May events at Dragonhead Retreat

May in East Texas: Festivals, Flavor & Small-Town Adventures

If April gets your attention, May in East Texas seals the deal. The weather is warm (but not scorching), the events calendar is stacked, and every weekend offers a new reason to explore.

From BBQ and live music to rodeos, wine festivals, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm, May is one of the best months of the year to plan a getaway—and Dragonhead Retreat puts you right in the middle of it all.

Major May 2026 East Texas Events

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival – Tyler

May 9, 2026

This is one of the signature events in East Texas—and a must for BBQ lovers.

  • Top pitmasters from across Texas
  • Live country and Red Dirt music all day
  • Unlimited BBQ sampling (yes, really)
  • Cold drinks and festival energy

Downtown Tyler comes alive with smoky flavors and live music—it’s the kind of event you plan your whole weekend around.

 

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival in Tyler, Texas

What's better than bbq and music?

The 12th annual Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival in Tyler, Texas, is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at The Park of East Texas. This popular event brings together over 25 celebrated Texas barbecue joints and a full day of live music across two stages.
 
2026 Music Lineup
The festival features a mix of Texas country and southern rock artists. The main stage performances for 2026 include:
  • Hudson Westbrook (Headliner)
  • Aaron Watson
  • Tracy Byrd
  • Southall
  • Bottomland
  • Parker Ryan
 
Ticket Options & Gate Times
Tickets are typically tiered based on the level of access to the barbecue sampling and concert. For 2026, the official ticket options include:
  • VIP ($235): Gates open at 12:00 PM. Includes early entry, barbecue samples from all joints, a festival t-shirt, two beverage coupons, and a private VIP area at the front of the stage.
  • BBQ + Concert ($117): Gates open at 1:00 PM. Includes barbecue samples from all participating joints and full concert access.
  • Concert-Only ($89): Gates open at 3:45 PM. This ticket is strictly for the music performances; barbecue sampling is not included.
 
Festival Guide & Logistics
  • Location: The event is held at The Park of East Texas (Gate 7), located at 204 Patton Lane, Tyler, TX 75704.
  • Food & Drink: While BBQ sampling ends around 4:00 PM, select food trucks and vendors will be available for the remainder of the evening. Drink tickets must be purchased for alcoholic beverages.
  • Policies: The festival follows a clear bag policy. Attendees are allowed to bring collapsible chairs and blankets, though certain areas directly in front of the stage are reserved for standing only.
  • Parking: On-site parking is available for approximately $10, though organizers suggest using ride-share services like Uber or Lyft to avoid traffic delays.
 
For further details on participating barbecue joints or to purchase tickets, you can visit the Red Dirt BBQ Festival website.

Must-Do Experiences During the Festival

East Texas Celtic Festival

East Texas Celtic Festival

May 8–10, 2026

Step into a world of Celtic heritage and culture:

  • Traditional music and dance
  • Beer, wine, and authentic food
  • Highland games and competitions
  • Unique cultural vendors

It’s a lively, family-friendly celebration that brings a different kind of energy to East Texas.

Tops in Texas Rodeo – Jacksonville

May 7–9, 2026

For a true Texas experience, you can’t beat a PRCA Pro Rodeo:

  • Bull riding, barrel racing, roping
  • World champion specialty acts
  • Live entertainment
  • Nighttime arena atmosphere

This is real-deal Texas culture—fast-paced, exciting, and unforgettable.

Tops in Texas Rodeo

Scarborough Renaissance Festival – Waxahachie

Weekends & Memorial Day through May 25, 2026

Travel back in time at one of the largest Renaissance festivals in the country:

  • Themed weekends
  • Jousting tournaments
  • Street performers & entertainers
  • Artisan shops and handcrafted goods

It’s immersive, theatrical, and incredibly fun for all ages.

Piney Woods Wine Festival – Lindale

May 8–9, 2026

Sip your way through East Texas:

  • Texas wineries showcasing their best
  • Live music
  • Food pairings and local flavors
  • Relaxed outdoor setting

Perfect for a laid-back afternoon with friends or a romantic date.

 

Your May Base Camp: Dragonhead Retreat

Here’s the beauty of May—you don’t have to pick just one experience.

  • Eat your way through Tyler
    Experience rodeo life in Jacksonville
  • Sip wine in Lindale
  • Catch live music in Ben Wheeler
  • Shop Canton’s famous markets
  • Explore parks, trails, and lakes

And after it all… return to the quiet, peaceful setting of Dragonhead Retreat

May Is Calling

This is the month where East Texas truly shines—where every weekend feels like a new adventure.

The only question is… how much do you want to experience?

Book your May getaway now: www.DragonheadRetreat.com

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#WeekendGetaway #CabinLife #VisitEastTexas #TexasFestivals
#BBQFestival #TexasRodeo #WineFestival #FirstMondayTradeDays
#BenWheelerTX #EdomTX #CantonTX #SpringGetaway

East Texas Celtic Festival

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 many children’s games, food vendors, crafts, a petting zoo, and Western style entertainment. As was once tradition, Dalton Days will again be held downtown in front of the Gregg County Historical Museum and be free to the public. The Dalton Days festival begins with a bang at 12:00 p.m. the first of four reenactments (12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00) of the infamous bank robbery with an emphasis upon the bravery and heroism of the citizens and law enforcement in Longview in 1894.

Western entertainment will include live music, followed by America 250 events. There will also be artisans and craftsmen such as a blacksmith, soap maker, wood craftsman, chuck wagon demonstrations, root beer saloon and many others. The museum will once again host our children’s activity area. This area will feature a petting zoo, children’s games and many other activities designed to create a family friendly interactive experience. Fredonia Street will be filled with wonderful food vendors and souvenirs that adults and children will want to take home to commemorate the event.

Dogwood buds just beginning to open!
Dogwood buds just beginning to open!
Redbud tree budding in Davey Dogwood Park
Redbud tree budding in Davey Dogwood Park
Dogwood blooms opening in Davey Dogwood Park
Dogwood buds just beginning to open!
Dogwood buds just beginning to open!
Redbud tree budding in Davey Dogwood Park
Redbud tree budding in Davey Dogwood Park
Dogwood blooms opening in Davey Dogwood Park
Azaleas blooming in the Northside Historic District
Azaleas blooming in the Northside Historic District
Dogwoods blooming in front of historic home on N Link St
Bluebonnets blooming in town
Bluebonnets blooming in town