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, 7/2

First Monday Trade Days

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

Kick off your 4th of July weekend at the world’s largest outdoor flea market — happening July 2 - 5! Searching for patriotic décor, boutique clothing, handmade goods, furniture, plants, or your favorite fair-style foods? You’ll find it ALL at First Monday Trade Days!

4th of July Carnival

When: 9am-1pm
Where: Reunion Plaza Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Tyler

Free Admission! Food and Games! Kids 10 and Under!

Christmas in July Art Bar

When: 10am-1pm
Where: Called 2 Create, Mineola

Come create your own unique Christmas artwork. You bring the creativity, we bring everything else. No registration required.

Trivia on Tap

When: 7pm-9:30pm
Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler

Whether you’re a certified hop-head for knowledge or just here to lager around with friends, we’ve got a round waiting for you. Our trivia is always free to play, family friendly, and packed with prizes, so bring the kids, bring your smartest friends, or bring that one teammate who “knows a guy who knows everything.”

FRIDAY, 7/3

First Monday Trade Days

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

Moonlit Pines Antiques Emporium Grand Opening

When: 10am-5pm
Where: 101 Austin St., Timpson, TX

Join us July 3 & 4 for our Opening Weekend Celebration at Moonlit Pines Antiques Emporium—right on the historic Timpson Square at 101 Austin Street, where timeless treasures and small-town charm await.

Free Movie in the Pines

When: 1pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

We’ve teamed up with Visit Lufkin to present to you a FREE screening of Captain America: The First Avenger as part of America’s 250th Celebration! There’s something timeless about gathering together in a nearly 100-year-old theater, sharing popcorn with friends and family, and watching a classic hero story unfold on the big screen.

America 250 Car Show

When: 3pm
Where: 806 N Perry St , Palestine, TX, United States, Texas 75801

This isn’t just another car show… this is a full-blown Fourth of July experience. We’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday the right way — classic cars, cruise-ins, live music, fireworks, and one of the best downtown atmospheres you’ll find anywhere.

F1RST FR1DAY Event

When: 3pm-8pm
Where: Holly Cow - The Udder One (Downtown Hawkins Location)

F1RST FR1DAYS are in full swing!!! Join us on the first Friday of each month for a $10 Dinner Special, Rotating Entertainment each month (LIVE music, Bingo, Karaoke, Comedian, Music Bingo, Author Book Signings, Line Dancing, Game Nights, etc.). Play some of our yard games, check out the local shops, and just enjoy an evening out in our quaint town! Entertainment and Food Deal is from 5-8 pm.

SATURDAY, 7/4

First Monday Trade Days

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

July 4th in Big Sandy

When: 7am
Where: Downtown Big Sandy

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and Big Sandy’s 100th year as an incorporated City! Waffle Breakfast 7-11am @ Civic Center 612 N Tyler Street City Park. 2pm food trucks, music, t-shirts, Lion’s Club & VFD booths Parade. 7:15pm lineup on Wiley, 7:30pm judging, 8:30 parade starts. History of America film after parade - best view from practice field. Fireworks show starts at dark

Liberty Fest

When: 7am-1:30pm
Where: 100 Gov Jim Hogg Parkway, Quitman, TX, United States, Texas 75783

The inaugural Liberty Fest will take place on July 4, 2026, at Governor Jim Hogg City Park and will feature the Liberty 5K, Fun Run, Celebration in the Park, vendors, food trucks, family activities, community booths, and more. The morning will begin with the Presentation of the Colors and National Anthem, followed by the start of the Liberty 5K and a full morning of festivities celebrating Independence Day and the 250th birthday of the United States.

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!

The Freedom Tournament

When: 9am
Where: Tyler Indoor Pickleball

Join us on July 4th for The Freedom Tournament at Tyler Indoor Pickleball! DUPR-rated play, medals, giveaways, hot dogs, and proceeds benefiting CampV. Who’s ready to serve up some patriotism

Writers Club Meeting

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.

American Pioneer Cooking

When: 9am-12pm
Where: Daingerfield State Park

Join Daingerfield State Park to learn how to cook in a Dutch oven and sample some dishes!

Stars, Stripes & Local Delights

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Circle M Crawfish, Big Sandy

Get ready to celebrate Independence Day the LOCAL way at our Stars, Stripes & Local Delights – Local Vendor Market! Come spend the day shopping, supporting small businesses, and enjoying a fun, family-friendly outdoor market experience!

Parade, Tricycle Race, Fireman’s Challenge & More

When: 9:15am
Where: Downtown Rusk

Beat the heat and start your 4th of July on the Square in Rusk with a full morning of hometown fun for the whole family, hosted by the Thomas Jefferson Rusk Rotary Club. We’re kicking things off early so you can celebrate before the afternoon sun hits.

Red, White & Blue Birds

When: 9:30am
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Join us for a patriotic morning of birding as we try to spot as many red, white, and blue birds in the park as possible! All skill levels and ages are welcome. 4 binoculars available for loan on a first come first serve basis per group.

Parade, Bicycle Decorating, Watermelon Eating Contest & Fireworks

When: 9:30am
Where: 290 E Tyler St, Canton, TX, United States, Texas 75103

Our festivities kick off in Downtown Canton with the Bicycle Decorating Contest at 9:30 am. Following that, is our fun-filled Watermelon Eating Contest at 10:00 am. The highlight of the day, our annual 4th of July Parade, begins at 10:30 am. The parade route starts at the First Baptist Church of Canton, turns east on Hwy. 64 towards downtown, and then turns south onto Buffalo St., concluding at Canton Junior High. Enjoy your 4th of July day at First Monday Trade Days and then come out for to the West Gate at First Monday for a Car Show, Live Music and we will wrap it all up with a Firework Show happening after dark.

*Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!**

Warbird Expo

When: 9:30am-3:30pm
Where: HAMM Aviation Memorial Museum, Tyler

The Warbird Expo is the opportunity to see planes up close, talk to the pilots and even schedule rides on planes performing in the Thunder Over East Texas, in Athens, TX on July 3, 2026 and the Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake Air Show, July 4, 2026. Bring your family and friends and have the chance of a lifetime to see the amazing “Warbirds” that have shaped our Country’s history!

Great American Picnic

When: 10am-12pm
Where: East Texas Arboretum, Athens

Looking for the perfect family-friendly way to celebrate the 4th of July? The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is thrilled to partner with Brookshire’s in Athens and Republic Services to host a massive, free community celebration marking America’s 250th milestone birthday!Join us for a day of unity, nature, and patriotic fun. Our mission is to celebrate and educate through the beauty of the outdoors, and we can’t wait to bring our community together in a joyful, inclusive environment.

Freedom Picnic

When: 10am-3pm
Where: J-C Cowboy Church of Cherokee County, Bullard

Y’all are invited to the J-C Cowboy Church Freedom Picnic on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM for a day full of fun, fellowship, and celebrating the freedoms we’ve been blessed with! Bring your canopies, lawn chairs, and a hearty appetite as we gather together as a community to celebrate faith, family, and freedom.

Brushstrokes of Freedom - Free Art Event

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Rose City Art Gallery and Gifts, Tyler

This exhibition explores the American experience through abstraction, symbolism, typography, geometry, texture, and contemporary visual language. Artists are invited to interpret the spirit of America not through literal illustration alone, but through layered visual storytelling that reflects identity, conflict, celebration, innovation, memory, freedom, and cultural evolution across 250 years. This is a free event. Event runs July 2nd-11th

Moonlit Pines Antiques Emporium Grand Opening

When: 10am-5pm
Where: 101 Austin St., Timpson, TX

Stars, Stripes & Crafts

When: 11am-2pm
Where: Starr Family Home State Historic Site, Marshall

Get crafty with us! The supplies for several crafts will be available to have a fun filled afternoon! Free & open to the public. House tours are also available at the normal admission rate.

American 250 Free Movie Screening: Johnny Tremain

When: 1pm
Where: Zion Hill (Historic Sites Main Office): 324 N. Lanana St., Nacogdoches, TX, United States, Texas 75961

As part of its America 250 programming, the City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites is adding a second free film screening for the community this Independence Day weekend. On Saturday, July 4, at 1:00 p.m., Nacogdoches Historic Sites will present the classic Walt Disney film Johnny Tremain at Zion Hill Historic Site, located at 324 North Lanana Street.

Athens - America 250 Celebration

When: 1pm-9pm
Where: The Texan: A Landmark Venue

Join us for a fun packed afternoon & evening starting off with the Sparks famous Armadillo Races, a Student Recital and topping off the evening with Jim Nolet Tex-tet Jazz Band featuring George Faber on Piano, Greg Boikyn on Bass and Chris Simms on Drums.

Feathers of Freedom

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

Who deserves the claim of America’s National Bird? The beloved Bald Eagle holds the title, but some agree with founding father Ben Franklin who wrote: “I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen”. As an alternative some have proposed the Turkey as the American symbol.

America 250 Car Show

When: 2pm
Where: 806 N Perry St , Palestine, TX, United States, Texas 75801

July 4th Celebration - Troup

When: 2pm-6pm
Where: American Legion Post 418 Auxiliary, Troup

We will have a July 4th celebration day at Post 418, Magnolia street in Troup : Hamburgers, Hotdogs, with live music! Starts 2:00 pm ending at 6 pm! Come and help us celebrate!

Fireworks, Vendors, Rodeo & Family

When: 5pm
Where: Pale Horse Ranch, Big Sandy

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day with your family? Join us at Pale Horse Ranch for an unforgettable evening packed with fun, food, and fireworks!

SUNDAY, 7/5

First Monday Trade Days

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

USA Independence Day Celebration

When: 12pm
Where: Carmel Baptist Church, Lindale

Free meal, music, fun, and games. Cornhole - Horseshoes - MUCH MORE! Lots of fun for all ages, and the festivities will be indoor and outdoor! FREE fried chicken and watermelon for everyone! Also: free BINGO with prizes and free CAKE WALK with sweet treats

Independence Day / 250th Birthday Celebration

When: 1pm-6pm
Where: VFW Post 3984 Jacksonville, Texas

Join us for an afternoon of family fun, community spirit, and patriotic celebration as we honor our nation’s 250th birthday! Let’s come together to celebrate 250 years of American freedom, honor our veterans, and enjoy a great day with our community. Everyone is welcome!

America’s 250th Celebration

When: 4pm
Where: VFW Post 1799 Canteen, Tyler

Bring the kids and come have a meal with us on the 5th.

Fireworks at the Fishery

When: 5pm
Where: Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens

The fun starts before sunset, so come early, grab some great food, enjoy the activities, and find the perfect spot to watch the fireworks light up the night sky!

*Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!**

*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out

LOOKING FOR MORE?

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, 7/2

FRIDAY, 7/3

SATURDAY, 7/4

***Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!

SUNDAY, 7/5

***Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!

*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out

LOOKING FOR MORE?

*Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!**

*Discover even more East Texas Firework Shows, HERE!**