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Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration

March 22 - April 7, 2024 Palestine, Texas

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. Don't miss the special Excursion Train rides at the Texas State Railroad, the Farm & Flower Market at the Farmers Market, a play at the historic Texas Theatre & much more.

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2024 Texas State Railroad Events

Dogwood Lunch Train:
March 23 & April 6, 2024 | 11:00 AM

The luminous white dogwoods and pink redbud blooms will light up the East Texas woods as the radiant blossoms and Piney Woods scenery pass by your window. We will offer five different seating classes on this excursion. Guests in each class on the Dogwood Lunch Train will be served complimentary appetizers onboard, with some classes also receiving a complimentary champagne/cider toast upon departure. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Lunch will be served on the grounds of our Rusk TX Rail Depot and is included in your ticket price. Our annual Dogwood Lunch Train has been a tradition for many and a popular excursion.

This is NOT a steam event. Tickets available online at Texas State Railroad

Easter Lunch Train:
March 30, 2024 | 11:00 AM

Guests in each class on the Easter Lunch Train will be served complimentary appetizers onboard, along with a complimentary champagne/cider toast upon departure. A variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Once at our Rusk Depot, we will de-board and have a savory catered lunch on the Depot grounds by the lake. This is a 4-hour, ROUND-TRIP excursion and restrooms are available aboard the train. This is not a steam event. Tickets available online at Texas State Railroad

Piney Woods Express Diesel- Texas State Railroad:
March 9,13, 22, 29, & April 5th | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

A diesel locomotive pulls the vintage 1920’s passenger cars on this four-hour round-trip train adventure departing from Palestine, with an hour layover at the Rusk depot. Passengers enjoy a journey through the Piney Woods and 135 years of history. The trip includes comfortable seating, food and adult beverage service, and historic narration on a rail journey. All seats have views along the Piney Woods route. ADA coaches are available. 855-632 7729 Tickets available online at Texas State Railroad

Piney Woods Express Steam

March 14th, 15th, & 16th | 11 AM - 3 PM

Love nostalgic steam locomotives? We hope you will make plans to join us on March 16th for our Steam Weekend Season Opener!! Don't miss this opportunity to ride behind the magnificent locomotives of yesteryear and get up close and personal with these giants!
It is always a fun time and a great opportunity to bring the kids out for an educational and inspiring experience!
The roundtrip leaves from the Palestine, TX Rail Depot and goes to the Rusk, TX Rail Depot where we stop for lunch before our return trip to Palestine. This is a 4-hour excursion including a 1 ½ hour stop at our Rusk depot where you can enjoy lunch from our Railcar Café.
We offer many seating and pricing options. Restrooms are available on board and we do have an ADA Compliant coach. 855-632 7729 Tickets available online at Texas State Railroad

Master Gardener Tree & Plant Sale
March 23, 2024 | 8:00AM - 4:00 PM
Trees, shrubs, roses, native plants, butterfly garden & a variety of locally grown plants. Federal Building parking lot 101 W. Oak St. For more information or presales, call 903 391-0190 or 903-764-0073

Market By The Creek:
March 23, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Featuring local arts, artisans, and vendors at an open air market held in Wells Creek Crossing parking lot. Vintage Items, Furniture, Handmade Crafts, Food Trucks,
Old Tools, Art and Eclectic Things.
Wells Creek Crossing 903 724-1220

Historic Redlands Tour

March 23, 30 & April 6, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Guided Tour of the Redlands Hotel. Built as a fine hotel with the best amenities including a restaurant, ice machine, orchestra and ballroom in 1914 by a group of citizens to provide housing for the visitors who came to the City by the new railroad. For special group tours call 903-729-2345

Fairy Garden Trails:

March 22 - April 30, 2024 | Dawn to Dusk

There is so much to explore in Davey Dogwood Park this spring! We know that the 5.5 miles of driving trails make for some amazing views, but park the car and step onto the trails and see how many of our hidden fairy gardens you can find! This free activity is designed for all ages and abilities. You can even add to our rock snake to help him grow!

