Mineola might be a small town, but it hosts a wide variety of annual events that attract locals and visitors alike. Festivals, musicals, holiday celebrations, and a well-known rodeo are just a handful of the activities that make Mineola an exciting place to visit. Combine these events with Mineola’s tasty local cuisine, downtown shopping district, charming accommodations, and unmatched natural beauty and you will see that, no matter the season, there’s always something magical happening in Mineola.
February
Annual Kids’ Trout Fishing Day at Mineola Nature Preserve
Each year on the second Saturday in February, young anglers have a chance to fish for free—with no fishing license required! Beautiful Bridge Bob Pond in the Mineola Nature Preserve is freshly stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout for the event, thanks to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. Kids get to keep all that they catch, and volunteers from TPWD are on hand to assist with fishing or to provide loaner rod-and-reels and bait. It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to enjoy the pastime of fishing, no matter their experience level.
Bridge Bob Pond at the Mineola Nature Preserve
1860 County Road 2724
Mineola, TX 75773
(903) 569-6183
April
Iron Horse Square Mini Train Opening Day
Mineola’s history as a key railroad town comes alive with the annual opening of the Iron Horse Square Mini Train, a beloved attraction that draws train enthusiasts of all ages. The Mineola Mini Train, nicknamed “Harry”, operates from April through October on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The train’s much anticipated Opening Day is filled with excitement as Harry prepares to welcome passengers for a free spin around Iron Horse Square. Just because it’s a mini train doesn’t mean adults can’t ride along!
200 West Front Street
Mineola, TX 75773
(903) 569-6183
Mineola League of the Arts Juried Arts Show
The second weekend in April in Mineola brings a bonanza of local art. The Mineola League of the Arts annual Juried Arts Show is a two-day event featuring paintings, drawings, sculptures, wood carvings, stained class, fabric arts, photographs, and other unique works of art created by regional artists.
200 W. Blair St.
Mineola, TX. 75773
903-569-8877
May
May Fiesta Day
Mineola’s May Fiesta Day, held the first Saturday in May, is a vibrant gathering in historic downtown Mineola featuring live entertainment, arts & crafts, food, music, and loads of fun for the whole family.
Downtown Mineola
130 E Broad St
Mineola, TX 75773
July
Fourth of July Celebration
It’s hard to find a more family friendly Fourth of July celebration than Mineola’s, where the starlit Texas skies over the Mineola Civic Center are aglow with fireworks. Before the show, there’s plenty of entertainment including a splash pad for the kids, along with food and fun for all ages.
Mineola Civic Center
1150 North Newsome
Mineola, TX 75773
(903) 569-6183
Mineola Fire Department Rodeo
Throw on your boots and hats, because the annual Mineola’s Fireman’s Rodeo is serious Texas fun. Held the second weekend in July, this CPRA, LRCA, UPRA and WPRA-sanctioned event has attracted professional rodeo riders since 1963. Watch bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling and many more edge-of-your-seat competitions. Rodeo clowns will keep you smiling, while concessions will keep you satisfied as riders hang on tight for top honors.
City Hall Complex
300 Greenville Highway (US 69)
Mineola, TX 75773
Summer
Select Theater
Enjoy the magic of live theater and cinema at Mineola’s beautifully restored historic Select Theater. Along with cinema movies, catch four annual live theater productions staged by Lake Country Playhouse, including a popular summer musical that everyone enjoys. Enjoy a matinee or an evening show in Texas’s the oldest continuously operating movie theater.
114 N Johnson St
Mineola, Texas 75773
September
Iron Horse Heritage Festival
The Iron Horse Heritage Festival, held annually on the 4th Saturday in September, celebrates the storied history of this fascinating East Texas railroad town. The downtown festival features a full day of live music, pie baking contests, watermelon eating contests, weenie dog races and live reenactments of a western train robbery. Kick things off on the morning of the festival with a fun run through the pristine trails of Mineola Nature Preserve.
101 E. Broad Street
Mineola, Texas 75773
(903) 569-2087
October
Mineola League of the Arts Quilt Show
With their carefully stitched patterns, quilts preserve family history and create a window to the past for future generations. Indeed, many fascinating stories are told through quilts at the Mineola League of the Arts Quilt Show. Held the second weekend in October, the event features the handiwork of regional quilters who work year-round to produce stunning renditions of this American handicraft.
200 W. Blair, Mineola
(903) 569-8877
December
Annual Christmas Parade
Step into the holiday season the first Saturday in December with an old-fashioned Christmas parade through downtown Mineola. Following the float competition, kids visit Santa in Iron Horse Square. Friends and families ride the Mineola Mini Train, trimmed perfectly with twinkling Christmas lights. Shopping, dining, and activities abound at this festive gathering.
Broad St. and Johnson St. Gazebo
Mineola, Texas 75771
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