8 Interesting Things To Be A Part Of This Weekend In East Texas – July 12th

(Mix 93-1) It's the middle of summer in East Texas. The typical summertime pattern is kicking in - hot and humid days with a chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm, and that looks like it'll be the trend going through the weekend.

Like it or not, Walmart is already airing back-to-school commercials on TV. Yes, school will begin in a little more than a month, so we've got to make the most of the remaining summer and enjoy ourselves.

There's still time for you to plan a 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 to listed ticketed events, click or tap on the event name to be redirected to their official page or website.

Texas Shakespeare Festival

Thursday - Sunday
Henderson Blvd - Kilgore

Attend the Texas Shakespeare Festival for a captivating blend of Shakespearean classics and contemporary plays performed by world-class actors in the charming town of Kilgore. Experience the vibrant local culture, intimate theater setting, and the dynamic energy of live performances. It’s an unforgettable cultural adventure perfect for any theater enthusiast! This is a ticketed event that continues throughout the month of July with many scheduled performances. Check the site for show times.

62nd Annual Mineola Fire Department Rodeo

Friday and Saturday
Rodeo Dr - Mineola

🎉🐎 Get ready, y’all! The 62nd Annual Mineola Fire Department RODEO is coming to town!
⏰ 8 PM Nightly | 🐂 Slack Night: July 10
📍 Mineola Fire Dept. Rodeo Arena – Hwy 69 North
🔥 Saddle up for heart-pounding rodeo action, $10,500 in added money, and family fun for all ages!
🐎 Bull riding, barrel racing, wild rodeo clowns, and a Patriotic Grand Entry — this event has it ALL!
👑 Don’t miss the Rodeo Royalty Coronation at 7:30 PM each night!

Full Moon Paddle

Friday 8p-9:30p
State Park Road 16 - Tyler

Join a ranger as we paddle around under the starry night sk,y talking about our flora and fauna as we immerse ourselves with the nightly orchestra.
Whether you are an experienced paddler or new to the hobby, come on out and join us for a fun-filled event. Introductions and instructions will be given before each trip.

Park admission and reservations are required.

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God & The Great Outdoors Expo

Friday-Sunday
Hwy 64 E - Tyler

This is a faith-based event hosted at The Oil Palace in Tyler. The expo features nearly everything for the outdoor enthusiast. Hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and everything for the outdoor enthusiast.

Arrow Apprentices

Saturday @ 3p
W 32nd St - Tyler

The Glass Recreation Center is excited to partner with Tyler Parks and Wildlife to offer a free indoor Archery clinic for youth.
The beginner's clinic for ages 8-14 will cover safety and basic instructions. All equipment will be provided.
Pre-registration is required.

The Greatest Showman - Sing Along

Saturday @ 7p
E Erwin St - Tyler

Come and sing along! Growing up in the early 1800s, P.T. Barnum displayed a natural talent for publicity and promotion, selling lottery tickets by age 12. After trying his hand at various jobs, P.T. turns to show business to indulge his limitless imagination, rising from nothing to create the Barnum & Bailey circus. Featuring catchy musical numbers, exotic performers, and daring acrobatic feats, Barnum's mesmerizing spectacle soon takes the world by storm to become the greatest show on Earth.

The event is taking place at Liberty Hall and admission is required.

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Lufkin's Summer In Teh City 2025

Saturday 7p - 9p
S Cotton Sq - Lufkin

What is Summer in the City? 🎶🌆

Get ready, Lufkin! Summer in the City 2025 is an exciting, family-friendly event series happening every Saturday from May 31st to August 9th at Cotton Square Park in Downtown Lufkin! 🎉 From live concerts and outdoor movie nights to interactive art experiences and family game nights, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're a music lover, a movie buff, or just looking for a fun night out with family and friends, Summer in the City is the place to be! Best of all, most events are FREE!

SpongeBob The Musical

Friday - Sunday
Gibson Rd - Athens

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series.

This is a ticketed event.