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, 4/2

First Monday Trade Days

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

You’ll find it ALL at the world’s largest outdoor flea market! April is one of the best times to shop — fresh finds, new vendors, and all the spring vibes. Bring the wagon, bring the crew, and spend the day discovering something new.

Market Nights

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Mineola

Join us as for the opening night of our 2026 weekly Market Nights. Food trucks, live music, and a chance to shop local for your groceries! Local meats, honey, veggies, eggs, sourdough bread, microgreens, locally roasted coffee and more!

Nacogdoches Spring Carnival

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center

FREE Admission & FREE Parking! Each rider must have 3+ coupons or a wristband to ride. Armbands are non-transferable. Torn, tied, or taped on wristbands will not be accepted. Riders accompanying small children must pay to ride on all rides except the Merry Go Round.

Video Game Trivia

When: 7pm
Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler

Think you know your pixels? Grab your controller and join us for Video Game Trivia Night! From retro classics to modern masterpieces, test your knowledge and win epic prizes.

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

When: 7:30pm
Where: Temple Theater, Lufkin

Enjoy an incredible night of powerhouse vocals, electrifying performances, and the inspiring true story of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll — featuring all the hits you know and love, right here in on the Angelina College campus. Whether you’re a longtime patron or a first-time guest, you can expect top-tier talent, welcoming staff, and a shared love of the arts.

2026 Canton Open Rodeo

When: 8pm-11pm
Where: 24742 State Hwy 64, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Saddle up and mark your calendars for April 2, April 3, and April 4 — because the Canton Open Rodeo is riding back into town, and it’s bigger, louder, and wilder than ever! Feel the thunder of fast horses tearing through the arena…Hold your breath as cowboys take on rank bulls that were born to buck…And brace yourself for the heart-pounding action of crazy bronc riding that will have you on the edge of your seat!

FRIDAY, 4/3

First Monday Trade Days

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

Amazing KidsZ Day at the Museum

When: 11am-3pm
Where: 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75702

This exciting, family-friendly event promises an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and uplifting activities for children of all ages. Designed to celebrate youth and community togetherness, Amazing KidsZ Day! will feature engaging entertainment, interactive experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere centered around positive family fun.

Nacogdoches Spring Carnival

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center

2026 Canton Open Rodeo

When: 8pm-11pm
Where: 24742 State Hwy 64, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

SATURDAY, 4/4

First Monday Trade Days

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

2nd Annual BlackBerry Pines Master Cup

When: 9am
Where: BlackBerry Pines, Pittsburg

2nd Annual BlackBerry Pines Masters Cup is a month away. Registration has opened. This event is one of my favorites that we added to the calendar last year. I don’t think our sport highlights the older player enough. These players literally built the foundation of our game. Legends if you will. I hope to see as many OG’s that can come Visit Pittsburg, Texas and see what we have going on out here in East Texas. So if you’re turning 40 this year this event is for YOU! If you know an Age Protected player share this with them. See y’all next month.

City-Wide Rummage Sale

When: 9am
Where: Downtown Jefferson

All over town, people will be set up with their wares. Thursday-Saturday.

Writers Club Meetup

When: 9am-11am
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

Calling aspiring and experienced writers of East Texas! Join us at Crazy Four Books & Coffee for our monthly Writers Club, where creativity meets community. Enjoy free coffee & baked snacks while you spend time working on your craft. Meet other creatives, get some time to work on an existing project or use the time to hone up on skills with prompts!

April Art & Artisan

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Circle M Crawfish, Big Sandy

Join us for a full day of local art, handmade goods, and creative treasures at our April Art & Artisan Local Vendor Market! Shop from a curated lineup of talented artists and makers offering everything from unique artwork and handcrafted items to boutique finds and specialty gifts.

Pints & Poses

When: 10am
Where: Oil Horse Brewing Company, Longview

Come join us for 1 hr of Yoga follow by pints of beer(and or rooter). Christy will walk us through our class and this is meant for all levels of yogis! $20 a person includes Yoga and a Beer or a Rootbeer!

Reptile Hike

When: 10am
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Take a walk through the Farkleberry Trail System while keeping an eye out for some of our local reptiles and amphibians.

Growing Fruit Trees

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

Join us for this informative workshop and learn how to grow your own fruit in your backyard! Learn which fruit trees perform best in Texas, how to select healthy trees, and when and how to plant for long-term success. Ed will cover site selection, soil preparation, watering, pruning basics, fertilization, and common pests and diseases, with tips tailored specifically to Texas gardeners.

First Saturday Guided Hike

When: 10am-12pm
Where: Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, Alto

Join us for our First Saturday of the Month Guided Hike at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site. This guided walk explores the landscape, history, and archaeology of the site. We’ll discuss how the ancestral Hasinai Caddo shaped this place and how the natural environment connects to its past.

