Best Things to Do in East Texas This Weekend | May 15-17, 2026
Here are some fun things happening around East Texas this weekend, including rodeos, garden tours, markets, family events, outdoor activities, live music, workshops, and small-town happenings.
As always, double-check details before you go, because event schedules enjoy changing at the worst possible time.
Tyler
Smith County Master Gardeners 2026 Library Series
When: Friday, May 15, 11:30 a.m.
Where: Tyler Public Library
Elizabeth Waldrop with Smith County Master Gardeners will present “Gardening for the Heat,” focused on helping East Texas gardens stay productive through summer with shade, mulch, watering tips, and smart fertilizing choices.
Lindale Championship Rodeo
When: Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: Cross Brand Arena / Cross Brand Cowboy Church Arena, Tyler
The 39th Annual Lindale Championship Rodeo runs May 14–16 with gates opening at 6 p.m., mutton bustin’ at 6:15 p.m., and rodeo action at 7:30 p.m. The Lindale Area Chamber lists the event as free for all attendees thanks to sponsors.
Star Party at Tyler State Park
When: Friday, May 15, 8:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Tyler State Park
Enjoy a night under the stars with close-up views provided by local astronomy specialists from ASET. This is a fun evening idea for families, couples, or anyone who enjoys looking at the sky.
Northeast Texas March for Babies
When: Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m.
Where: 445 Shiloh Road, Tyler
Healthy Me Healthy Babies and March of Dimes invite families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to take part in a community walk supporting healthier futures for moms and babies.
Journaling Workshop
When: Saturday, May 16, 9–11 a.m.
Where: 1121 E. Southeast Loop 323, Suite 204, Tyler
This workshop focuses on reconnecting with creativity, self, and story through journaling.
Barks ’N’ Rec at Tyler State Park
When: Saturday, May 16, 2–3 p.m.
Where: Tyler State Park
Join a ranger and SPCA rescue dogs for an easy one-mile hike around Old Truck Trail, with a possible adoption opportunity. Registration and waivers are required to hike with a dog.
Run for the Wall
When: Sunday, May 17, 9 a.m.
Where: CampV, Tyler
CampV will welcome Run for the Wall riders as they pass through East Texas on their annual mission ride to Washington, D.C., honoring veterans, POW/MIA service members, and those killed in action.
Garden Gathering
When: Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: 3106 W. Jackson St., Tyler
ETX Community Gardeners host a casual Sunday garden gathering where visitors can come and go throughout the morning and afternoon.
MLB Pitch Hit and Run Competition
When: Sunday, May 17, 1–2 p.m.
Where: Tyler RBI, Lonestar-Academy
Kids ages 7–14 can take part in this MLB-sponsored baseball and softball skills competition.
Mini Bookcase Workshop
When: Sunday, May 17, 6–9 p.m.
Where: Flourish Nonprofits, Tyler
Make miniature bookcases with tiny versions of favorite and classic titles during this crafty reader-friendly workshop. Space is limited.
Karaoke at Daiquiris with Krusin’ Karaoke
When: Friday, May 15, 7-11p.m.
Where: Daiquiris America First Wings & Grill, Tyler
Kick off the weekend with Friday night karaoke at Daiquiris, hosted by Krusin’ Karaoke with Jerry Payne. Bring your friends, pick your favorite song, and enjoy a laid-back night of music, drinks, and local fun.
Athens
Pilates Mat Class
When: Friday, May 15, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Where: East Texas Arboretum, Athens
Start Friday with Pilates at the East Texas Arboretum. Bring your own mat and water. The listed cost is $10.
Lindale
LSA Goalie Clinic
When: Friday, May 15, 6 p.m.
Where: Faulkner Park, Lindale
The Lindale Soccer Association Goalie Clinic is designed to help young players build confidence and learn key goalkeeper skills, from positioning to diving saves.
Nacogdoches
2026 Tour of Home Gardens
When: Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sunday, May 17, 1–4 p.m.
Where: Nacogdoches
The Garden Capital of Texas will showcase beautifully landscaped home gardens during the Tour of Home Gardens. Visit Nacogdoches lists the event for Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, from 1–4 p.m.
Nerikomi Workshop
When: Saturday, May 16, 12–3 p.m.
Where: 223 Old Tyler Road, Nacogdoches
This hand-building pottery workshop introduces participants ages 16 and up to colored clay techniques, without using a pottery wheel.
Big Sandy
Circle M Crawfish Car Show
When: Saturday, May 16, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Circle M Crawfish, Big Sandy
Cars, trucks, motorcycles, coffee, donuts, and crawfish all land in one Saturday event. Visiting is free, and vehicle entry is listed at $20.
