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A note regarding COVID-19

Due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus, some events have been postponed or canceled. Please make sure to check the event website, social media, or call ahead to confirm an event is still taking place if you are interested in attending.

Upcoming Events in Piney Woods

Palestine

Old-Time Music and Dulcimer Festival

March 21-23

First Baptist Church of Palestine, 5700 Loop 256

This laid-back festival features some of the top dulcimer and old-time music artists from around the country. The artists serve as headliners for the concerts and lead the workshops. There are afternoon and evening concerts and more jam sessions after the evening concert. Music fills the building from early morning until late at night.

oldpalmusic.com

Liberty

Jubilee

March 22-23

Downtown Liberty, 1829 Sam Houston St.

Have fun with the family at this outdoor festival with arts and crafts, food, music, entertainment, a barbecue cookoff, carnival, book sale, and a car show.

cityofliberty.org

Palestine

Dogwood Trails Celebration

March 22-April 7

Davey Dogwood Park and surrounding forest trails, 825 W. Spring St.

For over 80 years, Palestine has celebrated the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park the last two weeks in March and first week in April. Activities are scheduled each weekend to complement the celebration, including a festival the first weekend, a parade, and stained glass tours of historic churches. Stop at Palestine Visitor Center for venues and maps.

visitpalestine.com

Fairy Garden Trail

March 22-May 31

Davey Dogwood Park, 4205 N. Link St.

From dawn till dusk, there is so much more to explore in Davey Dogwood Park this spring. Enjoy great views along 5.5 miles of driving trails, but park the car and step onto the trails to see how many of the fairy gardens you can find. Most trails are motorized-wheelchair and stroller friendly.

visitpalestine.com

Dogwood Festival: VIP Artist Reception

March 22

Redlands Hotel parking lot, 303 W. Oak St

The Dogwood Arts Council invites you to the VIP Art Tent event and the kickoff celebration for the 86th annual Dogwood Festival featuring art and music. The VIP event includes live music, an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and exquisite art.

palestinechamber.org

Piney Woods Vintage Train Rides

March 22-May 31

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot, 789 Park Road 70

Enjoy a four-hour, round-trip train adventure from the seat of a vintage 1920s car. The train, pulled by a vintage diesel or steam locomotive, departs from Palestine, has an hour layover at the Rusk depot, and takes passengers on a journey through the impressive Piney Woods and 135 years of history. All seats have views along the Piney Woods route, and narration and music add highlights to the trip.

texasstaterailroad.net

Jefferson

Miata Madness

March 22-24

Downtown , 100 E. Austin St.

This annual event is open to Mazda Miata owners and held at the 100 block of East Austin Street. On Saturday, the Show ‘n’ Shine kicks off in the morning. The car show, featuring all makes and models, is open to spectators at no charge.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Huntsville

Herb Festival at the Wynne Home

March 22-23

Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center, 1428 11th St.

The annual Herb Festival at the Wynne Home in Huntsville features a huge selection of locally grown herbs, perennials, native plants, vegetables, and bulbs. Speakers, herbal and garden vendors, music, and children’s activities round out the day’s events. The historic Wynne Home Arts and Visitors Center and its current art exhibition is also open to visitors.

texasthymeunit.org

Palestine

Dogwood Festival

March 23

Downtown and Old Town Palestine, 825 W. Spring St.

Always the first weekend of the Dogwood Trails Celebration, this event offers craft and novelty vendors, a kids’ zone, food vendors, art shows, street entertainment, concerts, and other fun activities in historic downtown and Old Town Palestine.

visitpalestine.com/dogwood

Boston Porter Memorial Bull Riding and Boston’s Buckaroos Kid Rodeo

March 23

Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion, 750 SH 287 North

The 20th annual Boston Porter Memorial Rodeo features a kids’ rodeo in the afternoon and bull riding in the evening. Tickets can be bought at Cavender’s or at the gate, with proceeds from the event supporting educational scholarships for the youth of Anderson County.

visitpalestine.com

Stained Glass Tour

March 23

Various locations

Step into some of Palestine’s historic churches and see beautiful windows and glasswork. Participating churches on the tour include Sacred Heart Catholic, St Phillip’s Episcopal Church, First Christian Church, and First Presbyterian.

visitpalestine.com

Tyler

Spirits of Oakwood

March 23

Oakwood Cemetery, 714 W. Oakwood St.

