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

(East Texas) Two big things are happening in East Texas this weekend - Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival and Mother's Day!

This weekend, barbecue and Red Dirt music enthusiasts will be converging upon Tyler's west side for the annual Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival. Some of THE BEST barbecue pitmasters from around the Lone Star State will be on site smoking brisket, turkey, chicken, sausage, and more, and filling the air with a wonderful smell.

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While the barbecue sampling is happening, Red Dirt music will come from the main stage, and artists and musicians will entertain thousands of concert-goers well into the night. If you're looking for tickets, you can still get them at reddirtbbqfest.com. If you purchase them from someone else, be aware of who the seller is, as it could be a fake ticket, and you could be denied entry to the festival after paying for them. We don't want that happening.

READ MORE --> Your Full Guide To The 2026 Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival

In addition to barbecue this weekend, Lindale is host to the annual Piney Woods Wine Festival happening Friday and Saturday in downtown Lindale.

Springtime in East Texas brings with it a chance of rain. Let's hope that doesn't happen for these signature events or for Mother's Day on Sunday. Remember your mom on Sunday. Give her a call. Send her a card. Take her to brunch. Give her flowers. Surprise her with a homemade gift. Remind her how special she is to you.

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.

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival

Saturday 12n-11p
204 Patton Rd - Tyler

This festival is all about barbecue and music! Celebrating its 12th year in Tyler, the Red Dirt BBQ + Music Festival will feature smoked meats from some of the best BBQ joints from around the great state of Texas!

Once the sun starts to set in Tyler, the live music kicks in from some of the biggest names in Red Dirt country music.

This is a ticketed event. For more information on the Red Dirt BBQ + Music Festival, be sure to check out the site.

Piney Woods Wine Festival

Friday and Saturday
downtown Lindale - Lindale

Uncork the fun at this wine festival in Lindale that has live music, an arts and crafts fair, vendors, and wine on tap for everyone.

64th Tops In Texas PRCA Rodeo

Thursday - Friday - Saturday 7p-9:30p
736 Mulberry St - Jacksonville

The PRCA Pro Rodeo features top contenders and world champion specialty acts. Great fun for the whole family. See all of your favorite rodeo events: bull riding, bronc riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, calf roping, and more. Thursday's event is free for general admission seats. Friday and Saturday will be a ticketed event.

Mineola Farmer's Market

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

The Pavilion on Front Street is where you can shop for fresh local produce, homemade goodies, artisan products, and more. Shop the farmer's market, and you'll be supporting local farmers while enjoying a beautiful morning in Mineola! Grab your friends, bring your tote bags, and see what all the amazing vendors have to offer.

Nacogdoches Scottish Highland Games

Saturday @ 9a
3805 NW Stallings Dr - Nacogdoches

Come out to the Nacogdoches Expo Center and watch all the athletes compete against each other in the traditional Scottish sporting event with origins dating back over a thousand years. There will be two local volunteer fire departments on site demonstrating and letting kids (& adults) experience a hands-on adventure, learning about the firetrucks and talking with the firemen & women who give their time & knowledge serving our rural communities. There will be two bands performing on stage, and the beer will be flowing.

Watch a daring fire performance by Scarlett Fever, see Scottish dancers, blacksmith demonstrations, The Red River Pipes & Drums, several Scottish Clan/Society tents will be in attendance, food vendors, and many wonderful local merchandise. This event is a fundraiser for Swift Shady Grove & Melrose Volunteer Fire Departments. So wear those kilts! Bring the kids! We hope you all can come out & have a blast with us! There is an admission fee to attend.

Fly-In and Car Show

Saturday @ 10a
Hammerhead Dr - Frankston

Come on out and see some cool planes, awesome rides, as the 903 Streetcars and Classics puts on a killer car show, good food, and great people.

Arp Strawberry Festival

Saturday @ 9a
108 Texas State Highway 135 - Arp

Arp celebrates the strawberry! There will be plenty of shopping opportunities, food, live music, raffles, games, contests, entertainment, and a parade.

Montez-Cooper 1836 Tyler Station Car & Truck Show 2026

Saturday @ 10a
2467 Crow Rd - Tyler

This car show will benefit CASA For Kids of East Texas. The show will feature cars, trucks, and bikes.

Puppies & Pilates

Saturday @ 10a
1601 Patterson Rd - Athens

The event will be held at the East Texas Arboretum in Athens. Enjoy a pilates workout with puppies from the Athens Animal Shelter. Bringing puppies and pilates together in one fun event. The event is free; however, donations will be accepted for the animal shelter.

Fiesta de Mayo

Saturday 10a-4p
114 N Pacific St - Mineola

The annual Fiesta de Mayo festival will have food trucks, vendors, a large car show, music, entertainment, contests, and much more!

Benefit Car Show

Saturday 11a-3p
1200 Ellen Trout Dr - Lufkin

This annual car show is a benefit for the Huntington Volunteer Fire Department. The event is free. Registration is required to participate in the car show. Come out and support your local volunteer fire department.

Mother's Day on Main Street

Saturday 11a-3p
149 Quitman St - Pittsburg

Celebrate Mom in historic downtown Pittsburg with the Mother’s Day on Main Street Digital Passport!

Using an electronic passport, participants can explore Main Street, visit local businesses, and unlock special treats, discounts, and surprises along the way. Simply scan the QR code at each participating location to check in—no paper required.

Complete 30 stops on your digital passport to be entered to win one of three gift baskets. Enjoy a relaxed day of shopping locally while celebrating the moms who mean the most.