Summer 2026 Events Promise Fun and Inspiration
This summer promises to inspire visitors and residents alike in the Upper East Side of Texas with an eclectic list of things to do, culminating in a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. Here are a few events below. Be sure to check the calendars of the thriving small towns and cultural districts, venues,, as well as the new Upper East Side TEXAS Magazine, and ExploreNortheastTexas.com.
Through 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
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. He performs 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
Cinco de Mayo. Mount Pleasant. Live entertainment, food, and family fun. Fair Park. www.visitmountpleasanttx.com
9th Annual Kentucky Derby Party. Longview. 4-7 p.m. Presented by the Gregg County Historical Museum. Derby Day attire. The Cherokee Club, NP-2 Lake Cherokee Drive. (903) 753-5840. gregghistorical.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
Heritage Day Festival. Bonham. Live music, food trucks, restaurant and shopping specials, kids activities, car show, 5K run, and tours of the 188 historical courthouse. Free. (903) 583-9830. www.visitbonham.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 8-10, 15-17, and 22-24
A Piece of My Heart. Rockwall. A powerful, true drama of six women who went to Vietnam: five nurses and a country western singer booked by an unscrupulous agent to entertain the troops. The play portrays each young woman before, during, and after her tour in the war-torn nation and ends as each leaves a personal token at the memorial wall in Washington. rockwallcommunityplayhouse.org
May 8-9
Spring Piney Woods Wine Festival. Lindale. Wine garden, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music. Picker’s Pavilion. $15. www.visitlindale.com
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. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Artistic vendors, food truck court, musical, dance, and theatrical performances, Shopping at the downtown merchants and restaurants. Lee Street. (903) 450-1491. 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
Mother’s Day Lunch Train. Palestine. Whisk Mom away back in time as we journey through the East Texas Piney Woods on this 4-hour round-trip excursion. Deborah at the Rusk Depot and enjoy a savory, catered Mother’s Day Lunch on beautifully decorated grounds by the lake. (855) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
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
May 13
Clue. Tyler. Cowan Center. www.cowancenter.org
May 16
Majors Field Fly-In. Greenville. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Airplane rides, food trucks, kids activities, mobile theater, and more. Majors Field Municipal Airport. travelgreenvilletx.com
May 16-17
North Texas Arts Festival. Denison. Two days of art, music, and hands-on featuring more than 30 artists, live performances, and interactive activities like dumpster painting, a downtown scavenger hunt, and live mural art. Katy Depot. tdenisonartscouncil.org
May 21-23
Salmon Lake Park Gospel Bluegrass Festival. Grapeland. Bluegrass gospel artists perform uplifting songs. Salmon Lake Park. slpbluegrass.com/gospel-festival
May 22-23
Piney Woods Express Steam. Palestine. Step aboard the Piney Woods Express Steam Excursion for 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) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
May 22-24
National Polka Festival. Ennis. Features live polka performances, traditional dances, and authentic Czech food. There is no admission fee to the downtown part of the festival. nationalpolkafestival.com
May 23
Matt Ferrell Comedy Show. Sulphur Springs. Main Street Theatre. www.communityplayersinc.com
Hunt County Carry the Load. Greenville. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Remembering those who paid the ultimate price for safety and freedom. Food trucks, playground, splash pads, music, and recognition program. Graham Park. travelgreenvilletx.com
May 23-September 13
America 250: The Caddo Nation and Native Perspectives. Longview. Longview Museum of Fine Arts. lmfa.org
June 1 – June 30
Juneteenth Exhibition by Humanities Texas. Longview. Longview City Hall, 300 W. Cotton St. longviewtexas.gov
June 4
Patriotic ArtWalk. Longview. 5-8 p.m. Presented by Arts!Longview, featuring patriotic tunes performed by the ArtsView Children’s Theatre Show Choir. Downtown Longview. artwalklongview.com
June 6
The Speakeasy Special. Palestine. Journey back in time to experience an era of prosperity, indulgence, and carefree living. Twenties attire. At the Rusk depot enjoy a live jazz band and a 1920s themed dinner. (855) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
June 6, 7 and 13, 14
Broadway Musical Revue. Winnsboro. Songs from Rent, South Pacific, and other musicals. Presented by the Bowery Players and WCA Community Choir. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
June 12- 14
Great Texas Balloon Race. Longview. Patriotic Drone Show, balloon glow, concerts, and competitive hot air balloon racing. gtbr.net
June 12-20
Hopkins County Dairy Festival, Balloon Fest, and Ice Cream Freeze Off. Sulphur Springs. (903) 885-8071. www.hopkinscountydairyfestival.com
June 12-August 30
