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, 2/19

Zipper Case Class

When: 10am
Where: Running Doe Quilts, Tyler

Learn to conquer your fear of sewing zippers with this fun, simple project! The pattern is easy to follow with lots of pictures, and your instructor, Lydia, will share tips and tricks for sewing bags. Once you get the hang of the basics, you can customize and tweak the pattern to suit your needs.

LEGO Challenge Club

When: 5:30pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

Kids ages 7 and up, join us on Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m. for Lego Challenge Club! February’s challenge will be to make food out of Legos! RSVP to let us know you’ll be there by visitinghttps://www.signupgenius.com/.../20F084BABAA2CA5F94...

Guest Speaker - Martha Josey

When: 5:30pm
Where: Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview

Martha Josey is one of the most influential figures in the history of barrel racing. A multiple time World Champion and a proud inductee into the Women’s Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame, she helped shape barrel racing into the sport we know today. But her legacy goes far beyond the arena. As a competitor, teacher, innovator, and advocate for women in rodeo, Martha has dedicated her life to excellence, horsemanship, and empowering the next generation. Through her training programs, clinics, and leadership, she has inspired countless riders to believe in themselves, set higher standards, and chase their dreams with grit and grace.

Count Basie Orchestra

When: 7:30pm
Where: UT Tyler Cowan Center

The Count Basie Orchestra, a living testament to the enduring influence of legendary pianist and bandleader William James “Count” Basie, thrives under the direction of Scotty Barnhart. Its members continue to uphold the orchestra’s unparalleled reputation. The ensemble has garnered acclaim from every corner of the globe, conquering esteemed jazz polls and amassing an impressive collection of 18 Grammy® Awards. Their performances have graced the presence of royalty, captivated audiences in movies and television shows, and graced the stages of major jazz festivals and renowned concert halls worldwide.

FRIDAY, 2/20

From Tyler to the Trenches

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler

“From Tyler to the Trenches: Stories and Souvenirs of Company C, 133rd Machine Gun Battalion,” these artifacts belonging to men from Smith Co. and the Tyler area will be on exhibit at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum.

Carthage Main Street Arts Walk of Fame Induction

When: 6pm
Where: The Esquire Theater Downtown Carthage, TX

Carthage Main Street is proud to announce the 2025 Arts Walk of Fame Induction, honoring two individuals whose impact on arts and culture reaches far beyond our downtown. Join us on February 20 at 6:00 PM at the Esquire Theater for a champagne reception, followed by presentations and the unveiling of their Arts Walk of Fame plaques outside the theater.

Charcuterie Class & Cocktail Pairing

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

Come join us for a spectacular charcuterie board making class and cocktail pairing with Pineywoods Charcuterie. Seats are limited so click on this link to reserve your spot. $60 for class, cocktails sold separately. 21 and Over

Jackie Robinson Steals Home

When: 7:30pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

We’re proud to present Jackie Robinson Steals Home, part of the School Time Series in partnership with Angelina Arts Alliance and The Angelina Community Theatre. This powerful play brings to life one of the most iconic moments in baseball history — Jackie Robinson’s daring steal of home during the 1955 World Series. But even more than that, it tells the story of a man whose courage, determination, and leadership helped break baseball’s color barrier and change history forever.

SATURDAY, 2/21

2nd Annual Take Heart 10K & 5K

When: 7:30am
Where: Spinout Tyler

From the team that brought you the Corkscrew Wine Run and The Diva Du, this is the Take Heart 10K & 5K, an all-female running event that celebrates, educates, and empowers women while raising funds for women’s health.

42 Domino Tournament

When: 8:30am
Where: Green St. Recreation Center, Tyler

Join us for the ever-popular 42 Domino Tournament at Green Street Rec! A light breakfast will be provided. Registration will be done in teams or individuals can partner with other available players. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place teams!

Big Tech Tours

When: 8:30am
Where: Various Longview Locations

Industry tours are free, but registration is required. Each tour is approximately one hour, with tour times at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. There are 10 tour locations but only 3 tour times, so choose the tours that work best for you. Please note age restrictions and clothing restrictions on some tours. www.BigTechs26.EventBrite.com.

Fun Fish

When: 9am
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

The Pair-O-Trees pond will be stocked with rainbow trout and only open to kids between the ages of 2-12 to fish first! We will have awards for the longest, shortest, and most unique fish! The park will provide poles, bait, and tackle (while supplies last).

All About Fruit Trees

When: 9am
Where: Plants Of Texas, Flint

Fruit tree season is just around the corner! In this class, we’ll discuss essential pruning methods, what to expect from your fruit tree or small fruit plant, and tips for preventing diseases and pests to help ensure a bountiful harvest.

