The Pulse

The Pulse

Activities and Events are embedded into the Longview culture. There is barely a weekend that doesn't provide concerts or events to go to. Be sure and check out the many happenings at VisitLongviewTexas.com.

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

Have you visited the 26 acres devoted to specimen plantings of trees, shrubs, and flowers? This unique ecosystem is nestled in the heart of Longview. Yes, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center will stimulate the senses while providing opportunities to learn and engage!

Families can experience numerous events and activities scheduled throughout the year. Start planning now for your personalized Plant and Flower Tour for only $7.00 per person, $5.00 senior rate. If visitors would like to bring a group please schedule at least 7 days in advance for group tours (10 or more). And follow the Arboretum to learn more about the 2023 Summer Science program.

LongviewArboretum.org

Arboretum Spring Concert Series – 2023 Roots in the Gardens

Performances are held at the Water’s Edge in the nature garden on Thursday evenings. Be sure and bring a picnic basket, lawn chairs and maybe event a blanket for those cool spring evenings. Doors open at 5PM with music beginning at 6PM. Admission is $10, $5 for children 7-12, and children under 7 are free!

3/30 – Galaxy – A three-piece band established in 1979 playing pure classic rock.

4/6 – The Usual Suspects – This 5-member band plays a great mix of blues, classic rock, and a little country from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

4/13 – Flashbacks – An 8-piece show band playing the 50s and 60s with horns, keyboard, and drums.

4/20 – Probable Cause Band – A 5-piece band playing rock, blues and so much more!

4/27 – Tuxedo Cats – A 4-piece band that plays a little of everything – new to old, rock to country, jazz to ballads, blues to Motown.

Cinco De Mayo – Join us May 5th from 5pm to 9pm to celebrate Mexican culture, music, food, and fun!

The Purple Hulls delight the crowd with their energetic acoustic driven music at Roots in the Gardens, a biannual concert series presented by the Longview Arboretum.

East Texas Symphonic Band

Music is in the air! East Texas musicians come together to provide a robust concert series every year. The band is made up of approximately 65 volunteers consisting of adults, high school, and college students. Tickets are $10, students and children always free. Check out what is on tap for the Winter & Spring Season Schedule:

February 6 – 7:30pm – LeTourneau University Belcher Center

April 3 – 7:30pm - LeTourneau University Belcher Center

May 22 – 7:00pm – Teague Park Amphitheater – FREE Admission

Contact: info@etsymphonicband.org or 903-738-9442

ETSymphonicBand.org

Letourneau University Belcher Center

Belcher Center Performance

Audiences delight when taking advantage of the numerous live events when visiting Longview’s beautiful performing arts center. Attendees can experience meet and greets with favorite artists, backstage tours, and more! What’s on tap for this Winter and Spring?

Feb. 10 – Jim Breuer Live and Let Laugh

Mar. 4 – Justin Willman Magic for Humans

Mar. 17 – Celtic Angels Ireland

April 29 – Longview Symphony presents Star Wars Through the Years

BelcherCenter.com/live

Arts!Longview

Artwalk Longview artist demonstrating her work.

If you are looking for some real East Texas culture, Longview is the place to be! Activities are scheduled throughout the year which will delight every member of your party. From museums and live theatre to craft beer and artisan coffee, to art festivals and live music, the Arts!Longview Cultural District has it all.

Downtown ArtWalk – Families and friends always enjoy this FREE, self-guided tour hosted quarterly in downtown Longview. Over 100 artisans, food trucks, and street musicians fill the district which strengthens our sense of community and place.

ArtwalkLongview.com

Longview Museum of Fine Arts – Exhibits and Music

LMFA Opening reception for History On Canvas: Buffalo Soldiers Revisited exhibit.

