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, 4/30

First Monday Trade Days

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

Kick off the new month with a weekend of treasure hunting at the world’s largest outdoor flea market. Looking for home décor, boutique clothing, plants, garden finds, handmade goods, furniture, or delicious fair-style food? You’ll find it ALL at First Monday Trade Days!

Wings of Transformation

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

A special performance by Ballet Folklórico Monarcas 💃🏽. Join us as we celebrate 4 amazing years of community, growth, and impact! 💛 We are excited to invite you and your family to a special celebration at True Vine. This event is for everyone—bring your loved ones and come enjoy a beautiful time together as a community.

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, 5/1

First Monday Trade Days

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

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical!

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

INVINCIBLE - A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson

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

Enjoy an incredible night of iconic dance moves, unforgettable hits, and dazzling production — celebrating the music, spirit, and legacy of the King of Pop, 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.

SATURDAY, 5/2

First Monday Trade Days

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

6th Annual Remembrance Run

When: 7am
Where: The Children’s Park of Tyler

Join us on May 2nd for our 2026 Remembrance Run benefitting The Children’s Park of Tyler . This race seeks to give our community a way to honor those we’ve lost. Join us by running in memory of a family member, friend, or someone you may not even know but wish to recognize. Runners can carry their loved one’s picture, or share a legacy memorial sign along the route with the community. Proceeds ensure The Children’s Park continues offering free bereavement care for families mourning the death of a child.

Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

When: 7am-10am
Where: Circle M’ Crawfish, Big Sandy

Rev it up for a great time! Join us for the Circle M Crawfish Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show — it’s going to be a day full of classic rides, cool builds, and great vibes! Coffee & donuts for early birds.

5th Annual David Eads Memorial 5K Run/Walk

When: 8:15am
Where: Legacy Trails, Tyler

Join us for the 5th Annual David Eads Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 2, starting at 8:15 a.m. The event will take place at Tyler Legacy Trails (Three Lakes Parkway & Old Jacksonville HWY in Tyler). Everyone and their families are welcome to come out and join the UT EMS/AIR 1 family as we run/walk in honor of UT EMS Paramedic David Eads

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!

First Saturday Hike @ Tyler State Park

When: 9am-11am
Where: Tyler State Park

Join us for our “First Saturday Hike” at Tyler State Park. We’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. in the lot adjacent to the Park Store. This is a group led hike and not organized by a specific person. As a group, we’ll decide which trail(s) to hike. Trails vary from easy to moderate in difficulty, with lengths from 2 miles up to 6 miles.

Spring Fest

When: 9:30am-2:30pm
Where: Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Whitehouse

Prince of Peace Catholic Church is hosting our annual SPRING FEST and we want YOU there! Live music. Delicious food. Fun activities.

ETX Market Spring 2026

When: 10am
Where: 222 E Tyler St, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75601

A thoughtfully curated outdoor market in #downtownlongviewtx where everyone belongs. ✌️🌎✨

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.

Paint a Keepsake

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

Bring the kiddos by the store to paint wooden flower bouquets or terra cotta pots. Event is free of charge and while supplies last. No registration required. Happening at all McCoy’s locations.

Free Comic Book Day

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Ground Zero Comics, Tyler

On Saturday, May 2nd from 10am until 3pm Ground Zero will host its’ 25th Free Comic Book Day event. Changes in the industry over the past year mean this time it is called both Free Comic Book Day AND Comics Giveaway Day, but the basics are still the same - Come in and choose from a select group of special FCBD and CGD titles, including Avengers, Sonic the Hedgehog, Alien, Spider-Man and More! As usual, there is a limit of three (3) titles per customers, distributed on a “first come, first served” basis.

Sale on the Trail

When: 10am-5pm
Where: El Camino Real de los Tejas, Nacogdoches

Ready to “shop ‘til you drop”? Or sell new or used items? The El Camino Real Sale on the Trail takes place the this year, Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd, along 111 miles of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. Make plans to drive the trail for yard sale bargains! Hop in your car and go along Hwy 6 in LA starting at Natchitoches and then west across Toledo Bend Lake to Texas Hwy 21 into Milam, TX, and beyond to Nacogdoches for a great adventure and great finds! Along the trail, shoppers will find new and used items sold by local businesses and private individuals.

Cinco de Mayo Festival - Lufkin

When: 11am-5pm
Where: Kiwanis Park, Lufkin

Celebrate culture, community, and family fun at Lufkin’s annual Cinco De Mayo Festival at Kiwanis Park. Enjoy live music, traditional dance performances, the crowning of Miss Cinco De Mayo, and festive contests including crowd-favorite T-shirt competitions. Families can enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities including bouncy houses, dunking booths, and special games designed just for children. With food, music, and activities for all ages, this lively celebration brings the community together for a colorful and energetic day in Lufkin.

Sip & Shop

When: 11am-6pm
Where: The Grand Room at Kiepersol, Tyler

Talented vendors will be setting up shop around our tasting room grounds, making it convenient for you to do a little shopping with wine/cocktails in hand!

