Hey Tyler!

Valentine's Day is this Saturday, and whether you've had your plans locked in for weeks or you're still scrambling for ideas — we've got you covered. From concerts to dinner options or comedy, there's no shortage of ways to make it special this weekend. (And yes, some of these are perfect for a last-minute save.)

Beyond the love-filled weekend, there's a lot going on around town!

Let's get into it.

Tyler Man Smashes Guinness World Record — With Paper Airplanes ✈️ Richard DeFreece had a dream: get his name in the Guinness Book of World Records. The catch? He's not the fastest or the strongest (his words). So he went with paper airplanes. On Saturday, DeFreece folded 250 functional paper airplanes in just one hour at King's Academy Upper Campus gymnasium — crushing the previous record of 200. Every single plane was test-flown to prove it could actually fly. Read more

SWEPCO Donates $350K to East Texas Food Bank — That's 1.5 Million Meals The SWEPCO Foundation made a major gift to the East Texas Food Bank's Longview Resource Center — $350,000, which will translate into more than 1.5 million meals for East Texas families. The donation honors the late James Templeton, a Longview resident who contributed $250,000 through the foundation before passing away last year at age 100. The facility has been renamed the East Texas Food Bank Longview Resource Center Powered by the SWEPCO Foundation. Read more

Union Pacific Clears "Tent City" Homeless Encampment Near Downtown Tyler Union Pacific brought in equipment Tuesday to clear the homeless encampment known as "Tent City" under the Beckham Bridge near downtown. Residents were given about two weeks' notice, and during that time, the city's homeless resource officers worked to connect people with services and alternative housing. An estimated 10-12 people were seen leaving as clearing began. Read more

Texas Population Growth Is Slowing — But Tyler's Holding Strong 📊 New census data shows Texas' population growth slowed significantly in 2025, with domestic migration hitting a 20-year low. But here's the local angle: economist Dr. Ray Perryman says Tyler's long-term economic foundation is paying off — especially in healthcare, biotech, and education. Perryman noted that Tyler has maintained job growth even as the state has seen losses elsewhere. Tariffs, immigration shifts, and an aging workforce are creating headwinds statewide, but Tyler's diversified economy is positioned well for the long haul. Watch

Texas African American Museum Celebrates Black History Month 📜 The Texas African American Museum in Tyler is marking Black History Month with exhibits featuring notable African Americans from Tyler and the surrounding region — including community leaders like Henry Morgan and athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Earl Campbell. The museum is also hosting a dinner celebration with live music and cultural performances on Feb. 28. Read more

Not much changed last week with interest rates we’re still hovering in the same range we’ve been in.

What is changing?
Spring is coming. (Cue the Game of Thrones theme just because) 

And in Tyler, that means more listings, more buyers, and more competition.

If you’re even thinking about buying or selling in the next 3–6 months, now is the time to prepare. Not when everyone else jumps in.

I’m offering:

No pressure. Just strategy.

Sign up at HomesEastTexas.com/contact and let’s get you ready before the spring rush hits.

Valentine's Themed Paintings at Pinot's Palette
Pinot's Palette Tyler | February 12–14 | Various times | Learn more

The Importance of Being Earnest
Tyler Civic Theatre | February 12 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Art 4 Fun: "Colorful Art Hearts"
Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College Ave, Tyler, TX | Feb 12 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Learn more

Trivia Night
True Vine Brewing Co | Feb 12 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

UT Tyler Men’s Basketball vs Cameron
Louise Herrington Patriot Center, UT Tyler, Tyler | Feb 12 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Galentine's Night at Painted Tree
Painted Tree, Tyler | Feb 12 | 4-7:00 PM | Learn more

1836 Galentine's Celebration
1836, Tyler | Feb 12 | 5:00 PM | Learn more

Slithering Snakes (Nature Program)
Tyler State Park, 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler | Feb 13 | 2:00 PM | Learn more

Valentine’s Music Bingo at the Mayfair
Historic Mayfair Building, 415 Fair Park Dr., Tyler | Feb 13 | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Learn more

Matt Gumley Live
True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler, TX | Feb 13 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

Sax & Romance Valentine’s Day Concert
Meeting Place, 1301 West Erwin Street, Tyler, TX | Feb 13 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

Jason Misenheimer Live
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse, Lindale, TX | Feb 13 | 8:00 PM | Learn more

