A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in PINEY WOODS
The Woodlands
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).
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
San Augustine
Sale on the Trail
May 3-4
Various locations, State Highways 87 and 21
One of the most famous roadways in North America, El Camino Real, has land owners and businesses along the way holding yard sales, flea markets, trade shows, and sidewalk sales, providing a wonderful weekend of touring and shopping. Food trucks and vendors line up in Milam, Texas and State Highways 87 and 21. The San Augustine Downtown square has vendors of all kinds set up.
Nacogdoches
Sale on the Trail
May 3-4
Various locations, 200 E. Main St.
The El Camino Real Sale on the Trail takes place along 111 miles of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. Make plans to drive the trail for yard sale bargains. Drive Louisiana Highway 6 starting at Natchitoches and then west across Toledo Bend Lake to State Highway 21 into Milam and Nacogdoches for a great adventure and great finds. Along the trail, shoppers find new and used items sold by local businesses and private individuals.
Winnsboro
Festival of Books
May 4
Downtown Winnsboro, 200 Market St.
The Winnsboro Center for the Arts hosts the sixth annual Festival of Books. The event allows guests to meet and chat with a number of authors, partake in a novel array of literary activities for all ages, and leisurely stroll the streets of Winnsboro’s downtown Cultural Arts District. The event, on The Bowery in downtown Winnsboro, is free for guests. This year’s event features emcee Michael Guinn, a talented Texas poet, author, and actor. Mr. Guinn leads a captivating workshop on instant poetry followed by an open mic poetry slam, where participants can showcase their talents. Guinn, an East Texas native, is a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist, a five-time Austin Poetry Slam winner, six-time Fort Worth Poetry Slam winner, and a winner at the Toronto Poetry Slam. Attendees at the festival have the chance to peruse and purchase books from a selection of published authors from all over East Texas, who are available for signings. There is a variety of engaging children’s literacy events to enjoy throughout the day. Activities include arts and crafts, story time, and an enrollment station for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
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.
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.
Nacogdoches
Summer Squash
May 18
Festival Park, 507 S. Pecan St.
The inaugural Summer Squash is a collaborative event with local musicians, local artists, vendors, food trucks, and The Fredonia Brewery. Music goes nonstop from noon to 10 pm.
Alto
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site Reopening Event
May 18
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, 1649 SH 21 West
Following its near-total destruction after a tornado in 2019, Caddo Mounds State Historic Site celebrates its official reopening. The ribbon cutting ceremony commences at 11:30 a.m. with speakers reflecting on the importance of restoring the site and the resiliency of the Caddo Nation. Attendees have the opportunity to explore the new $2.5 million visitor center and reconstructed grass house and participate in a variety of outdoor activities including atlatl throwing, where participants learn about the development of hunting tools, different atlatl styles, and throwing techniques; a friction fire demonstration, where guests can enhance their survival skills as they learn the ancient technique of starting fire using friction between two objects; and an archaeology tour, where archaeologist Victor Galan leads a tour that explores the history and culture of the Caddo people. A preopening event takes place at the site on Friday. Caddo artist Kacey Roach, founder of True Chiefs, shares her experiences as a young, Indigenous graphic designer and entrepreneur.
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.
Jacksonville
Tomato Festival
May 31-June 8
Various locations
For several days, Jacksonville becomes “Tomatoville.” The festival, marking its 40th anniversary this year, features tomato-eating, salsa, and bloody mary contests; fishing and dodgeball tournaments; a street dance, and many other tomato-centric events.
Palestine
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nacogdoches
Texas Blueberry Festival
June 8
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
One of the most delicious festivals in the Lone Star State, the Texas Blueberry Festival marks its 34th year with a daylong celebration of the blueberry harvest. As the only state-sanctioned blueberry festival in Texas, this annual event attracts more than 19,000 people to downtown Nacogdoches on the second Saturday in June. Stay for the week or weekend and fill your calendar with a smorgasbord of activities such as live music, blueberry picking, auto exhibits, shopping, and restaurant specials.
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.
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.
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.
Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival
June 27-July 28
TSF Performance Venue, 1200 Henderson Blvd.
East Texas’ only professional theater company performs each summer in rep two Shakespeare plays, a non-Shakespearean classic, a musical, and a production for children. The main stage productions are produced in rotating repertory Thursday through Sunday, with an afternoon matinee and an evening performance each day. This summer’s list of plays are “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Julius Caesar,” “Sweeney Todd,” and the children’s play “Tinker Bell.”
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.
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.
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.
Naples
Watermelon Festival and Rodeo
July 26-28
Naples Melon Patch and Rodeo Grounds, Front and Floyd streets
One of the biggest events in the area, the 86th annual Watermelon Festival and Rodeo, held every year on the last full weekend of July, features sweet East Texas melons, a parade, arts and craft booths, largest watermelon contest, a rodeo with PRCA-sanctioned and local events, an antique car show, and other festivities.
Jefferson
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.
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.
