Visit Palestine, Texas

07/29/2026

07/28/2026

We're honored to recognize Sergeant Fernando "Freddy" Niño Jr., who served in the United States Army from 1997 to 2003.

During his five and a half years of service, Freddy served as a Combat Engineer, stationed primarily at Fort Hood. His service included deployments to Bosnia in support of peacekeeping operations, where he worked alongside engineers from around the world to help rebuild infrastructure, and later to South Korea. Throughout his career, he advanced into a leadership role as a Team Leader before earning the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

Reflecting on his service, Freddy says the friendships he built, the opportunity to see the world, and the skills he gained made a lasting impact on his life.

"I'm very thankful for that opportunity."

Today, Freddy serves as the Police-Community Liaison for the City of Palestine Police Department while pursuing a master's degree in Criminal Justice with the goal of teaching. After overcoming a life-threatening battle with COVID-19 in 2021–2022, he was inspired by the support of the Palestine community and now looks for every opportunity to give back.

Thank you, Freddy, for your service, leadership, and continued dedication to our community. 🇺🇸

07/27/2026

What’s Going on in Palestine, TX

July 27, 2026 - August 2, 2026

Monday, July 27
Pineywoods Co****le | Double Tap | 6:30 Registration
Trivia Night | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Tuesday, July 28
DINE TO DONATE | Happy Trails BBQ & Double Tap | All day
Trivia Night with Dr. Factenstein’s Trivia | Double Tap | 7 PM
Open Mic | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Wednesday, July 29
DINE TO DONATE | Home Grill Steak House - All day and also Pint and Barrel Drafthouse - 5 PM - 9 PM
Bar Bingo | Double Tap | 7 PM
Movie Night | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Thursday, July 30
DINE TO DONATE | Queen St. Grille | All day
Adult Dungeons & Dragons | Palestine Public Library | 5 PM
Open Mic Night-Pool Tournament | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | sign up 6:30 PM
Magic the Gathering | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Friday, July 31
Open Art Studio | Palestine Public Library | 10 AM
Pineywoods Express Diesel | Texas State Railroad "Official" | 11 AM
Teen Dungeons & Dragons | Palestine Public Library Redlands Annex | 4:30 PM
Karaoke | Nunas Cajun
Karaoke | VFW 8924
Saturday, August 1
Palestine Farmers Market | 9 AM
Saturday on Main | Downtown Palestine | 10 AM
Tai Chi | Palestine Public Library Annex | 10 AM
| 112 E Oak | 10 AM
Pineywoods Express Diesel | Texas State Railroad "Official" | 11 AM
Open Mic | Nunas Cajun | 7 PM
Live Music with April Smith | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | 9 PM
Karaoke | VFW 8924

Railroad History and Model Trains Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum
Wed 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Thurs- Sat 9:30AM-4:30PM

Interactive Exhibits and Hands-On Activities Curious Museum
Open Friday - Sunday
10 AM-3 PM

07/24/2026

You call it slow paced, we call it relaxing. 🫰

…and retirees aren’t the only ones moving here. Working professionals aged 35-39 are the largest demographic in Palestine.

This slow-paced town is drawing retirees in before word fully gets out.

07/23/2026

🚂Come explore the refreshed Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum with us.
Open WED from 12PM - 4:30PM, and THUR-SAT from 9:30 AM - 4:30PM at 808 W. Oak St

07/21/2026

Patriots of Palestine: Chris Bartley

We're honored to recognize Boatswain's Mate Third Class Chris Bartley, U.S. Coast Guard, who served our country from 2008 to 2014.

Chris joined the Coast Guard shortly after graduating high school with one goal in mind—to help others. During his six years of service, he served aboard Coast Guard cutters conducting patrols throughout the Caribbean before becoming a Boatswain's Mate, where he operated small boats supporting maritime security, search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and narcotics interdiction operations.
Reflecting on his service, Chris says his desire to serve grew from wanting to make a difference in the lives of others.

"If you think that when you get older you'll wonder if you ever made a difference in the world, if you join the Coast Guard you will never wonder that."

One of the greatest lessons Chris took from the Coast Guard is to remain calm in difficult situations, believing that a steady mindset gives you the best chance to overcome any challenge.

Today, Chris continues serving fellow veterans through the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He serves as the local Hubmaster for the American Legion in Palestine and is the incoming Division Hubmaster.

