
All Star Improv
- When: 8:00 PM
- Where: The Understudy, Tyler
- Cost: $20
Improv Comedy from some of the best in Texas!
Kokomo Concert Under the Stars
- When: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Where: Kokomo Theatre, Longview
- Cost: $10
MUSIC & MOVIE: Stars FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR the Queen of Swing Kelli Grant. After concert movie stars the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis.
Saturday Night Stand Up
- When: 8:30 PM
- Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler
- Cost: $20-$25
As seen on HBO, Dave Jay, and featuring Kandace Medine & hosted by Jason McAdam.
SUNDAY, 8/6
Footloose
- When: 2:30 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.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
- When: 2:30 PM
- Where: Longview Community Center
- Cost: $15
The Greek gods are real, and they’re ruining Percy Jackson’s life. As a son of Poseidon, Percy has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and he is on an epic quest to find Zeus’s lightning bolt and prevent a war between the gods. Normal is a myth when you’re a demigod. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Rick Riordan, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed theatrical adventure that will rock your world - and the underworld.
Join us for Theatre Longview’s first musical in 5 years at the Longview Community Center! Reserved seating tickets on sale now! Performances are August 4, 5, 11, & 12 Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, and August 6 & 13 Sunday matinees at 2:30 pm.
*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out
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