9 Things To Do Around East Texas This Weekend – July 11
(East Texas) While it's the middle of summer in East Texas, there is still time for you and the family to have some fun before school arrives.
It's wild to think that the next school year is about a month away for some East Texas students. So now is the time to get out and do something fun before you're bound by school schedules and activities.
Go ahead and plan that quick weekend getaway to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to visit a water park, an amusement park, or maybe a museum in downtown Dallas. Take a weekend to explore our state's capital in Austin, visit the amusement park in San Antonio, or stroll along the River Walk.
If you're looking for something closer to home, have some fun with the kids at a science museum, escape room, or the arcade at the movies.
You can also check out these great events happening around East Texas 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.
Mineola Volunteer Fire Department Rodeo
Friday and Saturday
266 Rodeo Dr - Mineola
The 63rd annual Mineola Fire Department Rodeo will feature bull riding, barrel racing, rodeo clowns, and other rodeo action. Support the Mineola Fire Department and check out the action each night. There is an admission charge to attend the rodeo.
Weenie Dog Races
Saturday 10a-2p
19281 Hwy 64 - Canton
The short-legged dogs will be racing to the finish line with hopes of crossing it first. The event is open to the public and free to attend and participate in. There will be food trucks and games along with the races featuring the ultimate showdown of speed, short legs, and sausage-shaped dogs running for the checkered flag.
Splash Kingdom Paradise Island Canton
daily
18814 I-20 - Canton
Soak up the sun, splash in the wave pool, slide the water slides, float the lazy river, along with more summer fun all season long. There will be a fireworks show on Friday evening and Saturday night is Neon Nights with the park open until 11p. Admission is required for entrance.
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World Cup Sticker Trade Event
Saturday 10a-12n
227 S Broadway - Tyler
World Cup fever is still alive! Join soccer fans and trade World Cup stickers to complete your book.
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.
Hamlet
Saturday 2p-5p
1200 S Henderson Blvd - Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival presents one of Shakespeare's most epic tragedies on stage, featuring memorable speeches from some very complex characters. This is a ticketed event.
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 Keyun & The Zydeco Masters in concert. This is a free event to attend.
Beetlejuice Jr.
Saturday @ 7p
400 Gibson Rd - Athens
The Henderson County Performing Arts Center presents a stage performance of Beetlejuice Jr. The musical follows a teen and her family as they move into a haunted house. She teams with ghosts, and the mischief begins to scare her dad's new partner away in an effort to get her dead mom back. This is a ticketed event.
1776
Saturday 7:30p-10:30p
1200 S Henderson Blvd - Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival presents a musical theatre depiction of the birth of our country. 1776 is 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. This is a ticketed performance.
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.
Saturday 8a-1p
101 W Front St - Mineola
Saturday 8a-12n
111 E Carnegie St - Winnsboro
Tyler - Rose City Farmer's Market
Saturday 8a-12n
221 S Broadway Ave - Tyler
Saturday 7a-12m
back side of Broadway Square Mall - Tyler
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