Thanks to movers and shakers of Upper East Side Texas, there are record numbers of fun and meaningful things to do in the region as the spring season gets underway. Here are a few events below and be sure to check the calendars of the lively small towns and cultural districts for even more.
Through Mid-March
Mrs Lee’s Daffodil Garden. Gladewater.
Through March 21
Kaleidoscope Kingdom. Winnsboro. Wildly colored animal art. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Through March 27
Where Freedom Rides: Juneteenth, Women, and the Texas Rodeo Spirit. Gregg County Historical Museum. www.gregghistorical.org
Through April 19
At 55. Tyler Museum of Art’s Legacy. Celebrating the museum’s 55th anniversary, the exhibition features archival images and printed materials from the TMA’s beginnings. The exhibition also includes a selection of works from the Permanent Collection which celebrate the institution’s rich exhibition history. www.tylermuseum.org
Through May 10
Encased: Angel Oloshove. Tyler. Houston based artist experiments with painterly glazes to express feeling transcendental through form and color. Tyler Museum of Art. www.tylermuseum.org
March 1
Tribute to Townes Van Zandt. Ben Wheeler. Features singer-songwriters performing and paying tribute to the late Townes Van Zandt, one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century. The Forge Bar & Grill. theforgebenwheeler.com
March 5
Vitamin String Quartet. Tyler. One of the most popular string ensembles in the world, VSQ erases the boundaries between classical, dance, hip-hop and pop, performing spellbinding renditions of everything from Billie Eilish to BTS, Taylor Swift to The Weeknd, and Elfman to Daft Punk. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
March 6
Josh Weathers. Tyler. Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ. stanleysfamous.com
March 6-8
North Texas Irish Festival. Dallas. ntif.org
The Jungle Book. Sulphur Springs. Community Players. Main Street Theatre. www.communityplayersinc.com
March 6-8 & 13-15
The Lion in Winter. Greenville. Christmas 1183. England’s King Henry II has released his imprisoned wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, from captivity for the holidays. But this is no ordinary family reunion. With three ambitious sons vying for the throne, a young French king demanding his promised bride, and a kingdom hanging in the balance, the royal couple engages in a spectacular battle of wits, barbs, and betrayals. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
March 7
Saturdays on Main. Palestine. A day full of special shopping, dining, and public art. visitpalestine.com/mainstreet
Sean McConnell. 7:30 p.m. The Bowery Stage. winnsborocenterforthearts.com
CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul. Marshall. A powerhouse tribute to 50 years of iconic, chart-topping hits from legends like Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, and more. Memorial City Hall Performance Center. memorialcityhall.com
March 8
Peppa Pig: My First Concert. Tyler. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
March 11-14
Piney Woods Express Steam. Palestine. A scenic journey through East Texas and 135 years of history. Powered by No. 30, a 1917 Baldwin Locomotive Works, this 4-hour round-trip departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot and includes a layover at Rusk Rail Depot for lunch, exploration, and history. Multiple seating options available. (855) 632–7736 www.texasstaterailroad.net
March 14
St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl and Shamrock Stroll. Denison. Start the day with the Shamrock Stroll, featuring exclusive retail deals, games, and the fan-favorite Shamrock Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge. Then keep the celebration going with live music, local food, and the evening Pub Crawl along Texas’ longest Main Street. discoverdenison.com
Motorized Bar Stool Races. Ben Wheeler. The popular races began in Dallas in 1978 and moved to Ben Wheeler a few years ago. The main attraction is the souped up motorized carts racing down Highway 279. Other festivities include artist vendors, street food, green beer, Irish tacos, leprechaun egg rolls, and live music all day. benwheelertx.com
Dogwood Jamboree. Palestine. Musicians from all over East Texas gather to perform live. It’s a Branson-style event with comedy, music, and fun for the whole family. Palestine High School Auditorium. visitpalestine.com
Art Walk. Jefferson. Meet and mingle with artists from the area who share their pottery, photography, paintings, jewelry, and other inspiring creations. Then sip, nibble, and walk through local businesses. visitjeffersontexas.com
