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, 4/23

Ladies Night Out

When: 3pm-7pm
Where: Downtown Jacksonville

Calling all ladies!!! Shopping, sipping, giveaways & GIRL TIME… yes please!! Our Downtown Jacksonville businesses are ready to spoil you with deals, goodies, and all the fun vibes!

J’s Dueling Pianos

When: 7pm
Where: Blackhawk Creek Grill, Whitehouse

The ultimate high-octane, all-request live musical riot. From Dallas to anywhere in the country, we bring the pianos, the power, and the party. J’s Dueling Pianos is an all request, sing-along show that bridges the gap between stage and audience. It’s a collaboration of all your favorites, and a few deep cuts, delivered in the way they were meant to be heard. Entertainment touched with a taste of comedy, laced with some well-deserved attitude, and overloaded with some in-your-face rock’n’roll.

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical!

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

Based on the beloved classic television show, this fun-filled musical follows the Clampett family as they strike oil, become instant millionaires, and trade their simple mountain life for the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills. With lovable characters, big laughs, and plenty of country charm, it’s a show the whole family will enjoy!

FRIDAY, 4/24

Tyler Quilt Show

When: 10am-4pm
Where: 2000 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702-6854, United States

The Quilters Guild of East Texas is thrilled to host the 2026 Tyler Quilt Show: Stitched in the Stars: Celebrating 250 Years of American Quilting & Creativity. The year 2026 marks the United States Semiquincentennial — 250 years since our nation’s founding. What better way to celebrate than with the timeless art of quilting, a craft that has been part of American life since the very beginning? Our theme highlights both the beauty of star quilts, inspired by our stunning Lone Star raffle quilt, and the enduring creativity of quilters across generations.

Longview Coin Show

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: Holiday Inn North, Longview

3rd Annual event! 60+ dealer tables of coins and currency collectables. Free parking and admission. Food and beverages on site. Door prizes hourly. Coin and currency exhibits. Longview Coin Club will be holding raffles for collectable coins!

40th Annual Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo

When: 5:30pm
Where: Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex, Athens

Henderson County First Reponders Rodeo, benefitting the HCPOA & HCFCA.

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical!

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

Gareth Reynolds Live Comedy

When: 7pm | 10pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Gareth Reynolds (The Dollop) is coming to Rose City Comedy in Tyler—stand-up from the co-host of the hit history-comedy podcast, live on our stage. Hit “Going,” tag your crew, and we’ll see you there.

SATURDAY, 4/25

Kilgore College Fueling Fitness 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run, & Dino Dash

When: 7:45am
Where: East Texas Oil Museum, Kilgore

Lace up your running shoes and join us for the Kilgore College Fueling Fitness 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run, & Dino Dash - a dynamic event bringing together fitness enthusiasts and community supporters alike! Proceeds from this exciting race directly benefit the East Texas Oil Museum, preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Texas oil boom. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or enjoying a leisurely walk, there’s a distance for everyone. With a scenic route through Kilgore and activities for all ages, this event is a fantastic way to support a great cause while staying active. Let’s fuel fitness and history together!

Veterans Benefit Car Show

When: 8am
Where: University of Texas at Tyler

Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Hazelwood Hotrods are Teaming up to Bring You a veterans Benefit fundraiser car show! Benefiting the Military Hero’s Campaign! Special thanks To Wagner Cadillac of Tyler for being our Title Sponsor

Rose City Disc Club Bag Tag Challenge

When: 8am
Where: Lindsey Park Disc Golf Course, Tyler

8-9am Registration/ Divisions: OPEN & AMATEUR. 9am Shotgun Start on Dogwood Long. $30 Entry Includes: RCDC Bag Tag, Digital League HQ Bag Tag, Membership untill next Bag Tag Challenge, $5 to Final Year end Stroke Play event, $7 to Payout, $2 Club Fee, $2 Ace Pot, 3 CTP’s per Round

Angelina Farmers Market

When: 9am
Where: Angelina County Farmers Market, Lufkin

Come stop by and see what’s new!

