Visit Athens Texas

01/14/2025

East Texas Arboretum to Host Seed Starting Workshop

Kick off 2025 with a green thumb! The East Texas Arboretum invites garden enthusiasts and beginners alike to its Seed Starting Workshop on Saturday, January 18th, at 11:00 AM. This event is perfect for anyone looking to grow their own spring produce and learn expert tips for gardening success.

Led by the Arboretum’s experienced and knowledgeable individuals, the workshop will provide participants with essential techniques and practical knowledge to ensure their vegetable gardens thrive in the new year. The session will last approximately 60–90 minutes.

** Event Details:
-- When: Saturday, January 18th, at 11:00 AM
-- Where: East Texas Arboretum, 1601 Patterson Rd., Athens, TX 75751 (Check in at the office for directions to the classroom space)
-- What to Bring: Yourself! Feel free to bring a reusable water bottle, a snack, and gloves if you prefer to keep your hands clean. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
-- Cost: $25 for Arboretum members; $40 for non-members

Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged. To learn more or reserve your spot, call the East Texas Arboretum at (903) 675-5630 or email [email protected].

Don’t miss this opportunity to cultivate your gardening skills and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts. Together, let’s grow something amazing in 2025!

12/17/2024

The East Texas Arboretum will host its Holiday Lights event on select evenings in December, offering a festive walk through a light display in the main garden loop. Scheduled for Dec. 19-21, and 26-28, the event will feature illuminated crepe myrtle tunnels, lighted gazebos, carolers at the historic Wofford House, whimsical holiday décor, and photo opportunities with Santa, courtesy of Atmos Energy. Admission is $20 per car or $40 for vehicles with more than 10 passengers. Photos with Santa are $10 for families of up to eight people or $15 for larger families of up to 15. Hot cocoa, holiday treats, and arboretum-themed gifts will also be available. For more information, visit the East Texas Arboretum website. https://www.easttexasarboretum.org/

12/16/2024

FINAL WEEK FOR 'ELF'

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts, will present "Elf the Musical" at the HCPAC Main Stage, 400 Gibson Road, Athens. Based on the beloved holiday film, the musical follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys to New York City to find his birth father and remind the city of the true meaning of Christmas. Shows will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 19, 20, and 21. Get tickets online here or call more information, 903-675-3908. https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/purchase.php?event_id=15464

12/05/2024

The Yuletide Market, part of the Light Up Athens Holiday on the Square, will take place on Dec. 7, 2024, from 12 to 5 p.m. at The Texan, 209 E. Tyler St. This festive market will feature unique holiday goods and gifts, perfect for Christmas shopping and supporting local vendors. Families can enjoy pictures with Santa at The Texan from 12 to 2 p.m., and Santa will also be available in his house on the square from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, call 903-675-7961 or email [email protected]. Celebrate the season with shopping and holiday cheer!

12/04/2024

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts, will present Elf the Musical from Dec. 5 to Dec. 21, at the HCPAC Main Stage, 400 Gibson Road, Athens, Texas. Based on the beloved holiday film, the musical follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys to New York City to find his birth father and remind the city of the true meaning of Christmas. The production will feature local talent, including siblings Greysen and Lainee Craig in the North Pole Elf Ensemble. Get tickets online here or call more information, 903-675-3908. https://bit.ly/3Z0CyYh

12/03/2024

The East Texas Arboretum will host its Holiday Lights event on select evenings in December, offering a festive walk through a light display in the main garden loop. Scheduled for Dec. 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, and 26-28, the event will feature illuminated crepe myrtle tunnels, lighted gazebos, carolers at the historic Wofford House, whimsical holiday décor, and photo opportunities with Santa, courtesy of Atmos Energy. Admission is $20 per car or $40 for vehicles with more than 10 passengers. Photos with Santa are $10 for families of up to eight people or $15 for larger families of up to 15. Hot cocoa, holiday treats, and arboretum-themed gifts will also be available. For more information, visit the East Texas Arboretum website. https://www.easttexasarboretum.org/

12/02/2024

Kolby Cooper will return to The Texan for a live concert on Thursday, Dec. 5. Doors open at 6 p.m., with live music starting at 7 p.m. The event will be held at The Texan, 209 E. Tyler St., and is set to conclude at 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $28 to $55. Smoky B Barbecue and Bar will also be open during the event. Don’t miss this exciting night of music! Get tickets here.

KOLBY COOPER!!! Yes, Kolby Cooper is coming back to The Texan on Thursday, December 5th! The Texan and Smoky B Barbecue and Bar will open at 6pm, and live music starts at 7pm!

