12 Things To Do Around East Texas This Weekend – July 25

(East Texas) When it comes to finding something to do with the family this weekend, our options may be limited, but there are some to choose from. Our decision to get out of the house will most likely come down to comfort versus heat. After all, though, it is summer and July.

East Texas is currently baking underneath a 'heat dome'. This weekend we'll be looking for activities and events that are indoors and offer quite a bit of cold air conditioning. Yeah, splashing around in the pool or in the lake and soaking up some good vitamin D is great, but with temperatures expected to be hovering around 100° and the heat index even higher, we can only take so much of the great outdoors in Texas in July!

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Highlights of upcoming events include a car show in Athens, a dog show in Longview, a dive-in movie in Kilgore, several farmers' markets, and other events happening this weekend.

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

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

Caring For America Benefit Car Show

Saturday 8a-2p
1798 State Highway 31 - Athens

The Caring For America Benefit Car Show will be held at Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Athens and is a benefit car show for the First Responder Scholarship program. The car show helps to raise scholarship funds for first responder scholarships while bringing the community together for a great cause, great vehicles, and a great day. This is a free event to attend, but registration is required to show a car in the show. Donations will be accepted for the scholarship program.

Longview Kennel Club AKC Dog Show

Friday - Sunday
Maude Cobb Activity Center
100 Grand Blvd - Longview

More than 200 AKC-recognized dog breeds can compete in the show this year. There is no admission for spectators; however, there is a registration fee for dogs to compete in the dog show.

Tyler Kennel Club Obedience Trials

Friday - Sunday
Longview Exhibit Center
100 Grand Blvd - Longview

Tyler Obedience Training Club will hold AKC-sanctioned Dog Obedience and Rally Trials at the Longview Exhibit Building. Highly trained dogs will vie for titles, prizes, and special awards in activities that range from basic obedience to the more advanced classes that involve retrieving scented objects and performing jumps. The event is open to the public to watch, and admission is free.

Dock Diving Trials

Friday - Sunday
Longview Convention Center Agriculture Pavilion
100 Grand Blvd - Longview

The SouthCentral Mobile Dock will have Dog Dock Diving competitions at the Longview Convention Center Agriculture Pavilion. Admission is free to watch the canine athletes as they jump and dive for the prize. This event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

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Framed Jeweled Mosaic Workshop

Saturday @ 10a
1024 S College Ave - Tyler

This one-day workshop is suitable for beginners to experienced crafters and offers an opportunity to create an amazing, jeweled mosaic art piece, with much detailing and no grouting. You will be provided with the frames, prepared velvet-lined boards, and patterns necessary for you to go home with your own finished masterpiece! This is a ticketed event.

Family Fun Day On The Ranch

Saturday 10a-5p
FM 2911 - Big Sandy

Pale Horse Ranch and Noah's Ark Road Show invite you out for trail rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, fishing, yard games, and fun for the family.

Pokémon Jr League

Saturday 2p-6p
1111 E Tyler St - Athens

Pokémon Jr League is here! Young Trainers are invited to join us for a fun, friendly Pokémon TCG event made just for junior players. Whether they’re learning the game, practicing with a deck, trading cards, or battling other Trainers, Pokémon Jr League is a great way to build skills, confidence, and friendships.

All experience levels are welcome, and new players are encouraged to join. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and help as needed.

Silly Squirrels

Saturday 3p-4p
789 Texas State Park Road 16 - Tyler State Park - Tyler

Squirrels are more than just a ball of fur. Let's find out just how smart these “silly” squirrels are. Admission to the outing is free with paid admission to the state park.

Monster Truck Mayhem

Saturday @ 6p
235 Conger St - Quitman

Tuff Truck, Retro, Sport Mod, and Pro Modified trucks will be competing in the Monster Truck Mayhem in Quitman. Registration begins at 6 p.m. with racing beginning at 6:45 p.m. There is an admission fee to attend.

Lufkin's Summer In The City 2026

Saturday 7p-10p
105 N 1st St - Lufkin

Summer in the City is happening in Downtown Lufkin each Saturday evening this summer. The evening will be full of music, movies, dancing, and community fun! The event will take place on Cotton Square and is free to attend. Food trucks and drink sales begin at 7 PM, and the featured event begins at 8 PM. This Saturday, it's music from Silent Disco. This is a free event to attend.

Dive In Movie: Shark Tale

Saturday @ 8p
405 N Henderson - Kilgore City Pool - Kilgore

The Kilgore City Pool will be hosting a Free Dive-In Movie! Doors to the pool will open at 8 p.m., and the movie will begin at approximately 9 p.m. or when it is dark, whichever is first! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets to watch Shark Tale with the family. Please, no food or outside drinks.

Farmer's Markets

Purchase local and support local farmers. Farmers have been busy growing crops for you to enjoy. Shop local produce, homemade goods, products, and more at these East Texas farmers' markets.

Mineola

Saturday 8a-1p
101 W Front St - Mineola

Winnsboro

Saturday 8a-12n
111 E Carnegie St - Winnsboro

Tyler - Rose City Farmer's Market

Saturday 8a-12n
221 S Broadway Ave - Tyler

Tyler - Broadway Square Mall

Saturday 7a-12m
back side of Broadway Square Mall - Tyler
Longview

Saturday 7:30a-11:30a
105 W Cotton St - Longview

Texas Tax Free Weekend Is Coming Soon

Some families may be preparing for back-to-school this weekend by shopping for clothing, uniforms, school supplies, and the technology that goes with it. Remember that the Texas Tax Free Weekend is coming up August 7-9. Save money by not paying taxes on qualifying back-to-school items.