Little Tech Hands-On Showcase

When: 10am
Where: Gregg County Historical Museum and Longview World of Wonders

Downtown Longview will be full of hands-on activities as we explore science and technology during Little Big Techs. On Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Gregg County Historical museum will have STEAM-related activities provided through partnerships with area schools. Although the activities will be appropriate for children, the activities will be fun and educational for adults to try as well.

Coloring Clay with Christy Wild

When: 10am
Where: 223 Old Tyler Road, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75961

Christy will discuss what ceramic stains are, several methods to prepare colored clay with stains, and examples of projects that commonly use colored clays. Christy will demonstrate coloring clay after which participants can select two colors of stains to prepare colored clay for wheel-throwing into a marbled cylinder.

Read with a Ranger & Potting

When: 10am
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Come join park staff at the group pavilion for a two-tiered event! Park Office Manager Tracey James will be reading from the book “Because of an Acorn”, delving into the circle of life in the Pineywoods of Texas. Afterwards, stick around to make your own mini flowerpot full of soil and seeds to bring home your own plant to grow!

Mardi Gras Celebration

When: 10am
Where: Stillwater RV Resort, Winona

Come celebrate Mardi Gras the Stillwater way - food, fun, friends, and unforgettable memories! Daytime Festivities: • Local vendor market (all day) • Kids activities & family fun • Music, games, and carnival atmosphere • beads, masks & Mardi Gras flair! Evening Highlight: As the sun goes down, the celebration continues with a Bourbon Tasting experience for our 21+ guests… with kids activities in a separate room!

Hands-On Creative Event

When: 10am
Where: 306 N Sycamore Street, Palestine, TX

Come play, learn, and get a little crafty with us! Join us for a fun, relaxed afternoon where we’ll be working with several Dixie Belle Paint and Iron Orchid Designs products to create an adorable decorative tin you’ll take home with you. No experience needed — just come ready to have fun!

February Market

When: 10am
Where: Rise & Shine Hills LLC, Hallsville

Join us for our February Third Saturday market out at the farm! We will have a great selection of local vendors, our farm products you’ve grown to know and love, and our food and drinks that are quickly becoming famous in the East Texas area. We will also have our animal farm open and our farm tours going every 30 minutes. Our market will be from 10-4pm and we can’t wait to see you.

Season Opener - Test & Tune

When: 10am
Where: Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin

Kick off the 2026 racing season with some good ole’ drag racing action! Be there!

Ricky Borden Memorial Kid Fish

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Teague Park, Longview

The annual Kid Fish is a great opportunity to cast a line and get to fishing with the family! This FREE event is open to families with children 3 to 16 years old of all experience levels. Whether it’s your first time to hook-and-reel or you’re a master angler, please join us for this engaging event!

From Tyler to the Trenches

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler

Eco Fest

When: 10am-4:30pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

Join us for the full-scale launch of our Fall Eco Fest — an uplifting community event focused on sustainability, creativity, and local connection!

Galentines Freshie Painting

When: 11am
Where: Vintage Haze Freshie Co., Nacogdoches

We would LOVE to see all of our girls there! Tickets are $25Tickets include: freshie, snacks, drinks, chance to win door prizes and a surprise gift! Hanger charm bar will also be set up for those that want to build one

Brick Builders!

When: 11am
Where: Kurth Memorial Library, Lufkin

Unleash your creativity and watch your wildest ideas spring to life!

Black Beauty Ranch Tour

When: 11am
Where: Black Beauty Ranch, Murchison

We invite you to spend a meaningful and memorable day with us at Black Beauty Ranch! Our first public tour for the year is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at 11:00 am. This guided experience offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about the remarkable animals who have found lifelong sanctuary here. Guests will explore 1,400 acres of expansive natural habitats and pastures while hearing the stories of the residents who now live in safety and peace.

JR Lightfoot Book Signing

When: 11am
Where: Grim’s Fiction, Nacogdoches

Come meet JR Lightfoot and get copies of his faith based fantasy novels for your collection.

Market Fair

When: 1pm
Where: The Journey Center, Lindale

Come shop local with Lindale vendors! Roots & Roads will also be open for you to enjoy coffee, treats, or just come for the awesome atmosphere!

Code Ninjas 4th Anniversary

When: 2:30pm
Where: 8926 S. Broadway Suite 172, Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75703

Join us for Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros tournaments, with three age brackets for each game so everyone can compete. We’re celebrating 4 amazing years with an epic day of gaming for a great cause! All funds raised will benefit Children’s Park of Tyler — every match helps support an incredible local organization!

