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, 7/9

Stories of ‘76

When: 5:30pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

Join us for a celebration of America 250th with Stories of ’76 on July 9th at 5:30 p.m. in the Taylor Auditorium! Six talented tellers from across Texas share the stories of the people who fought for independence, as well as folktales from the colonial era and poems about the great nation where we live. Everyone ages 10 and up is invited to this must-see event!

Red Wine Blending Experience

When: 6pm
Where: Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, Tyler

Hosted in the barrel room alongside our wine team, this immersive experience offers rare access to wines before they become the finished product. You will taste individual red components in their developmental stages, exploring how structure, fruit expression, oak, and balance shape a final blend. The conversation is candid and collaborative, offering insight into the decisions that define each vintage.

Fruits & Nuts in the South

When: 7pm
Where: SFA Gardens, Nacogdoches

Join SFA Gardens for the July 9 Theresa and Les Reeves Lecture Series featuring Dr. Michael Polozola II, assistant professor and extension fruit and nut specialist with the LSU Ag Center, based in Alexandria, Louisiana. His work focuses on helping homeowners and growers successfully produce fruit and nut crops. He conducts applied research and leads educational programs across Louisiana on crops including pecans, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and muscadines

Jeff Allen

When: 7pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Jeff Allen’s rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. A live comedy favorite, Jeff, has appeared on Dry Bar Comedy (seven comedy specials), America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Amazon, Huckabee, PureFlix, Showtime, Comedy Central, VH1, and more. He starred in the critically acclaimed films, Apostles of Comedy and Onwards & Upwards, the syndicated comedy series, Bananas, his own one-hour comedy special, Happy Wife, Happy Life, and the Warner Bros. comedy film, Thou Shalt Laugh. Jeff has also been featured at Montreal’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival and HBO’s Aspen Comedy Arts Festival. His Dry Bar Comedy videos have amassed almost a billion views on social media and other platforms. At times both gut-wrenching and hilarious, Jeff’s Love & Laughter Tour offers a unique glimpse into his crazy world.

FRIDAY, 7/10

Pilates Mat Class

When: 9:30am
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.

Petals & Prosecco: Ladies Night at LMFA

When: 6pm
Where: LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Enjoy Prosecco courtesy of Bourbon Alley while learning to design your own beautiful floral arrangement with Emily Kaye Floral. You’ll create a handcrafted centerpiece to take home, indulge in a delicious cheesecake treat from Cheesecake Lane, and spend the evening surrounded by great company and artistic inspiration.

Wine Uncorked

When: 6pm
Where: Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery, Harleton

We all like wine. But it can seem a bit stuffy at times–all the grapes and swirling can complicate the joy that’s in the glass. Join us for this fun, new class designed to simplify wine enjoyment. Led by Enoch’s own Sommelier Mark McKay, “Wine uncorked” is a great way to start, or remember, that learning about wine doesn’t have to be complicated. It all started with people stomping grapes!

“Emma”

When: 7:30pm
Where: 1200 South Henderson Blvd., Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

Matchmaker Emma Woodhouse is determined to find her newest “project”: an impressive suitor. As she becomes increasingly entangled in the prospects of her friend, she unwittingly falls in love. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

63rd Annual Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo

When: 8pm
Where: Mineola Fire Department Rodeo Grounds

Saddle up for heart-pounding rodeo action, $10,500 in added money, and family fun for all ages! Bull riding, barrel racing, wild rodeo clowns, and a Patriotic Grand Entry — this event has it ALL! Come cheer on your local cowboys and cowgirls and support the Mineola Fire Department!

SATURDAY, 7/11

Mineola Farmers Market

When: 8am-1pm
Where: Mineola Farmers Market

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!

Artist Meetup

When: 9am-11am
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-12pm
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!).

Small Hoophouse Growing

When: 9am-2:30pm
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farm, Mineola

If you have been thinking about adding a hoop house, greenhouse, high tunnel, shade house, or DIY growing structure to your garden, homestead, or small farm, Bootstrap Farmer is hosting a practical workshop at Bob Wells Nursery in Mineola, Texas.