Let’s Talk About Cars

When: 9am-10am
Where: Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview

Join us on April 25 from 9:00–10:00 AM at the GCHM for a fun and engaging morning all about CARS! We’ll explore how cars move, what makes them go, and so much more through hands-on activities perfect for curious little minds. Bring your tiny thinker and get ready to roll into a world of discovery!

Spring Jeep Jam & Local Vendor Market

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Stillwater RV Resort, Winona

Join us for an exciting spring celebration packed with Jeeps, shopping, and community fun! The Spring Jeep Jam & Local Vendor Market will be hosted by Stillwater RV Resort geared toward a full day of family-friendly entertainment, unique vendors, and amazing JEEPS.

8th Anniversary Party

When: 9:30am-12pm
Where: Essential Living Chiropractic, Tyler

We are so excited to celebrate our anniversary with our community! We’re so thankful for all of you that have been a part of the last 8 years! Come out for some family fun and gather together! Hang out with old friends, make new friends, support some local businesses, let the kids run around, it will be great! We will have a bounce house, crafts, face painting, coffee, local businesses, and raffle prizes!

Longview Coin Show

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: Holiday Inn North, Longview

Free Hike & Yoga Class

When: 10am
Where: Mineola Nature Preserve

Enjoy hiking a few miles and a FREE 30 minute yoga class! This is open for the community and any and all skill levels. We hope to bring like minded people together and spread some positivity! So bring your yoga mat, some water and your tennis shoes & let’s have some fun!!

Master Gardner Program

When: 10am
Where: Cameron-J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library, Troup

Join our discussion of what plants attract butterflies and how to aid butterfly migration, and population health. Good for all ages. Free Program.

New Farmers Market

When: 10am
Where: 1 Peter Whetstone Square, Marshall, TX 75670

Please join us in welcoming the Harrison County Farmer’s Market into their 2026 season with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration!

Tyler Quilt Show

When: 10am-4pm
Where: 2000 W Front St, Tyler, TX 75702-6854, United States

Downtown Creative’s Stroll

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Downtown Lindale

Spend the day in downtown Lindale celebrating the artists, makers, and small businesses that make our community so special. Grab a punch card and join the giveaway! Visit participating businesses, get your card punched, and turn it in for a chance to win.

Spring Book Sale

When: 10am-4:30pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

It’s that time of year again! Come down to the Tyler Public Library for our bi-annual Spring Book Sale, happening April 25 through April 26. Friends of the Tyler Public Library Members are invited to join us on April 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an exclusive pre-sale, where they can purchase any of our materials a day early! April 25 is our regular Book Sale. Our Bag and Box Sale will be on April 26, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., where you can fill a bag for $10 or a box for $15. Boxes are not available, but we have bags available while they last!

Multicultural Festival

When: 10am-5pm
Where: 2508 Appleby Sand Rd, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

For over 30 years, Sacred Heart and our vibrant community have come together to celebrate culture, food, and fun—and this year is no exception! Get ready for a weekend packed with excitement! From a petting zoo to bouncy houses , and even a silent auction, there’s something for everyone! Join us on Saturday, April 25th, & Sunday, April 26th, for non-stop fun, delicious food, and unforgettable memories! Bring the whole family and experience the joy of cultures coming together.

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

Battle of the Badges

When: 10:30am
Where: Faulkner Park, Tyler

Bring on the sunny weather and fanfare! We’re headed to Faulkner Park to watch our first responders compete in their seventh annual “Battle of the Badges” softball tournament, benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County. Join us for a family-friendly day at the ballpark.

19th Annual Art in the Garden

When: 11am-12pm
Where: Tyler Rose Garden

Celebrate spring and creativity at the Tyler Rose Garden during our annual Art in the Garden event! Bring your paints, sketchbooks, and inspiration for a relaxing day surrounded by blooming roses and local artists.

Books & Beers

When: 12pm-5pm
Where: Fredonia Brewery, Nacogdoches

Join us for another celebration of literature at our Books & Beers event, where the magic of craft beer melds with the magic of storytelling! This enchanting gathering will bring more indie authors, and avid readers together to share their passion for books, while enjoying some amazing craft beer & local eats! With something for everyone; from fantasy to sci-fi to romance and more; this event promises to be a memorable experience for all local book lovers.

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!

