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, 4/16

Art4Fun

When: 4pm-6pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

Geared for kids in grades 4 and up, join us for Art4Fun on April 16 from 4-6 p.m. for this come-and-go program! Art4Fun will meet in the makerspace room on the third floor.

Market Nights

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

Join us for a special market as we host Ranger Junior from Tyler State Park teaching his popular outdoor Dutch oven cooking class. If you are wanting to learn how to cook outdoors this is a great class to start with!

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.

FRIDAY, 4/17

East Texas Gusher Days

When: 1pm-10pm
Where: Hwy 271 & Pacific Street , Gladewater, TX, United States, 75647

Experience the excitement of East Texas Gusher Days! Enjoy arts and crafts, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment for all ages in Downtown Gladewater.

48-Hour Film Fest

When: 6pm
Where: Liberty Hall, Tyler

The Tyler Film Fest and East Texas Film Society are teaming up to present our first 48-hour Film Fest. We invite filmmakers to join us in embracing chaos from April 17 to 21. Filmmakers can compete in groups of up to 5 people, but must have at least 2 people, including actors. The entry fee is $5 per person. Join us at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 17, at Liberty Hall in Downtown Tyler, Texas, to receive your genre and instructions for the next 48 hours. Start creating once you get your genre and submit your completed film by 6 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. On Tuesday, April 21, we’ll head back to Liberty Hall to showcase the films created over the weekend. The film awarded Best Film will receive an automatic screening at the 2026 Tyler Film Festival on September 18-19.

Star Party

When: 8pm-9pm
Where: Tyler State Park

Look at the night lights! Come and enjoy a night under the stars and get a close-up view provided by our local astronomy specialists from ASET.

SATURDAY, 4/18

Trumpet Day at UT Tyler

When: 8am
Where: UT Tyler Music Department

Calling all middle school, high school, and college student for the second annual UT Tyler Trumpet Day!

East Texas Gusher Days

When: 8am-10pm
Where: Hwy 271 & Pacific Street , Gladewater, TX, United States, 75647

Experience the excitement of East Texas Gusher Days! Enjoy arts and crafts, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment for all ages in Downtown Gladewater.

Spring Market

When: 8:30am-3:30pm
Where: Peoples Church of Jacksonville, TX.

Come join us for a fun and family-friendly Community Market at People’s Church in Jacksonville, Texas! This special event will bring together local vendors and unique finds—all in one place.

2nd Annual BlackBerry Pines Masters 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!

Book Signing: Anne Pyle

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

Anne Pyle is a poet who specializes in writing about mental health, family, and all the nuances in between. She hails from the woods of deep East Texas with her mischievous husband and three beloved cats. Anne also helps lead the Writers Club at Crazy Four Books & Coffee on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.

Free Nature Photography Workshop

When: 9am-11am
Where: Mineola Nature Preserve

Ready to capture the beauty of nature like never before? Join us for a hands-on Nature Photography Workshop at the Mineola Nature Preserve! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this workshop will help you see the outdoors through a whole new lens.

East Texas Poultry Trades Day

When: 9am-3pm
Where: Yamboree Grounds, Gilmer

This family-friendly event welcomes everyone to come shop, explore, and enjoy the day with free parking and no admission fee. With over 60 vendors, you’ll find something for everyone—from a wide variety of poultry and farm animals to handmade crafts, plants, face painting and delicious food.

2nd Annual Clay & Coffee

When: 10am
Where: Tyler Museum of Art

This artisan market will feature several Texas-based ceramicists offering handmade mugs and other unique ceramics for sale. Other coffee-related vendors will be present. Generously sponsored by Southside Bank, there will be complimentary drinks served by Likewise Coffee. In addition to the market, a free art activity using coffee as paint will take place in the TMA Lobby. Gallery admission will be free all day.

New Tejas Nature Hike

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

Come for a guided hike on a recently renovated Tejas Timber Trail! We’re remaking the popular Tejas Timber Trail for improved mobility access. Off-Road strollers and wheelchairs will be able to have a much smoother experience on this half-mile loop around our pond. To celebrate, we are having a ranger-led hike on the renovated trail!

Touch-A-Truck

When: 10am
Where: Harrison County Historical Museum, Marshall

The ladies of Cypress Junior Women’s Club remember “You’ve got a Friend in Me,” as we host the 2026 Annual Marshall Touch-A-Truck on April 18, 2026, in partnership with the Autism Moms of East Texas and Marshall Main Street. In celebration of our “You’ve got a Friend in Me” theme and the new Toy Story 5 in theatres this Spring, we encourage you to dress in your favorite Disney character for this Touch-A-Truck. We’ll feature all your favorite characters and princesses for photos, along with photo stations. You’ll see classic toys from Toy Story 1-4, and Disney classic toys.

Mark Trexler Car Show

When: 10am
Where: Bear Creek Smokehouse, Marshall

Join us on April 18th at Bear Creek General Store for an exciting day featuring a private collection of 14 unique cars, delicious BBQ, and live music. This is the perfect event for car enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a fun community outing!

Mimosas & Masterpieces

When: 10am
Where: Downtown Lufkin

Start your ArtFull Saturday with an elevated creative experience bringing art, conversation, and community together. Guests will enjoy mimosas while participating in a guided hands-on art session led by a featured spotlight artist. During the event, attendees will also have the opportunity to view and place silent bids on original works submitted by participating artists.

Black Beauty Ranch Tour

When: 10am
Where: 12526 County Road 3806, Murchison, TX, United States, Texas 75778

Spend a day that stays with you long after you leave — join us at Black Beauty Ranch for our next public tour on Saturday, April 18, at 10:00 a.m. As we guide you through 1,400 acres of expansive, natural habitats, you’ll have the opportunity to see the remarkable animals who call this sanctuary home, hear their stories and learn about the over 40 different species.

