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, 8/6

UDOG August Show

When: 9am
Where: Longview Convention Complex - Maude Cobb

Terrier and Herding specialties on Thursday. 6 All-Breed shows Friday thru Sunday.

School is Cool 2026

When: 4:30pm-7pm
Where: W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler

This event is free and open to the public. There will be free haircuts, free vision screenings, immunizations, and other services and vendors available. Students must be present to receive supplies and services. Learn more by visitingwww.SchoolisCoolTyler.com!

Lord of the Rings Trivia

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

Gather your fellowship and journey to an evening of epic trivia celebrating the world of Middle-earth. From the peaceful hills of the Shire to the fiery depths of Mordor, we’ll test your knowledge of heroes, villains, creatures, battles, memorable quotes, and everything in between.

Into the Woods

When: 7:30pm
Where: THE BRAITHWAITE THEATRE, Tyler

The Brothers Grimm hit the stage with an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

FRIDAY, 8/7

UDOG August Show

When: 9am
Where: Longview Convention Complex - Maude Cobb

Terrier and Herding specialties on Thursday. 6 All-Breed shows Friday thru Sunday.

Bookmark Bar

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: Reading in the Dark, Marshall

Calling all book lovers and crafty creatives! Join us for a fun, hands-on evening where you’ll design and create two custom bookmarks to take home. Whether you love florals, sparkles, dark academia, or colorful designs, you’ll have access to a wide variety of materials to make bookmarks that are uniquely yours.

F1RST FR1DAY

When: 5pm-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.

Pickleball Tournament

When: 5pm-8pm
Where: Tyler Indoor Pickleball

Join your coworkers, friends, family, or team to support the mission of the United Way with social or competitive brackets of pickleball in our annual tournament!

Deep East Gospel Singing Convention

When: 6pm
Where: Chestnut Drive Baptist Church, Lufkin

Lunch served Saturday

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Weekend

When: 6pm
Where: 310 W Panola St, Carthage, TX, United States, 75633

6:00PM-Doors open for the John Ritter Tribute Showcase at the Carthage Civic Center. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Come vote for your favorite performer! 7:00PM-Texas Country Music Hall of Fame John Ritter Tribute Showcase with special guest emcee Linda Davis and 30 finalists vying for the title of “Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Ambassador” for 2027. With special guests Billie Jo, 2013 winner and Luke Moody 2025 winner. The theme is “Happy Birthday America’ with a special salute to our Veterans!

Into the Woods

When: 7:30pm
Where: THE BRAITHWAITE THEATRE, Tyler

SATURDAY, 8/8

Longview Farmers Market

When: 7:30am
Where: 105 W Cotton Street, Longview, TX, United States, Texas 75601

Shop a wonderful variety of local vendors offering fresh produce, farm-fresh meats and eggs, homemade baked goods, local honey, specialty foods, fresh coffee, flowers, plants, handmade gifts, and so much more.

Mineola Farmers Market

When: 8am
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!

Airplanes & Coffee Fly-In

When: 8:30am-1pm
Where: Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport

Join us on Saturday, August 8 as Airplanes & Coffee returns to Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR) for our 5th event at one of our favorite airports! Sulphur Springs has hosted some of our largest and most memorable events, and we’re expecting 150+ aircraft along with pilots and aviation enthusiasts from across Texas and beyond. Whether you fly in or drive in, this FREE community event is the perfect opportunity to experience aviation up close.

UDOG August Show

When: 9am
Where: Longview Convention Complex - Maude Cobb

Terrier and Herding specialties on Thursday. 6 All-Breed shows Friday thru Sunday.

Journaling Workshop in Spanish

When: 9am-11am
Where: Sense of Self Counseling, Tyler

After receiving a great of interest, Sense of Self Counseling is once again offering this workshop in Spanish. We invite you to a space where you can explore journaling as a tool for reflection, self-expression, and emotional well-being.

Artist Meetup

When: 9am-11am
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

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!

Back-to-School Bash

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

Join us for our Back-To-School Bash Vendor Market featuring a goal of 200+ vendors, family fun, and everything you need to kick off the school year right!