March 14
Michael Johnson. Sulphur Springs. An evening with the author/humorist, playwright. Main Street Theatre. www.communityplayersinc.com
March 15
Beast Of The Backroads Run. Longview. 10-mile run and ruck and a 5K run. Private Ranch, 2345 N. Page Road. texasoutlawrunning.com/beast
March 20
Collin Raye. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
March 20-21
Dogwood Festival Art Show. Palestine. visitpalestine.com
March 20-21
When You Wish Upon a Star: Heroes vs Villains. Sulphur Springs. Shining Star Productions. The Roc, 115 Putman St. www.ticketstothecity.com
Bloom Trolley Tours. Palestine. Hop aboard a guided trolley bus tour and experience the breathtaking beauty of Davey Dogwood Park in full bloom. The tour goes through the park to see the blooms, walk the trails, and enjoy the beauty of spring. visitpalestine.com
March 20-April 5
Dogwood Trails Celebration. Palestine. This tradition has been going strong for more than 80 years, drawing thousands of visitors to soak in the stunning dogwood blooms and join in the fun festivities. Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and the surrounding area. There’s a variety of activities scheduled each weekend (Friday-Sunday) including Old Town carriage rides. visitpalestine.com
Azalea and Spring Flower Trail. Tyler. 1959. March/April. This celebration of blooming azaleas, dogwood trees, and spring flowers was voted one of the Top 100 Events in North America. visittyler.com/azaleatrail
March 21
Dogwood Festival. Palestine. The longest running Dogwood Festival in the state of Texas, the event celebrates the season of beautiful Dogwood blooms of East Texas with live music, art, specialty products, food vendors, kids’ activities and more!. palestinechamber.org
LitCon 2026. Greenville. Vendors, voice actors, cosplayers, contests. Fletcher Warren Civic Center. travelgreenvilletx.com
Spirits of Oakwood. Tyler. Tours visit six gravesites, and historians in period costume bring that person to life, telling their personal story. Oakwood Cemetery. oakwoodcemeterytyler.com
March Miata Madness. Jefferson. See the line up of Miatas from vintage to modern. Austin Street. www.visitjeffersontexas.com
Vicki Lawrence & Mama: A Two Woman Show. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
Golden Spike Day Celebration. Denison. Red River Railroad Museum. redriverrailroadmuseum.org
Discover Denison Progressive Dinner. Denison. Taste, sip, and explore Denison’s vibrant culinary scene in one night. Stroll through the city’s award-winning Main Street while enjoying curated courses and craft drinks from local restaurants and bars. Discover Denison Visitor Center. discoverdenison.com
March 21-22
Sherman Celtic Festival & Highland Games. Live music, Scottish and Irish dance, clan village, highland games. Pecan Grove Park. shermancelticfest.com
Art Book Fair. Dallas. This annual event brings together regional, national, and international artists, presses, publishers, galleries, and bookstores for an immersive celebration of print culture. Dallas Contemporary. dallascontemporary.org/dallas-art-book-fair
March 21-22 & 28-29
PROOF. Winnsboro. The Bowery Players presents this Pulitzer Prize drama. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
March 21-April 30
Fairy Garden Trails. Palestine. A touch of magic appears among the blooming trees of Davey Dogwood Park mid-March through the end of April. Explore a mile-long trail filled with tiny fairy houses that were carefully crafted from Earth-friendly materials by volunteers from across the state. visitpalestine.com/fairygarden
March 21 & 28
Dogwood Lunch Train. Palestine. 4-hour round-trip journey. Expand all of your senses with a delicious meal and a front-row seat to the Dogwood Days springtime show. Guests in each class on the Dogwood Lunch Train are served champagne or sparkling cider and an appetizer onboard. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Lunch is included in ticket price and is served outside on the grounds of the Rusk Rail Depot. (855) 632–7736 www.texasstaterailroad.net
March 21-23, 28-30, & April 4-6
1776 The Musical. Rockwall. Witness the birth of a nation as the European founding settlers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence. It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence if only the founding fathers can agree to do it. 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org
March 22
An Afternoon with Rachmaninoff & Mendelssohn. Greenville.. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
March 25-June 13
BLOOM Art Exhibition. Winnsboro. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