April Market at Rise and Shine

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

Join us for our April Third Saturday market 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.

5K Bubble Run

When: 10am
Where: Stillwater RV Resort, Winona

Join us April 18 for a family-friendly Bubble Run followed by a foam party celebration you won’t want to miss. Run, walk, jog, or dance your way through the course while enjoying great views, good music, and tons of fun along the way! Whether you’re running for fun, bringing the kids, or just coming for the foam party - this event is all about good vibes and good times at Stillwater!

National Go Fly A Kite Day

When: 10am-3pm
Where: 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75702

This free community event is designed to bring families together for an afternoon of outdoor fun, fresh air, music, fellowship, and colorful skies. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own kites as we fill the North Tyler sky with color and community spirit.

Anime Tyler - 2nd Edition

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Holiday Inn Tyler - Conference Center

Come join the fun for cosplay, panels, and much more in East Texas!

Lindale Family Farm Grand Opening

When: 10am-4pm
Where: 17964 CR 480, 75771

We’re excited to invite you to the Grand Opening of Lindale Family Farm — and the start of strawberry season in Lindale! This farm was created to be more than a place to visit — it’s a place to gather. A place where kids can run, friends can linger, and families can make a day of it.

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

Semi-Annual Book Sale

When: 11am-2pm
Where: Whitehouse, Tx Community Library

Come shop our Semi-Annual Book Sale 11:00am-2pm. $1 for hardback, tradeback, all children’s & DVD. $0.50 for audiobooks & mass market paperbacks.

Spring Brewfest 2026

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: 2404-2498 N University Dr,, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

Join us for the annual Spring Brewfest hosted by Nac Brew Club! Taste beer, mead, wine, and cider created by local brewers around East Texas and beyond!

Sculpture in the SFA Garden Opening Reception

When: 2pm
Where: 2404-2498 N University Dr,, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

We invite you to be part of this exciting beginning. Join us for the opening reception of the sculpture exhibition from 2 to 4 p.m. April 18, where you’ll be able to talk directly with the creators about their work and inspiration. A brief talk will be held in the counsel ring of the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden at 3 p.m., during which personnel from both SFA Gardens and the School of Art will speak on their future collaboration for this event

Hunt the West Seminar

When: 2pm
Where: Griffin Archery, Tyler

2pm-4pm seminar | 4pm-6pm Q&A. $175 per person. Includes 10% off a dozen custom arrow build. 10+ attendees = entry for FREE Pronghorn Antelope Hunt Drawing

Light the Way 5K

When: 5pm
Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler

Light the Way 5K: Walk On Rock On for Mental Wellness is more than a race. It is a movement to shine a light on mental wellness, suicide prevention, and community support. Together, we are fostering hope, awareness, and resiliency while making meaningful connections.

Roots & Rhythm: A Hometown Concert

When: 6pm
Where: Cotton Square Park, Lufkin

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating local and regional musicians in the heart of Downtown Lufkin. Roots & Rhythm is an outdoor hometown showcase bringing live music, community energy, and artistic spirit together under the East Texas sky. This ticketed fundraising concert supports Lufkin Creative’s mission to expand access to art, culture, and creative opportunity in our community.

Lights, Camera, Action

When: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75702

Mike Guinn Entertainment presents an unforgettable night of talent at the Veretta & Jessie E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Centre! Get ready for an exciting evening featuring: Storytelling. Competition. Monologue Contest. Poetry Slam. Singing Contest.

Night Hike

When: 7pm
Where: Tyler State Park

As the sun goes down our day-time animals go to sleep, but our nocturnal animals come out to play! Let’s see what we can see and hear at night around Lakeshore Trail.

Hawkins Movie Night Fundraiser

When: 7:30pm
Where: Hawkins City Baseball Park

Join us at the baseball fields for a community movie night on the fields! Tickets will be $6 per person and include a hot dog and drink meal. Popcorn and candy will be available for purchase. Bring your chairs and blankets! All funds made will be used for the youth of Hawkins Youth Sports Association!

Steel Magnolias

When: 7:30pm
Where: Lamp-Lite Theatre, Nacogdoches

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

SUNDAY, 4/19

Seed Bomb Craft

When: 10am
Where: Daingerfield State Park

Create a “seed bomb” to start growing native plants that will attract more birds to your own backyard! Program will consist of creating a seed bomb using air-dry clay, soil, and native seeds! Their will also be a brief talk about native plants and how they attract birds to your yard and help birds! All materials provided!

Anime Tyler - 2nd Edition

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Holiday Inn Tyler - Conference Center

Come join the fun for cosplay, panels, and much more in East Texas!

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

Dr. Suess’s The Cat in the Hat - Live on Stage!

When: 3pm
Where: Temple Theater, Lufkin

Enjoy an incredible day of rhymes, mischief, and imagination as Dr. Seuss’s beloved tale comes to life with colorful characters, playful surprises, and nonstop fun for the whole family, 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.

Sounds of East Texas 2026 Songwriter Showcase

When: 5pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

We invited songwriters from all across Texas to submit their original songs and our Top 7 finalists—Emily Glover, Daniel Westmoreland, Tommi Jo, Tristan Roberson, Jesica Peacock, Cassie Fleming and Bronson Louis will take the stage to compete for a Top 3 placement. That same night, one standout artist will be crowned the Sounds of East Texas 2026 Songwriter Showcase Winner and awarded an exclusive winner’s prize package in front of a live audience, selected by a panel of judges. Audience voting will also take place, but will only be counted in the event of a tie, ensuring the winner is chosen fairly while still giving fans a voice.

*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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