Plant swap, reptile show, pride day and more this weekend in East Texas

Published 5:34 am Thursday, June 19, 2025

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

Rose City Pride, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2000 W. Front St. in Tyler (W.T. Brookshire Conference Center). Celebrate Pride Month at Rose City Pride, an inclusive event featuring over 100 local vendors, food trucks, live music and drag performances. Information: www.tylerareagays.com.

Bee Day in the Garden, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 624 N. Broadway Ave. in Tyler (Goodman-LeGrand Museum). Keep Tyler Beautiful hosts Bee Day in the Garden at the historic Goodman Museum, a family-friendly event celebrating the importance of pollinators. Visitors can explore the gardens, enjoy kids’ activities, browse local vendors, and learn through interactive exhibits. Highlights include a live observation hive, crafts, games, and self-guided tours of the museum grounds. Admission is free ($3 donation suggestion toward the museum). Information: www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/parks-rec.

Pet Trust Resources & Adoption Event, Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon., 221 S. Broadway Ave. in Tyler (Rose City Farmers Market). Pets Fur People will be teaming up with The Soares Law Firm and Nicholas Pet Haven to share information pet trusts. Stop by their booth to meet adoptable dogs and pick up a free pup cup from Sweet Tooth Ice Cream & Dessert Lounge. Information: petsfurpeople.org.

Wild Expressions, Saturday, 9 a.m., 110 N. College Ave. in Tyler (Gallery Main Street). Gallery Main Street hosts the grand opening of a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring artwork created by the animals of Caldwell Zoo. From elephants to penguins, this collection highlights bold colors and unexpected creativity from a truly unique group of artists. All pieces are available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the zoo’s operations and wildlife conservation efforts. The exhibition runs through July 7. Information: www.downtowntyler.org.

Summer Plant Swap, Sunday, 1 — 4 p.m., 201 S. College Ave. in Tyler (Tyler Public Library). The Tyler Public Library invites plant lovers to its Summer Plant Swap — a casual, community-driven event where guests can exchange plants and cuttings. A limited number of pots will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Attendees are asked to bring only healthy plants to help everyone grow their collections with confidence. Information: www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/library.

Fun Forest Park Clean-Up Day, Saturday, 8 — 10 a.m., 1915 Garden Valley Rd. in Tyler (Fun Forest Park). Empowerment Community Development Corporation invites volunteers to take part in the Fun Forest Clean-Up Day. In partnership with Keep Tyler Beautiful, this event offers a hands-on way to support the local environment through litter pickup, planting, invasive species removal, and more. Volunteers can join an existing project or explore opportunities to lead or organize their own clean-up efforts with support and resources provided. Information: dash.pointapp.org/events/354020.

East Texas Homeschool Convention, Friday, 1 — 6 p.m., 1218 US Hwy 271 N in Gilmer (Gilmer Civic Center). Explore the resources and opportunities available for homeschooling families throughout East Texas. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking new ideas, this event offers a chance to connect, learn, and discover what the local homeschooling community has to offer. Information: tinyurl.com/homeschooling-gilmer.

Exotic Reptile and Pet Show, Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1123 Jaycee Dr. in Longview (Longview Exhibit Center). HERPS East Texas returns to Longview with a two-day reptile and exotic pet show featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, feeders, invertebrates, and supplies for sale. Attendees can meet top breeders from across the country and explore an educational section offering up-close encounters with some of the planet’s most exotic animals. Food trucks will be available both days. Admission is $10 for one day or $15 for both days for adults, $5 for one day or $8 for both days for kids ages 5-12, and free for children under 4. The event is open to the public. Information: herpshop.net.

Recycle & Reveal Party, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon., 222 W. Cotton St. in Longview (Longview Public Library). Keep Longview Beautiful is celebrating the return of the city’s recycling program with a special event at Library — Eastman Plaza. Attendees can meet the Paw Patrol crew, enjoy games, activities, and LEGO fun, and witness the grand unveiling of the new city recycle trucks featuring student-designed artwork inspired by the “Color Our World” theme. This free event takes place on the plaza just outside the library’s front doors. Information: www.facebook.com/KeepLongviewBeautiful.

Geektopia’s 5th Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 207 E. Main St. in Kilgore (Geektopia). Geektopia is celebrating its fifth birthday with a day of activities, sales and treats. Families are invited to join the party and celebrate five years of everything geeky. Information: www.facebook.com/rccomicshop.

Power Wheel Grand Prix, Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, 3310 Poplar St. in Marshall (Marshall City Arena). The City of Marshall revs up for its first-ever Power Wheel Grand Prix, sponsored by Patterson Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. This free event invites young racers to bring their 12-volt Power Wheels and compete in the Marshall City Arena. The Grand Prix features two race classes: ages 2–4 and 5–7. Helmets are required, and pre-registration is encouraged due to limited space. Information: www.facebook.com/marshalltxPARD.

4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., 1103 Searcy Ave. in Mount Pleasant (Oaklawn Park). The Titus County Community Alliance invites the community to its 4th Annual Juneteenth Saturday Celebration in Mount Pleasant. Festivities kick off with a parade at 10 a.m., starting from Mount Olive Baptist Church and ending at Oaklawn Park, where the celebration continues until 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy food vendors, bounce houses, train rides, live music, a DJ, adult bingo, horseshoe tournaments, and more. Information: www.facebook.com/tcca2019.