Good morning, Tyler!

Coming to you a day earlier this week. 

Thank you to everyone who took our survey. Thursday was the crowd favorite, but Wednesday came in at a close second, so we’ll be coming to you on Thursdays for the time being. A second email may soon be coming earlier in the week though… so stay tuned.

And, as always, if you have any other feedback, please reply and let us know what you think or what you’d like to see. 

I don’t know about you, but it still feels like we’ve got months until Christmas, but let’s be real, Thanksgiving is only two weeks away, and we’ve got winter and Christmas-themed events popping up everywhere.

So without further ado, let’s dive into what’s happening in Tyler.

Red Kettle season kicks off
The Salvation Army of Tyler launched its annual Red Kettle Campaign with a ribbon cutting. Funds support local families during the holidays and beyond. Bell ringers are out and tap-to-pay is available at some spots. Read more

FRESH opens in Longview
A preview crowd got first looks at the new FRESH market off Hwy 259; the grand opening brings jobs, foodie options to Longview, and a little extra buzz to the corridor. Read more

Veterans Day on the water
The Tyler Area Chamber brought the community together at The Boulders on Lake Tyler to honor those who serve—Texas College Choir, local leaders, and a strong turnout in crisp fall weather. A simple, heartfelt salute. Read more

History for UT Tyler Women’s Soccer
The Patriots notched their first-ever NCAA Division II postseason victory, beating Angelo State 2–0 to advance in the Lone Star Conference tournament. Big stage, big moment for the program. Read more

Northern Lights over East Texas
A rare geomagnetic storm lit up skies from Lindale to Lufkin with pink and purple hues — your feeds weren’t lying. East Texans caught stunning photos Tuesday night. Read more

New UT Health clinic + urgent care on West Loop
UT Health East Texas cut the ribbon on an 8,000-sq-ft clinic/urgent care off Earl Campbell Pkwy, part of continued expansion on the west side of Tyler.. Read more

700+ students “trade” the market at JA challenge
Junior Achievement turned the Brookshire Convention Center into a mini-Wall Street. Teams raced through a real-time stock simulation, with the winner headed to nationals in Boston. Read more.

Gov. Abbott stops in downtown Tyler
At ETX Brewing Co. yesterday, Gov. Abbott outlined his “Texas Taxpayer Empowerment” pitch, highlighting proposals to curb property taxes, including a path to eliminate school district property taxes via constitutional amendment during a 2026 campaign stop. Supporters packed the venue while protesters gathered outside. Read more

Downtown protests over Smith County’s 287(g) partnership
Protestors gathered on the square to oppose the county’s involvement with ICE. Wherever you fall on this issue, it’ll be important to see how this impacts the area. Read more

Music Makers (Kids Program) | Tyler Public Library | Fri, Nov 14, 10:15am & 11:00am (two sessions) | Learn more
Rhythm, movement, and simple instruments to help little ones explore music together.

🧸 Discovery Time Playgroup (Ages 0–5) | Tyler Public Library | Tyler | Thu–Fri, Nov 13–14, 10:30–11:30am | Learn more
Open play with toys and learning stations—great for social time before nap o’clock.

☕ Daddy–Daughter Tea Party | Hilton Garden Inn | Tyler | Sat, Nov 15, 12:00–2:00pm | Learn more
Dress-up afternoon tea with keepsake photos and memory-making moments.

🕺 Mother–Son Dance | Hilton Garden Inn | Tyler | Sat, Nov 15, 4:00–7:00pm | Learn more
High-energy dance party with games, music, and time on the floor with mom.

🎨 Aurora Winter — Paint & Sip (Pinot’s Palette) | Pinot’s Palette | Tyler | Sat, Nov 15, 12:00–2:00pm | Learn more
Step-by-step painting; all supplies provided and no experience needed.

🧒 Jumperoo (Ages 5 & under) | Urban Air Tyler | Tyler | Fri, Nov 14 & Fri, Nov 21, 10:00am–12:00pm | Learn more
A calmer jump time reserved for the littles — toddler-friendly fun without the big-kid crowd.

🎄 Hands to Heart Market (Holiday Vendor Market) | Bridge Center | Bullard | Sat, Nov 15, 10:00am–4:00pm | Learn more
Shop local makers for gifts, décor, and treats at a family-friendly holiday market.

🪵 Holiday Doormat Workshop | Plants of Texas | Flint | Sat, Nov 15, 9:00–11:00am | Learn more
Stencil and paint a custom coir doormat — take home a front-porch upgrade for the season.

🪨 Gem • Amethyst • Rock & Fossil Sale | Homewood Suites | Tyler | Sat–Sun, Nov 15–16, 9:00am–5:00pm | Learn more
Crystals, minerals, and fossils from multiple vendors — browse specimens and giftable pieces.

👟 Giving Thanks 5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon | Rose Rudman Park| Tyler | Sat, Nov 15| Learn more
Choose your distance! walkers and strollers welcome.

🖍️ Bird Crafts (Kids Program) | Tyler State Park | Tyler | Sat, Nov 15, see daily schedule | Learn more
Simple nature crafts that teach kids about our local winter birds.

Barks ‘N’ Rec (Bring your dog!) | Tyler State Park | Sat, Nov 15, 10:00–11:00am | Learn more
Leashed-pup stroll with tips for hiking park trails safely with your canine.

🌙 Shine’s Twilight Mile (Fundraiser Run/Walk) | Tyler | Nov 15, evening | Learn more
A one-mile glow-style evening walk/run to support a local cause—fun for all ages.

Cooking Ranger: Dutch Oven Cookin’ | Tyler State Park | Fri, Nov 21, 5:00–6:15pm | Learn more
Camp-cooking basics with cast-iron techniques you can use on your next outing.

New Moon Star Party | Tyler State Park | Fri, Nov 21, 6:30–8:30pm | Learn more
Peer through telescopes and learn constellations under dark skies — dress warm (maybe?).

🎄 Ye Olde City Christmas Open House | Downtown Tyler | Thu–Sat, Nov 13–15 | Learn more
Antiques, holiday décor, and downtown deals; kicks off Thursday.

🎥 UT Honors College Film Fest | Liberty Hall | Tyler | Fri, Nov 14, 7:00pm | Learn more
Free evening of original short films by UT Tyler Honors College students

Holidays at the Goodman Display | Goodman-LeGrand Museum | Tyler | Ongoing daily, Nov 8–Jan 10 | Learn more
The 1859 landmark is decked out for the season — self-guided tours and photo-worthy rooms.

🎸 Turnpike TRIBUTEdours (Tribute show) | Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ | Tyler | Fri, Nov 14, Doors 7:00pm / Show 8:00pm | Learn more
Turnpike Troubadours tribute on Stanley’s patio.

🦁 Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 — Activate Creature Power! | UT Tyler Cowan Center | Tyler | Sat, Nov 15, 11:00am & 3:00pm | Learn more
Interactive stage adventure with the Kratt crew, perfect for creature-loving kids.

🍻 ETX Brewing Co — Karaoke Night | ETX Brewing Co. | Tyler | Tue, Nov 18, evening | Learn more
Casual, come-and-sing night at the brewer.

Green Room Anniversary Show | True Vine Brewing (Mosaic District Location) |Nov 16 11am-11pm | Learn more
Free music available until 1:30pm, ticketed afterward.

That's it for this week.

If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend and help us spread the word.

And if we missed something, or you’ve got a story we should tell, just reply to this email.

Have a great weekend!

Eric
From Tyler