March 26-28
Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival. Palestine. A three-day event, featuring live performances, jamming sessions, and workshops led by artists from around the country. oldpalmusic.com
March 27
Andy Gross: Are You Kidding Me? Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
March 28
Chicago Tribute Authority. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
March 28
Dogwood Historic Home Tour. Palestine. Explore the second-largest collection of historic homes in Texas. This tour by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce showcases beautifully preserved homes and landmarks that highlight the city’s architectural heritage. (903) 729-6066, palestinechamber.org
March 29
Ham Scramble. Sulphur Springs. Hopkins County’s larges game of musical chairs. Celebration Plaza on the Square. 3 p.m. $5. www.visitsulphurspringstx.org
March 31
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical. Tyler. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
April 1-30
Bluebonnet Trails. Ennis. Showcasing more than 40 miles of mapped driving trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, these are the oldest such trails known in the state. bluebonnettrail.org
April 3-4
Steak Wars. Paris. More than 40 cook-off teams compete for the grand prize. There are more than 1,550 steaks to devour, plus sides, drinks, and vendors and live music. Paris Eiffel Tower. parissteakwars.com
April 3-4, 8-11
Rangerette Revels. Kilgore. The Rangerettes’ annual spring show is the culmination of the dance team’s performing season. The show follows a theme and includes a wide variety of dance genres, including the Rangerettes signature “high kick” production for the finale. Dodson Auditorium, Kilgore College. rangerette.com/events/revels
April 3, 10, 11, 17, and 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
Downtown Live. Longview. Annual outdoor music series with food trucks. Heritage Plaza, Downtown Longview. visitlongviewtexas.com
April 4
Easter Lunch Train. Palestine. 4-hour round-trip journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas. Deboard the train at the Rusk Rail Depot and have a savory Easter lunch on the beautifully decorated grounds by the lake. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase onboard. Multiple seating options available. (855) 632–7736 www.texasstaterailroad.net
April 4-25
Bloom 2026. Winnsboro. Find a vibrant celebration of spring with stunning window displays and exciting events throughout the month of April. Presented by the Winnsboro Center for the Arts and the Winnsboro Historical Museum, the event showcases the rich and historical past of Winnsboro while connecting it with current art and muralists. www.winnsboroBLOOM.com
April 4-May 25
Scarborough Renaissance Festival. Waxahachie. Discover a 35-acre recreation of a 16th century English village celebrating the visit of King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine Parr, their royal court, and guests with a festival of entertainment, artisans, food, magic, and merriment in the “Village of Scarborough.” srfestival.com
April 4-26
Avalon Faire. Kilgore. Wander through a whimsical wonderland where jesters jest and knights clash. Be serenaded by enchanting musical performers whose melodies drift through the enchanted woods of East Texas, setting the stage for merriment and magic at every turn. avalonfaire.com/home
April 9
The Jungle Book. Tyler. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
April 10
Texas Comedies: The Crash at The Crush. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
April 10-11
Piney Woods Express Steam. Palestine. Scenic journey through East Texas and 135 years of history. Powered by No. 30, a 1917 Baldwin Locomotive Works, this 4-hour round-trip departs from the historic Palestine Rail Depot and includes a layover at Rusk Rail Depot for lunch, exploration, and history. Multiple seating options available. (855) 632–7736 www.texasstaterailroad.net
April 11
America 250: Longview. The City of Longview, Gregg County, and surrounding East Texas communities is holding a historic slate of events to commemorate America 250 which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The multi-month celebration features a kickoff in April; exhibits at the historical and art museums; patriotic ArtWalk, concert, and play; a drone show at the Great Texas Balloon race; and concludes with the largest fireworks display in the city’s history on July 4. Kickoff day April 11 includes a parade and numerous events celebrating diverse cultures of East Texas. Get the full schedule on longviewtexas.gov/4444/America-250.