Vizcre8ve

LMFA is known as the destination that fosters beauty, creativity, and the arts. Over 1,000 works of art including paintings, woodcuts, photographs, sculpture, lithographs, serigraphs, collages, and works on paper can be found on display. Each year, the museum brings in culturally and historically significant works from the 19th century to the present and curates exhibitions featuring Texas-based artists to internationally established artists. Currently, LMFA has the following exhibits on display:

History on Canvas: Buffalo Soldiers Revisited

On display November 11 – April 15, 2023

Towards a 21st Century Abstraction

On display October 15, 2022 – February 11, 2023

To inspire future artists the museum hosts the annual Student Invitational. Plus, they provide numerous activities such as art classes and workshops for all ages each summer. Summer classes return June 5 – July 28, 2023.

Concerts

LMFA also welcomes extraordinarily talented musicians throughout the year. Purchase tickets at LMFA.org or at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm and shows start at 7:00pm.

The Arcadian Wild – Saturday, February 11, 2023

Christie Lenée – Friday, March 10, 2023

For more information, visit LMFA.org

Parade of Homes

Thinking about a new home or considering a little remodel? Then you will want to check out the great ideas can be found at the East Texas Builders Association Parade of Homes May 5 & 6 and May 12 & 13. Two weekends of fun and exploration can turn your dreams into reality when touring these beautiful designed and custom built homes. Plus, it provides the perfect opportunity to visit with local builders and see the latest home trends.

LONGVIEW MALL

April 2nd – Longview Craw Fest

The Longview Craw Fest features The Crawfish Cartel and Double HH Crawfish duking it out for the “People’s Choice Award for Best Crawfish.” This year’s event will benefit Kingdom Care and The New Diana Alumni Baseball Association. Enjoy live music from the Blaine Hart Band, a meet and greet with Turtle Man, a cornhole tournament with Marshall Cornhole Crew, axe throwing with Lumberjacks, bucket truck rides, bounce houses, and children's games.

Downtown Live – Spring Concert Schedule

Main street Longview is committed to continuing the revitalization of the downtown area with their community partners. Volunteers work alongside City staff to create opportunities that welcome visitors downtown by helping attract businesses, produce events, and provide training. Longview’s Main Street’s represents the broad diversity that makes our community unique.

Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome performing at Downtown Live.

Fridays this spring at 5pm on Heritage Plaza. Free Admission!

4/07 – Dagnabbit

4/14 – Teazur

4/21 – Matt Coats

4/28 – Low D

5/12 – Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome

5/19 – Mason Dawson

5/26 – Covie

Wine Swirl - April 22, 2023

Visitors will want to come out and learn more about complexities of wine. Did you know a wine’s taste is created through our nose and not our mouth?

Longview Tours

We'll Show You All The Best Places! The Discover Longview Tour is a great way for customer-facing employees to learn about restaurants and attractions in our community. Organized by Visit Longview, the tour is great for hotel employees, restaurant workers, or anyone wanting to learn more about our lovely town. Join us on the next tour so you'll be prepared to answer, "What's fun to do in Longview?" For more information email info@VisitLongviewTexas.com or call 903-753-3281.

Great Texas Balloon Race

U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship returns to Longview June 12-18, 2023 to join with the annual Great Texas Balloon Race competition June 16-18 — a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world.

Considered by many of the pilots that compete to be the best-run event on the circuit, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned Longview the official designation as "The Balloon Capital of Texas" by the Governor of Texas in 1985. In 2013 Gregg County was proclaimed Competitive balloon flights are scheduled for the mornings of Friday through Sunday over Longview. Launch and landing sites change each day as they are always determined by wind and the weather.

The Balloon Glow, a crowd-pleasing highlight of the Great Texas Balloon Race every year, where race participants gather for a spectacular show of dozens of glowing balloon canopies and great live music.

GTBR.NET

Longview PRCA Rodeo

Bring the kids and family to enjoy our PRCA Rodeo on April 21-22, 2023. For the 32nd year in a row an amazing show has been planned. The rodeo is tons of fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy Mutton Bustin’! That’s right this crowd thriller is just for the kiddos! Typically, this classic competition is designed for the little ones to ride like bull riders but on sheep. Or perhaps Chicks N Chaps is more your style. Enjoy seeing women rope, ride, and more! These ladies spend the day having fun while raising money for cancer. Don’t worry, this two-day Rodeo provides it all!

LONGVIEWRODEO.COM