Railroad Heritage Center:

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM | Mon-Sat

Relish the romance of the rails as depicted by the 37' X 17' Paul A. Domis HO scale Model Railroad display and enjoy the various exhibits that illustrate many facets of railroading. Find the dogwoods mixed in during this season and take part in our scavenger hunt to locate our special finds throughout the exhibit. $5.00 admission

Saturdays on Main- April 6

Palestine Farmers Market

9:00 AM -2:00 PM

From crafts to desserts, breads to wooden trays, locally raised meats and veggies to works by talented artists, you can find it all at the in one place. Come see all of the homegrown, homemade, and handmade items that Anderson County and Palestine have to offer! 813 W. Spring St

Art Walk
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
First Saturday of each month until December in participating shops in downtown Palestine, hosted by the Dogwood Arts Council. Start at The Gallery at Redlands at 400 N. Queen St. to pick up a map. Wear your walking shoes and explore downtown to visit with artists and enjoy live performances. Many of the works of Art on display are available for purchase.

Specialty Dining Events

Pizza! Pasta! & Pavlova!:

March 22, 29 & April 5 | 110 ACR 406 | 903-729-9500

Chef Simon Webster serves pizza from his acclaimed wood-fired pizza oven. Meal is served family-style and includes gourmet salad, wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta & his signature New Zealand Pavlova. Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard. Reservations required. BYOB

Bistro Dining at Restaurant Aubergine:

March 23, 30 & April 6 | 110 ACR 406 | 903-729-9500

3 course prix fixe menu. Choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts featuring seasonal & local menu items inspired by Chef Webster's global influence. Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard. Reservations required. BYOB

Dogwood Brunch

March 24 & 31 & April 7 | 110 ACR 406 | 903-729-9500

Plated gourmet breakfast with complimentary Mimosa.

Seating available from 9:30AM to 12:00 PM. Sabor a Pasion Estate & Vineyard. Reservations required. BYOB

Dogwood Brunch at Queen St. Grille:

April 6 | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Enjoy a beautiful buffet of sweet and savory breakfast items including omelet and crepe stations to get your Saturday morning started off right. $19.95 per person, $9.95 for children 5-12. Reservations recommended 903-723-2404.

Mt Vernon AME Church Tour

March 30 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tours will begin on the hour for a $5 donation towards restoration of this historic and sacred place which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The Mt Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church congregation was organized by Freedmen in 1873, 150 years ago, who constructed this impressive brick-clad sanctuary in 1921. The structure stood against the effects of weather and time, faithfully serving its congregation until 2013 when major structural issues were discovered, and it was determined to be no longer safe to hold services inside. With unwaivering purpose and determination, those leading the efforts to save this precious piece of Palestine's history have secured the initial grants to stabilize the building and begin repairs. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn about the plans for the restoration, walk the floors, see the pews, visit the bell tower, and kneel at the altar of this pillar of history being restored to its original glory here in Palestine, Texas! 913 E. Calhoun St

Solar Eclipse Viewing Event

Join Visit Palestine at Reagan Park on Monday April 8, 2024 to view the Great American Eclipse. Food trucks will be available and plenty of space to spread out chairs and blankets for the event. We will be providing up to 5,000 pairs of eclipse glasses for safe viewing of the event.

Event Information

Official Dogwood Bloom Watch: 2024

As of March 15, the dogwood trees inside Davey Dogwood Park are blooming beautifully! Some of the early bloomers are starting to drop their blossoms, but there are still plenty left to see.
This photo was taken at Davey Dogwood Park however, blooms can be seen starting to open up all over town. We expect, based on the number of blooms we currently have, that the peak of bloom season this year will be this weekend, March 15-18.

Register Now!

Fairy Garden Registration and Fairy Garden Workshop Registration is open!

Be sure to get signed up for one of our limited spaces in our Annual Fairy Garden Trail located in Davey Dogwood Park. We will also be hosting our Fairy Garden Workshop again as a time to forage, work together, share ideas, and create. Click Here for registration.

Old Time Music & Dulcimer Festival:

March 21 - 24, 2024 | A festival with a laid back attitude and really great music! Some of the best dulcimer and old time music artists from around the country serve as headliners for the concerts and lead the workshops. Friday and Saturday are filled with live performances, jamming sessions, concerts & workshops. For more information call 936-222-1892. First Baptist Church 5700 N Loop 256 Find out more at oldpalmusic.com

Thursday 3/21 @ 6:45pm
Joe Newberry & Ann Kirrane in No. County Clare, Ireland alone with her, the Belles of Bellharbour
Friday 3/22 & Saturday 3/23 Workshops @ 9am, 10:30am, and 3:15pm
Friday 3/22 concerts @ 1:30pm & 6:45pm
Saturday 3/23 concerts @ 1:30pm & 6:45 pm
All concerts are $10 per person
www.oldpalmusic.com

VIP Art Tent Gala:

March 22, 2024 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

This is an exclusive pre-event for the Art Tent artists. Live music, wine pull, heavy hors d’oeuvres and open bar will provide an elegant evening topped off with an open bar and a live auction. William E Young posters from the past 5 years will be available for sale. Tickets $20 available at the door or click here. Redlands Hotel Parking Lot at 302 W Oak St.

