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, 7/16

“Emma”

• 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. What to Expect: One of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies, featuring memorable speeches spoken by deeply complex characters. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

Painting Night

• When: 7pm
• Where: Tyler Public Library

We invite all adults to join us for a fun painting night! Fellow artists will meet up in the Taylor Auditorium on July 16th at 7 p.m. as we try our hand at still life. This is not an instructive class, but merely a chance to join fellow art lovers in creating art together.

Hook & Needle

• When: 7pm
• Where: Recraft & Co Tyler

Come cross stitch and/or crochet with us! We’ve got cross stitch kits ready for you to try your hand at ($8 or 2/$12 OR get all 3/$15 - kits come with pattern/instructions, floss, and needle!) Plus, FREE crochet patterns! As always, feel free to bring your own crochet materials, cross stitch, or other craft if you just want to hang out with us.

“Hamlet”

• When: 7:30pm
• 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. What to Expect: One of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies, featuring memorable speeches spoken by deeply complex characters. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

FRIDAY, 7/17

“The Enchanted Bookshop” Musical

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

Synopsis: An ordinary used book shop by day, A Likely Story becomes a magical place each night. Thanks to a spell from the Book Fairy, the characters inside the books come alive each and every night. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes. So when a pair of bungling smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters are torn. Should they warn Margie and risk disappearing forever? Or can they find a way to defeat the crooks without being seen?

Mothapalooza

• When: 8:30pm
• Where: Daingerfield State Park

Come celebrate National Moth Week by light trapping or “mothing” some unique insects and learn why they are important to the night-time world! Program Expectations: PARK WILL BE DARK. Program will consist a brief presentation on moths, insects, and the role they play in the night-time world. Mothing stations will be set up around the park for you to visit and see these insects.

SATURDAY, 7/18

42nd Annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally

• When: 8am
• Where: Love Civic Center, Paris

The Tour de Paris began in 1984 with just a few enthusiastic cyclists. Since then, it has become a community favorite that boasts over 1,700 cyclists and volunteers.

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!

Black Beauty Ranch Tour

• When: 9am
• Where: 12526 County Road 3806, Murchison, TX, United States, Texas 75778

Looking for an unforgettable experience? Explore Black Beauty Ranch, home to over 600 incredible animals from more than 40 species. Join us on a guided tour in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle to see sanctuary life up close.

5th Annual Men’s Conference

• When: 9am
• Where: New Hope Bullard Baptist Church

Come experience a powerful time of God’s Word, great food, fellowship, and prizes. This is an opportunity for men of all ages to be encouraged, strengthened, and equipped to live for Christ.

Christmas in July Market

• When: 9am-5pm
• Where: Stillwater RV Resort, Winona

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind summer celebration you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re shopping, relaxing by the water, or just looking for a fun family day—this event has something for everyone!

Kids Splash Day

• When: 10am
• Where: 201 N Buffalo St, Canton, TX 75103-1307, United States

Beat the heat with Canton Main Street’s FREE Kids Splash Day! Cool off with the whole family at this fun-filled community event!‍‍‍There will be:- Awesome Water Slides!‍- A refreshing shower from the Canton Fire Department!- FREE Snow Cones compliments of Taylor Services!- And plenty of splashtastic fun! This is a FREE event, so come out and enjoy a day of cool summer fun with your neighbors!

Sip & Sparkle

• When: 10am-2pm
• Where: Deep Routes Coffee, Sulphur Springs

Face Painting. Hair Tinsel Hair. Feathers. Grab your favorite coffee or refresher while the kids (and even adults!) add a little sparkle to their day.

Flint Baptist Annual Car & Truck Show

• When: 10am-2pm
• Where: Flint Baptist Church of Flint, Texas

FBC Adults 55+ invites your family to our 2026 annual Car Show! Bring your pop-ups, lawn chairs, and a good pair of walking shoes, and enjoy over 100 of East Texas’s best show rides.

Rise and Shine Hills July Market

• When: 10am-4pm
• Where: Rise & Shine Hills LLC, Hallsville

Enjoy a fun-filled day with local vendors, delicious food & drinks, farm tours, and so much more. Bring your friends and family and spend the day shopping, exploring, and supporting local businesses!

Family Fun Day

• 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.

East Texas Comic Con

• When: 11am-7pm
• Where: Longview Exhibit Center

A weekend of Anime, Comics, Sci-Fi, Gaming, and Cosplay. Fun for the whole family!

18th Annual East Texas Wedding Extravaganza

• When: 12pm-3pm
• Where: Tyler Rose Garden Center

Imagine planning your entire wedding in one weekend—and having a blast doing it! The East Texas Wedding Extravaganza is back! Whether you’re hunting for the perfect florist or still dreaming up your color palette, we’ve curated the best local experts to help you bring it all to life. The main expo is Saturday, July 18th. Early Entry doors open at 12:00, noon. General Admission is 1:00-3:00.