The Mahjong Circle Retreat

When: 9am-4pm
Where: 406 N Prairieville St, Athens, TX

We’re turning our beloved Mahjong Circle into a full-day retreat experience filled with creativity, friendship, delicious food, and plenty of Mahjong.

World Cup Sticker Trade Event

When: 10am-12pm
Where: ETX Brewing Co., Tyler

FREE AND OPEN TO EVERYONE! Join other fans and trade World Cup stickers to help finish out your book! Trading area will be located outside at the ETX Picnic tables. Tyler Soccer Association will be there to help answer questions about getting registered for the upcoming season! The Rose City Farmers market will be open from 8 am to Noon and ETX will open at 11am. Free parking next door at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage!

Weenie Dog Races

When: 10am-2pm
Where: 19281 State Highway 64, Canton, TX

Hope Veterinary Hospital is teaming up with Long Shot Auctioneers and Long AgriPlex for our first Weenie Dog Race Saturday, July 11th from 10 am to 2 pm located at Long Farm and Ranch Supply! The event is FREE fun for the family with food trucks, drinks, games, equipment on display and, of course, the ultimate showdown of speed, short legs, and sausage-shaped greatness! We invite you, all dachshunds, and honorary wannabe wieners, to come compete for the title of Fastest Frank!

The Celtic Way: A Workshop on Celtic Christianity

When: 10am-3pm
Where: First Christian Church of Tyler

There is an ancient stream of Christian faith — rooted in the wild landscapes of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales — that has carried prayers, practices, and a profound sense of the sacred through more than fifteen centuries. This is an invitation to step into that stream.

Showstopper Studio Rising Stars at Athens

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Athens, TX VFW -Post 7103-

Get ready, Athens… the stage is set for something unforgettable! Showstopper Studio Rising Stars is bringing a high-energy, family-friendly talent competition where ANY age and ANY talent can shine. Whether you sing, dance, juggle, tell jokes, perform magic, or even bring your dog for a show-stopping act—we want to see it! If it’s entertaining and family-friendly, it belongs on our stage.

Family Fun Day on the Ranch

When: 10am-5pm
Where: Pale Horse Ranch/Noah’s Ark Road Show, Big Sandy

Trail rides, petting zoo, pony rides, fishing, yard games for kids.

Learn How to Brew Beer, Mead & Wine!

When: 1pm-5pm
Where: Fredonia Brewery, Nacogdoches

Ever wanted to learn how to brew your own beer, wine, mead, or cider?? Now is your chance! There will be TWO opportunities to learn from the pros of Nac Brew Club (if you attended Spring Brewfest over the last 5 years, there is a chance you have tasted one or many of their brews)!!!

The Maw of Chult

When: 2pm
Where: Tyler Public Library

On July 11th at 2 p.m. in the Taylor Auditorium, we will have a DnD One shot for those experienced with the game. All supplies, including characters, will be provided, but players are welcome to bring their own Level 10 characters with approval from the Dungeon Master. Contact the Library if you are interested in bringing your own character

“Hamlet”

When: 2pm
Where: 1200 South Henderson Blvd., Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

As Hamlet grapples with the grief of his father’s death, he learns that his uncle was the murderer and vows revenge, embarking on a gripping journey of moral conflict and madness that leads to his tragic conclusion. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

World of Birds

When: 2pm
Where: Tyler State Park

What is a bird? We love our feathered friends and admire their beauty, but have we ever thought why they are built that way? Come find out more as we uncover the world of birds!

