The East Texas Weekend Preview — 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!

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

THURSDAY, 1/29

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Explore the world’s largest outdoor flea market at our February show, January 29–February 1 — the perfect place to find heartfelt gifts, unique décor, handmade surprises, and treats to share with your Valentine, Galentine, or family! Searching for home décor, one-of-a-kind furniture, boutique clothing, artisan goods, or your favorite fair-style foods? You’ll find it ALL at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, TX — 450+ acres of shopping made for wandering and discovering.

An Intro to Beekeeping

When: 7pm
Where: Everything Honey, Canton

We’re having an introductory course on Wed, Thurs and Friday the 28th, 29th 30th; Choose your date. Class starts at 7pm at Everything Honey 128 W Dallas St, Canton TX for anyone interested in starting bees. We’ll start seating at 6:30pm and it comes with a meal. $25 per person for the class.

FRIDAY, 1/30

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Homeschool Libratory: Volcanoes!

When: 2pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

Kids ages 5-12 years, join us to learn about volcanoes at Homeschool Libratory on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m.! This program meets in the makerspace on the third floor.

January Pickleball Classic

When: 6pm
Where: Tyler Indoor Pickleball

Think you’ve got game? Put it to the test at the Tyler Indoor Pickleball January Classic — a DUPR-rated tournament bringing the best competition in East Texas to the courts on January 30–31!

Glaze & Sip

When: 6:30pm
Where: The Madhatter Distillery, Nacogdoches

Join us for a Glaze and Sip with Muddy Pants Pottery! $20 at the door. Drinks sold separately.

SATURDAY, 1/31

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Fly Fishing Class

When: 9am
Where: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens

Join us for a beginners fly fishing class - no experience required. Master fly-fisher Bob Cappallo will focus on equipment, equipment selection, basic knot tying, casting and casting fundamentals. The class is open to adults and youths accompanied with an adult. No fly-fishing experience is required. Equipment will be provided, but students may bring their own. The $50 fee for the class will include lunch. Bob is a member of Trout Unlimited and lives on Richland-Chambers Reservoir. Bob has fly-fished for trout throughout the U.S. and redfish along the Texas coast as well as tarpon in Puerto Rico. Bob also builds handmade bass and fly rods along with tying his own flies. Reservations are required, and each class is limited to 20 persons. Make checks payable to “Friends of TFFC” and mail to Craig Brooks at 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752. For more information or to register by telephone for the class, call or email Craig Brooks at (903) 670-2222 or craig.brooks@tpwd.texas.gov

Cars & Coffee

When: 9am-2pm
Where: Deep Routes Coffee, Sulphur Springs

CARS & COFFEE IS CALLING. Cars & Coffee Sulphur Springs. Join us Jan 31 | 9AM–2PM for Cars & Coffee in Sulphur Springs, TX, hosted by Deep Routes Coffee. Classic rides, hot coffee, and American eats.

The Traveling Comic Book Store

When: 9am-3pm
Where: Hampton Inn & Suites Palestine, Texas

Happening at the Hampton Inn in Palestine, TX! Everything you can find at a comic book store. Comic Books from $1 to key issues, graphic novels, collectibles, mangas, toys, statues, cards, posters, shirts, puzzles/games, handmade items and more! Hours are 9am-3pm. Admission is $1 for adults and kids 12 and under get in free. The admission is also an entry into a raffle for the $50 shopping spree! Drawing at 2:30pm. We will be buying and trading, but we can only buy a small amount, like 1 or 2 small boxes.

Seed Swap 2026

When: 10am-12pm
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Mineola

Trade the ordinary for the unexpected and grow something new. Whether you’re a new gardener or a seasoned pro this seed swap is going to inspire your planting in the new year. We are excited to have Mary with Mary’s Heirloom Seeds back for this seed swap. She is going to share her favorite not so common but very fun plants to grow in 2026, so come cultivate connection, creativity, and biodiversity.

Jefferson Makers Market Valentine’s Pop Up

When: 10am
Where: Jefferson Makers Market

Looking for something fun and unique for your Valentine? Jefferson Makers Market is bursting with beautiful creations and many of our artists will be here to help you find the perfect gift for your loved one’s on Jan 31st from 10-2. Stop by to sample some things from our farm stand, get a skincare consultation, pick up a card and pick

International LEGO Day - Free Make & Take

When: 10am-7pm
Where: Bricks & Minifigs Tyler TX

Mark your calendars! We are celebrating International LEGO® Day on Saturday, January 31! Join us for a day of brick-built fun for the whole family: FREE Make & Take from 1pm-7pm (while supplies last)LEGO Trivia all day! Spin the Wheel for prizes - once per family

Singles Meetup

When: 11am-2pm
Where: Postmasters Coffee Co, Jacksonville

We’re hosting our first SINGLES MIXER on the LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH! Whether you’re looking to make new friends, find someone special, or just want to come hang out and get to know some people - this will be the perfect event for all of that! The event will be sectioned off so people who don’t want to participate can still come to the shop for drinks and treats that day! We hope you can make it!

Archery 101

When: 1pm
Where: Tyler State Park

May Your Arrow Fly Straight & Your Aim Be True. Come and join us for a lesson in archery! Participants will learn the basics of archery with all equipment provided.

Free Veteran/First Responder Workout

When: 1pm
Where: Adaptive Foundation by APEC, Tyler

Attention All Veterans and First Responders. Come out to Apec gym in Tyler, enjoy a free workout class and your amazing East Texas Veteran community.

