12 Great Things To Do In East Texas This Weekend

It will feel very much like a full spring weekend in East Texas thanks to the abundant sunshine and temperatures in the mid to low 70s a great change from the past few weekends.

Many of us are tired of the cold weather and welcome the warmer temperatures so we can get out of the house and enjoy the weather and do something fun with the family.

Here's a look at what's happening this weekend in East Texas.

For more information or to purchase tickets to listed ticketed events, click or tap on the event name to be redirected to their official page or website.

Canton First Monday Trade Days

Thursday - Sunday
First Monday Trade Days grounds - Canton

Shop your heart's desire this weekend as vendors are set up across 450 acres just north of downtown Canton. Vintage gold, trendy treasures, and unbeatable deals are found all over the place in addition to catching some live music, sampling and eating some phenomenal food. You're going to find the perfect find you never knew you needed at First Monday Trade Days in Canton.

East Texas Auto & Cycyle Show

Friday - Sunday
Hwy 64 E - Tyler

This car and motorcycle show is a benefit for the East Texas Crisis Center. The car show will be held at the Oil Palace in Tyler. The show will feature vehicles of all makes and models from every decade, some of which are extremely rare. This event is perfect for car and motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages!

There is an admission fee for this event.

Fresh 15

Saturday @ 7a
Old Jacksonville Hwy - Tyler

The 12th annual Fresh 15 race is happening March 1st. Fresh 15 is not just a race – it’s an experience. Recognized as one of the top 15Ks in the country, this premier event is a must-run for athletes of all levels. Choose from a 15K, 5K, or Kids’ 1K and enjoy an unmatched race-day atmosphere with top-tier swag, a safe and spectator-filled course, and an epic post-race celebration. Plus, 100% of race revenue is donated back to non-profit organizations within our community.

There is an entry fee to participate in the race.

Oscar Mayer Weinermobile

Thursday - Sunday
various locations around Tyler

The world-famous hotdog on wheels is coming through Tyler. It will be making six stops around town this weekend.

THURSDAY
Brookshire’s ⋅ 100 W Rice Rd. ⋅ 11am-2pm
Brookshire’s ⋅ 2734 E 5th St. ⋅ 3pm-6pm

FRIDAY
Brookshire’s ⋅ 2020 Roseland Blvd. ⋅ 11am-2pm
Super 1 Foods ⋅ 113 NNW Loop 323 ⋅ 3pm-6pm

SATURDAY
Fresh by Brookshire’s ⋅ 6991 Old Jacksonville Hwy. ⋅ 7am-11am (Brookshire’s Grocery Annual 15K Event)

SUNDAY
Super 1 Foods ⋅ 1105 E Gentry Pkwy ⋅ 11am-2pm
Super 1 Foods ⋅ 172 Centennial Parkway ⋅ 3pm-6pm

March 1st Market Days

Saturday 9a-2pm
E State Hwy 204 - Jacksonville

Join us for a spectacular day in the country full of shopping, live music, food & fellowship. Bring your family and friends to spend the day browsing through artisan crafts, vintage & antique finds, small businesses, collectibles, and more!

Rose City 43rd Chili Cookoff

Saturday and Sunday
Patton Ln - Tyler

Create your own pot of chili and submit it for judging in this CASI-sanctioned chili cook-off happening at The Park of East Texas. There will be categories for beans and no beans, junior division, showmanship, and sanctioned event. Bust out that chili pot and spices, and get to cookin'!

Touch-A-Truck

Saturday 10a-2pm
Garrison Convention Center - Lufkin

TOUCH-A-TRUCK IS BACK!
Get ready for a day of BIG trucks and BIG fun! This FREE event lets kids climb, explore, and even get behind the wheel of their favorite vehicles—from fire trucks and police cars to construction rigs and helicopters!
Live music, food trucks, and non-stop fun!

2nd annual Dr Seuss Days

Saturday 11a-4p
N Main St - Lindale

Join us for our annual dr Seuss Day! We will have story time at 11, 1, 2, and 3 that includes a snack and a drink! We will have some $5 craft opportunities as well! Take 10% off any Dr Seuss items! Can’t wait to see you

Kilgore Theatre presents "As You Like It'

Thursday - Sunday
S Henderson Blvd - Kilgore

This winter, the Texas Shakespeare Festival will join forces once again with Kilgore College Theatre to create a show featuring both professional and student actors. As You Like It, one of William Shakespeare’s most delightful romantic comedies, is the perfect show for both seasoned theatre lovers and newcomers. It features memorable characters, disguises, and mistaken identities, alongside some of the Bard’s most famous speeches.

This is a ticketed event.

Kilgore ArtWalk

Saturday 3p-7p
downtown Kilgore - Kilgore

Despite the current chilly weather, Spring will arrive soon! Join us for a FREE event celebrating local art!
There will be arts and crafts vendors, demonstrations, performances, and kids' activities.
Free setup for artists, artisans, and arts-centered organizations.

4th annual Community Chili Cook Off

Saturday 5p
Gilmer Square - Gilmer

Hey, Gilmer! Put on your stretchy pants and get ready to eat! We're hosting a community Chili Cook-Off for the third year in a row that will knock your socks off. As a bonus this year, Danny Sharpe will be playing live on stage from 5-7pm!
If you think you've got what it takes, enter the competition! The winner of Best Chili will claim a $1,000 PRIZE! Register at the Chamber Office in Downtown Gilmer, or find the registration form here: cutx.org/chilicookoff.

The event is free, but there is a charge to participate in the all-you-can-eat chili portion.