Circus, diving dogs, music and more on tap this weekend

Published 5:30 am Thursday, August 31, 2023

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

Symphony in the Park, 7 p.m. Saturday, Bergfeld Park, 1510 S. College Ave., Tyler. Under the direction of Richard Lee, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra will perform light classics, popular, patriotic music and a preview of the 2023-24 concert season. Admission: Free. Information: https://etxsymphony.org/ .

“The Recipe” Teen Writing Workshop, with Casey Muze of AvenueSpeak, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, The Foundry Coffee House, 202 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler. Admission: Free. Information: (936) 234-9470 or https://avenuespeak.com/ .

Boosie Badazz Ratchet Fest, 12 p.m. Sunday, Brookside Ranch, 14461 CR 46, Tyler. The event will include vendors, a car, truck and bike show and music festival. Tickets: $25 college students, $35 general admission; VIP tickets $125 and up. Information: https://www.ratchet-nation.com/ .

Labor Day Luau, 8 p.m. Saturday, Majesty Event Center, 900 W. Bow St., Tyler. The event will include musical performances by Marlo & Rufus C and the Pick 5 Band and comedian Dez O’Neal. Tickets: $20 advance, $30 at the door. Information: https://www.facebook.com/majestyeventcenter/ .

“Roaring Jazz-Age Lawn Party,” 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Twin Oaks Plantation Home, 2620 FM 134, Jefferson. In celebration of the Opera House Theatre Players’ 35th season, the event will include entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, wine, antique cars, photo opportunities, silent auction. Tickets: $65 single, $120 couple. Information: https://www.jeffersonoperahousetheatreplayers.com/ .

Sharon Shrine Circus, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Longview Rodeo Arena, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Oil Palace, 10408 Texas 64 E., Tyler. Tickets: $20 adults, $10 children 3-12 years old. Information: https://jordancircus.com/tour-dates .

Downtown Live, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Heritage Plaza, 219 E. Methvin St., Longview. Featuring Kim Donette Band. Admission: Free. Information: https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3836/Downtown-Live .

Longview Cruise Night, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, downtown Longview in front of courthouse. The event will feature new and classic cars, food and music. Admission: Free.

NADD South Central Regional Dog Dock Diving Competition, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center Ag Pavilion, 100 Grand Blvd., Longview. Information: https://northamericadivingdogs.com/Event/info/eventid/4081? .

Luau 5K, 10K & Half Marathon, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Paul Boorman Trail Park, 1505 Princeton Ave., Longview. All finishers will receive a themed medal. Registration fee: $30 for 5K, $45 for 10K and $65 for half marathon. Information: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Longview/PaulBoormanLoop281922023 .

Kids’ Day, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, East Texas Oil Museum, 1301 S. Henderson Blvd., Kilgore. Admission: free. The event will feature story time, face painting, balloon creation by Happy T. Clown and more. Information: https://www.facebook.com/etxoilmuseum/ .

Concert Under the Stars Sock Hop Saturday, featuring Kelli Grant, the “Queen of Swing,” 8 p.m. Saturday, Kokomo Theatre, 2400 W. Marshall Ave., Longview. Gate opens at 7:30 p.m. A free movie follows concert: “Grease,” starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta. Tickets: $10, at eventbrite.com. Information: (903) 918-2132 or http://www.kokomotheatre.com/ .