Discovering 4-H

• When: 1pm-5pm
• Where: Winchester Park, Chandler

Ever wonder what 4-H is? Or think we don’t have livestock what can they do for me? GREAT NEWS, 4-H has a project that would interest anyone! From Legos, robotics, photography and cooking to VIRTUAL fishing, Shooting Sports, Archery, public speaking, and so so much more! 4-H is where lifelong friends are made, life lessons are taught and communities are brought together! Come and see what Henderson County 4-H is all about!!

“Emma”

• 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. What to Expect: One of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies, featuring memorable speeches spoken by deeply complex characters. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival

Family Free Make

• When: 2pm
• Where: Nacogdoches Public Library

Kids and their families can join us for DIY crafting with all of the maker supplies the Library has to offer!

Folk Remedies Workshop

• When: 2pm-4pm
• Where: BodywoRx Studio, Quitman

This workshop introduces a practical, empowering approach to digestive wellness using time-tested principles from Ayurveda alongside simple, effective home remedies. Instead of relying on medications or complicated protocols, you’ll learn how everyday spices and mindful habits can gently restore balance, support your overall gut health, and help your body digest foods more easily.

Tawakoni Tracks

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

Learn how to identify common tracks found in the park! Bobcats vs. coyotes, raccoons vs. Opossums, some tracks can be tricky to tell apart but we will get a close up look at some of the most common tracks. Stick around to go on a hike and find some of these tracks on Spring point trail!

Lufkin’s Summer in the City

• When: 7pm
• Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

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 18 – Music Mingle with the Lufkin Limners

“Annie”

• When: 7:30pm
• Where: Lamp-Lite Theatre, Nacogdoches

ANNIE, by Charles Strouse, opens July 17, 2026, and runs two weekends. Tickets are $15 Adults, $12 60+ Adults, & $8 Students/Children & are available online atlampliteplayers.ludus.com, with any remaining tickets available at the box office the night of the performance. Ticketing assistance is available by emailing lampliteticketing@gmail.com . Box office opens 45 minutes prior to curtain, and the house opens 30 minutes before. All seating is reserved. Shari Watterston Ellsworth directs this classic musical about the ever optimistic ANNIE, with musical direction by Davy Thomas.

Patriotic Punch

• When: 7:30pm
• Where: League of Lions Wrestling, Marshall

Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents Patriotic Punch. 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.

“The Enchanted Bookshop” Musical

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

Synopsis: An ordinary used book shop by day, A Likely Story becomes a magical place each night. Thanks to a spell from the Book Fairy, the characters inside the books come alive each and every night. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes. So when a pair of bungling smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters are torn. Should they warn Margie and risk disappearing forever? Or can they find a way to defeat the crooks without being seen?

“Hamlet”

• When: 7:30pm
• 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. What to Expect: One of Shakespeare’s most epic tragedies, featuring memorable speeches spoken by deeply complex characters. A part of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.

SUNDAY, 7/19

East Texas Comic Con

• When: 11am-5pm
• Where: Longview Exhibit Center

A weekend of Anime, Comics, Sci-Fi, Gaming, and Cosplay. Fun for the whole family!

Boundless and Beautiful

• When: 12:30pm-2:30pm
• Where: Peoples Church of Jacksonville, TX

Beauty Tips | Fashion | Clothes Swap

Library Plant Swap

• When: 1pm
• Where: Tyler Public Library

The quarterly Plant Swap is on July 19th at 1 p.m. in the Taylor Auditorium. Bring a healthy plant or cutting to the Library and exchange it for something new, or share and swap seeds. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just getting started, everyone is welcome.

“The Enchanted Bookshop” Musical

• When: 2pm
• Where: Texas Theatre - Palestine

Synopsis: An ordinary used book shop by day, A Likely Story becomes a magical place each night. Thanks to a spell from the Book Fairy, the characters inside the books come alive each and every night. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes. So when a pair of bungling smugglers comes looking for a stolen necklace hidden inside one of the books, the characters are torn. Should they warn Margie and risk disappearing forever? Or can they find a way to defeat the crooks without being seen?

Off Square Sundaze Market

• When: 5pm-9pm
• Where: Velvet: A Vintage Collection

Live music, local vendors, drinks & more!

Emo Revival Night

• When: 7pm
• Where: Brick’s Bar & Grill, Tyler

The premier event that not only celebrates Emo’s past, but embraces its future by showcasing up and coming bands & artists! Hear your favorite emo hits in a curated playlist all night long- Discover live music from the latest and greatest bands inspired by the genre we all love- Wear your favorite band tees and scene-kid attire- Deals, Specials & Photo Ops all night long! Featuring: PAGE 9 & Saints Can Lie

B.A.R.K. Ranger Hike

• When: 8pm
• Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point

Help your furry friend become a B.A.R.K. Ranger! What to bring: clothing and shoes you are comfortable hiking in, leash, waste bags, bug spray. Where: Spring point trailhead

*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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