11 Things To Do In East Texas This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial beginning of summer. As we get into a summer frame of mind many of us will be on our East Texas lakes having fun in the sun while others take to the road for that first vacation of the summer.

While we're having fun with friends and family this Memorial Day weekend, the weekend should be about those men and women who served our country and died while serving in the United States armed forces.

So, while you're firing up the grill, swiping the credit card, working, splashing in the pool, or just relaxing we should all pause and remember these brave men and women who fought, served, and gave their lives for our great nation.

If you're traveling, please be courteous and remember to wear your seatbelt. If you're going to be in a boat or on a personal watercraft, remember to wear a life jacket and sunscreen. Above all, never mix alcohol with driving or boating it could have a tragic and devastating outcome.

Here's a look at this weekend's event happening across 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.

Splash Kingdom Paradise Island Waterpark

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Canton

This is the opening weekend for the premiere East Texas waterpark. Challenge yourself to all the slides and the wave machine, relax and float around in the lazy river, soak up some sun, and have fun with friends and family at Splash Kingdom. There is an admission charge to enter the waterpark.

Movies In The Park

Saturday @ 8:30p
Fun Forest Pool - Tyler

Tyler Parks and Recreation is hosting Movies In The Park at the summer opening of Fun Forest Pool. After playing in the pool and sun, wrap up your day with a free movie. See 'The Little Mermaid' on the outdoor screen with your family and kids. Just bring some chairs or blankets and some snacks and you're set!

Tyler Celtic Fest

Friday - Monday
Hwy. 64 - Tyler

This annual event celebrates the Celtic culture and history with music, artisans, games, vendors, food, and fun.

Fireworks Show At Lake Palestine

Sunday 8:30p
Ruby Ln. - Lake Palestine

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor our fallen heroes under the stars. The boardwalk and back porch of Lake Palestine Resort will come alive with a breathtaking display of fireworks choreographed to music. We have an exciting 10-minute show planned with over 300 professional-level fireworks! Or watch them from your boat. Presented by Lake Palestine Resort located at 8900 Ruby Lane, Frankston. There is an admission fee for this event.

Memorial Day Celebration - Veterans Helping Veterans

Friday @ 12n
All-Star Ford - Palestine

Join us on May 24th for free family fun! All donations will go to the "Forget-me-Not" foundation to assist disabled veterans in our community. Free food, face painting, and games. Bonded Oaks Mobile Petting Zoo and Bubbas Bounce House of Palestine have agreed to donate their services in honor of this event! Come out from 12-2 pm for some "School is out for the Summer" fun!

2024 Longview Memorial

Saturday @ 7:30a
Hinsley Park - Longview

Join the Longview Disc Golf Association for the 2024 Longview Memorial on Saturday, May 25 at Hinsley Park! This is a PDGA-sanctioned C-Tier event in memory of Bruce Cabbiness, Robert 'Reptile' Randolph, and Mark Walker! There is a registration fee for this event.

May 2024 Cars & Coffee Sulphur Springs

Saturday 8a-11a
Oak Ave - Sulphur Springs

Come and join us for the May cars & coffee! All makes and all years are welcome. Please respect our host, no burnouts and no loud music.

Furs & Skulls

Saturday @ 10a
Lake Tawakoni State Park - Wills Point

Drop in at the Swim Beach to see the furs and skulls of some of the park's native animals any time between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. See and touch furs, learn what an animal's skull can tell us, and discover what animals are out and about at Lake Tawakoni.
Bring water and sunscreen, this event is outside! There is a charge to enter the park, but the program is free to attend.

Black Beauty Ranch Tour

Saturday 11a-1p
CR 3806 - Murchison

Join us on an unforgettable journey to learn more about our animal protection work and meet the animals who call Black Beauty Ranch home, including tigers, bears, primates, bison, horses, burros, farm animals and more. There is an admission fee for the tour.

Block Party Pop-Up Market Event

Saturday 11a-4p
downtown Tyler - Tyler

Join us for an amazing pop-up market event in Downtown Tyler. There will be a combination of mouth-watering BBQ and refreshing beer, alongside an array of fantastic local pop-up vendors for an unforgettable community BBQ and shopping experience.

Discover an assortment of beautifully crafted jewelry, trendy clothing, stunning artwork, delicious homemade treats, and so much more. Plus, don't miss out on the opportunity to chat with the talented creators behind these local businesses, learning about their stories and inspirations.

This event is all about fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses, so bring your friends, family, and neighbors. Together, let's enjoy a delightful BBQ feast, shop until we drop, and contribute to the growth of our vibrant Downtown Tyler. This is a free event, but food and drink will be available for purchase.

Farmers Markets

East Texas farmers have put in the sweat, cultivated the seeds, and picked the freshest fruits and vegetables in East Texas. Here's our opportunity to help local farmers and eat healthier too with locally grown food.

Tyler
Saturday 9a-1p
S. Broadway Ave - Tyler

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

Whitehouse
Saturday 9a-12n
E Main St - Whitehouse