America 250 Trailblazing Texas Wonder Women Exhibition. McKinney. Artworks highlighting women of Texas who transformed society as icons and pioneers in leadership, innovation, entertainment, business, and activism. Atrium Gallery, Cotton Mill Arts District. millhousefoundation.org/atrium-gallery
June 13
42nd Annual Tomato Fest. Jacksonville. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. More than 500 vendors, food, shopping, entertainment, and fun. www.jacksonvilletexas.com/tomato-fest
June 13
Texas Blueberry Festival. Nacogdoches. www.visitnacogdoches.org
June 19
Piney Woods Express Steam. Palestine. Step aboard the Piney Woods Express Steam Excursion for 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) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
Juneteenth. Terrell. An important day of remembrance and cultural pride. Terrell’s Juneteenth celebration honors freedom with performances, speakers, food, and community fellowship. This celebration is held in historic Breezy Hill Park. discoverterrell.com
Juneteenth in the Park. Longview. Noon-8 p.m., Teague Park, 415 American Legion Blvd. longviewtexas.gov
June 20
Juneteenth. Longview. Parade 10 a.m., Festival, Noon-7 p.m. with food, music, children’s activities, historical sessions at Broughton Park; Business Expo, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Broughton Recreation Center. longviewtexas.gov
Dogwood Jamboree. Palestine. Musicians from all over East Texas gather to perform live in this Branson-style event with comedy, music, and fun for the whole family. (800) 659-3484
Father’s Day Lunch Train. Palestine. (855) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
Bri Bagwell. Winnsboro. Winnsboro Center for the Arts. www.winnsborocenterforthearts.com
June 25
Malpass Brothers. Greenville. www.showtimeatthegma.com
June 25, July 2, 4, 10, 12, 17, 19, 23, and 25
A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com
June 26, July 3, 5, 10, 12, 16, 18, 23, and 25
Emma. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com
June 27
Pints in the Pines. Palestine. This is an adult-only excursion departing from Palestine and travel through the Piney Woods of East Texas to the Rusk Rail Depot while sampling several local or regional beers and appetizers. Upon arrival at the Rusk Depot, enjoy a catered dinner with dessert outside as the sun sets. (855) 632-7729. www.texasstaterailroad.net
Gregg County Historical Museum Block Party. Longview. 1-3 p.m. Historical Marker display. greghistorical.org
Independence Festival. Sulphur Springs. Music by East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Veteran’s march, giant fireworks display. Bring lawn chairs. Celebration Plaza, Downtown. (888) 300-6623. www.visitsulphurspringstx.org
June 27, July 3, 5, 9, 11, 16, 18, 24, and 26
Hamlet. Kilgore. Texas Shakespeare Festival. www.texasshakespeare.com
June 28, July 2, 4, 9, 11,
17, 19, 24, & 26
1776. Kilgore. A musical theatre depiction of the birth of North America, filled with memorable songs and clever dialogue. Book by Peter Stone. Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards. Based on the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 showcases the political drama navigated by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. Part of the 2026 Texas Shakespeare Festival. texasshakespeare.com
July 3-4
America 250: A Star-Spangled Jubilee. Palestine. Fireworks, live music by Detroit Steel, historical showcases, a barbecue food truck showdown, parade, car show, vendors, and. More. Friday, 6-10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (800) 649-3484. Get full schedule and locations on visitpalestine.com/america250.
July 4
Terrell Freedom Fest. Annual celebration of freedom with a spectacular Independence Day tradition that lights up the Terrell sky. www.discoverterrell.com
Freedom Festival. Henderson. Lake Forest Park. www.visithenderstontx.com
Fireworks & Freedom. Longview. Free event featuring the Longview Symphony Orchestra in concert along with a headliner band, vendors, activities, and the biggest fireworks show in Longview’s history. Longview Convention Complex. longviewtexas.gov/2394/Fireworks
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake. ccveteransfoundation.org/thunder-over-cedar-creek-lake-airshow
Lake Jacksonville July 4th Celebration. Jacksonville. Public viewing is available from the campground and surrounding shorelines. Viewers on the water must stay clear of the barge setup area. Free. Learn more on explorejacksonvilletx.org
Fourth of July Celebration. Canton. Morning parade, followed by car show, live music, and wrapping up with fireworks at dark. visitcantontx.com
Tyler Independence Day. Food trucks, music, games, and fireworks. Lindsey Park. visittyler.com
Independence Day Celebration. Rockwall. Harry Myers Park. visitrockwall.com
Fourth of July Extravaganza. Kilgore. Patriotic parade, live music by The Jukebox Heroes, food trucks, and fireworks. Bring chairs and blankets to concert and fireworks show. Extended hours at Kilgore City Pool and Lazy S Splash ranch until 8:30 p.m. visitkilgore.com
Annual 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks. Mineola. Music, food, activities, fireworks. Mineola Civic Center. (903) 569-6115. www.mccrvpark.com
