What’s going on in East Texas this weekend? Events, things to do Feb. 27-28, 2026

What’s going on in East Texas this weekend? Events, things to do Feb. 27-28, 2026

Published 4:30 pm Thursday, February 26, 2026

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas.

12th Annual Celebration of Innovation: Denim & Pearls, Friday, 6 to 9 p.m., 2000 W. Front St. in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). Join Azalea Orthopedics to celebrate the creativity of Whitehouse ISD teachers and students. The evening includes dinner, games, and silent and live auctions, all themed “Denim & Pearls.” Proceeds support classroom grants in Whitehouse ISD. Information and tickets: secure.qgiv.com/event/coidenimandpearls.

Black History Celebration, Saturday, 6 p.m., 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tyler (Texas African American Museum). Hosted in partnership with the Texas African American Museum, a banquet will be held at the Veretta and Jesse E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Empowerment CDC Complex and will celebrate arts and culture during Black History Month. The evening will honor James Anderson and Florence Anderson with the Anderson Academic Excellence and Integrity Award, and Debra Kay Hammons with the Veretta and Jesse E. Rider Stella Clarion Call Award. Tickets are $50 presale, with preferred seating available. Information: www.facebook.com/texasafricanamericanmuseum.

Chandler Chamber Awards Banquet: Spurs & Sequins, Saturday, 5:45 p.m., 2000 W. Front St. in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). Hosted by the Chandler Texas Chamber, the annual banquet will celebrate local businesses, community leaders, and partners with a Western-themed evening. Information: www.chandlertxchamber.org/events/chamber-awards-banquet.

31st East Texas Archaeological Conference, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 3900 University Blvd. in Tyler (Soules College of Business at the University of Texas at Tyler). Hosted by the East Texas Archaeology Conference, the annual gathering brings together researchers, students, professionals, and community members interested in the archaeology and cultural heritage of East Texas. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; the $20 fee includes lunch. Information: www.facebook.com/easttexasarchaeologyconference.

Grand Prix: Pine Box Derby, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2401 S. Main St. in Lindale (Bethesda Church). Open to church groups, homeschool groups, and scouting groups, with an adult open class available. Entry is $5 per vehicle. The Hub Coffee Shop will be open during the event, serving coffee, hot sandwiches, and bakery items. Information: www.facebook.com/hubcoffeeshop.

17th Annual Zonta Club of Longview Prom Boutique, Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1123 Jaycee Rd. in Longview (Longview Exhibit Center). The event provides free prom dresses to anyone in the community who needs one. Pre-registration is encouraged, and volunteers are welcome. Information: tinyurl.com/Zonta-Longview-Facebook.

Revive Gala, Saturday, 6:30 to 9 p.m., 111 H.G. Mosley Pkwy in Longview (Revive Church). The community is invited to dress up for an evening of dinner, dancing, and a silent auction to benefit Ignite Youth. Childcare is available. Proceeds support camp expenses; donations are welcome. Information: tinyurl.com/Ignite-Youth-Facebook.

Longview 5K: Saturday, 8 a.m., 1016 McCann Rd. in Longview. Hosted by Texas Outlaw Running, Longview Parks and Recreation and the City of Longview, this point-to-point race is part of the City of Longview’s Healthy Initiative. Participants will park at the finish line and be shuttled by bus to the starting line before running the official, chip-timed 5K course back to the finish. The event features race swag, multiple award categories, vendors and food trucks at the finish line. Open to the public. Information: runsignup.com/Race/TX/Longview/Longview5K.

Red Hat Luncheon: Saturday, noon to 2 p.m., 2501 S. East End Blvd. in Marshall (Marshall Convention Center). Hosted by The Marshall Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, this annual Tiffany-blue themed luncheon will feature special guest speaker Tia Williams of Texarkana and Mistress of Ceremonies Shannon Levingston-McCowan. The event supports the chapter’s Delta Academy and GEMS programs. Tickets are $25, and the event is open to the public. Information: tinyurl.com/DeltaSigmaTheta-MarshallTx.

Fifth annual Black History Parade and Unity Festival, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday in downtown Marshall featuring marching bands, dance teams, food vendors and more. The local commemoration is presented by Marshall’s African American Celebration Committee. Information: AfricanAmericanCelebrationCommittee.com .

Pokémon 30th Anniversary Celebration: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 302 E. Main St. in Kilgore (Dragon’s Nest). Join fellow Trainers for a fun-filled celebration marking 30 years of Pokémon. The event will feature a raffle and a coloring contest, with activities for fans of all ages. Open to the public. Information: dragonlootz.com.