Dalton Days. Longview. 1994. April. Inspired by the true story of a bank robbery in Longview in 1894, this annual event features Wild West shows, blacksmith demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, concessions, and the famous Dalton Gang bank robbery reenactment. Gregg County Historical Museum. gregghistorical.org/dalton-days-2
Viva Las Vegas. Winnsboro. Fine art, wine pull, raffle, gift baskets, signature mocktails, buffet, Elvis impersonators.. Costume contest for Las Vegas vintage showgirl or Elvis attire. $35. 6-9 p.m. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Chautauqua Festival. Longview. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Celebrate the rich, diverse culture of Longview and East Texas with live music, performances, local authors, artists, and activities. Longview Public Library. www.longviewtexas.gov/4326/Library
Winefest. Paris. Taste Texas fine wines and delicious foods with local flair. Swag includes a commemorative Winefest glass and bag. paristexas.gov/336/paris-texas-wine-festival
April 15
Danny Gokey. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
April 15-May 9
Art in the Gallery. Winnsboro. Twenty-one school districts participate in this High School Art Competition Exhibition. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
April 16
Mark Chestnut. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
April 16-19
Mean Girls the Musical. Athens. Presentation by Trinity Valley Community College Theatre Department, this play is based on the hit film written by Tina Fey. Mean Girls the Musical brings the beloved story to life on stage with favorite characters and a high-energy pop-infused score.
In this retelling, new student Cady Heron tries to navigate the social jungle of North Shore High School, where she befriends artsy outsiders Janis Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard—and soon crosses paths with The Plastics, the school’s most popular clique led by the infamous Regina George. Pauline Knight Perkins Performing Arts Center on the TVCC Athens Campus.
April 17
Voices in Color. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
April 17-18
Old Fiddlers Reunion and Contest. Athens. The 95th annual event is packed with fun with a fiddle contest, classic car show, live music, children’s area, fair foods, street dances, and arts and crafts booths. Bring your lawn chairs to sit under the oak trees and relax while listening to some of the very best Western swing and bluegrass music Texas has to offer. athensfiddlers.com
April 17-19
Bluebonnet Trails Festival. Ennis. This three-day festival includes live music at a main stage and entertainment throughout the festival. There are more than 60 food, arts, and crafts vendors, and the Wine Wander tent for adults showcases Texas wineries. bluebonnettrail.org
April 17-19 & 24-26
Cheaper by the Dozen. Sulphur Springs. Community Players. Main Street Theatre. www.communityplayersinc.com
April 18
Art Walk. Lufkin. A vibrant showcase of local art where downtown businesses transform into galleries for the day. Visitors can explore and purchase works directly from local artists, enjoy live music, and experience downtown in a whole new way. www.lufkincreative.com
Circa’s Humans 2.0. Tyler. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
Lee Roy Parnell. 7:30 p.m. The Bowery Stage. winnsborocenterforthearts.com
April 18-27
Texoma Earth Day Festival. Sherman. A community-wide event where people learn practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint and impact on the planet. Attendance is free and open to the public. earthdaytexoma.org
April 21
Wheels That Formed a Nation. Gregg County Historical Museum. www.gregghistorical.org
April 23
Hotel California. Greenville. The original Eagles tribute. www.showtimeatthegma.com
April 23–26
45th Annual Terrell Jubilee. A beloved hometown tradition, the Terrell Jubilee returns with thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, vendors, live entertainment, and family activities. A celebration of heritage and community spirit. discoverterrell.com
April 24
Wine in the Pines. Palestine. Adults-only train journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas. Departing at 5 p.m. from the Palestine Depot, enjoy local wine samples, a moonlit ride, and dinner under the stars at the Rusk Depot. Complimentary appetizers, a keepsake wine glass, and a variety of beverages available onboard. (855) 632–7736 texasstaterailroad.net
Ray Wylie Hubbard. Yantis. Neon Moon Restaurant & Club. www.texasneonmoon.com
April 24-25
Wildflower Trails of Texas. The 56th annual tri-city festival celebrates the wildflowers that grow between the northeast Texas towns of Linden, Avinger, and Hughes Springs. Festivities, which vary by town, include live music, vendors, rodeos, fairs, and contests. wildflowertrailsoftexas.org
Camp Street Blues. Crockett. Experience the music that shaped America, from a blues-gospel opening to today’s powerful solo and group blues acts. Plus, enjoy a car show, delicious food, an artist walk, and plenty of good fun. discovercrocketttx.com/event-details/camp-street-blues-at-lightin-hopkins-park-2026
April 25
Wiggy Thump Festival. Palestine. Whiskey Myers band performs. Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion. whiskeymyers.com
April 25
Texas Hot Links Festival. Pittsburg. 2019. April. The Hot Link Capital of Texas celebrates each year with entertainment, chili cook-off, cooking competitions, farmers’ market, vehicle shows, artisan alley, craft vendors, food, and plenty of hot links. Downtown Pittsburg. texashotlinkfestival.com
Global Grooves with Dhaka Standard. Greenville Municipal Auditorium. www.showtimeatthegma.com.