Domino Tournament

When: 2pm
Where: Empire Lounge, Tyler

Empire Lounge Presents 1st annual Domino tournament!!! 32 team bracket!! $50 per team!!!! Winner take allllll!!! $1,100 pot!!!! Food vendor on site, bar wide open and music!!!!! To sign up or for questions contact Pat D…(903) 216-8958

Hunt the West Seminar

When: 2pm
Where: Griffin Archery, Tyler

2pm-4pm seminar | 4pm-6pm Q&A$175 per person. Includes 10% off a dozen custom arrow build. 10+ attendees = entry for FREE Pronghorn Antelope Hunt Drawing

Pokémon Jr. League

When: 2pm-6pm
Where: Game Crave, Athens

Young Trainers are invited to join us for a fun, friendly Pokémon TCG event made just for junior players. Whether they’re learning the game, practicing with a deck, trading cards, or battling other Trainers, Pokémon Jr League is a great way to build skills, confidence, and friendships.

Summer Paint & Sip

When: 6pm-8pm
Where: 141 Walker Ave, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5232, United States

$30 per person. Hosted by Nacogdoches Arts Collaborative

Bricks & Brews

When: 6pm-8pm
Where: ETX Brewing Co., Tyler

Bricks & Minifigs Tyler, along with ETX Brewing Co., presents Bricks & Brews a night of fun for all builders as well as their friends and family! The night will go from 6:00-8:00pm consisting of LEGO® trivia, games, and and fun competition! This event is offered FREE of charge and food and drinks will be available for purchase from ETX Brewery!

Lufkin’s Summer in the City 2026

When: 7pm
Where: Cotton Square, Lufkin

Summer in the City returns to Downtown Lufkin for eight Saturdays of music, movies, dancing, and community fun! Join us at Cotton Square every Saturday evening from June 6 through August 1 for this free summer event series. Food trucks and drink sales begin at 7PM, and the featured event begins at 8PM. July 11 – Keyun & The Zydeco Masters Concert

“Beetlejuice Jr.”

When: 7pm
Where: Henderson County Performing Arts Center, Athens

Beetlejuice JR. follows strange teen Lydia Deetz after her family moves into a haunted house, teaming up with ghosts Barbara and Adam Maitland and the mischievous demon Beetlejuice to scare away her dad’s new partner, Delia, and get her dead mother back, leading to chaotic Netherworld hijinks and exploring themes of grief, family, and finding your own way, all in a family-friendly, shorter format of the Broadway hit. The musical is set to hit the mainstage July 9 - 18 under the direction of Shaydi Clary, Liz Foote and Kaitlyn Martin.

Matthew Broussard Comedy Show

When: 7pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Matthew Broussard delivers smart, nerdy stand-up. Clever jokes, logical humor, polished delivery. A witty, intellectual live experience.

80’s Sing-a-long & Black Light Paint Party

When: 7pm
Where: Pinot’s Palette, Tyler

There’s no better way to tell someone you love them than by giving them a mix tape. This totally tubular 80’s painting is the bombdigity!

“1776”

When: 7:30pm
Where: 1200 South Henderson Blvd., Kilgore, TX, United States, Texas 75662

Based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 showcases the political drama navigated by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

63rd Annual Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo

When: 8pm
Where: Mineola Fire Department Rodeo Grounds

SUNDAY, 7/12

The Art of Cupping

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Art Of Massage Institute

Discover the art and science of modern cupping therapy in this comprehensive introductory course designed for licensed massage therapists and bodywork professionals. The Art of Cupping: Introduction to Cupping Therapy provides students with a foundational understanding of cupping techniques, including their history, physiological effects, therapeutic benefits, contraindications, safety considerations, and practical application.

Pond Dipping

When: 3pm-4pm
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Water is teaming with life! Come along for a pond dipping program to learn what animals live in our pond and what we can learn from them about everything from food webs to water quality!

Off Square Sundaze Market

When: 5pm-9pm
Where: 235 S. Broadway Ave., #110, Tyler, TX

The first of our night market series got rained out but we are here to try again! Join us on Sunday July 12 from 5-9pm Live music, local vendors, drinks & more!

Star Party

When: 9:15pm
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Take a trip across the night sky! Slow down and take a closer look at the night sky as we explore our summer constellations and stars through stories and science!

*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!

*Download our App on Apple & Google!