Gladewater combines a clearly dated rodeo tradition with local history, oil history, and music. It also hosts an annual April festival, live theater productions, and walking trails. When planning your trip, start with a clear priority: will an event date shape your stay, or would you rather focus on museums and recreational activities?

Rodeo and a Museum Visit

The Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeo. J.N. “Jack” Yates founded it in 1937. Its founding year roots the event in local history; the PRCA sanction indicates its status within the association. The Gladewater Rodeo Museum Annex is another option for a museum visit. Visits are possible during museum hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment. Check opening hours before you travel.

Local History, the Oil Boom, and Music

The Gladewater Museum offers tours covering the city’s 150-year history; confirm visitor arrangements in advance. Before the oil boom, Gladewater was a small, agriculture-based community with around 500 residents. The museum also covers the history of the East Texas Oil Boom of 1930. A music room is dedicated to Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, and radio station KSIJ. The range of topics spans the area’s agricultural past, the oil boom, music, and radio.

East Texas Gusher Days and Downtown

East Texas Gusher Days takes place annually in April in Gladewater. The program in Downtown Gladewater includes arts and crafts, food, and entertainment for all ages. Exact dates may change; check them before planning your trip around the event. Gladewater’s Downtown Main Street district is also worth a visit.

Live Productions, Walking Trails, and Skydiving

Jackson’s Theater presents live productions throughout the year; check the current schedule before your visit. Everett Park has walking trails. A skydiving facility is located at Gladewater Municipal Airport. Check whether it is currently operating before you travel. These options cater to different interests: a theater visit, a walk in the park, or skydiving at the airport.

Plan Your Stay Around the Occasion

The timing of these activities varies: the festival takes place annually in April, while Jackson’s Theater presents live productions throughout the year. The Gladewater Rodeo Museum Annex has specific days and hours, and visits by appointment are also possible; contact the Gladewater Museum in advance to confirm arrangements for tours. You can start planning your trip by choosing a specific festival date, a theater program, or an arranged museum visit.

Discover more destinations: Longview, Kilgore.

View the broader travel guide: Gregg.