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, 4/9

Postcards from Home

When: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Where: Michelson Museum of Art, Marshall

The Michelson Museum of Art invites the community to the opening reception for Postcards from Home: A Don Brown and Max Cole Exhibition on Thursday, April 9, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. Featuring the work of Don Adair Brown and Max Bush Cole, the exhibition reflects on the landscapes, landmarks, and everyday moments that shaped our region. Through watercolor and illustration, their work preserves the stories of East Texas, like postcards from another time.

Sip, Savor & Discover!

When: 5pm-7pm
Where: Rooted: ETX Local Goods + Market, Murchison

Explore a curated selection of local wines from White Fox Vineyards, learn taste new foods, and enjoy a delightful evening of flavor and conversation.

Magic Show featuring Zak Mirz

When: 6:30pm
Where: Panola College, Carthage

Don’t miss a special evening with world-renowned magician Zak Mirz, featuring a family-friendly show where audience members help shape what happens next – creating a one-of-a-kind experience filled with storytelling and impossible magic.

FRIDAY, 4/10

Family Garden Days

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

Join us for Spring Family Garden Days, a joyful celebration of gardening, culture, and hands‑on learning. Each session invites families to explore key spring garden concepts through a spirit of curiosity, observation, and wonder. Some sessions this spring will offer an opportunity to learn through a Caddo lens, with Caddo citizens sharing their perspectives on the connections between plants, animals, and people. We approach this learning with respect and appreciation, recognizing the living knowledge rooted in Caddo traditions and their homelands.

18th Annual Rose City Artisan & Flower Market

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler

Celebrate all things gardening for garden lovers at the historic Goodman-LeGrand Museum in Tyler, TX! This beloved community event brings together artisan vendors, plant enthusiasts, and garden experts for two days of beauty and inspiration.

EMO NAC X

When: 6pm
Where: 109 Upton St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3410, United States

EMO NAC X IS OFFICIALLY HERE . We’re bringing 10 bands, some you know and some you don’t, to a BRAND NEW SPOT for their FIRST LIVE MUSIC EVENT. Shout out to Fire House Nac for hosting the TENTH installment of the COOLEST alternative music festival in East Texas. 4/10 - 4/11. $15 1 Day Pass. $25 2 Day Pass. Doors @ 6pm. Music @ 7pm.

Commerce Street Market

When: 6pm-9pm
Where: Commerce Street Drafthouse, Jacksonville

Get ready for a vibrant evening in the heart of the city! Join us for the Commerce Street Market, where community, creativity, and fresh flavors come together for a perfect Friday Night.

10th Annual Steven Smith Memorial Cruise-In

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: 101 N East St, Atlanta, TX 75551-2600, United States

The Atlanta Lions Club is proud to host the 10th Annual Steven Smith Memorial Cruise-In on Friday, April 10th from 6-10PM in Downtown Atlanta, TX! This years event is going to be a BIG one! All proceeds from fundraisers go to the Atlanta Lions Club Steven Smith Scholarship. Event entry is free.

“Who Called for Backup?”

When: 7pm
Where: Cherokee Civic Theatre, Rusk

Come support one of our own as she completes her High School Senior Project! This production is entirely FREE, but donations are encouraged!

SATURDAY, 4/11

15th Annual Tyler Run for Autism

When: 8am
Where: Pollard UMC, Tyler

TRA is a high energy, community event for all! We were founded in 2012 in order to help local children with autism afford critical medical treatment. Our event is fully sponsored so that 100% of proceeds can go to children enrolled at the Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism.

Nacogdoches Farmers Market

When: 9am
Where: 107 Pearl St, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75961

Join us for our annual Spring Fling at the Nacogdoches Farmers Market! Family fun, loads of vendors, food trucks, entertainment, petting zoo, bounce house & more!

Gala Day Plant Sale

When: 9am-2pm
Where: 2900 Raguet St, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

Join us for our annual The sale will feature an array of hard-to-find, “Texas-tough” plants, including Texas natives, edibles, perennials, shrubs and trees, with an emphasis on pollinator-friendly selections. A full list of available plants will be posted on the SFA Gardens website two weeks before the sale.Spring Fling at the Nacogdoches Farmers Market! Family fun, loads of vendors, food trucks, entertainment, petting zoo, bounce house & more!