Warren
May Wildflower Walk
When: Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, Warren
Take a guided wildflower walk led by Joe Liggio and learn more about what is blooming at the preserve.
Hallsville
May Market at Rise & Shine
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.
Where: Rise & Shine Hills LLC, Hallsville
This third Saturday market includes local vendors, farm products, food, drinks, animal farm access, and farm tours every 30 minutes.
Marshall
“Black Cake” Art & Wellness Workshop
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Where: Michelson Museum of Art, Marshall
Artist Dr. Chiquita Howard-Bostic leads this creative workshop focused on art, wellness, mindfulness, and personal storytelling.
Professional Wrestling: “Race to the Top”
When: Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.
Where: 315 Pope St., Marshall
League of Lions presents “Race to the Top,” a professional wrestling show with concessions and merchandise available.
Kilgore
Tractors, Trucks & Fun
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Kilgore
Downtown Kilgore hosts a free family-friendly event featuring tractors, trucks, and community fun. Perfect for kids and families.
Bullard
Panther Palooza & Car Show
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: 1426 S. Houston St., Bullard
This family-friendly community event includes carnival games, a car show, bounce houses, corn hole, ring toss, a dunk booth, and student-led activities that support Bullard teachers and student organizations.
Gladewater
Gladewater Community Reunion
When: Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: Bumble Bee Park, Gladewater
This community reunion brings together food, music, fellowship, and a family-reunion-style atmosphere for neighbors and visitors. Bring lawn chairs and an appetite.
Gladewater Trade Days Grand Opening
When: Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: 1000 W. Upshur Ave., Gladewater
Gladewater Trade Days kicks off its grand opening weekend at Old Bear Stadium with antiques, crafts, goods, and food.
Grapeland
Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler
When: Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m.
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland
Celebrate BBQ Day with cast iron cooking and a sweet treat: blackberry cobbler with ice cream at the amphitheater.
Wills Point
Skins & Skulls
When: Saturday, May 16, 2 p.m.
Where: Lake Tawakoni State Park, Wills Point
This hands-on park program explores native animals using skins and skulls. It is free with park admission. Adults 13 and older are listed at $5, while kids 12 and under are free.
Crockett
Writers Club: Intermediate Group
When: Saturday, May 16, 4–6 p.m.
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett
This third Saturday writers group is for writers working on mid- to long-form projects who want dedicated time to write.
Palestine
Lettuce Entertain You Concert Series
When: Saturday, May 16, 6–8 p.m.
Where: 813 W. Spring St., Palestine
The outdoor concert series returns with Texas Tribe Band playing classic country favorites and pre-2010 hits.
Paris
That 1 Mailman: Sean Fogelson
When: Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Where: Tower City Comedy, Paris
Comedian Sean Fogelson, known online as That 1 Mailman, brings his live comedy show to Tower City Comedy with two showtimes.
Rusk
“Who Do You Love?” at Cherokee Civic Theatre
When: Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, May 17, 2 p.m.
Where: Cherokee Civic Theatre, Rusk
This small-town comedy follows a widower, his daughter, and a group of women who may be interested in more than the hardware store shelves.
Whitehouse
Cookie Decorating Workshop
When: Sunday, May 17, 3–5 p.m.
Where: Good Juju Gourmet Cookies, Whitehouse
Decorate a themed set of gourmet cookies during this family-friendly afternoon workshop.
Weekend Picks by Vibe
Best for families: Tractors, Trucks & Fun in Kilgore, Panther Palooza & Car Show in Bullard, MLB Pitch Hit and Run in Tyler, Cookie Decorating Workshop in Whitehouse.
Best for outdoor fun: Star Party at Tyler State Park, Barks ’N’ Rec at Tyler State Park, May Wildflower Walk in Warren, Skins & Skulls at Lake Tawakoni State Park.
Best for shopping local: May Market at Rise & Shine in Hallsville, Gladewater Trade Days Grand Opening.
Best for arts and creativity: Journaling Workshop in Tyler, “Black Cake” Art & Wellness Workshop in Marshall, Nerikomi Workshop in Nacogdoches, Mini Bookcase Workshop in Tyler.
Best for live entertainment: Lindale Championship Rodeo in Tyler, Lettuce Entertain You Concert Series in Palestine, Professional Wrestling in Marshall, That 1 Mailman in Paris, “Who Do You Love?” in Rusk.
Best unique events: Tour of Home Gardens in Nacogdoches, Dutch Oven Blackberry Cobbler in Grapeland, Run for the Wall in Tyler.
More East Texas Travel Ideas
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Find More Things To Do in East Texas this weekend:
Things to Do in East Texas (Ultimate Local Guide)