Teen Night at Urban Air
Urban Air, Tyler | February 13 | 5-8:00 PM | Learn more

Danny Jolles (Stand-Up Comedy)
Rose City Comedy, Tyler | February 13 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Jon Kott Band at Rick's on the Square
Rick's on the Square | February 13 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

The Importance of Being Earnest
Tyler Civic Theatre | February 13 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Heather Nikole Harper at ETX Brewing Co.
ETX Brewing Co. | February 13 | 8:00 PM | Learn more

The Tuxedo Cats at The Grove
The Grove | February 13 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

Run The Pines (Trail Race Series)
Faulkner Park, Tyler | February 14 | 8:20 AM (first start) | Learn more

Rose City Farmers Market
ETX Brewing Co. Parking Lot | February 14 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Learn more

Winter Warriors (Guided Hike)
Tyler State Park | February 14 | 10:00 AM | Learn more

Valentines Mini Pancake Bar at The Gathering Cup
The Gathering Cup | February 14 | 9:00 AM | Learn more

Valentine's Day Indoor Market
Good Vibes Nutrition Tyler | February 14 | 11:00 AM | Learn more

Valentine's Tintypes at the Museum
Tyler Museum of Art | February 14 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Learn more

Family Day: In Person (Valentine's Day Themed Art Activities)
Tyler Museum of Art | February 14 | 1:00–4:00 PM | Learn more

Art in the Park
Tyler State Park | February 14 | 2:00 PM | Learn more

Vulture Time (Educational Talk)
Tyler State Park | February 14 | 3:30 PM | Learn more

Valentine's Day Shred Your Ex at ETX Brewing Co.
ETX Brewing Co. | February 14 | 4:00 PM | Learn more

The Thorn — Epic Live Experience
Belcher Center, Longview | February 14 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Valentine's Dinner at Sola Bread Co.
Sola Bread Co. | February 14 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Valentine's Dinner + Live Harp: Eve's Road at The Grove
The Grove | February 14 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Jon Kott Band at Rick's on the Square
Rick's on the Square | February 14 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

The Importance of Being Earnest
Tyler Civic Theatre | February 14 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Kirk Harper at TXM Tyler
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse | February 14 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

The Importance of Being Earnest
Tyler Civic Theatre | February 15 | 2:30 PM | Learn more

The Thorn — Epic Live Experience
Belcher Center, Longview | February 15 | 3:00 PM | Learn more

"A Naturalist's Impression" Janet Turner Exhibition
Tyler Museum of Art | February 16 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Learn more

Show Love to East Texas Food Bank
East Texas Food Bank | February 16 | 5:30 PM | Learn more

PATH Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Party + Second Line Parade
PATH Parking Lot → Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, Tyler | February 17 | 6:00 PM | Learn more

Newborn Care and Infant CPR Class
CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital | February 17 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

Her (Film Screening — East Texas Film Society)
Liberty Hall, Tyler | February 17 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Trivia Night
ETX Brewing Co. | February 18 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Learn more

ACCELERATE Business Expo (31st Annual B2B Expo)
W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler | February 19 | 1:00–6:00 PM | Learn more

The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra
UT Tyler Cowan Center | February 19 | 7:30 PM | Learn more

Trivia Night
True Vine Brewing Co | February 19 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Sunset Hike
Tyler State Park | February 20 | 4:00 PM | Learn more

Karaoke Night
Daiquiris America First Wings & Grill | February 20 | 5:30 PM | Learn more

Star Party
Tyler State Park | February 20 | 6:30 PM | Learn more

Barbie the Movie (Screening + Photo Booths)
Liberty Hall, Tyler | February 20 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Heather Shaw (Stand-Up Comedy)
Rose City Comedy, Tyler | February 20 | 7:00 PM | Learn more

Unwed Sailor Live in Concert
Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ | February 20 | 8:00 PM | Learn more

That's all for this week, Tyler!

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day out on the town or keeping it low-key at home, we hope this edition gives you plenty of ideas to make the most of the week ahead. If you know someone who'd love staying in the loop on all things Tyler, forward this their way — it's the most thoughtful (and free) thing you can share this Valentine's week.

Stay warm, support local, and we'll see you in your inbox next week.

Eric
From Tyler

P.S. Got a tip, event, or local story we should cover? Hit reply and let us know!