WE ARE PLANNERS
Nacogdoches is a relaxing place to get away from it all, but don’t let the small-town atmosphere fool you. There’s always something going on, and some weekends your family may be hard-pressed to fit in all the activities. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the perfect Nacogdoches weekend, and the Convention & Visitors Bureau publishes a “What’s Happening” hot sheet every Wednesday listing all the events scheduled that weekend.
JANUARY Enjoy some family time in the great outdoors at the annual Kid Fish at Lakeside Park, and then help cram the William R. Johnson Coliseum at a Lumberjacks or Ladyjacks basketball game.
FEBRUARY It’s a date! Stroll the brick streets and grab lunch downtown while shopping the unique boutiques and antique stores Main Street has to offer. Then take in one of SFA’s many cultural events, including an intimate play by the School of Theatre in Kennedy Auditorium or a concert presented by the School of Music.
MARCH Nacogdoches really comes alive in the spring. Celebrate by perusing the fresh produce and hand-made treats at the Nacogdoches Farmers Market, and then spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying nature’s beauty along the Azalea Trail. Wrap up your perfect Saturday with a wild night at the Nacogdoches Pro Rodeo and Steer Show.
APRIL There’s a whole lot of beauty to behold around town this month. Bring the family for a full morning of fun activities and entertainment at the Farmers Market Spring Fling, then pick up a few hard-to-find, “Texas tough” plants at the SFA Spring Garden Gala. Then stroll the brick streets and sip some fine wines at the annual Downtown Wine Swirl.
MAY Enjoy toe-tapping tunes and a family-friendly atmosphere at the Red Brick Bluegrass Festival. Take advantage of the mild mornings with a stroll along the Statue Trail, made up of ten statues throughout downtown and along Mound Street, where you will learn about influential people and events that helped shape the city’s history. If you would rather drive, we also have the state’s largest Barn Quilt Trail, with driving maps available at the Visitor Center.
JUNE Summer starts scrumptiously with the Texas Blueberry Festival — the anchor event of a blueberry-sweet weekend full of activities in Nacogdoches! Downtown also plays host to the annual Juneteenth parade. As the temperature rises, keep the kids cool with a visit to Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark.
JULY Beat the heat by taking in a free movie at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library, then enjoy some live theater at the SFA School of Theatre’s SummerStage Festival. Make plans for a long weekend in Nacogdoches and celebrate Independence Day the old-fashioned way at Freedom Fest on July 4th in Festival Park.
AUGUST Cool off with a dip in the clear, spring-fed pond at Camp Tonkawa Springs, a campground and RV park in Garrison, or beat the heat and sneak a little education into your entertainment by taking the kids to see a special program at the SFA Planetarium. Sample local spirits at these proud, passionate purveyors of adult beverages: Naca Valley Vineyard; Red House Winery; Front Porch Distillery; or Fredonia Brewery.
SEPTEMBER It’s time for football, and at SFA that means it’s time for tailgating. Students, alumni and fans mingle at Axe ‘Em Acres before home games and then cram Homer Bryce Stadium to cheer for the Lumberjacks. If you’re looking for a more soothing sound, the Sandyland Bluegrass Reunion features traditional bluegrass and gospel music. Don’t miss the Old Town Rig Down — the only festival of its kind in our state. The two-day event features over 100 immaculate semi-trucks, an evening light show, and a free concert all in beautiful, Downtown Nacogdoches.
OCTOBER Fall means family-friendly fun in Nacogdoches. Enjoy the carnival rides, games, food and competitions at the Pineywoods Fair, and don’t miss the Ghosts of Millard’s Crossing, an annual event that finds a cast of spirits haunting the historic village, telling stories about their lives and handing out treats. Visit the SFA Fabulous Fall Festival to find great trees and shrubs. Get a taste of the finer things in life at the Tobaccodoches Cigar Festival. Enjoy luxurious samples and pairings on Commerce Alley in the heart of Downtown.
NOVEMBER Enjoy a relaxing drive along the Fall Foliage Trail. Get in the spirit of the season at Holiday in the Pines, a shopping extravaganza sponsored by Nacogdoches Junior Forum, the International Fair Trade Market at Westminster Presbyterian Church and Wassail Fest, where downtown merchants feature their best holiday brew.
DECEMBER Experience an Old Fashioned Christmas at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. The Nine Flags Christmas Festival provides several weekends worth of activities, including a lighted parade downtown, a tour of homes, and more. It’s a non-stop celebration of the season that offers something for every member of the family.
