Spring is that wonderful time of the year when the wildflowers bloom and we feel the urge to take a day trip and experience a change of scenery. Why not get in your car, crack the windows and head to Longview for some fresh air and fun? We have plenty of unique things to do and see. Here’s a handy list of 5 Spring Events for you to enjoy in the Pineywoods of Longview.
1. The Longview Wine Festival fills The Green every April with wineries, vendors, food trucks and live music. This year, the event is scheduled for April 27 and will feature wines from around Texas. In 2018, the Longview Wine Festival was voted one of the best area events by Locals Love Us! Bring your friends and family to taste delicious vino and come see why people love this event.
2. The Longview PRCA Rodeo gallups into town on April 12th for two days of calf roping and bull riding. You’ll want to bring your kids along because there are activities for all ages, it’s a safe, family-friendly environment and there are tons of awesome prizes to win.
3. The same weekend as the Rodeo, The Harvest Festival and Livestock Show hosts their 24th Annual Crawfish Boil at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex on April 13. People enjoy the all you can eat Crawfish (including catfish) with all the trimmings. Beer, tea and soft drinks will also be available. Funds raised from this fun event benefit the Harvest Festival Scholarship Program.
4. Downtown Live is our free concert series that takes place outside at Heritage Plaza. Every Friday at 5 pm during the April and May run, this fun outdoor venue is filled with happy people listening to live music by rising bands. Locals bring their lawn chairs and blankets and fill up on food truck faire and cold beverages. Attendees come for the free live music but return for the friendly atmosphere and spirit of community.
5. May the 4th Be With You is an evening when the Longview Symphony plays music from favorite movies. This May 4 concert includes famous scores from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Incredibles, and many more! Since 1968, the Symphony has provided live orchestral performances of classical music to audiences in town. Starting as an amateur group with a few conservatory-trained musicians volunteering their time, the orchestra is now composed entirely of area professional musicians. Fourteen members are on staff at area universities and colleges, others are music educators in primary and secondary schools and many teach lessons privately.
6. Although inspired initially by the story of the bank robbery and the heroism of Longview’s citizens and law enforcement, Dalton Days is a celebration of our western heritage and has become a fun, family-friendly tradition. Families will enjoy games, food vendors, crafts, a petting zoo, and Western style entertainment. Dalton Days will be held downtown in front of the Gregg County Historical Museum and is free to enjoy. The festival begins on April 6 with a bang at 10 am with the first of four bank robbery reenactments. Western entertainment includes the Harvest Moon Country grass band in the nearby Sculpture Garden.