12 Things To Do Around East Texas This Weekend – March 21

(East Texas) Buckle up East Texas, your spring weekends are about to be filled with activity after activity after activity. Not to mention the festivals that'll be happening on your weekends too!

You're going to have ample opportunities to get that 'fair food' fix that you've been missing out on since the last fair, and Yamboree were in town last fall! Funnel cakes, cotton candy, turkey legs, and so much more. All of that goodness, and more, will be available at any of this spring's festivals.

Your weekends are about to be packed with ball games, gymnastics, and other activities for your kids. They're also going to want to go to the carnival that's in town, but you've gotta go through the house and do some spring cleaning. Plus, you've gotta start taking care of the lawn, too.

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With so much to do, now is the time to start planning to add in the weekend fun too! We've been cooped up in the house all winter long, so let's get out there and have some fun and create some memories with the kids. There's lots to do this spring.

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

For more information or to purchase tickets for any ticketed event listed, click or tap the event name to go to its official page for tickets and additional information.

2026 Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration
March 20 - April 5
Palestine

Celebrating the beautiful blooms on the dogwood trees each week, the Palestine area will be bursting with beauty and visitors for three weeks! The driving trails feature the dogwoods meandering throughout Palestine, and each weekend, there are special events planned to feature car shows, wine tasting, rodeo, train excursions, and much more. All the information you need to know is online here!

Tyler Azalea & Spring Flower Trail
March 20 - April 5
Tyler

Dating back to the 1930s, the Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trail has a deep history within the city. Millions of azalea blooms burst with vibrant color each year along nearly 10 miles of trails that meander through Tyler's Azalea District. Accessible by vehicle or foot, visitors from around the city, county, state, and nation will be treated to these colorful blooms along with other spring flowers that have been perfectly manicured by their owners.

Journey HQ Dogwood Fest Car Show

Saturday @ 7:30a
W Spring St - Palestine

Welcome to the Dogwood Festival with a day of cool rides and great people in downtown Palestine. The car show will be along W Spring St. Classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more will be on display. The event is free to the public, but a registration fee is required to show a vehicle.

49th annual LeTourneau University Automotive Society Car Show

Saturday 9a-3p
671 Weller Dr - Longview

This is a rescheduled event from March 7th. The gates open at 10 for spectators to view sports cars, customs, hot rods, antiques, trucks, JDM, Euro, motorcycles, and more. There is a registration fee to participate in the car show, with proceeds benefitting mission trips. The event is open to the public.

Azalea Arts & Crafts Fair 2026

Saturday and Sunday 9a-5p
1500 S College Ave - Tyler

As Tyler welcomes visitors to the city for the annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, it also welcomes artisans of all kinds to the annual Arts & Crafts Fair at Bergfeld Park. Vendors will be set up selling all sorts of homemade goods, crafts, treats, and more.

There will be activities and food trucks available along with live music and dancing troops.

READ MORE --> Your Complete Guide To All The Big Spring Festivals In 2026

Shamrocks & Shenanigans 2026 - Historic Downtown Jefferson

Saturday @ 10a
N Polk St - Jefferson

The annual Shamrocks & Shenanigans event is Saturday. Stroll through the downtown shops looking for green shamrocks to collect and win prizes. 8 downtown businesses are participating in the event this year.

Hike & Yoga

Saturday @ 10a
1860 CR 2724 - Mineola

Enjoy hiking a few miles and a FREE 30-minute yoga class! This is open for the community and any and all skill levels. We hope to bring like-minded people together and spread some positivity! So bring your yoga mat, some water, and your tennis shoes & let’s have some fun!!

Spring Carnival at Longview Mall

daily through March 29
Longview Mall - Longview

The spring carnival is in town with thrills waiting for the whole family. There will be family rides to thrill rides, games, and of course, carnival food too! Get those unlimited ride wrist bands! There is an admission fee to ride the rides and play games. Weather permitting.

Tyler Blooms Art Show and Sale

Saturday 10a-1p
328 S College Ave - Tyler

At the newly renovated and expanded art center in Tyler, artists will have their vibrant creations on display. More than 20 talented artists will be displaying their art to the public that they have created.

East Texas Spring Fest

Saturday 10a-4p
29418 Hwy 64 - Canton

The spring fest in Canton will feature fun for families from local businesses. There will be an egg hunt at 2 p.m., a kids' corner with fun, safe games, vendors, shopping opportunities, live music, and food trucks.

Black Beauty Ranch Tour

Saturday @ 10:30a
12526 CR 3806 - Murchison

This will be a guided experience that offers a unique opportunity to see and learn about the remarkable animals who have found lifelong sanctuary at Black Beauty Ranch. The tour involved driving through the 1,400-acre sanctuary. Guests will view expansive natural habitats and pastures while hearing the stories of the residents who now live in safety and peace. This is a ticketed event.

Lord Of The Rings Mordor Map Challenge

Saturday @ 2p
706 W Cotton St - Longview

This is an adventure full of challenges, riddles, and more. The quest will be an epic journey to save Middle-earth. It is a free event happening at the Longview Arboretum. Choose your difficulty level - ranger or a hobbit! This event is a buildup to the "Lord Of The Rings" concert on April 18 at the Belcher Center on the campus of LeTourneau University in Longview.