7 Fun Things to do Downtown

This Summer, pull yourself away from Netflix and try doing something out of the ordinary. Downtown Longview is super walkable and that makes it easy for anyone to explore a museum, see beautiful pieces of art, dine at a new cafe or check out some of our l...

7 Fun Facts About the Belcher Center

The LeTourneau University Belcher Center is a wonderful addition to Longview and is enjoyed as a performing arts venue for all kinds of wonderful productions. We thought it would be fun to bring you some interesting facts about the Longview landmark. So h...

A Train Day-Trip Through East Texas

Nestled through the trees of East Texas, the railroad lines connecting Longview and Mineola provide a unique day-trip adventure filled with food, drinks, local shops, a historic movie theatre, and of course trains. Best of all, this day trip doesn&rsq...

An Insider's Guide to the Great Texas Balloon Race

So, you’re going to attend Longview’s Great Texas Balloon Race and want to find out exactly how it works. We’re here for you! We are locals who have attended many times and understand the intricacies of this fun 3-day event.

F...

7 Awesome Offbeat Things You Can Do in Longview

Zip line over alligators, discuss theology over pints of craft beer, and take in a view of miles of East Texas terrain from the basket of a hot air balloon. These unusual adventures are among the many offbeat things you can do in Longview, an East Texas t...

8 Best East Texas Lakes

Warmer weather is here and we know you want to get out and explore all the beautiful lakes that we have in the area. Here’s a list of the 8 Best East Texas Lakes. What’s your favorite?

Photo by Marie Beschen

Lake O’ the Pines

Si...

Free Things to Do in Longview

It’s easy to find free things to do in Longview. From outdoor concerts to indoor museums, it’s fun to experience all that we have to offer. Whether you’re on a budget or just saving for a rainy day, we have ideas for affordab...

The Story of Downtown Live

Downtown Live has done a lot of growing over the past decade, and it is now a signature outdoor music series attracting hundreds of music and food truck fans to Longview each week in the Spring and Fall. Here’s the story of how it began and grew.

What:&...

Longview Arboretum Is a Sweet Place To Be

By many accounts, Steven Chamblee is a big name in the Texas horticultural world.

The Longview Arboretum and Nature Center Foundation has brought not only his big name to its soon-to-open gardens, but his desire to transform what will be the city&rsquo...

Best Spots for a Selfie

Longview is filled with beautiful backdrops and colorful corners that make perfect locations for taking a social media pic. Whether you like a majestic mural or a garden oasis, we’ve got a place that will take your Instagram or Snapchat photos t...

Best Romantic Dining Spots

Are you ready for a special night out with your boo and need a romantic dinner location? We’ve got you covered. Longview has several dining options that will make sparks fly. Here’s our list of the best romantic dining spots. ...

5 Fun Places for a Night Cap

You’ve enjoyed a delicious dinner with friends but you’re not ready to let the evening end. When you’re looking for a beautiful atmosphere to imbibe in something shaken and not stirred, we’ve got some new choices fo...

5 Places for a Pampering Pedicure

Your feet support you through long days at work, numerous activities and even exercise. They take a beating and spend most of their time squeezed into tight socks and shoes. Give those tired pups a breather and go for a nice spa pedi or foot massage. We&a...

5 Gift Ideas for Dad

Father’s Day is just around the corner and we know you want to find an amazing way to show your Pop some love. Look no further. We’ve searched high and low and came up with 5 great gifts that your Dad is going to love.

1. A night at Lumberjacks Axe Throwin...

Relaxing Retreats for You and Your Significant Other

Life can be difficult, and when the going gets tough, the tough go get a massage. Longview has several options for the relaxation and pampering that you need. Here’s a few of our favorites.

Copper Tree Retreat is conveniently located downtown on ...

Kids Will Love Little Big Techs

Downtown Longview will be full of hands-on activities as we explore science and technology during Little Big Techs. Two downtown Longview museums will have STEAM-related activities provided through partnerships with area schools. Although the activities w...

The Cace Family Continues Their Food Legacy

In a nondescript building on the northwest side of downtown, Louisiana gumbo simmers in a 40 gallon soup pot. The chef that stirs the savory stew has seen her share of sadness but she chooses instead to focus on the happy memories in this area of town tha...

CJ's Favorite Things to Do

So, you have just 48 hours in Longview and need a local’s advice for how to spend your time? CJ Clayton is a busy tourism professional who loves shopping, socializing, and spending time with her big family. When she’s not working she&a...

Arts!Longview installs two sculptures in Cultural District

Arts!Longview installed two additional sculptures in the Cultural District on Thursday, August 11. A piece

entitled, “Pegasus IV: Liftoff,” was installed on the lawn in front of Longview City Hall while another

sculpture titled, &ldq...

