15 Fun Spring Activities And Events For Your Weekend

It's officially SPRING in East Texas! This will be our first full spring weekend and it will be feeling like it thanks to the abundant sunshine and temperatures hovering around 80 degrees.

Spring festival season is in full swing. Beginning this weekend and going through early June there will just about be a major festival or event to attend somewhere in East Texas.

We kick off the season this weekend with the opening of the Dogwood Trails in Palestine and the Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trails in Tyler. However, those are not the only things happening this weekend. There are a lot of fun family things to do all weekend long.

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.

Longview Spring Carnival

March 20th - March 30th
Longview Mall - Longview

Spring is the perfect time to have some family fun at the carnival. The temperatures are just right for the Ferris Wheel, Tilt-O-Whirl, Freak Out, Carousel, Zipper, Ring Of Fire, Swings, and more.

The Evans United Shows Huge Spring Carnival will be at the Longview Mall from Thursday, March 20th through Sunday, March 30th. There will be lots of rides, games, and carnival food too.

Admission is free along with parking. There is an admission fee to get on the rides. Get your coupons or ride armbands to gain access to the fun.

Weeknights: Open at 6 PM Saturday & Sunday: Open at 1 PM

2025 Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration

March 21st - April 6th
Dogwood Trails - 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!

Dogwood Festival

Saturday 10a-4p
W Main St - Palestine

Join us for the Dogwood Festival on March 22nd, 2025, in Palestine, TX! The day starts with a vibrant parade at 10 AM, followed by festival activities from 9 AM to 4 PM. Wander through the art tent showcasing talented artists, enjoy live music throughout the day, and explore streets lined with vendors offering unique treasures and mouth-watering food. Organized by the Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2025 Dogwood Festival promises a blend of community spirit, creativity, and celebration among the blooming dogwoods.

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Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trails

March 21st - April 6th
Azalea Trails - 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.

42nd annual Tyler Azalea Run

Saturday @ 8a
Bergfeld Park - Tyler

This 10k, 5k, and 1k Kid's Run will have you running and walking through Tyler's historic Azalea district. The race begins at 8a and there is a registration fee for this race.

Carlisle VFD Chili Cook-Off

Saturday @ 9a
FM 13 W - Henderson

This is a scholarship fundraising event presented by the Carlisle VFD. The event will be held at Hudgens Park on FM 13 W and will host a cake walk, chili competition, bounce houses, entertainment, and vendor booths. Judging begins at noon. There is an entry fee if you'd like to participate in the chili cook-off.

Azalea Arts & Crafts Fair 2025

Saturday and Sunday
Bergfeld Park - Tyler

Join Us at the Azalea Arts and Crafts Fair in Tyler, Texas!

Mark your calendar for the annual Azalea Arts and Crafts Fair, hosted by the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, at Bergfeld Park, 1510 S. College Ave. on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, 2025.

This vibrant event will feature over 70 booths showcasing a wide variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, pottery, crocheted items, candles, baked goods, and much more. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, home decor, or handmade treasures, this fair has something for everyone!

The fair will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to the public, and there will be food trucks available for a fee. Enjoy live entertainment both days, with local choirs, dance schools, and bands performing throughout the event.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy a fun-filled weekend with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!

Local Vendor Market

Saturday 9a-5p
N Tyler St - Big Sandy

Join us on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 9 am to 5 pm at the Civic Center in Big Sandy, Texas, for an exciting event you won't want to miss! We’ll have over 150+ vendors showcasing a variety of products, so there’s something for everyone. Come check out the latest deals, enjoy some great finds, and meet fellow community members.

Strut Your Mutt - 1 Mile Wag Walk

Saturday 10a-11a
HG Mosely Pkwy - Longview

We're BACK for Spring 2025!! Join us on Saturday, March 22 for the BEST Saturday morning of the year. Our annual FAMILY FUN 1-Mile Wag Walk! The walk starts at 10 AM (registration- 9:30 AM).

Registration is required- ONE DOG PER PERSON PER REGISTRATION (must be over 13 years old to actually Walk the dog). Registration includes an Event T-shirt and Dog Bandanna. EACH DOG MUST HAVE ITS OWN WALKER. NOTE: Registration is for YOUR DOG- no charge for people.

Clay & Coffee

Saturday 10-3p
S Mahon Ave - Tyler

The artisan market will feature several Texas-based ceramicists offering handmade mugs and other unique ceramics for sale. Locally roasted coffee beans and other related supplies will also be available. The event will also include complimentary beverages. In addition to the market, admission to the museum will be free. There will also be art activities for all ages.

Cinderella Project

Saturday 1p-5p
E Duval St - Troup

Proverbs Women's Bible Study is hosting a pop-up prom dress boutique, where high school girls from Troup, Whitehouse, and Arp can come shop and take home a gently worn dress for free and help make their prom dreams come true!

Appointments are encouraged but not necessary! Light refreshments will be served.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner

Saturday 4p-8p
Grace Communion - Big Sandy

Come visit our Italian restaurant in the heart of Big Sandy! Our teens will serve your dinner in style while you support their church camp trip this summer. Regular price meals - $8; Seniors -$6; kids 5 and under eat FREE!

2nd annual ASET Messier Marathon

Saturday @ 7p
Mineola Nature Preserve - Mineola

2nd Annual ASET Messier Marathon. Goes all night long- try to find as many Messier objects as you can!

Mom's Night In

Saturday 6p-8p
S Broadway Ave - Tyler

Slip into your comfiest PJs and join us for a Moms’ Night In—a cozy and meaningful pajama party benefiting The Mourning Forecast! This special night is all about connection, creativity, and giving back.

Design your own charm bracelet, necklace, or cup charm, with each charm representing a story, a memory, or a loved one. Every ticket purchase helps support grieving families by funding resources, advocacy, and compassionate care through The Mourning Forecast.

Let’s come together for a night of laughter, love, and lasting keepsakes—all while making a difference. The event is being held at Good Vibes Nutrition Cafe & More in Tyler.

Tyler Blooms Art Showcase & Sale

Friday - Sunday
S College Ave - Tyler

This Showcase is a special FREE event for the Tyler Azalea Trail experience. It highlights the beautiful work of several local artists inspired by the beauty of East Texas. Come vote for your favorite as there will be a People's Choice award. The artists participating have been specifically selected for this event which is sure to please!