A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in PINEY WOODS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nacogdoches
Wine Swirl
April 13
Downtown Nacogdoches, 200 E. Main St.
Sip wine from wineries across Texas along the beautiful brick streets of Nacogdoches.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.