Costume contest, Día De Los Muertos, Brewfest and more to entertain your weekend

Published 5:35 am Thursday, October 31, 2024

Jason Pina fills up a pitcher with his Hive Mind Kottbusser brew in October 2022 at the East Texas Brewer’s Guild’s HomeBierFest at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center. (Yoleyne Romero/News-Journal File Photo)

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

Polish Festival, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 16937 Veritatis Dr. in Winona (Veritatis Splendor). The Polish Festival offers a vibrant celebration of Polish culture, featuring live music, traditional dance performances, and authentic Polish cuisine. Attendees can enjoy a variety of dishes, including pierogi, kielbasa, and kid-friendly options. The festival provides activities for all ages, including free crafts, games, and unique experiences, inviting everyone to celebrate Polish heritage and enjoy a day of music, dance, and culinary delights. Information: splendorhq.com/etx-polish-festival.


Rick’s Annual Halloween Party, Saturday, 9 p.m., 104 W. Erwin St. in Tyler (Rick’s on the Square). Continue the Halloween festivities at Rick’s 32nd Halloween costume party where there will be scary music and craft cocktails. The costume contest will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes. Information: www.facebook.com/RicksOnTheSquare.

In Paradisum: the Music of All Souls, Sunday, 3 p.m., 230 W. Rusk St. in Tyler (First Presbyterian Church). In observance of All Souls’ Day, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church invite the community to a free concert featuring Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem. This memorial work, known for its tranquil and serene melodies, reflects themes of love, loss, and remembrance. Fauré described his Requiem as “a happy deliverance, an aspiration to happiness above rather than as a painful experience.” The performance will showcase the St. Cyprian’s Singers from Lufkin and the Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, conducted by Michael Murphy with Weston Jennings on organ. No tickets are required for admission. Information: www.fpctyler.com/fine-arts.

Día de los Muertos, Saturday, 5 — 9 p.m., Downtown Tyler. Weekend Bloom is hosting its 2nd annual Día de los Muertos event, inviting the community to gather and celebrate their loved ones who have passed. Attendees are encouraged to bring pictures of their departed relatives. The event will include explanations of the history and significance of Día de los Muertos, along with a variety of food, music, and karaoke for all to enjoy. Information: bit.ly/diadelostmuertos_downtowntyler.

Out of the Darkness Tyler Community Walk, Saturday, 9 a.m., Circle Dr. in Tyler (Patriot Plaza at UT Tyler). Organizers of the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk hope participants leave with the message, “You are not alone.” This event raises funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention North Texas Chapter and serves as a gathering for remembrance, hope, and support for those affected by mental illness. On-site registration begins at 9 a.m., with the program starting at 10 a.m. Information: tinyurl.com/outofthedarknesstylerwalk.

Huge Fall Carnival, Thursday and Friday, 6 — 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 1 — 10 p.m., 3500 McCann Rd Ofc in Longview (Longview Mall). Join the fun at the Fall Carnival at Longview Mall, featuring exciting rides and activities for all ages. Ride coupons are available for $1.25 each, with discounted options including 20 coupons for $20 and 50 coupons for $45. Please note that all rides require three or more coupons. For those looking for unlimited fun, armbands can be purchased for $30 per person, allowing unlimited riding during the carnival sessions. Armband specials are available on weeknights from 6 — 10 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays with two sessions: 1 — 5 p.m. and 6 — 10 p.m. Information: www.facebook.com/EvansUnitedShowsCarnival.

RLC Fall Carnival, Sunday, 1 — 4 p.m., 1308 Reel Rd. in Longview (Risen Life Church). Risen Life Church is hosting a fall carnival, inviting the community to enjoy food, drinks, games, prizes and a petting zoo. Information: www.risenlifelongview.com.

Indie Author Day, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 222 W. Cotton St. in Longview (Longview Public Library). The Longview Public Library’s Indie Author Day features local East Texas authors discussing their writing experiences, along with two workshops to enhance writing skills. The event will be in person and streamed live on Facebook, encouraging audience engagement for prize giveaways. The Indie Author Market will showcase books from local authors. This year’s panel includes Elizabeth Carter, JLee Love, Becca Anderson, Ashley Havird, and Curtis Hinshaw, with workshops on AI writing by Mike Clifton and Lulu Publishing by Pamela Buchanan. Information: www.facebook.com/LongviewPublicLibrary.

East Texas Brewers Guild Fall Brewfest, Saturday, 2 — 5 p.m., 2023 Alpine Rd. in Longview (The Event Center on Alpine). The East Texas Brewers Guild hosts the 2024 Fall Brewfest, featuring a variety of delicious homebrewed beers alongside a lively chili cookoff. Attendees can enjoy sampling unique flavors while savoring the best chili recipes from local competitors. This event promises a fantastic day of fun, flavors, and community spirit. Please note that it is a 21 and up event. Information: www.facebook.com/etbrewersguild.