Dungeons & Dragons Unvierse-ity for Teens

When: 2pm-4:45pm
Where: Longview Public Library

Teens ages 13-17, adventure, teamwork, and epic storytelling await! We have an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign for interested and established players to attend.

Downtown Longview Wine Swirl

When: 4pm-8pm
Where: Heritage Plaza, Longview

The Downtown Longview Wine Swirl is for wine connoisseurs, self-proclaimed wine connoisseurs, and wanna-be wine connoisseurs - basically, anyone who enjoys wine - and for those that love to support a good cause too. Enjoy the local flavors from Texas Wineries in the chill atmosphere of the Downtown Longview Wine Swirl. Plus, listen to live music from the Jazz Connection and shop from local artists and vendors. Your general admission ticket gives you access to the event area, a wine swirl tote bag (while supplies last), and the opportunity to purchase individual samples, glasses, or bottles from a variety of wineries. Proceeds from this event will go to Main Street Downtown Longview and fund major projects within the downtown area.

Create Your Own Car Freshie

When: 5pm
Where: Apricot Lane Boutique, Tyler

Join us at Apricot Lane from 5–7 PM for a fun night of shopping AND creating your own custom car freshie! Grab your friends, treat yourself, and leave with something cute + something that smells amazing.

Founders Fest 2026

When: 5pm-9pm
Where: Founders Classical Academy - Tyler

Join Founders Classical Academy of Tyler as we celebrate 250 years since the founding of our nation! Bring your family for a night of entertainment, food, fun activities, and arts and crafts vendors! We will end the night with a fireworks display over the field so bring chairs or blankets and find a comfortable spot to hang out!

40th Annual Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo

When: 5:30pm
Where: Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex, Athens

Henderson County First Reponders Rodeo, benefitting the HCPOA & HCFCA.

Annual Golden Get Together & Fish Fry

When: 6pm
Where: 5921 FM 779, Alba, TX

Join us for a fun filled evening of fellowship and fun. Donation only fish fry and live entertainment by Preston Barrett. Proceeds benefit the playground rebuild.

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical!

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

DDM “The Longest Form” Improvathon

When: 7pm
Where: Community Connections, Longview

Duck. Duck. Moose! Improv is preparing to put their stamina to the ultimate test. On Saturday, April 25, the team will host “The Longest Form,” a first-of-its-kind improv marathon fundraiser designed to support the third annual Laugh Out Longview Improv Festival. The event, held at Community Connections (501 Pine Tree Road), kicks off at 7 p.m. with a traditional two-hour Duck. Duck. Moose! show. However, there is a twist: the finish line is entirely up to the audience. Every dollar raised during the performance will “buy” more time on the clock, extending the show deep into the night. If the donations keep coming, the jokes keep flying.

Nothin’ But 90s Night

When: 8pm
Where: Banita Creek Hall - Nacogdoches, Texas

It’s time to get your Rocky Mountain Jean and your best pearl snap and wranglers out Come join us for Nothin’ but 90s Night at Banita Creek Hall! We will play only music from the 90s that will have you reminiscing of the good ole days. The best part about it is we’re throwin it back with the cover prices and and drink special prices too

SUNDAY, 4/26

Advanced Birding

When: 8:30m
Where: Daingerfield State Park

Prepare for a fun and intense session of birding with a ranger! We will use eBird and learn advanced techniques for bird ID. Program Expectations: THIS IS AN ADVANCED BIRDING COURSE, PLEASE JOIN “INTRO TO BIRDING” ON SATURDAYS IF NOT EXPERIENCED! Program will consist of focused birding/bird ID, counting birds, using eBird, and sharing advanced tips for intermediate-experienced birders. Program will be INTENSE but a lot of fun as we search left, right, up, and down for as many birds as we can spot!

Multicultural Festival

When: 10am-5pm
Where: 2508 Appleby Sand Rd, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

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

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. If you are planning on working in the garden, please bring gloves, we have an ant and broken glass problem. And if you could bring any tools you have, like a shovel, rake, pitchfork, trowels, snips, etc. that would be helpful as well.

Spring Book Sale

When: 1pm-4:30pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

*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, 4/23

FRIDAY, 4/24

SATURDAY, 4/25

SUNDAY, 4/26

*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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