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, 5/14

Market Nights

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Mineola

Join us every Thursday Night for dinner and a night of shopping local.

Cowgirl Hat Acrylic Paint on Textured Paper

When: 6pm-8pm
Where: The Art Parlor, Canton

Come join a paint night where we focus on a Spring Themed Floral cowgirl hat. Bring a date, a friend, or come solo. We provide: a comfy studio, step-by-step instruction, all paints and brushes, ready-to-paint hearts, and lots of laughs. No experience needed.

2026 Lindale Championship Rodeo

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: Cross Brand Arena, Tyler

The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to present the Lindale Championship Rodeo. The rodeo is returning to the Cross Brand Cowboy Church, and it will be FREE for all to attend thanks to our amazing ticket sponsors!

Current Trivia

When: 6:30pm
Where: Zen Kitchen, Kilgore

Test your film, music, and STAAR knowledge on the last day of school!!

FRIDAY, 5/15

Pilates 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? BYO Mat and water

Smith County Master Gardeners 2026 Library Series

When: 11:30am
Where: Tyler Public Library

Elizabeth Waldrop - Gardening for the Heat. Elizabeth Waldrop, an East Texas native, is a Smith County Master Gardener with many years of growing vegetables in this area. She will focus on food gardening and how to create a garden that is productive all summer. Using mulch, artificial and natural shade, slow and low watering techniques, and when not to fertilize.

LSA Goalie Clinic

When: 6pm
Where: Faulkner Park Lindale

Does your player love being in goal—or want to give it a try? Our Lindale Soccer Association Goalie Clinics are designed to help young keepers build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed. From diving saves to proper positioning, we focus on what every great goalkeeper should know.

2026 Lindale Championship Rodeo

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: Cross Brand Arena, Tyler

Star Party

When: 8:30pm-9:30pm
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, 5/16

Circle M Crawfish Car Show

When: 7am-2pm
Where: Circle M Crawfish - Big Sandy, TX

Cars, trucks and motorcycles. Coffee and donuts for the early birds. Free to visit. $20 vehicle entry.

March of Dimes

When: 8:30am
Where: 445 Shiloh Rd, Tyler, TX 75703-3819, United States

Healthy Me Healthy Babies & March of Dimes invites you to come together with families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for the Northeast Texas March for Babies—a meaningful community walk supporting healthier futures for moms and babies.

Journaling Workshop

When: 9am-11am
Where: 1121 E. Southeast Loop 323, Suite 204, Woodgate I, Tyler, TX

Join us for a time to reconnect with creativity, self, and story through the art of journaling!

2026 Tour of Home Gardens

When: 9am-3pm
Where: 2516 North St, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

The Garden Capital of Texas will showcase some of its most beautifully landscaped gardens during the Tour of Home Gardens, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, May 16, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

May Wildflower Walk

When: 9:30am
Where: Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, Warren

WRNPP is hosting a wildflower walk in May, led by Joe Liggio. This is a great time to come out and see what is blooming at the Preserve and learn a little bit more about the flora that can be found here.

May Market at Rise & Shine

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

Join us for our May 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.

“Black Cake” - Art & Wellness Workshop

When: 10am-12pm
Where: Michelson Museum of Art, Marshall

Engage in art in a new way and gain a unique experience, all while enjoying the company of others and taking a step back from the grueling day-to-day. Join artist Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic as she guides us through this unique workshop that will focus on both artistic skill and mindful creativity. Rooted in the symbolism of “Black Cake” as a representation of heritage and collective memory, participants engage in guided painting that connects personal narratives with cultural identity. This experience integrates principles of art therapy and mindfulness, allowing participants to process emotions, build resilience, and strengthen self-awareness in a supportive environment.

Tractors, Trucks & Fun

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Historic Downtown Kilgore, Texas

Come to Historic Downtown Kilgore on May 16th for FREE Family Friendly Event, Tractors, Trucks & Fun!

Panther Palooza & Car Show

When: 10am-2pm
Where: 1426 S Houston Street, Bullard, TX

The 3rd annual Panther Palooza is here - and we’re ready for the ultimate End-Of-Year Bash. Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly community event with something for all ages! Panther Palooza is rooted in the Bullard community while welcoming families from across the surrounding East Texas region. It’s a day to bring people together, strengthen connections, and create shared experiences for the whole community. Bullard teachers and student organizations will be running carnival games - and they keep the funds they earn to support their classrooms and programs. Come have fun while supporting local students! Expect games like dunk booth, bounce house, corn hole, ring toss, and more!!