Alternatives to Binging on Netflix

During your down time, don’t fall into the rut of watching a tired TV marathon. That’s too predictable. Get outside and try something different. If you need inspiration, here’s our list of the best alternatives to binging on ...

Go behind-the-scenes during Big Techs

Big Techs Industry Tours and Little Big Techs Hands-on Activities are back on Saturday, February 24, 2024! 

Ever wonder how stuff is made? Come see how Longview companies make the world’s largest front-end loader, produce massive steel p...

Longview Celebrates 150 Years

Longview celebrates 150 years in 2020! Longview was formed in 1870 when O.H. Methvin deeded 100 acres of land for the creation of a town along soon-to-be-constructed railroad line. As the story goes, they stood from the top of "Rock Hill" in pre...

Super Ways to Celebrate Summer

Summer in Longview is filled with sunny days and blue skies so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the best times to visit. From outdoor movies under the stars to air-conditioned conventions, we’ve got the events to inspire a q...

Lonesome Dove Drive-Thru Safari

Two miles north of Jefferson, on Highway 59, sits a beautiful piece of land that is home to more than 80 animals. Alpaca, bison and red deer graze alongside donkeys, camels and wildebeests. 65 acres of terrain insure that the animals have plenty of room t...

Spring Break Fun

The History of Dalton Days

The letter arrived at the bank with the afternoon mail and was quite clear in its instructions:

"We take this method of informing you that on or about the 23rd day of May, A.D., 1894, we will rob the First National Bank of Longview. So take notice acc...

Arts!Longview Celebrates Longview Community Center Reopening

The public is invited to join Arts!Longview on Thursday, March 10, for the reopening of the historic Longview Community Center, which will celebrate its debut with an opening night performance of the play “Crimes of the Heart” by Theatre Longview.

“We are ...

Arts!Longview names Longview Ballet founder as recipient of first Lifetime Achievement Award

Arts!Longview is pleased to announce the selection of the organization’s first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Artistic Excellence. 

Pat George Mitchell, the founder and Artistic Director of Longview Ballet Theatre, will be honored...

Arts!Longview Welcomes New Executive Director

Arts!Longview is set to welcome a new executive director in January. Christina Cavazos will take over for Cynthia Hellen, who is staying on board through the spring to ensure a smooth transition, Cavazos said. The nonprofit organization guides the 320-acr...

Call for Sculptors

We are now accepting proposals for two new sculptures to be located within the Cultural District.  Written proposals are due by February 15, 2022. For information email lhill@longviewtexas.gov.

Artist Incubator/Accelerator Space Survey

Arts!Longview is looking into an opportunity to develop a local warehouse space into an artist incubator/accelerator. This could include work (studio) space and public space for the artists to exhibit/display/sell/perform works. As a local artist, your th...

Spring Hill freshman hopes to inspire others with downtown Longview mural

Photo by Michael Cavazos

A downtown Longview mural painted by a Spring Hill High School freshman invites the community to experience a spring melody.

Fourteen-year-old Ava Arnold painted the mural, titled “Spring Melody,” with her mother on the back wall of...

Job Posting

Arts!Longview is hiring an Executive Director. This is a full time position. For questions, please email admin@artslongview.org

Historical Museum Graces Magazine Cover

Arts!Longview is proud to see the beautiful Gregg County Historical Museum on the cover of The Medallion's summer issue! The Medallion is the Texas Historical Commission's official quarterly magazine containing news and advice about preservation projects,...

Longview WOW Gets Downtown Mural

Local groups receive grants from Texas Commission on the Arts

Four local arts organizations will receive more than $200,000 in grant money in October 2020 from the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA).  Most of this funding became available locally when Arts!Longview received the TCA cultural district designa...

Letter of Intent Signing

The Longview Arts District hosted a Letter of Intent Signing on January 8, 2019. The event was an overwhelming success and supported by many community members, local business owners, and government officials. The Arts District obtained more than 100 signa...

Longview Symphony Turns 50

The Longview Symphony has been bringing classical music to East Texas since 1969. This season, they have been celebrating with a gala at the Longview Museum of Fine Arts and a special 50th anniversary concert, featuring their first conductor, James Snowde...

The Arts!Longview Cultural District Named

The Arts!Longview Cultural District was been named a Texas Cultural District by the the Texas Commission on the Arts at a ceremony in Austin on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Arts!Longview will host a celebration on Oct. 10, 2019 in downtown Longview in con...

The Very Culture of Longview

Celebrating our New District

The Arts!Longview Cultural District is official, after civic and state leaders cut the ribbon on its downtown office Thursday. At least 200 people toasted the state designation of the 342-acre district during a ceremony inside the former Guarantee Bank/Re...