Thank you, Chris, for your service, leadership, and continued dedication to veterans and our community. 🇺🇸

07/20/2026

What's Going on in Palestine, TX

July 20- 26, 2026

Monday, July 20
- Open Free Play Pool | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | 6 PM
- Trivia Night | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Tuesday, July 21
- Open Free Play Pool | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | 6 PM
- Trivia Night with Dr. Factenstein’s Trivia | Double Tap | 7 PM
- Open Mic Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Wednesday, July 22
- Open Free Play Pool | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | 6 PM
- Bar Bingo | Double Tap | 7 PM
- Movie Night Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Thursday, July 23
- Rusk Turntable Run from Rusk | Texas State Railroad "Official" | 11 AM
- Adult Dungeons & Dragons | Palestine Public Library | 5 PM
- Open Free Play Pool | Backroads Dance Hall & Event Center | 6 PM
- Magic the Gathering | Pint and Barrel Drafthouse | 7 PM
Friday, July 24
- Pineywoods Express Diesel | Texas State Railroad "Official" | 11 AM
- Teen Dungeons & Dragons | Palestine Public Library at the Redlands Annex | 4:30 PM
- The Enchanted Bookshop the Musical | Texas Theatre - Palestine | 7:30 PM
- Karaoke | Nunas Cajun
- Karaoke | VFW 8924
Saturday, July 25
- Tai Chi | Palestine Public Library at the Redlands Annex | 10 AM
- Pineywoods Express Diesel | Texas State Railroad "Official" | 11 PM
- Open Mic | Nunas Cajun | 7 PM
- The Enchanted Bookshop the Musical |Texas Theatre - Palestine | 7:30 PM
- Karaoke | VFW 8924
Sunday, July 26
- The Enchanted Bookshop the Musical | Texas Theatre - Palestine | 2:00 PM

Railroad History and Model Trains at the Palestine Railroad Heritage Museum
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Thursday- Saturday 9:30AM-4:30PM

Interactive Exhibits and Hands-On Activities at the Curious Museum
Open Friday - Sunday from 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM

07/15/2026

Visit our historic Carnegie library to meet the cast of the Enchanted Bookshop and you might just snag some tickets! 🎟️😍

Details in the original post.

🎭✨ MEET THE CAST AT THE LIBRARY! 📚

The Palestine Public Library is excited to welcome cast members from the Palestine Community Theatre for a special visit as they help promote their upcoming production!

Stop by to:
🎭 Meet members of the cast
📸 Take photos
📚 Learn about the upcoming show
🎁 Enter our Theatre Tickets & Gift Basket Giveaway!

How to Enter

Visit the Palestine Public Library and:

✔ Apply for a new library card or
✔ Show us your current library card

Then ask a staff member for a Drawing Entry Form for your chance to win!

🎟️ Prize Includes:
• Two tickets to an upcoming Palestine Community Theatre performance
• A themed gift basket
Update: Today's winner is Diane Beene. Come by and register for next week's drawing.
📅 Cast Appearance: July 18
📅 Drawing Entry Deadline: July 18
🏆 Winner Announced: Saturday, July 18.

Join us as we celebrate books, imagination, and live theatre—right here at your library!

We can't wait to see you!

07/15/2026

🚂✨ The magic is coming back to Palestine!

Golden Tickets for the 2026 season of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride are on sale now.

From November 13 through December 28, families can enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carols, a visit from Santa, and a magical journey to the North Pole aboard the Texas State Railroad.

Tickets are available now at:
🎟️ https://texasstaterailroad.net/the-polar-express/

Planning your trip? Find places to stay, dine, and explore at VisitPalestine.com ❤️

📸 Texas State Railoroad

07/15/2026

🚶 Take a stroll through Palestine with our Downtown Walking Tour

Here’s a quick glimpse of the full self-guided tour, available at the Visitor Center:

📍 Palestine Area Chamber of Commerce — located in the George Edward Dilley Building (1882)
📍 Duncan Depot Antiques — located in the Studebaker/Sam Lucas Building (1885)
📍 Palestine Community Theater - located inside Texas Theatre (1917)

Did you know? The Texas Theatre - Palestine’s production of The Enchanted Bookshop opens this Friday night?

And finally, if you’re looking for a guided tour through downtown, Palestine Main Street has a stroll on the first Friday each month.