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, 5/7

Live Jazz Night

When: 7pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Get ready for a smooth, soulful evening of pure live jazz! Featuring the house band Khemocean — bringing swinging rhythms, rich grooves, and unforgettable improvisations straight to the stage all night long.

Trivia on Tap

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

Thursdays just taste better with a little trivia on tap! Join us every Thursday at 7 PM under the pavilion at True Vine Brewing Company for a night of brain-teasing questions, cold brews, and good company with Dr. Factenstein’s Trivia.

64th Tops in Texas PRCA Rodeo

When: 7pm-9:30pm
Where: 736 Mulberry St, Jacksonville, TX, United States, Texas 75766

Come join us for the 64th annual Tops in Texas Rodeo in Jacksonville, TX May 7-9, 2026. Our PRCA Pro Rodeo features top contenders and world champion specialty acts. Great fun for the whole family!

FRIDAY, 5/8

Pilate Mat Class

When: 9:30am-10:30am
Where: East Texas Arboretum, Athens

Friday mornings - Pilates from a great instructor in a beautiful setting for only $10? Can’t get better than that! BYO Mat and water

Spring Piney Woods Wine Festival

When: 4pm-7pm
Where: Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square, Lindale

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the Spring Piney Woods Wine Festival in Lindale! In partnership with the Piney Woods Wine Trail, we’re bringing together over 20+ local wineries for a celebration of flavor, community, and fun.

Mini Meadow Box & Pipe Cleaner Animals Workshop

When: 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Flourish Nonprofits, Tyler

Love spring time blooms and baby animals, but not always able to get outside? Come create a mini meadow complete with miniature pipe cleaner animals with us! Everyone at this workshop will get a small wooden box they can paint to look like a meadow and then we will learn how to wrap miniature animals to glue inside!

64th Tops in Texas PRCA Rodeo

When: 7pm-9:30pm
Where: 736 Mulberry St, Jacksonville, TX, United States, Texas 75766

Come join us for the 64th annual Tops in Texas Rodeo in Jacksonville, TX May 7-9, 2026. Our PRCA Pro Rodeo features top contenders and world champion specialty acts. Great fun for the whole family!

Comedy Show: First Time Hurts

When: 7:30pm-10:30pm
Where: The Texan, 209 E Tyler St, Athens, Texas

Locals will perform standup comedy for the first time and compete for a cash prize! Winners will be voted on by the audience. Then professional comedians Tyler Elliott, Exavier Poole and Michael Morgan will entertain the crowd. 6 Forks Farm will be on site for dinner and cocktails beginning at 6pm. Comedy show starts at 7:30pm!

SATURDAY, 5/9

Mineola Farmers Market

When: 8am-1pm
Where: 101 W Front St, Mineola, TX, United States, Texas 75773

Join us at the Pavilion on Front Street from 8 AM – 1 PM and shop fresh local produce, homemade goodies, artisan products, and more. There’s nothing better than supporting local while enjoying a beautiful morning in Mineola!

Canning Workshop

When: 9am
Where: 2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, TX, United States, Texas 75670

Want to learn how to safely make and preserve your own salsa and pickles? Join us for a fun, hands-on canning class! Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to brush up on safe food preservation techniques. Walk away with confidence and skills you can use all season long!

Nacogdoches Scottish Highland Games

When: 9am
Where: Nacogdoches County Exposition & Civic Center

Well...we had so much fun last year - we’re doing it again! Come out to the Nacogdoches Expo Center and watch all the Athletes compete against each other in the traditional Scottish sporting event with origins dating back over a thousand years. We’ll have 2 of our local VFD’s on hand demonstrating and letting kids (& adults) experience a hands on adventure, learning about the firetrucks and talking with the firemen & women who give their time & knowledge serving our rural communities. We will have 2 bands - Blaggards will be returning & The Traveling Murphys, beer will be flowing with Nac’s own Fredonia Brewery! We will also be introducing the Madhatter Distillery and Slash O Meadery to our beverage selection this year! So wear those kilts! Bring the kids! We hope you all can come out & have a blast with us! Visitwww.nacscottishgames.com for Tickets.

Artist Meetup

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

Join us at Crazy Four Books & Coffee for a laid-back Artist Meetup to fuel your creativity, meet other creators, and hit your caffeine fix. We provide the dedicated space and free coffee, while you bring your current project or medium that you are passionate about. Whether you’re sketching, painting, crocheting, or crafting, this is the perfect opportunity to work in the company of fellow creators!