Mini Train Easter Special

When: 10am-1pm
Where: Iron Horse Square, Mineola

The Iron Horse Mini Train will open for the 2026 season on April 4, 2026 with the Easter Special Event. Come ride the 15-inch scale railroad for FREE in cars pulled by a real diesel locomotive.

Piney Park Easter Egg Hunt

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Piney Park, Marshall

Get ready for the BIGGEST Easter Egg Hunts in East Texas at Piney Park! Thousands of eggs. Tons of candy. Spring fun all over the park.

Paris Steak Wars 2026

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Love Civic Center, Paris

We’re proud to announce that all proceeds will be given to The Downtown Food Pantry of Paris. Live Music by: The Alternatives, Common Ground and Stoney Musgrove Band. EVENT SCHEDULE10am: GATES OPEN (Appetizers). 12pm: STEAK SERVED. 3pm: AWARD CEREMONY.

Bike Blessings & Brunch

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Roughneck Harley-Davidson, Longview

Join us for a day of Faith, Fellowship, and Freedom! Brunch from 11:00AM ‘till gone. NE Texas Hellfighters will be here blessing bikes.

Heroes & Hoppiness Egg Event

When: 11am-4pm
Where: The Children’s Park of Tyler

Heroes & Hoppiness is designed to honor Military children and families—their strength, sacrifice, and service—while also uplifting foster youth and foster families who deserve to feel celebrated, supported, and included by their community. The heart of the event is simple: every child in East Texas deserves joy, belonging, and a place to be seen.

“Toy Dinosaurs: A Study”

When: 11am-4pm
Where: 320 North St, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75961

Step into a playful and imaginative world with Toy Dinosaurs: A Study. This gallery exhibition features new works by local artist, Weelynd McMullan! This collection explores nostalgia, scale, and storytelling through the unexpected subject of toy dinosaurs—transforming familiar childhood objects into thoughtful, visually engaging artwork.

Modified Mayhem

When: 1pm
Where: Piney Woods Raceway, Quitman

The stage is set for the 3rd annual Modified Mayhem on April 4th, 2026, where the country’s top racers and tuners gather for fantastic BBQ, trophies, and the ultimate test of skill on a full 12-lane track that promises to push everyone to new heights - how far will your skills take you?

Nacogdoches Spring Carnival

When: 1pm-10pm
Where: Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center

Chunky Knit Blanket Workshop

When: 3:30pm-6pm
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.

Art Show

When: 4pm
Where: Thousand Cranes Gallery, Longview

Join us Saturday April 4th at Thousand Cranes Gallery for a dynamic, multi-sensory art experience bringing together incredible artists, music, and live creation! Graffiti writer Loop out of Oklahoma City. Rat Maker bringing a live rock set through the evening. A mocktail pop-up bar by Alchemy Texas.

Zoo Brew

When: 6:30pm
Where: Ellen Trout Zoo, Lufkin

JOIN THE CREATURES OF THE NIGHT FOR OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER! Sample the best food and adult beverages the area has to offer. Enjoy live music on 3 different stages and try your luck at our silent auction and raffle station filled with amazing prizes.

All-Stars Weekend

When: 7pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Rose City Comedy All-Stars Weekend brings together all of our favorite local killers for a full weekend of non-stop laughs. These are the comics who helped build Tyler’s stand-up scene from the ground up—Tyler Elliott, PJ Dullard, Jason McAdam, Clint Carroll, and Jason Rennebu—delivering sharp, hilarious sets that only longtime locals can. Expect tight material, East Texas flavor, and possible surprise drop-ins that could turn the night completely rowdy. Shop local, support local, and laugh local at the only dedicated comedy club in East Texas! (Friday show too!)

“Tyler’s Got Talent” Winner Emily Glover

When: 7:30pm
Where: Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse-Tyler

Join us for a Free show!

2026 Canton Open Rodeo

When: 8pm-11pm
Where: 24742 State Hwy 64, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

SUNDAY, 4/5

First Monday Trade Days

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

Easter Brunch at The Fredonia Hotel

When: 11am
Where: The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center, Nacogdoches

We invite you and your family to join us for our annual Easter Brunch. You won’t want to miss this expansive holiday buffet!

Garden Gathering

When: 11am-3pm
Where: 3106 W Jackson St, Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75701

All are welcome to join the ETX Community Gardeners at the WCL garden on Sundays! The time says 11am, but people come and go all morning and afternoon, so you’re welcome to pop by when you can

Nacogdoches Spring Carnival

When: 1pm-10pm
Where: Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center

Intro to Birding

When: 2pm-3pm
Where: Daingerfield State Park

Learn the birding basics with a park ranger during Birding Month! Program Expectations: Program will consist of learning how to use binoculars, identify common bird species, and how to “bird”. Participants will go on a short hike with frequent stops to look and listen for birds. Please bring your own binoculars!

Dish it Out Trivia & Potluck

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: First Christian Church of Tyler

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!)

*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, 4/2

FRIDAY, 4/3

SATURDAY, 4/4

SUNDAY, 4/5

*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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