Historians dressed in period clothing stand at six gravesites and tell the stories of those people’s lives. Oakwood is the final resting place of pioneers and families that shaped Tyler. Tours start every 10 minutes and the last tour is at 4 p.m. Purchase tickets at the gate.

oakwoodcemeterytyler.com

The Woodlands

Run and Done 3.1

March 30

The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive

The Run and Done 3.1 occurs the Saturday before Easter. The chip-timed 5K course winds along The Woodlands Waterway, providing a scenic route and fun, enjoyable atmosphere fostering friendly competition for all skill levels. After the race, registered participants and their guests can enjoy an egg hunt in Town Green Park.

visitthewoodlands.com

Tyler

“iLuminate”

April 2

UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Pkwy., FAC 1120

From the moment the lights fade to darkness, you’re transported into another dimension where the music moves you and the visuals are otherworldly. Welcome to iLuminate, a fantastic fusion of cutting-edge technology and dance that has been wowing the world for more than a decade. iLuminate features a brilliant cast of the country’s top dancers performing to energetic music including pop and rock hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, plus jazz and hip hop.

cowancenter.org

Longview

ArtWalk

April 4

Various locations,

Founded in the fall of 2007, ArtWalk was initially created to be a downtown event with the goal of attracting more people to downtown Longview. Today, ArtWalk is the signature event of the arts in the city’s cultural district. Enjoy taking a self-guided tour of downtown venues exhibiting and selling art.

artwalklongview.com

Tyler

Totality Tyler

April 5-8

Various locations

Leading up to the total solar eclipse on April 8, the city of Tyler invites visitors to immerse themselves in the cosmic wonders of nature with a weekend of special events, including live music from the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, TJC Earth & Space Science Center planetarium shows, and a Lunar Lunch on the lawn at the Goodman Museum.

totalitytyler.com

Palestine

“Sister Act”

April 5-14

The Historic Texas Theatre, 213 E. Crawford St.

Based on the hit film, “Sister Act” is the feel-good musical comedy that tells the story of what happens when disco singer Deloris Van Cartier is placed in protective custody in a convent and her lifestyle comes face-to-face with the traditions of the church.

thetexastheater.com

Jefferson

Citywide Rummage Sale

April 5-7

Various locations

All around town, homeowners go through their closets and storerooms and bring out treasures to sell, with items that you might not find anywhere else. Many local businesses participate as well.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Nacogdoches

Spring Brewfest

April 6

Nacogdoches County Expo Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive

Held annually as the Nac Brew Club’s home brew beer competition, there are usually 40-60 home-brewed beers, meads, and ciders available for tasting from home brewers all over East Texas and western Louisiana. Attendees must be 21 and up and a member of the Nac Brew Club.

nacbrewclub.org

Longview

Dalton Days and Wild West Show

April 6

Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N. Fredonia St.

Join the Gregg County Historical Museum as they go back in time to the 1894 Dalton Gang bank robbery in Longview. There are four reenactments of the infamous robbery plus live music, food vendors, a petting zoo, craft and artisan booths, an antique fire truck and car show, and kids’ game area. Admission is free.

gregghistorical.org/dalton-days-2

Jefferson

Spring History, Haunts, and Legends

April 6

Jefferson Convention and Tourism Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This fun spring event is for the history buff, avid ghost hunter, and anyone with an interest in the unexplained and things that go bump in the night. There are special guest speakers, authors, vendors, book signings, night-time investigations, and an all-day conference.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Tyler

Solar Eclipse on the Square

April 8

Downtown, 110 N. College Ave.

Head to beautiful downtown Tyler for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Downtown Tyler Total Eclipse Viewing Event. Festivities include live music, tasty food, and fun eclipse-themed activities.

visittyler.com/solar-eclipse

The Woodlands

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

April 12-14

Town Green Park, The Woodlands Waterway, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive

Celebrating 19 years, this jewel of the Texas Fine Arts tour has been voted as the best event in The Woodlands. The longstanding springtime tradition for families and locals is set along the scenic banks of The Woodlands Waterway and in Town Green Park. Guests can enjoy an outdoor gallery with authors, music, food, and kids’ activities and shop for art created by fine artists from all over the world. Jury-selected artists display original artwork across various mediums at the festival.

thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/p/festival

Jefferson

Outlaw Nationals Car Show

April 12-13

Various locations, Downtown

If it runs, bring it to the Outlaw Nationals Car Show, Jefferson’s most popular and longest-running car show. The event includes an antique rod show, open car show, and a variety of entertainment (karaoke, a live auction, and live music) for all attendees.

outlawnationals.com

Nacogdoches

Wine Swirl

April 13

Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.

Sip wine from wineries across Texas along the beautiful brick streets of Nacogdoches.

visitnacogdoches.org

Longview

“Conquering the Skies: The Evolution of Flight”

April 16-Aug. 25

Gregg County Historical Museum, 214 N. Fredonia St.

