If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas.
East Texas Treasure Show, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1123 Jaycee Dr. in Longview (Longview Exhibit Center). This free, family-friendly event features hourly prize giveaways and a wide variety of attractions, including Native American artifacts, rocks and minerals, coins, jewelry, gold panning, relic hunting, and bottle digging. Kids’ activities, vendors, and food trucks round out the day for treasure seekers of all ages. Information: tinyurl.com/Texas-Gold-Prospectors.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience, Saturday, 8 p.m., 201 S. Kilgore St. in Kilgore (Texan Theater). Reel East Texas Film Festival presents this adults-only special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show to celebrate its 50th anniversary. General admission and FRANKENTASTIC EXPERIENCE tickets are available, with the upgraded option including perks like early entry and libations. Costumes encouraged for this cult classic celebration. Information: www.reeleasttexas.com.
Verity Fall Extravaganza, Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m., 242 Private Rd. 2119 in Diana (Verity Church). Verity Church’s 2nd Annual Fall Extravaganza offers a fun-filled afternoon for all ages with inflatables, a petting zoo, games, kids’ crafts, food and more. No entry fee. Information: tinyurl.com/Verity-Church-Facebook.
Volunteer Day at Hiway 80 Rescue Mission, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 3117 U.S.-80 in Longview (Hiway 80 Rescue Mission). Volunteers are invited to join the Smith County Young Democrats for a morning of hands-on service, assisting with maintenance projects like painting and more, based on the mission’s needs. Those interested can sign up at mobilize.us/texasyds/event/857837 to take part in strengthening the community. Information: www.facebook.com/smithcountyyoungdems.
Big Sandy Fall Heritage Festival, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 102 N. Tyler St. in Big Sandy (Downtown Big Sandy). This all-day celebration offers family-friendly fun with carnival games, vendors, food trucks, a scavenger hunt, pie bake-off, chili cook-off, RC bash, and more. Highlights include fire department water targets, a bake sale, popcorn, and a Lions Club vision screening and coloring contest display. Information: www.bigsandytx.gov.
Boo at the Zoo, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Tyler (Caldwell Zoo). Visit Tyler’s zoo for two days of holiday fun, activities, decorations, games, treats and more. Access to the event is included in normal zoo admission. Information: caldwellzoo.org/feature-boo-at-the-zoo
Cowan in the Community: Tunes, Tricks and Treats, Saturday, 5 p.m., 1510 S. College Avenue in Tyler (Bergfeld Park). Hosted by UT Tyler Cowan Center and the UT Tyler Music Department, the evening will feature themed music as well as pumpkin decorating, food trucks, and candy while supplies last. Performances by the UT Tyler Patriot Brass Quintet, Flute Choir, Music Theater, Piano Studio, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Chorale will be featured on the main stage. Information: cowancenter.org, uttyler.edu/academics/colleges-schools/arts-sciences/departments/performing-arts.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Saturday, 8 a.m., Circle Drive in Tyler (UT Tyler Patriot Plaza). Hundreds of Tyler-area residents will gather in support of Alzheimer’s research, care and support for an awareness walk. The opening ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. Information: https://act.alz.org .
Halloween Bar Crawl, Saturday, 6 p.m., 311 N Bois D’Arc Ave in Tyler (Greyhound Inn). Heart of Tyler, Inc. invites guests to a festive evening crawl through downtown, beginning at the Greyhound Inn and wrapping up at ETX Brewing Co. Participants are free to come and go between stops, which include Stanley’s BBQ, the Corner Bar at Prime 102, Plaid Rabbit at Heritage East, The Judge at the Thomas Hotel, SportsZone, and more. Special attractions feature a Halloween photo booth at Callynth Photography, frozen custard from Andy’s, and a costume contest at ETX Brewering. Tickets are $50 ($40 for members) and include a half-pour specialty drink at each bar and a swag bag for every attendee. Information: heartoftyler.org.
TAG+ Boo Ball, Saturday, 7 p.m., 2000 W. Front St. in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). Hosted by Tyler Area Gays, this Halloween celebration will include dancing, music by DJ JB Special, casino games, a silent auction, food, and a costume contest kicking off at 8 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. Information: www.tylerareagays.com.
Parktober, Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m., 789 Park Road 16 in Tyler (Tyler State Park). Guests are invited to an evening of Halloween fun featuring spooky stories at the amphitheater, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating along Lakeview and Big Pine, where local vendors will also be set up. Trick-or-treat bags will be available for purchase at the park store. Parking is available at the Northwoods Pavilion and boat ramp, though access is limited—arrive early to secure a spot. For safety, vehicle traffic through campsites will be restricted. Information: www.facebook.com/TylerStatePark.
Day of Remembrance, Saturday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., 110 E Dobbs St. in Tyler (The Children’s Park of Tyler). This heartfelt event honors the lives of children through the reading of names, meaningful music, reflective words, and a live butterfly release. Suggested ceremony times are 10 a.m. for families with last names A–L and 2 p.m. for M–Z, though guests are welcome to attend whichever works best. To have a child’s name included in the roll call, families must be present. Information: childrenspark.org.