11/27/2024

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts, will present Elf the Musical from Dec. 5 to Dec. 21, 2024, at the HCPAC Main Stage, 400 Gibson Road, Athens, Texas. Based on the beloved holiday film, the musical follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he journeys to New York City to find his birth father and remind the city of the true meaning of Christmas. The production will feature local talent, including siblings Greysen and Lainee Craig in the North Pole Elf Ensemble. Get tickets online here or call more information, 903-675-3908. https://bit.ly/3Z0CyYh

11/27/2024

Kolby Cooper will return to The Texan for a live concert on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. Doors open at 6 p.m., with live music starting at 7 p.m. The event will be held at The Texan, 209 E. Tyler St., and is set to conclude at 10 p.m. Ticket prices range from $28 to $55. Smoky B Barbecue and Bar will also be open during the event. Don’t miss this exciting night of music!

11/26/2024

The 2024 Annual Turkey Trot, hosted by and benefiting Hope Springs Water, will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the Cain Center YMCA in Athens. This Thanksgiving tradition supports global clean water initiatives.

Last year’s Turkey Trot drew over 200 participants and raised more than $16,000 for clean water projects. Organizers are excited to build on that success in 2024, inviting runners and walkers of all levels to participate in this impactful event.

For more information or to register, visit: https://www.active.com/athens-tx/running/distance-running-races/11-23-23-turkey-trot-athens-benefiting-hope-springs-water-2023.

11/23/2024

The annual Turkey Trot will return to Athens on Thursday, Nov. 28, at the Cain Center YMCA, benefiting Hope Springs Water and its clean water initiatives. Following last year’s success, which drew over 200 runners and raised more than $16,000, the 2024 event aims to surpass previous milestones. For questions or sponsorship details, contact Amanda Bennett at [email protected] or 903-292-1781. To register as a runner, visit here. https://www.active.com/athens-tx/running/distance-running-races/11-28-24-turkey-trot-athens-benefiting-hope-springs-water-event-thanksgiving-morning-run-2024

11/22/2024

The Athens Farmers Market will host its annual Holiday Market on Friday, Nov. 29, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cain Center, 214 Loyola Drive, Athens. The event will feature local vendors, community fun, and free photos with both Santas.

11/21/2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 Athens Christmas Parade, happening at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. If you’ve been waiting for a chance to show off your Christmas spirit, this is it!

This year’s theme, Sounds of Christmas, encourages floats that ring in the holiday season. 🎶 With $250 prizes up for grabs in four categories—Best Use of Theme, Most Enthusiastic, Judge’s Choice, and the fan-favorite Fruitcake Award for the quirkiest float—you’ll want to bring your best!

How to Enter: Entry forms are available at City Hall and the Development Services Center. The deadline is Nov. 29, so don’t miss it! Download your packet from the website or stop by City Hall for a printed copy. https://www.athenstx.gov/civicalerts.aspx?aid=73

For more information, contact the City of Athens at 903-681-1286 or [email protected].

11/21/2024

FINAL WEEKEND

Stage Notes Academy of Performing Arts will present A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, a new musical comedy, on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. The show, with book and lyrics by Robert L. Freedman and music by Steven Lutvak, is based on a novel by Roy Horniman. Performances will take place at Stage Notes Academy, and tickets can be purchased online here. https://www.stagenotesapa.com/tickets

11/20/2024

Unwound: A George Strait Tribute Band will perform at The Texan: A Landmark Venue in Athens on Saturday, Nov. 23. The popular Dallas-Fort Worth band, featuring Athens native Kolton Sparks, will bring the sounds of George Strait and outlaw country hits to the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m. Smoky B Barbecue and Bar will be available at the event. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online or at the door. Get tickets here. https://www.showpass.com/concert-unwound-a-tribute-to-george-strait/

10/30/2024

The premier traveling dueling pianos show, The Eighty-Eights, is coming from Dallas to perform in Athens for their second time at The Texan on Friday, Nov. 8. Doors will open with Smoky B Barbecue and Bar at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show includes two entertainers on two pianos performing live popular songs from the classic 1950's to today’s hits. Interacting with the audience, they encourage singalongs, dancing, and participation. This is a one-of-a-kind traveling dueling piano show! Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

The premier traveling dueling pianos show, The Eighty Eights, is coming from Dallas to perform in Athens for their second time at The Texan! Doors will open with Smoky B Barbecue and Bar at 6:00pm, and the show starts at 7:00pm. The show includes two entertainers on two pianos performing live popula...

10/14/2024

The Cheesin' Fest Halloween BBQ Kick-off will take place on Friday, Oct. 18, at The Texan in Athens from 6 to 10 p.m. This 18+ event will feature 12 stand-up comedians, crowd games, and barbecue from Smoky B BBQ. The evening will include a special surprise from Kill Tony, followed by a live interview recording with the Wet Podcast. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. Get tickets here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cheesin-fest-halloween-bbq-kick-off-tickets-1025282817507