Join the Gregg County Historical Museum as they celebrate the evolution of flight with an innovative and hands-on exhibit featuring all things flight from the Wright Brothers to WWII planes to unmanned drones.

gregghistorical.org/traveling-exhibits

Tyler

Voctave in Concert

April 18

UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Pkwy., FAC 1120

An 11-member vocal ensemble, Voctave brings incredible harmonies to favorites from the Disney screen to the Broadway stage. This a cappella sensation has had over 150 million social media views of their videos and has appeared on countless recordings. Their popular show “The Corner of Broadway and Main Street” spawned a chart-topping album and is an unforgettable evening of music for the whole family.

cowancenter.org

The Woodlands

The Chevron Championship

April 18-21

The Club at Carlton Woods, 1 Carlton Woods Creekside Drive

The Chevron Championship in The Woodlands welcomes the very best of the LPGA Tour as the pro golfers play the first major of the year. Held on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods, the Chevron Championship promises to be an unparalleled event.

visitthewoodlands.com

Carthage

Piney Woods Quilt Festival

April 19-20

Carthage Civic Center, 1701 S. Adams St. and Loop 149

See over 150 quilts at this juried show that includes prizes for most categories as well as free hourly demonstrations, vendors of all kinds, door prizes, and a country store. There is also a featured-artist section. At the end of the day on Saturday, awards are presented along with the drawing for the donation quilt.

Palestine

Wiggy Thump Festival

April 20

Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion, 750 US 287

Over the past five years, the Whiskey Myers band has built up the Wiggy Thump Festival as a must-see for all fans of the Southern rockers. The 2024 lineup features Whiskey Myers as the headliners once again, along with Jason Boland and the Stragglers, Brent Cobb, and Joey Greer.

visitpalestine.com

Hughes Springs

Plant Sale

April 24-27

Spring Park, 603 E. First St.

Hughes Springs hosts their annual Wildflower Trails event in April. The month is filled with town-wide garage sales, trail rides, art contests, carnival rides, vendors, and the Chamber of Commerce annual Plant Sale with an array of plants for your garden, porch, and window.

hschamber.org

The Woodlands

Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas

April 27

Town Center, 2099 Lake Robbins Drive

Spend a day cheering on athletes at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas, designated the North America Championship. The race starts with a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Woodlands, followed by a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run along The Woodlands Waterway.

visitthewoodlands.com

Insperity Invitational

April 29-May 5

The Woodlands Country Club Tournament Course, 1730 S Millbend Drive

Head to The Woodlands Country Club tournament course to watch 78 of the best PGA Tour Champions players compete. Spectators are welcome May 1-5, with free admission May 3-5.

visitthewoodlands.com

Hozier in Concert

May 2

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive

Enjoy the spring weather at an outdoor concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. This is one of Hozier’s three Texas stops during his Unreal Unearth tour. The other stops are in Dallas (April 28) and Austin (April 30).

visitthewoodlands.com

Jefferson

Historical Pilgrimage: Home Tours of Jefferson

May 2-5

Various locations

Four of Jefferson’s finest historic homes and featured gardens open their doors for tours. Docents dressed in period attire help provide information about the homes.

jeffersoncandlelight.com

“The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial”

May 2-5

Jefferson Playhouse, Corner of Market and Henderson streets

This unique theatrical experience recreates the last stages of a nationally famous trial that took place in Jefferson in the late 1800s. The adaptation, produced every spring for more than a half of century, has become a tradition in itself.

visitjeffersontexas.com

Nacogdoches

Red Brick Bluegrass Festival

May 3-4

Festival Park , 507 S. Pecan St.

Formerly known as the Blueberry Bluegrass Concert in the Park, the Red Brick Bluegrass Festival is a free, family-friendly concert. The lineup includes The Purple Hulls, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band, and Riley Gilbreath and Lone Star Blue. The festival has food trucks and vendors with some great options for delicious food, cold lemonade, and snow cones. Organizers encourage attendees to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Pets on a leash are welcome.

redbrickbluegrass.com

Jefferson

Battle for Jefferson: Civil War Reenactments

May 3-5

Various locations

More than 700 Civil War period reenactors descend on Jefferson to reenact the Battle of Big Cypress Bayou at Total Farm. Infantry, cavalry, and artillery all play a part in the scenario battle. Coupled with the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club’s annual Pilgrimage, the “battle” portion of the weekend has succeeded in turning Jefferson’s downtown historic district and surrounding neighborhoods into a three-day living-history encampment that includes a parade and downtown skirmish on Saturday morning.

battleforjefferson.com

Historical Pilgrimage: 19th Century Social Events

May 3-5

Various locations

The Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club hosts the annual Pilgrimage, where visitors can immerse themselves in the 19th century—period attire is optional but fun. The event includes the Friday night Illumination, a ladies tea and Grand Ball on Saturday, and then the Presentation of Colors on Sunday morning.