Second Saturday Market

When: 9am-2pm
Where: Holly Cow - The Udder One (Downtown Hawkins Location)

Mark your calendar for our Second Saturday Markets that will start in May! Featuring Farmers Market type items, plants, baked goods, produce, hand crafted items, etc! It’ll be located in the large parking lot next to our downtown building (thanks to Action Sound Inc!)

Fly In & Car Show

When: 10am
Where: T25 Aero Estates Airpark, Frankston

Y’all come on out and see some cool planes, awesome rides as the 903 Streetcars and Classics puts on a killer car shows, good food and great people. Its an awesome event.

Arp Strawberry Festival

When: 9am-5pm
Where: 108 E.. Longview, Arp, TX, United States, Texas 75750

Shopping, food, live music, raffles, games, entertainment, contests and parade!

Montez-Cooper 1836 Tyler Station Car & Truck Show

When: 10am
Where: 1836 Texas Kitchen, Tyler

Cars, Trucks, & Bikes. Trophies and awards to be presented! All proceeds benefit CASA for kids of East Texas!

Puppies & Pilates

When: 10am
Where: East Texas Arboretum, Athens

Two of the greatest things to exist in the world?-Puppies-Pilates. And we’re bringing BOTH to you on May 9th at the East Texas Arboretum. All proceeds go to the Athens Animal Shelter to help these cutie patooties live the best life they can (and maybe all of them will find their forever homes too!?!? Come join us for a gorgeous Saturday filled with all the cuteness your heart can handle

Spring Festival

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Mineola

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us on May 9th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Sorelle Farms. This annual spring gathering offers a blend of art, nature, and community, perfect for honoring the women who mean the most.

Fiesta de Mayo

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Historic Downtown Mineola

Join us at our annual Fiesta de Mayo festival on Saturday, May 9th, from 10am-4pm. We will have food trucks, vendors, a large car show, music, entertainment, contests and much more!

Mother’s Day Concert

When: 11am
Where: Bear Creek Smokehouse, Marshall

Y’all come out and enjoy a FREE live concert! Join us May 9th at Bear Creek General Store for a special performance by Caitlin Mae all the way from Wales This is a FREE event, perfect for a fun day out with family and friends! We’ll also have our Mother’s Day Market happening all day—shop, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere while you’re here Pasture parking will be required—please plan accordingly!

2026 Spring Rider Exhibition

When: 11am-1pm
Where: Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Whitehouse

Celebrate the incredible journey of our participants during this special event! Join us for our Kentucky Derby–themed Rider Exhibition, where we’ll showcase the horsemanship, growth, and determination our riders have been building all season long. Participants will demonstrate the skills they’ve been working on throughout the semester as they take their turn in the arena.

3rd Annual Benefit Car Show

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Angelina County Expo, Lufkin

Benefiting The Huntington Volunteer Fire Department. Free parking. Free Admission.

Mother’s Day on Main Street

When: 11am-3pm
Where: Downtown Pittsburg

Celebrate Mom in Historic Downtown Pittsburg on Friday, May 9, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the Mother’s Day on Main Street Digital Passport! Using an electronic passport, participants will explore Main Street, visit local businesses, and unlock special treats, discounts, and surprises along the way. Simply scan the QR code at each participating location to check in—no paper required. Complete 30 stops on your digital passport to be entered to win one of three gift baskets, each including a $100 Lyte Fiber gift card. Enjoy a relaxed day of shopping local while celebrating the moms who mean the most.

Houseplant Fest

When: 11am-3pm
Where: 19980 Hwy 69 South , Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75703

We’ll have tons of hot buys and special deals on houseplants, plus fun experiences throughout the day: Free pot-ups with your houseplant purchase. Free plant charm station to customize your plants. Local Taco Truck. Soda truck serving refreshing drinks. Brunch bites to snack on while you shop. And more surprises in store.

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival

When: 12pm
Where: The Park of East Texas, Tyler

Enjoy the best BBQ joints in Texas and amazing music from national acts- all at one amazing event!

Naco Verde Art Show & Bidding

When: 12pm-3pm
Where: 141 Walker Ave, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5232, United States

Experience the public exhibition and bidding at our 3rd Annual Naco Verde Upcycling Art Competition! Explore creative works made from repurposed materials, celebrate sustainable art, and connect with local artists based in the East Texas area.

Art in the Park: Abstract Animals

When: 2pm
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Try your hand at some abstract art! Use a combination of paper, glue, and markers to create your own representation of the park or some of the wildlife found within it!