Dogwood Festival:

March 23, 2024 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Downtown

Join us in Palestine's historic Main Street District for Arts & Craft vendors, food, live street performances, kid's activity zone, photo ops & more.

Art Tent: FREE
March 23 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Redlands Hotel Parking Lot. Artists from across Texas come together to showcase their work. Select pieces will be available for purchase. Student art on display and for sale from local students. Corner of John and Oak St.

Sister Act:
April 5-7 & 12-14, 2024
From mtishows.com Palestine Community Theatre presents the feel-good musical comedy smash based on the 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent! Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in so blows her cover. Soon the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Please Note: As in the move, adult situations are present. PCT rates this production PG-13. Tickets--historic.texas.theatre@gmail.com
213 W Crawford St. Purchase tickets here.

Entertainment

Boston Porter Memorial Rodeo
March 23, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Tickets will be available at Cavender's $12 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 6 & under are free

Boston’s Buckaroos Kid Rodeo

March 23, 2024 | 1:00 PM

Mutton Busting, Stick Horse Barrel Races, Goat Scramble, Hay Hauling, Chuck Wagon Races & More. $8 general admission. Register kids at Dogwood Trails Festival from 9:00 AM -12:00 PM for the event.

Texas Foodie Adventures

Hummingbird Hollow

March 23, 30 & April 6 | 7:30 PM

4 course prix fixe Chef's selection featuring seasonal & local fare by Chef Pamela Horowitz. One seating Reservations required. BYOB

680 An County Road 446 | 903-549-2716

Dogwood Jamboree:
April 6, 2024 | 7:00 PM
Classic Country Music and Comedy Palestine High School Auditorium 1600 S Loop 256
Doors open at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00.
All adult Tickets are $20.00, children 6-12 are $10.00, 5 and under are Free
Call 903-729-7080 for information. Looking for special hotel rates? Call 903-729-6070 or 903-724-2556.

Family Fun

Curious Museum

March 23, 30 & April 6

An exciting hands-on museum designed for individuals and families, for anyone who has ever been curious. Swing by to enjoy this interactive museum that appeals to all interest levels. Admission $8 for children under 18, $10 for adults. 10 AM-3 PM 1301 S. Royall St.

Stained Glass Tours

Sacred Heart Catholic Church:
March 16th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
March 23rd 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Stunning stained glass, incredible detailing and beautiful architecture are just of few of the features that will have you in awe of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Open every Saturday during the Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration.
503 N Queen St.

First Methodist Church of Palestine:
March 23rd 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
March 30th 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
This church began with Methodist classes organized by John Wilson in 1840 and held in this area at the home of John Box. In 1884 Palestine's Methodists erected a new sanctuary at the corner of Avenue A and N. Mallard Street and named it "Centenary." The current building was built in 1910, and the structure was then remodeled in 1952. In 1986 the adjoining "Carroll Building" was erected.

First Christian Church:
March 23rd 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
March 30th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
The First Christian Church in Palestine is one of the oldest congregations in the area. In 1905 the brick building was constructed. The chapel in the educational building is the pride of the entire membership with its beautiful memorial windows.
113 E Crawford St

First Presbyterian Church
March 23rd 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
March 30th 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Organized in 1849, the Gothic Revival church building is the oldest church in Palestine. On March 7, 1887, the church bought a lot on Avenue A, and the cornerstone for the sanctuary was laid on July 12, 1888. The bricks were made from clay excavated from a pit that later became Spring Park Lake. The sanctuary is of Gothic design and contains leaded stained glass and Tiffany memorial windows. The ceiling was hand painted by an itinerant German craftsman, and has not been retouched since it was originally painted. The silver spire was added in 1890.The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

Farm & Flower Market:

March 30

9:00 AM -2:00 PM

An annual tradition, the Farm & Flower Market kicks off the Palestine Farmers Market season with an abundance of plants to get your garden off to a great start! You never know what goodies you will find. The Palestine Farmers Market brings the community together while showcasing locally grown and handmade items each Saturday until December. 813 W. Spring St