Events to Look Forward to in 2022 in Tyler TX

As 2021 comes to a close, it’s time to start thinking about things to see and do in the Tyler, Texas, area in 2022. From races to festivals and live concerts to Broadway shows, there’s sure to be something for everyone on the 2022 calendar in Tyler. The experts at Mercedes-Benz of Tyler have put together a to-do list for those visiting the area as well as those who call Tyler their home. Here are eight events to look forward to in 2022 in Tyler, Texas.

The Music of Sam Cooke

Image via Flickr by formulaone

Belcher Center at LeTourneau University is proud to present the Music of Sam Cooke on Jan. 15, 2022. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Come listen to the music from the man known as the Father of Soul Music, with such hits as “You Send Me” and “Bring It On Home to Me.” Sam Cooke started as a gospel singer, but soon added a string of R&B and pop hits to his long list of chart-topping songs.

The Music of Sam Cooke: A Change Is Gonna Come stars Bradd Marquis in the title role. The show shares the music and life of one of America’s most iconic performers able to bridge the gap between black and white, old and young. The Belcher Center is located at 2100 S. Mobberly Ave. in Longview.

Light Up Cancer Kids Glow Run and Race for Hope

On Feb. 19, Pilgrim’s is proud to present the first-ever Light Up Cancer Kids Glow Run. The race will run down the center of downtown Lufkin, with kids aged 12 and under decked out in glow sticks, running the one-mile course. Each participant will receive a finisher medal that glows in the dark. Register your kids online anytime or before the event from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The race will begin at 6 p.m. and is sponsored by the East Texas Cancer Alliance of Hope.

In addition to the Kids Glow Run, the Race for Hope includes a full marathon, half-marathon, and 5K with a start time of 6:45 a.m. There’s also a Hope for Today Walk that starts at 6:30 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof

On Mar. 5 at 7:30 p.m., you can catch Fiddler on the Roof at Cowan Center. The National Tour features songs such as “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and is sure to warm your heart and make you laugh. Tevye is a poor milkman with five daughters whom he is trying to protect and fill them with the timeless traditions that define their family and faith. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll want to sing along to this iconic Broadway musical. Tickets are on sale to the public on Feb. 7.

10th Annual 1836 Chuckwagon Race

The weekend of Apr. 22 through 24, you can catch the 10th annual 1836 Chuckwagon Race at Diamond B Ranch in Neches. You’ll find multiple divisions of wagon races, barrel racing, pasture roping, and a cowboy-style match race. Events include self-guided trail riding, cowboy polo, mounted soccer, poker run, live music, a herd dog demo, barn party, and more. There will also be kids corral and pony rides and a kids wagon race. Camping spots are first-come, first-served, so plan to arrive early and pick your site.

Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival

Downtown Tyler welcomes the 2022 Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival on May 7. The music lineup includes Parker McCollum, Josh Abbott Band, Jason Boland & the Stragglers, Randall King, and Chris Colston. General admission tickets include samples from every available barbecue restaurant and access to the concerts. VIP tickets will get you in an hour earlier, while concert-only tickets get you to see the music. In past years there have been over 25 participating restaurants with food for everyone to sample. Tickets will go on sale in early February on their website.

Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala

Over $16.5 million has been raised since the first Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala in 1988, supporting local and national cancer support services and research. This year’s event will take place on June 11 at the Texas Rose Horse Park.

VIP admission starts at 5:30 p.m. with general admission starting at 6 p.m. There will be a live auction at 8:30 p.m. and a headliner performance at 10 p.m. A satellite band performance is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. with the Gala ending at 12:30 a.m. The arena is air-conditioned, and a complimentary valet will be available. Tickets include your food and beverage.

Canton Texas Balloon Fest

On July 8 and 9, make plans to attend the Canton Texas Balloon Fest at the First Monday Grounds. This event started in 2011 and has grown to include vendors, family fun activities, car shows, a 5K Glow Run, and non-stop music along with the hot-air balloons. The balloons take off in a sea of color while competing in a Balloon Federation of America sanctioned event. The live entertainment for 2022 includes Texas Diamond Trio and Wesley Pruitt Band. You can sign up for the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances: 5K Glow Run online.

Texas Rose Festival 2022

The Texas Rose Festival began in 1933, bringing the community together with the Tyler spirit again in 2022. The festival includes a Queen’s Tea, Rose Parade, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation, and Queen’s Coronation. You can enjoy the Texas Rose Festival Rose Display for free at the Rose Garden Center throughout the event. There will also be a Palette of Roses Art Show, Walk and Talk in the Rose Garden, and Rose Festival Arts and Crafts Fair and Plant Sale for everyone to enjoy. This annual event takes place in October, so watch for more information to come in the upcoming months.

As you can see, Tyler and the surrounding area offer our visitors and residents plenty of options for events. If you think we missed your favorite event, reach out to us at 903-534-7060 or via our secure online messaging system. The Mercedes-Benz of Tyler team loves to catch as many events in the area as possible, and looks forward to hearing from you.