Children’s Toy and Clothing Swap

When: 2pm-3pm
Where: Nacogdoches Public Library

Free exchange of infant and children’s toys and clothing.

Terrariums & Tea Guided Workshop

When: 2pm-9pm
Where: Euphoria Botanicals, Kilgore

Join us at Euphoria Botanical for a hands-on terrarium workshop paired with a thoughtfully curated tea experience. Whether you’re coming with friends or carving out a little time for yourself, this is your invitation to unwind, create, and indulge in something beautifully simple.

Meet the Author: Dr. Ashante M. Reese

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

Join Crockett native Dr. Ashanté M. Reese to launch her new book: Gather: Black Food, Nourishment, and the Art of Togetherness (W.W. Norton, 2026) at Crazy Four Books & Coffee in Crockett, Texas. Dr. Reese will be in conversation with beloved community member Mrs. Connie Pasho. The conversation will be followed by a book signing. Coffee and tasty treats will be available for purchase.

Pottery Workshop

When: 4pm-6pm
Where: Bylocalshop (Hemphill, TX)

Join us for a hands-on, muddy-fun workshop where you’ll create your very own handmade coffee mug! We’re excited to welcome Muddy Pants Pottery from Nacogdoches to By Local Shop for an afternoon of creativity, laughs, and learning. This class is beginner-friendly (no experience needed). You’ll be guided step-by-step as you shape and design your mug and add your own personal touches. You’ll leave with something you made yourself—and a mug that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

Spring Piney Woods Wine Festival

When: 4pm-7pm
Where: Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square, Lindale

64th Tops in Texas PRCA Rodeo

When: 7pm-9:30pm
Where: 736 Mulberry St, Jacksonville, TX, United States, Texas 75766

Come join us for the 64th annual Tops in Texas Rodeo in Jacksonville, TX May 7-9, 2026. Our PRCA Pro Rodeo features top contenders and world champion specialty acts. Great fun for the whole family!

“Love Thy Neighbor”

When: 7:30pm
Where: Texas Theatre - Palestine

Leona Crump’s quiet cul‑de‑sac is upended when a chaotic “hill‑folk” family moves in, pushing her into a one‑woman crusade to drive them out. As her feud spirals—complete with an overzealous suitor and an army of pink flamingos—Leona’s antics land her in jail. With only her binoculars and a weed eater left, she must decide how far she’ll go to win her suburban war.

“Who Do You Love?”

When: 7:30pm
Where: Cherokee Civic Theatre, Rusk

In a small tight-knit town, a widower named “Dandy” keeps his hardware store humming with grit and charm. His college-student daughter, Handi, balances textbooks and the cash register, keeping her dad’s world in order. But when Handi notices a flurry of women-Grease-streaked auto mechanic Grace, sharp-eyed CPA Hope, chatty florist Lovey, and warm-hearted bakery owner Faith-lingering over wrenches and wood stains, she realizes they’re vying for more than just what Dandy’s offering in his store. Digging deeper, Handi uncovers her father’s hidden truth: he’s secretly in love with one of these suitors. As she meddles and mends, Handi also must deal with the constant visits from Jayce, the convenience store clerk next door, who’s smitten with her. In this tender, laugh-filled tale, love blooms amid sawdust and scones, proving that in this small town, every heart finds its fix.

SUNDAY, 5/10

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.

Mother’s Day Off Square Sundaze Vendor Market

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

Celebrate Mother’s Day with us at Velvet Vintage’s Off Square Sundaze Vendor MarketHappening Sunday, May 10th from 12-5pm. Join us and celebrate by shopping a thoughtfully curated lineup of vendors — perfect for finding a one-of-a-kind gift and spending time with the moms in your life.

“Love Thy Neighbor”

When: 2pm
Where: Texas Theatre - Palestine

Mother’s Day Picnic

When: 6pm
Where: Twisted Pines Winery, Marshall

Picnic on the lawn this Mother’s Day with a porch jam by Georgia native, Ben Chapman -- soulful southern rock and easy Sunday vibes. Picnic Baskets available for purchase at event—$45–Featuring a mini charcuterie board, Gigi’s Famous pimiento cheese sandwiches, and Joe Pine chocolate chip cookies. FREE Twisted Pines recycled cotton, canvas tote bag with purchase!

*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, 5/7

FRIDAY, 5/8

SATURDAY, 5/9

SUNDAY, 5/10

*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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