Gladewater Community Reunion

When: 10am-10pm
Where: Bumble Bee Park, Gladewater

Come out and join us for a Community Reunion as we celebrate one another in the spirit of family, unity, and togetherness. Just like a family reunion, there will be great food, music, laughter, and fellowship as neighbors and friends gather to reconnect and enjoy a day of fun. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are new to the area, everyone is welcome to come out, relax, and enjoy a day of unity, culture, and celebration. Bring your lawn chairs, bring your appetite, and bring the whole family — everyone is welcome!

Nerikomi Workshop

When: 12pm-3pm
Where: 223 Old Tyler Road, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75961

This is a hand-building workshop. We will not be using the pottery wheel. This is a great workshop for anyone ages 16 and older. Great introduction to colored clay and how you can make some stunning work without the hassle of glazing too.

Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler

When: 2pm
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Come to the amphitheater and celebrate BBQ Day by discovering the world of cooking with cast iron and by grabbing yourself a sweet treat of blackberry cobbler with a scoop of ice cream!

Skins & Skulls

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

Explore some of the parks native animals in this hands-on program. Free with park admission (adults 13 and older $5, kids 12 and under are free)

Barks ‘N’ Rec

When: 2pm-3pm
Where: Tyler State Park

Wagging tails and winding trails! Add a new member to the pack. Join a ranger and a rescue from SPCA for an easy 1mi hike around Old Truck Trail and maybe even adopt a fur baby! Registration and waivers are required to hike with a dog. Register using the link below! Barks ‘N’ Rec

Writers Club: Intermediate Group

When: 4pm-6pm
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

Join our 2nd Writers Group every 3rd Saturday of the month from 4PM-6PM. This group is intended for writers who have a mid to long form project they want to have dedicated time to work on.

Lettuce Entertain You Concert Series

When: 6pm-8pm
Where: 813 W. Spring Street, Palestine, TX, United States, Texas 75801

Lettuce Entertain You Concert Series is BACK for 2026!Join us Saturday, May 16th for a laid-back outdoor evening featuring the Texas Tribe Band — playing the classic country hits you grew up with, pre-2010 favorites from artists like Strait, Chesney, Jackson, and more.

2026 Lindale Championship Rodeo

When: 6pm-10pm
Where: Cross Brand Arena, Tyler

That 1 Mailman: Sean Fogelson

When: 7pm | 9:30pm
Where: Tower City Comedy - Paris, TX

Two Nights! Sean Fogelson Known as That 1 Mailman, is launching into stardom with an unmatched charisma. Starting on TikTok as That One Mailman bringing belly chuckles and joy to millions across the platform now going on tour with Gary Owen and doing the same to a live audience. He will tell you, “This ain’t no TikTok skit” and he means it. His stage presence is unmatched, engaging with the audience and delivering true, authentic and hilarious stories of his life. From Cincinnati, Ohio to TikTok and now live on stage! Don’t Miss him, The last time he was in Paris he sold out 5 shows!

Professional Wrestling - “Race to the Top”

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

Proudly serving Marshall since 2013! Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents Race to the Top. 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.

“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, 5/17

Run for the Wall

When: 9am
Where: CampV, Tyler

CampV is honored to welcome the Run For The Wall riders as they make their journey to Washington, D.C. in honor of our nation’s Veterans, POW/MIA service members, and those Killed in Action. We invite you, your family, and friends to join us in showing support for these riders as they pass through East Texas during their 36th annual mission ride.

Gladewater Trade Days Grand Opening

When: 10am-6pm
Where: 1000 W Upshur Ave, Gladewater, TX

Gladewater Trade Days is officially kicking off. Grand Opening — May 16 & 17 at Old Bear Stadium. Antiques. Crafts. Goods. Food.

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

MLB Pitch Hit and Run Competition

When: 1pm-2pm
Where: Tyler RBI, Lonestar-Academy

Ages 7-14 Boys & Girls baseball & softball skills competition. A MLB sponsored event.

2026 Tour of Home Gardens

When: 1pm-4pm
Where: 2516 North St, Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75965

“Who Do You Love?”

When: 2pm
Where: Cherokee Civic Theatre, Rusk

Cookie Decorating Workshop

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Good Juju Gourmet Cookies, Whitehouse

Join us at Good Juju Gourmet Cookies located in Whitehouse, Texas for a fun afternoon decorating a themed set of our delicious gourmet cookies! This is a family friendly event on Sunday, May 17th from 3 - 5 pm.

Mini Bookcase Workshop

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

Feeling extra writerly? Readerly? Join us after writing group to make miniature bookcases, complete with miniature versions of some of our favorite and classic titles! All supplies, instruction, and materials provided! Leave with your own mini-library. Space is limited, register today: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mini-bookcase-workshop

*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, 5/14

FRIDAY, 5/15

SATURDAY, 5/16

SUNDAY, 5/17

*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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