Primitive Fire

When: 2pm
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Time to bring back an oldie! Need to spark up alternative ways to light your campfire? Come explore the many different ways pioneers and backpackers ignite a flame! Gather around and join park staff in an exploration of clever combustion! Lighting a campfire is one of the main starting skills when camping, but what do you do if you forgot your lighter? Join us at the park amphitheater to look at some classic ways to get a campfire lit and different types of fuels you can use!

Conversation Heart Valentine Paint Event

When: 2pm-4pm
Where: The Art Parlor, Canton

Come join in with a hands-on Valentine’s Day painting session in our bright 1600 sq. ft. studio. Bring a date, a friend, or come solo. We provide: a comfy studio, step-by-step instruction, all paints and brushes, ready-to-paint hearts, and lots of laughs. No experience needed.

Mineola Main Street’s Dueling Pianos

When: 5:30pm
Where: Mineola Civic Center and RV Park

Dust off your good time shoes! It’s time again for Mineola Main Street’s Dueling Pianos! January 31st, 5:30 pm at the Mineola Civic Center. Sponsorships and tables are available now. Tell your friends, and neighbors! It will be one great evening

January Pickleball Classic

When: 6pm
Where: Tyler Indoor Pickleball

Think you’ve got game? Put it to the test at the Tyler Indoor Pickleball January Classic — a DUPR-rated tournament bringing the best competition in East Texas to the courts on January 30–31!

Daddy Daughter Dance 2026

When: 6pm
Where: Pitser Garrison Convention Center, Lufkin

Get ready to groove and make unforgettable memories at the Daddy Daughter Dance 2026, where fathers and daughters will dance the night away! The Daddy-Daughter Dance is a chance to allow fathers, uncles, grandfathers, or father figures the opportunity to set an example and standard for how their daughter should be treated on a date. Get ready for a magical night away as you create a cherished memory that will last a lifetime while strengthening that special relationship. Enjoy light refreshments, music from a DJ, and an opportunity to have your memory captured, which she will cherish forever.

Evening of Flowers, Herbs & Apothecary

When: 6pm
Where: October Soap, Canton

This experience is equal parts educational, creative, and fun, perfect for beginners and herbal lovers alike. Sip on mocktails, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres in a welcoming atmosphere while crafting something truly special to take home.

Intro to Junk Journaling Workshop

When: 6:30pm
Where: Flourish Nonprofits, Tyler

We’re getting sappy, scrappy, and sustainable! Had a particularly fantastic hour, day, or week? Seen something unique in the form of paper, scrap, sticker, or can? Can’t quite let go of that napkin with the weird little coffee stain? We know what you can do with it. Join us for an all-inclusive intro to junk journaling workshop. Bring your junk or use ours. Tons of paper, fiber, stickers, bits and bobs, and small pieces of memories will be available to pick through and stick to.

Arts!Longview Honors 2026

When: 6:30pm
Where: 500 E. Whaley St., Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75601

Arts!Longview Honors is the signature fundraiser for Arts!Longview, the nonprofit organization that manages the state-designated Cultural District in Longview. This one night only celebration features a stunning Broadway-style variety show with performances by Longview’s performing arts groups as well as the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence. Your ticket also includes valet parking, a reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks, live music throughout the evening, and more.

SUNDAY, 2/1

First Monday Trade Days

When: Sunup to Sundown
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Recraft Your Story Writing Group

When: 1pm
Where: Flourish Nonprofits, Tyler

Come #recraftyourstory with co-founder Amanda Nail– TJC English Professor and MA in Creative Writing from Johns Hopkins University. Bring your laptop, your pen, your pencil, your notebook, or crayons, your napkins... whatever you use to write, brainstorm, or word.

Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop

When: 3pm
Where: Painting with a Twist, Longview

Join us for a cozy knitting event as you craft your own chunky knit blanket! We provide step-by-step guidance and offer a range of yarn colors and helpful instructions suitable for all skill levels. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with your friends and other knitters while crafting something beautiful to cherish or give as a gift! Whether you’re a novice or an expert, everyone is welcome. The blanket size will range from a lap throw to twin-sized.

Sound Bowl Meditation

When: 4pm
Where: Shepherd Street Yoga, Lufkin

Experience a deep meditative state where you will be “bathed” by the sounds and vibrations from various instruments including crystal and Tibetan sound bowls, Koshi chimes, and shamanic drumming.

Dish It Out - Trivia & Potluck

When: 5pm
Where: First Christian Church of Tyler

DISH IT OUT POTLUCK & TRIVIA — First Sunday of Every Month at 5 PM in FCC’s Disciples Hall! Join us on the first Sunday of each month for good food, great company, and a little friendly competition! Bring a dish to share—or just bring yourself—and we’ll handle the rest. After dinner, teams will form and the trivia fun begins! Each month’s questions and themes change, but one thing stays the same… we’re always playing for all the marbles! (Yes, there’s an actual jar of marbles waiting for the champions!)

Marvel at the Moon

When: 6:30pm
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Take a closer look at our neighbor Join a ranger for a closer look at the moon. We will use telescopes to observe the full moon and learn more about lunar phases and how the moon impacts our planet.

*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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Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

Live Music - Each month we show you where all the East Texas concerts are.

Food + Drink - Try some of these wonderful places to eat!

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Events Around East Texas This Weekend!

THURSDAY, 1/29

FRIDAY, 1/30

SATURDAY, 1/31

SUNDAY, 2/1

*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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