9 Things To Do Around East Texas This Weekend – May 16

(East Texas) It's graduation season in East Texas! High school and college seniors will be walking across the stage in their caps and gowns and will be handed their hard-earned diplomas in front of very proud parents, family, and friends. They will all be cheered for and congratulated on a job well done.

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While I say it's a hard-earned diploma, and it is, the hard work is still to come. For high school seniors, it's enrolling in college, and for those college grads and high schoolers not choosing college, it's time to find that high-earning job, and then 'real life' begins. It's weird to say, but at times, I wish I were back in school with no 'adulting' responsibilities!

I do want to wish the graduating class of 2026 a serious congratulations and good luck in your future, whatever that calling may be.

In addition to graduation parties happening all across East Texas, there will be other fun events that await East Texans this weekend.

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

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

Movies In The Park @ Bergfeld Park

Saturday @ 8:30p
Bergfeld Park - Tyler

Grab the family, your lawn chairs, blankets, and some movie snacks, and head to Bergfeld Park in Tyler Saturday evening for a free screening of Zootopia 2.

2026 Lindale Championship Rodeo

Thursday - Saturday
11915 FM 2015 - Lindale

The Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to present the Lindale Championship Rodeo. The rodeo is returning to the Cross Brand Cowboy Church, and it will be FREE for all to attend. Your favorite events will be on full display each night of the rodeo. Bull riding, bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin', and more.

Circle M Crawfish Car Show

Saturday 7a-2p
14449 State Highway 155 S - Big Sandy

Muscle cars, hot rods, bikes, and trucks will be on display at this car show. It is free to attend, but there is an admission fee to show your vehicle.

March Of Dimes - March For Babies

Saturday @ 8:30a
5509 S Donnybrook Ave - Tyler

The Northeast Texas March for Babies invites you to participate in the Healthy Me Healthy Babies & March of Dimes 2026 walk. Come together with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors for a meaningful community walk supporting healthier futures for moms and babies. There is a registration fee to participate in this walk happening at Rose Rudman Trail at Southside Park.

READ MORE --> Check Out The Most Popular Baby Names Of 2026, So Far

Tractors, Trucks, and Fun

Saturday 10a-2p
602 E North St - Kilgore

You are welcome to come to Historic Downtown Kilgore for a free family-friendly event - Tractors, Trucks & Fun! There will be a tractor show, games, parade, rides, live music, food trucks, and shopping opportunities downtown.

Panther Palooza & Car Show 2026

Saturday 10a-2p
1330 FM 2493 - Bullard

The 3rd annual Panther Palooza is the ultimate end-of-year bash at Bullard High School. There will be carnival games, a community car show, live music, food trucks, shopping, auctions, and a day of community bonding. Lots to do. The event is free to attend, but charges/fees may apply to certain activities.

Gladewater Community Reunion

Saturday 10a-10p
605 S Main St - Gladewater

Join Gladewater for a Community Reunion to celebrate the spirit of family, unity, and togetherness. Just like a family reunion, there will be great food, music, laughter, and fellowship as neighbors and friends gather to reconnect and enjoy a day of fun.

Whether you’ve lived in Gladewater your whole life or are new to the area, everyone is welcome to come out, relax, and enjoy a day of unity, culture, and celebration. ring your lawn chairs, bring your appetite, and bring the whole family — everyone is welcome!

Barks 'N Rec

Saturday 2p-3p
789 State Park Road 16 - Tyler

Wagging tails and winding trails!

Add a new member to the pack. Join a ranger and a rescue from SPCA for an easy 1-mile hike around Old Truck Trail and maybe even adopt a fur baby!
Registration and waivers are required to hike with a dog. The event is free to attend with paid park admission.

Run For The Wall

Sunday @ 9a
3212 W Front Street - Tyler

CampV is honored to welcome the Run For The Wall riders as they make their journey to Washington, D.C. in honor of our nation’s Veterans, POW/MIA service members, and those Killed in Action.

We invite you, your family, and friends to join us in showing support for these riders as they pass through East Texas during their 36th annual mission ride.

Bring your flags, patriotic spirit, and help us give these riders the warm East Texas welcome they deserve.
The Run For The Wall mission promotes healing among Veterans and their families while honoring the memory and sacrifice of those who served our nation.

Happening soon:

Tomato Fest

June 13
Jacksonville

This festival is all about the tomato! There are tomato-eating contests, fried green tomato contests, farmers' markets, car shows, salsa contests, live music, vendors, street dances, and so much more.