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Weekend

When: 10am
Where: 310 W Panola St, Carthage, TX, United States, 75633

10:00AM-KGAS Radio “Tex Ritter Round-UP” with book signing featuring guest authors, KGAS Country Music Showdown, top prize $1,000. With Dusty Boots Band, free museum tours, special guests, autographs and food trucks. 2:00PM-The Country Music Hayride Matinee at the Esquire Theater downtown Carthage featuring Chase Dawson & The Southern Impact Band. $5 4:00PM-Museum/Gift Shop/Auction Closes. Pick up items on Sunday. 5:00PM-Doors open at Civic Center; Concessions available including hot dogs & nachos, popcorn, cold drinks, water, candy. 6:00PM-28th Annual Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Celebration Show at the Carthage Civic Center with performances by 2026 Inductee Allen Frizzell and a special tribute to Don Williams. Special guests Moe Bandy, David Frizzell, John Schneider, Clay Cooper, Dallas Wayne, Billie Jo, Linda Davis, Lang Scott, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin, The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Band, Luke Moody and the winner of this year’s John Ritter Tribute Showcase.

A Celebration of Freedom

When: 11am
Where: 800 1st Monday Ln, Canton, TX 75103-1049, United States

America’s Freedom Tribute, Global War on Terror Wall & Vietnam Wall (on A-Frames) & The Cost of Freedom. Pavilions 4000, 4500, & 6500.

Orchid Workshop

When: 12pm-2pm
Where: The Plant Niche, Sulphur Springs

Come and learn how to take care of orchids. Leave with the confidence to take care of your plant. Orchids will be available to purchase at the event and prices will vary on each individual plant.

Back to School Rally

When: 12pm-2pm
Where: New Hope Baptist Church, Nacogdoches

Free back packs & treats.

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.

Bottles & Books

When: 3pm-5pm
Where: Twelve, Tyler

Join us on National Book Lover’s Day for our second annual fundraiser benefiting the Tyler Public Library at Twelve Kitchen & Cocktails! Enjoy a whiskey or wine flight, great company, and a chance to participate in our Bottle Raffle and Book Pull. Raffles include a chance to win premium bottles of Weller Bourbon and one bottle of STAGG Batch 25A.

2026 W3C Playday Series

When: 7pm
Where: Wood County Cowboy Church, Quitman

It’s time for our 2026 Playday Series! There will be 3 playdays in this series; contestants must participate in at least 2 playdays to be eligible for prizes. Events will include barrels, pole bending, and a mystery event. Books will open at 6 pm on the day of each playday and close promptly at 6:45. Competition will start at 7 pm and concessions will be available, so come out and compete or cheer for the competitors and fellowship with our community!

Tyler Big Band

When: 7pm
Where: Cherokee Civic Theatre, Rusk

The incredible Tyler Big Band is scheduled to perform in concert at 7pm on August 8th at the Cherokee Civic Theatre in Rusk, TX. This will be the first ever performance of this storied big band in Rusk. The Tyler Big Band presents a unique music style that brings together swing, jazz, and rock music in an energetic program that is entertaining for both young and old. Whether swinging to dance band hits from the 40s or jumping to jazz standards, everyone enjoys the sounds of an authentic 17-piece band playing the classic hits.

Next Stop Comedy

When: 7:30pm
Where: Mineola Beckham Hotel

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues! Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts.

Into the Woods

When: 7:30pm
Where: THE BRAITHWAITE THEATRE, Tyler

SUNDAY, 8/9

UDOG August Show

When: 9am
Where: Longview Convention Complex - Maude Cobb

Terrier and Herding specialties on Thursday. 6 All-Breed shows Friday thru Sunday.

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Weekend

When: 9am
Where: 310 W Panola St, Carthage, TX, United States, 75633

9AM - 11AM - Gospel at the Hall -with emcee Bobby Tomberlin and special guests Dallas Wayne, Tess Frizzell, Allen Frizzell, David Frizzell, Luke Moody, Rudy Gatlin, Gena Roberts Hamilton, Mary Clare, Mike Parker and others to be announced.

Art Camp Reception

When: 2pm-4pm
Where: Museum of East Texas, Lufkin

Celebrate the creativity of our summer Art Camp students at this community reception showcasing their works! This event is come and go and open to the public. Our young artists are asked to take a photo of themselves with their work on the wall and then to take their masterpiece home with them to keep forever. We hope you’ll join us!

Into the Woods

When: 2:30pm
Where: THE BRAITHWAITE THEATRE, Tyler

*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!

Events Around East Texas This Weekend!

THURSDAY, 8/6

FRIDAY, 8/7

SATURDAY, 8/8

SUNDAY, 8/9

*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?