Theaters & Summer Shows
DOWNTOWN ART GALLERIES: If you enjoy art galleries, Athens has a large selection of them in the 221 Gallery on 211 N. Palestine St.; Charlie Bullock Art Studio and School at 103 W. Corsicana; Artful Thinking Gallery at 214 S. Terry St. in Malakoff; and Stop-N-Gogh Art Studio at 1020 S. 3rd Street in Mabank.
HENDERSON COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER( HCPAC): Founded in 1964, HCPAC now operates as a nonprofit community theater with two stages, the Main Stage Theatre and the Black Box Theatre. The summer’ s main musical production is“ Beetlejuice Jr.,” from July 9 to 18, a familyfriendly comedy about a teen’ s encounter with grief. Two performances of“ Charlotte’ s Web” at 6 p. m. on June 19 and 2 p. m. on June 20 are the capstone performances of HCPAC’ s summer youth camp for ages 7 to 14.
Event and season tickets are available at variable prices. Parking is free. HCPAC is located at 400 Gibson Rd. in Athens. For information call 903-675-3908 or visit hcpac. org.
STAGE NOTES ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS( SNAPA): SNAPA is a non-profit live community theatre venue hosting musicals, dramas, comedy and youth productions. Summer productions include“ 12 Hour Junior Musical” on June 20,“ The Aristocats Kids” June 26-28 and“ Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Aug. 6 to 17.
Ticket prices range from $ 10 to $ 45. Location is 224 N. Prairieville St. in Athens. For information email stagenotesapa @ gmail. com or visit stagenotesapa. com.
THE TEXAN: Opened as a movie theater in 1948, The Texan now serves as a 6,000 square-foot venue for live music, comedy and other public and private events in downtown Athens. Acts throughout the summer include tribute bands, dueling pianos, fundraising concerts and a June 28 bridal expo.
Admission prices vary by event and parking is free. For information call 903-675-5131 or visit thetexanathens. com.
EAST TEXAS ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL SOCIETY: The East Texas Arboretum features 104 acres of gardens, heritage exhibits and two miles of hiking trails in a beautifully landscaped setting. The children’ s garden has a playhouse, a wooden foot bridge and an area with small fountains.
Visitors can also see the Henderson County Veterans Memorial Garden, a demonstration beehive, the historic Wofford House and the historic Henderson County Jail that once stood in downtown Athens. Granny’ s Little Red Schoolhouse is also available for tours, which must be arranged in advance.
The arboretum is open 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p. m. Sunday. Admission $ 8 per adult or $ 4 for veterans, first responders, seniors and children ages 3 to 15. Memberships with free admission are also available. For information call 903-675-5630 or visit easttexasarboretum. org.
HENDERSON COUNTY REGIONAL FAIR PARK: The Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex features 64 acres with two covered arenas for livestock and rodeo events, from calf roping and barrel racing to drill team demonstrations. Electricity, water, parking and RV hookups are available.
The complex is located at 3356 Texas Hwy 31 in Athens. For information call 903-670-3324 or visit hendersoncountyfairpark. com.
8 SUMMER GUIDE 2026