Spring Market

When: 9am-4pm
Where: Deep Routes Coffee, Sulphur Springs

Come shop local vendors, enjoy fresh finds, and celebrate spring with us! Fun for the whole family—see you there!

Living History

When: 9:30am
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

The Rice Family Log Home remains as one of the best examples of log homes built by East Texas settlers in the 19th Century. Come see the design of the home and explore how it’s construction kept its inhabitants sheltered from the Texan elements. Aside from the home itself, come discover the stories of the Rice Family who called this building home from Park staff dressed like pioneer farmers and hear about their efforts to pioneer a new way of life during Texas’s most turbulent periods.

Secret Life of Bugs

When: 10am-11am
Where: Tyler State Park

How do bugs help us? What else do bugs do other than pollinate? Let’s dive into the world of bugs and foster an appreciation for your friends and craft our own bug!

Spring Play Day

When: 10am-12pm
Where: 615 Valleloma St, Marshall, TX 75670, United States

Join us for a fun filled Spring Play Day! Enjoy a variety of games, get creative with arts and crafts, listen to music, and don’t miss the exciting egg hunt (bring your baskets). Bring the whole family for a day of laughter, creativity, and springtime fun!

Decorate a Mini Birdhouse

When: 10am-2pm
Where: McCoy’s Building Supply, Longview

Bring the kiddos by the store to paint and decorate a mini birdhouse. Perfect for spring decorations. Event is free of charge and while supplies last. No registration required. *Happening at all McCoy’s locations.

Artisan Walk on the Bowery

When: 10am-2pm
Where: The Bowery Winnsboro, Texas

Spend a day exploring the Bowery and discovering the work of local artisans! The Artisan Walk brings together makers and creators offering handmade goods, art, and specialty items you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the perfect outing for shopping, visiting with neighbors, and celebrating the creative spirit that makes Winnsboro unique.

Chautauqua Festival 2026

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Longview Public Library

This FREE event is all about celebrating all the rich, diverse culture that Longview and East Texas has to offer, including live music & performances, local authors, artists, craft activities, art installations, artisans, food trucks, face-painting, and so much more!

18th Annual Rose City Artisan & Flower Market

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

Anniversary & Grand Opening of The Platform Longview

When: 10am-5pm
Where: The Platform Longview

Join us as we open the doors to our beautiful new 6,000 sq. ft. space and celebrate the community, small businesses, and customers that have made this journey possible. What started as a dream has grown into something truly special, and this weekend is all about celebrating that growth together. Come shop dozens of amazing small businesses offering boutiques, gifts, home décor, fashion, food, and more — all under one roof.

Avalon Medieval Faire

When: 10am-6pm
Where: 1076 FM 1252 W, Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

Avalon Medieval Faire returns! What Awaits You: – Live medieval combat – Vendors, crafts & curiosities – Games of Skill: Axe, Arrow & Spear – Music, mischief, and merriment

“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.

Suga Momma’s Grand Debut

When: 12pm-4pm
Where: Suga Momma’s Frozen Yogurt, Lufkin

Bring the fam & join the fun! To help us celebrate Suga Momma’s launch, we’re offering 25% OFF each purchase from Noon-4 PM!We’ll have fun coloring sheets for the kiddos, balloons, & a few giveaways— Don’t miss it!

Dalton Days

When: 12pm-6pm
Where: 214 N Fredonia St, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75601

Join us on April 11th for a fun filled day at Dalton Days! Bring your friends and family out to enjoy great food, local vendors, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our community.

Helen Elbert Collaborative Music and Fine Arts Festival

When: 1pm
Where: Rogers-Palmer Performing Arts Center, Tyler

Join us for a celebration of creativity and community at the Helen Elbert Collaborative Music and Fine Arts Festival, hosted by the East Texas Music Teachers Association on Saturday, April 11, at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center, Tyler Junior College. This exciting afternoon will showcase a wide range of student performances, including music from independent studios, public and private schools, home schools, colleges, and the community. The festival highlights the spirit of collaboration with original artwork and dance choreography inspired by new musical compositions and creative partnerships.

