Festivals and Events

Mardi Gras Parade

A jubilant New Orleans-style parade winds through the Palestine Main Street District during Mardi Gras complete with authentic floats and music.

Dogwood Jamboree

The Dogwood Jamboree is a Branson-style country music show filled with family fun, laughter and great classic country music from some of the best artists anywhere. 

Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration

This long-time celebration takes place the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April.  Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and the surrounding area.  Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the Celebration, including the Dogwood Trails Festival, the first weekend. Don't miss the Piney Woods Excursion and Dogwood Brunch Train at the Texas State Railroad, the Dulcimer Festival, the Main Street Farm & Flower Market, a play at the historic Texas Theatre and much more.

Dogwood Trails Arts and Music Festival

This two day event (always the second to last weekend in March) showcases wonderful food, great music and beautiful art. Learn more here.

Palestine Old Time Music and Dulcimer Festival

The festival is three-days filled with live performances, jamming sessions, concerts & workshops with some of the best dulcimer and old time music artists from around the country serving as headliners for the concerts and leading the workshops.

Neches River Wilderness Race

For 30 years, water enthusiasts from across the nation and the world have gathered in Palestine the first weekend in August to participate in “The Toughest Little Race in Texas.” The canoe race covers 22 miles of scenic, largely uninhabited Neches River. 

Hot Pepper Festival

Cool off at “The Hottest Little Festival in Texas” every October in Palestine.  Enjoy a Pepper eating contest, arts & crafts, unique food vendors, kid’s zone & live music all day long.  

Davey Dogwood Park

A major attraction year found round during the daylight hours, this 200 acre park has five miles of hard surface roads good for driving, bicycling and walking.  Try one of the unincorporated hiking or mountain biking trails yourself and enjoy the park’s beauty year round, and make a special point to visit in early spring for the Dogwood blooms and in November to enjoy the fall foliage.

Christmas in Palestine

PJ's all day? Yes Please!  Enjoy The Polar Express Train Ride™, holiday shopping in the Main Street District, the Grinch’s Lair, and much more.  Palestine, Texas - one of "Texas' Top Travel Destinations," where hot chocolate is served and PJ’s are welcome!