Doc Holliday Saints and Sinners Festival. Denison. Experience the Wild West boomtown that was Denison in the late 1800s. The evening features gunfight shows, wagon rides, petting zoo, art displays, historical demonstrations, music and dance performances, and a vendor fair. facebook.com/docindenisontx
April 29
Bob Dylan: Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour. Tyler. Tickets range from $65.50 to $685.50. UT Tyler Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
April 30-May 3
Historic Pilgrimage Weekend. Jefferson. 79th Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage, themed “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future.” Experience various events highlighting the charm and history of the town, including the Historic Home And Twilight Garden Tours, the Artisan Craft Fair, Jay Gould Rail Car Tours, a quilt exhibit, a plant sale, and a Saturday parade and luncheon at the Excelsior House Hotel. jefferson-pilgrimage.com
April 30-May 3
The Diamond Bessie Murder Trial. Jefferson. This unique theatrical experience recreates the nationally famous trial that took place in Jefferson in the late 1800s. The adaptation, produced for more than seven decades, is a tradition during Pilgrimage weekend. Jefferson Playhouse. diamondbessieplay.com
May 1-2
Winnsboro Festival of Books. Dynamic entertainer and poet, Michael Guinn, returns to emcee this year’s event, which features singer/songwriter/author Bob Livingston. Livingston performs on The Bowery Stage and signs copies of his new book, Gypsy Alibi: A Gonzo Memoir, on Friday evening. He will have books for sale at the festival on Saturday and is interviewed by Michael Guinn on stage. Special activities are planned for the children, and parents can enroll young children from babies through age five to receive free books in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
Slade Baker Memorial Crawfish Cookoff. Paris. In memory of former fireman Slade Baker, who lost his life in 2019, this fundraiser includes an all-you-can-eat crawfish meal, live music, cornhole, and an auction. All proceeds from the event benefit first responder scholarships and help families in need. sladebakermemorial.com
May 1-10
Mama Mia. Athens. Henderson County Performing Arts Center. www.hcpac.org
May 2
Cinco de Mayo Festival. Waxahachie. Enjoy live music including mariachi bands and performances by folklórico dancers. visitwaxahachie.com
Horsey Derby. Palestine. A children’s stick horse race for fun and prizes in celebration of the Kentucky Derby. Palestine Farmers Market. palestinefarmersmarket.com
Taco’Bout Marshall. Marshall. Taco trucks line downtown, each offering tacos for purchase so guests can taste as many flavors as they’d like. Visitors can sample their favorites and cast their vote in the People’s Choice competition to help crown Marshall’s top taco. visitmarshalltexas.com
May 2-3
Geekend. Kilgore. The homegrown geek/pop culture convention in downtown features performances, cosplay, games, vendors, contests, and other activities. Geektopia. facebook.com/kilgoregeekend
Cinco de Mayo. Ennis. This annual celebration includes artists that have the community dancing and singing. Visitors can also expect ballet folklórico performances, authentic food selections, and local artisan vendors. visitennistexas.com/cinco-de-mayo
May 8
Lukas Nelson. Tyler. UT Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
May 9
Chonda Palooza. Greenville. Girls night comedy extravaganza with Chonda Pierce, Heather Land, and Karyn Williams. www.showtimeatthegma.com
Hunt County Festival of the Arts. Greenville. travelgreenvilletx.com
Taco Festival. Terrell. A flavorful fiesta in Historic Downtown Terrell celebrating local food, music, and culture. Guests can enjoy tacos, live entertainment, and artisan vendors. discoverterrell.com
Mark Hamre. Sulphur Springs. Main Street Theatre. www.communityplayersinc.com
May 9-10
Eiffel in Love with Quilts. Paris. Fourth annual Paris Quilt Show. Enter a quilt, be a vendor, or just enjoy the beautiful quilts on display. Love Civic Center. redriverquiltguild.com
