Run for autism, enjoy music events or see felines this weekend in East Texas
Published 5:35 am Thursday, April 3, 2025
- Runners start the 5k Tyler Run for Autism in April 2024. UT Health East Texas Pediatrician Dr. Zach Cannon, wearing a blue hat with Texas on it, runs with his daughter. (Raquel Villatoro/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas. Verify all events the day of, due to weather concerns.
Tyler Run for Autism, 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, 3030 New Copeland Road in Tyler (Pollard United Methodist Church). In its 14th year, the Tyler Run for Autism helps local children afford critical medical treatment, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism. Information: www.tylerrunforautism.com.
The Cher Show, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3900 University Blvd. in Tyler (UT Tyler Cowan Center). This Tony Award-winning musical will bring Cher’s journey to life with three women portraying different stages of herlegendary career. This show has mature content and language. Tickets and information: cowancenter.org.
Ode to Texas, 6 p.m. Saturday, 2000 W. Front Street in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). The Junior Symphony League invites guests to an evening of dinner, dancing, and live music at their annual black-tie gala. Co-chaired by Holly Freeman and Ashley Washmon, the event benefits the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and the Women’s Symphony League Music Education Programs. This event celebrates the joy of music while supporting vital music education initiatives in East Texas. Information: www.wsltyler.org.
The Marketplace on MLK, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tyler (Texas African American Museum). The Marketplace on MLK is a vibrant community hub celebrating African American culture and history, featuring local vendors, cultural events, and key institutions like the Texas African American Museum and the Veretta and Jesse E. Rider Fine and Performing Arts Centre. Information: www.facebook.com/empowermentcdc.
Spring Food & Diaper Drive, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Monday, 450 S SE Loop 323 in Tyler (Walmart). Join Jammin’ Jimmy Olson for a pantry drive benefiting PATH. Donate food and essential items to support local families in need. Volunteers are needed. Information: www.facebook.com/PATHhelps.
RESCHEDULED TO APRIL 12: Ride of Remembrance
CANCELED: East Texas Fire & Nature Festival
Bubbles and Bingo, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 300 Tuttle Circle in Longview (Infinity Event Circle & Ballroom). The 4th annual Bubbles and Bingo will support the East Texas Angel Network, a nonprofit organization founded by Neal McCoy that financially supports families who have children with serious illnesses and/or disabilities. Information: www.facebook.com/EastTexasAngelNetwork.
Cat Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 100 Grand Boulevard in Longview (Maude Cobb Convention Center). A family-friendly cat show will feature up to 35 cat breeds, competing for Best in Show across five separate judging rings. The event includes a cat costume contest, with cats dressing up around lunchtime, and a vendor fair offering cat-related products. Attendees can watch the judging, interact with the cats between rounds, shop from various vendors, or find out adoption information from a local rescue. Admission is available at the door, with free parking, and a food truck will serve Mexican cuisine. Information: www.facebook.com/CFAGulfShoreCatShows.
Downtown Live, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 219 E. Methvin St., Longview (Heritage Plaza). Downtown Live returns for its free outdoor music series featuring music, drinks and food trucks. Bring a chair and enjoy music from Lee Mathis and The Brutally Handsome. Information: visitlongviewtexas.com .
Risk it for the Brisket Concert & Festival, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 100 West Tyler St., Gilmer (Gilmer Square). Credit Union of Texas, in partnership with Live Gilmer, will host a free concert as a part of the fifth annual Risk It For the Brisket competition. Throughout the free, family-friendly event, attendees will enjoy a barbecue competition with a $10,000 jackpot prize, live performances from Texas musicians and a variety of activities, including a kids’ corner, local vendor fair, corn hole tournament and pie-eating contest. Information: livegilmer.com .
FFA Car Wash, Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1900 Maverick Drive in Marshall (Marshall High School). The Marshall FFA is inviting the community for a car wash at the high school parking lot. Weather permitting, students will wash cars for $10 for basic wash. The FFA Booster Club will offer sausage on a stick as well. Information: www.facebook.com/marshallisdffa.