Race for the Roses

When: 12pm
Where: The Back Porch Kilgore

Join us for The Race for the Roses at The Back Porch on Saturday, May 2nd! Pick the winning horse and win a FREE Entree!

Ink, Bling & Beautiful Things

When: 12pm-3pm
Where: The Bronze Cactus, Frankston, TX

Join us for a fun girls day out! Permanent jewelry, ear piercings, fun straight line tattoos, AND shopping ALL at the same place! Let’s start summer time off with a bang

Mudbugs & Blues

When: 12pm-11pm
Where: The Forge Bar and Grill, Ben Wheeler

Mudbugs & Blues is back at The Forge on May 2nd and it’s about to get loud, messy, and real damn good. David Kemp of Da’Faddus Thunder Foods rolls in with piles of crawfish and killer Cajun seafood, while Dr. O’s Blues Band keeps it rolling all day long. Cold drinks, spicy mudbugs, live blues under the oaks… this is the kind of day you plan your whole week around.

Derby Party

When: 1pm-3pm
Where: The Art Parlor, Canton

The Kentucky Derby represents 152 years of rich tradition, fascinating history, and the thrilling spirit that truly embodies the essence of the Kentucky Derby. Although we may find ourselves in Texas, we can still come together as a community to celebrate this cherished southern tradition. Let’s embrace the elegance that Derby Day brings and dress up in our finest Derby Best. Don’t forget to wear those fabulous hats—get ready for your close-up, as we capture memories while enjoying these delightful traditions! Of course, we can’t overlook the highlight of the day, which is the stunning 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. We will provide watercolor paper featuring beautifully pre-traced horses, so everyone can unleash their artistic talents. All the necessary supplies and refreshments will be readily provided for our enjoyment. This event is designed for moms, daughters, sisters, and friends to bond and have a great time together. All ages are more than welcome to join in the celebration!

10yr Anniversary Block Party

When: 4pm
Where: Oil Horse Brewing Company, Longview

We’ve been capturing 10 yrs of craft beer, community, and downtown! Come celebrate our birthday with us! 🥳🍻

Cinco de Mayo Longview Arboretum

When: 4pm-8pm
Where: 706 W. Cotton St, Longview

Get ready for an evening full of color, culture, and celebration at the Longview Arboretum’s annual Cinco de Mayo event! Bring your friends and family and enjoy: Traditional Folkloric Dancers. Live music by Mariachi Aguila Real. DJ Dro spinning all evening. The fan-favorite Taco Contest. Fun kids’ activities. Cerveza y Margaritas.

NTCC Male Chorus 55th Anniversary Concert

When: 5pm
Where: North Tenneha Church of Christ, Tyler

A Celebration of Legacy and Praise!

Strokes for Stroke 2026

When: 6pm
Where: Eagle’s Bluff Country Club, Bullard

Enjoy a complimentary dinner while engaging with others in your community and learning from meaningful experiences. Browse and bid on unique artwork created by stroke survivors during our special auction, and hear from insightful speakers as they share their personal stories and advice. Plus, enjoy music from our DJ and a fun, uplifting atmosphere throughout the evening. This event is free and open to the community, but registration is required to help us plan for dinner. Don’t miss this memorable night!

A Night at the Museum: A Regency Romance

When: 6pm-9pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler

You are cordially invited to A Night at the Museum: A Regency Romance, a Regency Era-inspired dinner and dance that promises intrigue, elegance, and the finest company Tyler has to offer. Don your finest Austen attire or other Regency wear and prepare for an enchanting evening worthy of the Ton’s most distinguished members.

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical!

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

SUNDAY, 5/3

First Monday Trade Days

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

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.

May the Answers Be With You Trivia

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: ETX Brewing Co., Tyler

Join us at ETX Brewing Co. for a special themed Epic Trivia packed with questions from a legendary universe far, far away. Grab your crew, test your knowledge, and battle for trivia glory from 3PM–5PM. Costumes and themed outfits are highly encouraged (but not required).

David Pedraza, Viola

When: 5pm
Where: Marvin Methodist Church, Tyler

As a part of the Marvin Concert Series, we are pleased to welcome David Pedraza. David has performed all over North and South America and Europe, is part of the Con Brio Quartet, and Principal Viola with Symphony of the Americas.

Liberty Walk: America 250 Celebration

When: 7:30pm
Where: Angelina County Courthouse, Lufkin

Join us for the Liberty Walk, a special evening bringing our community together to honor America’s 250th anniversary. The evening begins at the courthouse near the Doughboy in Downtown Lufkin, where participants will gather before walking together to Cotton Square. Each participant will carry a luminary bag with a tea light (battery-powered), creating a meaningful and memorable experience as we walk through downtown.

*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, 4/30

FRIDAY, 5/1

SATURDAY, 5/2

SUNDAY, 5/3

*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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