Pokémon Go Hike

When: 2pm
Where: Daingerfield State Park

Join a ranger to collect Pokémon and enjoy the outdoors! Program Expectations: Program will consist of collecting organisms out of water, identifying organisms, looking at organisms up close, and how to predict water quality by what we find. Collecting area is muddy and wet so please wear mud boots/shoes and clothes you do not mind getting wet/dirty.

Flamin’ J BBQ Festival

When: 4pm
Where: Hazel Tilton Park, Jacksonville

Welcome to the Flamin’ J BBQ Festival at Hazel Tilton Park! Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time on April 11, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Central Time). Join us for a day filled with delicious BBQ, live music, and fun activities for the whole family. Don’t miss out on this smokin’ hot event!

2026 Nacogdoches Wine Swirl

When: 5pm-9pm
Where: 200 East Main Street, Nacogdoches

Held each year in the heart of historic downtown Nacogdoches, the Downtown Wine Swirl transforms the city’s brick-lined streets into a vibrant wine-tasting festival experience. This ticketed event features Texas wineries showcasing their best blends, along with delicious bites from local and regional restaurants and food trucks, and unique shopping opportunities from boutique vendors and downtown shops. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun night out with friends, the Wine Swirl offers a perfect blend of flavor, culture, and hospitality.

EMO NAC X

When: 6pm
Where: 109 Upton St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3410, United States

Inside a Meteorite Collection

When: 6pm
Where: Naranjo Museum of Natural History, Lufkin

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime evening with meteorite collector Jason Phillip as part of our lecture series. He will discuss his collection and give a special viewing of his meteorites and mars rocks. After the space rock talk and viewing, stay for our showing of Apollo 13 on the playground at sunset. Grab some grub from food truck Bayou Boilers and enjoy this space filled night.

America 250 Parade

When: 6:30pm
Where: Downtown Longview TX

Parade route will travel west on Whaley Street starting at Green Street, then turn south on Center Street, then return east on Methvin Street to First Street. (Note that this is different than Christmas parade route.)

Garth Brooks Tribute

When: 7pm
Where: Serenade Range Concert Venue, Whitehouse

Shameless - A Garth Brooks Tribute is coming to Serenade Range on April 11th, bringing all the excitement, crowd-favorite anthems, and feel-good fun you’d hope for from a Garth-inspired night. This is the kind of show that’s perfect for kicking back with friends, grabbing a drink, and belting out every word before the night is over.

The Wrestling Classic XIII

When: 7:30pm
Where: 315 Pope St, Marshall, TX, United States, Texas 75670

Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents The Wrestling Classic XIII. 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, 4/12

Avalon Medieval Faire

When: 10am-6pm
Where: 1076 FM 1252 W, Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

Avalon Medieval Faire returns! What Awaits You: – Live medieval combat – Vendors, crafts & curiosities – Games of Skill: Axe, Arrow & Spear – Music, mischief, and merriment

Family Kite Fest

When: 11am
Where: Al Mangham Regional Airport, Nacogdoches

Free admission. Come fly a kite with us! The Helping House.

Off Square Sundaze Vendor Market

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: 235 S. Broadway Ave., #110, Tyler, TX

Velvet Vintage presents our Off Square Sundaze Vendor Market, happening every second Sunday of the month! This month’s market will be held on April 12th from 12-5pm, be sure to come out and snag a one of a kind item from our unique lineup of vendors!

Tiles on Tap

When: 2pm-4pm
Where: Rüeggenbach Brewing Co, Marshall

Sip, shuffle, and play at Tiles on Tap — a monthly mahjong event at Rueggenbach Brewing Co in downtown Marshall that blends great brews, good company, and all the mahj fun you can

Steel Magnolias

When: 2pm-5pm
Where: Lamp-Lite Theatre, Nacogdoches

Tickets are $15, $12, and $8. They are available online now atlampliteplayers.ludus.comand at the box office 45 minutes prior to curtain.

Dish it Out Trivia & Potluck

When: 5pm-6:30pm
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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Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

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