Jordan World Circus

When: 3pm | 7pm
Where: Nacogdoches County Expo Center

The Sharon Shrine Circus presents the ALL-NEW Jordan World GLOW Circus is coming to town! Immerse yourself in glowing lights, electrifying acts, nonstop excitement, and family-friendly fun that will light up your world! Get ready to watch our 3 rings come alive as incredible performers shine under glowing lights with gravity-defying stunts, jaw-dropping acts, and nonstop thrills for all ages!

Boots & Bling Gala

When: 6pm
Where: 2000 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702-6854, United States

On February 21, 2026, join us for a powerful evening that shines a light on autism at the Boots & Bling Gala benefiting Elijah’s Retreat. This unforgettable night will honor the legacy of Dr. Temple Grandin, celebrate families facing autism, and feature live musical performances by talented individuals on the autism spectrum—sharing their gifts, voices, and stories through music. Every ticket helps provide rest, renewal, and hope for families who need it most. Come dressed in your boots & bling and be part of something truly meaningful. Get Ticketshttps://elijahsretreat.com/events/gala/

Daddy Daughter Dance

When: 6pm
Where: Wylde Acres, Longview

HighRidge Men’s Annual Daddy Daughter Dance will be at open air venue Wylde Acres (2864 Smelley Rd, Longview, TX 75605) on Feb. 21st, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. We will have a live DJ, finger foods, games, and giveaways. You won’t want to miss it!

Mainstreet Short Film Festival

When: 6pm
Where: The Esquire Theater Downtown Carthage, TX

The Mainstreet Short Film Festival is almost here! Join us at the historic Esquire Theater for a night of incredible short films by indie and youth filmmakers. Get ready to see extraordinary talent, discover your new favorite film, and cheer for the Audience Favorite Award!

Malpass Brothers

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

Direct from the pages of Country Music history, The Malpass Brothers will bring their retro style of classic Country music to the Pines Theater in Lufkin, Texas on February 21, 2026. RFD TV stars, The Malpass Brothers are making a name for themselves as being ambassadors of real Country Music - bringing back the rhinestone suits and sound of an unforgettable era in the music industry.

Bonnie & Clyde Musical Comedy

When: 7pm
Where: Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center

On February 21st, at 7pm, the notorious crime duo of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow will be making their next stop in Jefferson, TX. By a collective effort of Texas Comedies, Humanities Texas and the Jefferson Historical Museum, come and enjoy a “mostly true” retelling of the Barrow Gang with a funny twist! Dancing, singing, a live band and plenty of crowd engagement! This Saturday night musical will be a totally 1930’s immersive experience with tons of exciting fun! Bring the whole family and partake in treats that folks would have savored during this historic time period. While the show will be top-notch entertainment, there will also be a great spotlight on the historical context of Bonnie & Clyde’s crime spree. Specifically in Jefferson! Guests will get to hear the real story by local historian, Mitchel Whitington.

Romance by Candlelight

When: 7pm
Where: Memorial City Hall Performance Center, Marshall

The beautiful Memorial City Performance Hall will be filled with the glow of hundreds of candles surrounding the Marshall Symphony Orchestra as they perform works by composers from the Romantic Era, along with compositions by our very own, Maestro Kermit Poling. Poling’s recording of the guitar concerto and the orchestral version of Along These Footsteps to Paradise with the London Symphony Orchestra was a Global Award winner.

“Born Yesterday”

When: 7:30pm
Where: Texas Theatre - Palestine

PCT’s winter production of Born Yesterday. “Shady businessman, Harry Brock, heads to Washington with his ex-showgirl girlfriend, Billie Dawn, in an attempt to shift the law to his side. When Brock decides that Billie is too unrefined to mix with the DC political set, he hires journalist Paul Verrall to make her appear more intelligent. But a little education can go a long way, and Billie may be smarter than her “friends” give her credit for. Born Yesterday is a hilarious and timely send up of politics and perceptions.”

Professional Wrestling - No Love, Just Hate

When: 7:30pm
Where: League of Lions Wrestling, Marshall

Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents No Love, Just Hate. Come out and enjoy one of the best pro wrestling shows in Texas. Complete with a fully stocked concession stand and pick up some merchandise from your favorite wrestler. BYOB. Coolers welcome, NO GLASS BOTTLES.

SUNDAY, 2/22

Plant Swap

When: 1pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

Our next Plant Swap is Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.! Bring a plant or seeds to swap. The plant swap will take place in the auditorium on the first floor.

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.

Partner Yoga

When: 2pm
Where: BodywoRx Studio, Quitman

Bring a friend, family member or loved one! We will be engaging in fun poses meant for “two” that will stretch and soothe you both. Mimosas , water and light snacks provided. $25 per couple. Register in advance, space is limited.

“Born Yesterday”

When: 2pm
Where: Texas Theatre - Palestine

*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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