battleforjefferson.com

Conroe

Big As Texas Festival

May 10-12

Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 9333 Airport Road

With aspirations as large as the Lone Star State, this new outdoor celebration features a world-class music lineup, Texas vendors and artisans, custom exhibitions, immersive art installations, live-fire grilling, carnival games, and fun for all ages. The lineup of performers includes Thomas Rhett, Dierks Bentley, Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Morgan Wade, and Breland.

bigastexasfest.com

The Woodlands

Woodforest Bank TRI

May 11

Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

As one of the premier multisport events in the region, the Woodforest Bank TRI offers a beginner-friendly atmosphere, first-rate race management, and scenic courses. The race features a 500-meter open swim, 12.8-mile bike race, and 5K run.

visitthewoodlands.com

Palestine

Gospel Bluegrass Festival

May 23-26

Salmon Lake Park Texas, 247 Salmon Lake Road

The 27th annual Memorial Day Gospel Bluegrass Festival at Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland includes performances by The Gospel Plowboys, The Cox Family, The Marksmen, High Fidelity, and several others. RVs are welcome.

salmonlakepark.com

Saturday on Main Street

June 1, July 6, Aug. 3

Various locations

This family-friendly event is held on the first Saturday of each month and features fun things to see and do in the 44 blocks of the Main Street District in downtown Palestine. Visit new businesses that have opened, enjoy the exquisite model train display at the Railroad Heritage Center, and spend some time browsing crafts, antique, and vintage shops.

visitpalestine.com/p/things-to-do/palestine-main-street

Jefferson

Big Cypress Corvette Weekend 

June 1

Downtown

Bring your special Corvette or just come and gaze at the lineup of cars. Fun events take place on Friday, followed by the Show and Shine on Saturday, and then awards are given out.

facebook.com/bigcypresscorvetteshow

Gladewater

Round-Up Rodeo

June 5-8

Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo Arena, US 80 West

Since 1937, Gladewater has featured one of the best known, nationally sanctioned PRCA rodeos in the country. Experience four days of Old West-style fun with bronc riding, bull riding, and all your favorite rodeo events.

gladewaterrodeo.com

The Woodlands

Wine and Food Week

June 5-8

Various locations

Celebrating its 20th year, Wine and Food Week is a multifaceted event that brings world-class chefs, wine pairings, and sommelier-driven tastings to The Woodlands each June.

wineandfoodweek.com

Palestine

Father’s Day Slow Meat Feast

June 15

The Regan Ranch, 8698 Couty Road 239, Oakwood

Celebrate the father in your life with an evening Argentine-style grilling event. Ranch-raised meats and Argentine specialties are served in an outdoor quincho at a working ranch in East Texas. The meal is eaten over a number of hours as each cut of meat becomes ready. Bring your own wine or beer for the meal, which concludes with a typical Argentine campesino dessert.

theregenranch.com

Tyler

“Come From Away”

June 27

UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3240 Old Glory Parkway

Winning Best Musical at the Tony Awards, this critically acclaimed musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. The musical was written by Tony nominees Irene Sanko and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director Christopher Ashley.

cowancenter.org

Nacogdoches

“The Sound of Music”

June 27-July 7

Lamp-Lite Theatre, 4210 Lamplite Lane

In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power.

lamplitetheatre.com

The Woodlands

Star-Spangled Salute

July 3

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive

On the eve of Independence Day, this event, a tradition at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for over 30 seasons, features the Houston Symphony performing a selection of patriotic favorites.

visitthewoodlands.com/events/patriotic/fourth-of-july

Red, Hot, and Blue Festival

July 4

Various locations

Enjoy a variety of activities at Town Green Park, Northshore Park, Rob Fleming Park, Hughes Landing, and Waterway Square. All sites feature live music in the evening with bands playing until the Fireworks Extravaganza. Some locations offer concessions and kids’ activities like face painting and balloon art.

visitthewoodlands.com/events/patriotic/fourth-of-july

Jefferson

Jefferson Salutes America

July 4

Various locations

Come to Jefferson to partake in an old-fashioned celebration of the country’s birthday. Activities at Ostott Park include a kids’ parade, a homemade ice cream contest, a cake and pie auction, games, and live music. At night, the grand finale fireworks show goes off over the Big Cypress Bayou by the LED-lighted historical bridge.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

Civil War Symposium

Aug. 3

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

Calling all history buffs! Enjoy a whole day of presentations, speakers, exhibits, and vendors at this conference that focuses on the part that Jefferson and the surrounding area played in the Civil War.

visitjeffersontexas.com/jefferson-texas-events

Texas UFO Con

Aug. 17

Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.

This all-day convention covers Texas-based UFO sightings, alien encounters, and UFO crash sites. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite extraterrestrial.

facebook.com/texasufocon

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