It’s easy to find free things to do in Longview. From outdoor concerts to indoor museums, it’s fun to experience all that we have to offer. Whether you’re on a budget or just saving for a rainy day, we have ideas for affordable outings that will have you coming back for more.
BACH’S LUNCH
Enjoy classical music during Bach’s Lunch. The Longview Symphony presents a series of free Friday lunchtime recitals featuring the music of Bach and showcasing local musicians. Bring your lunch and enjoy the classical stylings of Johann Sebastian Bach. Dining area opens at 11:45 AM. Concerts begin at 12:20 pm and end by 1 pm. To find the date and location of the next Bach’s Lunch visit the Longview Symphony.
YOGA AT THE ART MUSEUM
Bring your yoga mat and find your center during yoga class at Longview Museum of Fine Arts. From noon to 1 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in the Martin/Stoudt gallery, aspiring yogis can root themselves in mountain pose and build balance, strength and flexibility. As a bonus, you’ll be viewing world class art while you sit in sukhasana. The class is free for members and only $5 for non-members
PICNIC AT THE GREEN
Pack your picnic basket and head to one of Longview’s most popular outdoor venues: The Green. A first-of-its-kind in East Texas, The Green is located on the northwest corner of Spur 63 and highway 31. Through the gathering pavilion, half mile walking trail, music garden, and sculptures, you will heighten your appreciation for nature, art and music. Stop for a picnic at the picturesque, outdoor lunch tables. The 9 acre tract is enveloped with native trees that help combat the greenhouse effect, provide clean, oxygen rich air and afford a canopy and habitat for wildlife.
LETOURNEAU MUSEUM
Learn about the founder of LeTourneau University, R.G. LeTourneau, at the Memorial Museum and Archives, located on the picturesque campus. LeTourneau was an inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educator. The museum consists of both exterior displays, including three examples of early earthmoving equipment, and a visitors center, located on the third floor of the Nursing School at the heart of campus. The museum is free and usually open to the public from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. To check hours when you plan to visit please contact LeTourneau University.
PAUL G. BOORMAN TRAIL
Grab your sneakers and get some exercise on the Paul G. Boorman Trail. This trail is one of the longest walking trails in Longview. You’ll log more than 3 miles walking or biking through the Grace Creek corridor. You’ll pass Lois Jackson Park, where you’ll find a playground and picnic areas. The trail also has a drinking fountain, shaded pavilion, and play features. The mile markers on the trail are embedded into the concrete every quarter of a mile and show the distance from the end of the trail in the direction you are traveling. Whether you start at Summers Dr. in the north, or Highway 80 in the south, the mile marker says zero. The next marker you see says 1/4, and so on every quarter of a mile until you get to the other end of the trail.
SPLASH PADS
Cool off at one of Longview’s outdoor splash pads at Broughton Park, Lear Park, Rotary Park, Spring Hill Park or Stamper Park. From the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October, enjoy the cool water and the great outdoors. Water features are set on timers and can be activated once you’re ready for fun. The buttons are found on various play features.
DOWNTOWN LIVE
Listen to live music at Heritage Plaza during a free concert. Downtown Live is a signature outdoor music series attracting hundreds of music and food truck fans to Longview each week in the Spring and Fall. Each Friday at 5 pm, during the series, a local band headlines an outdoor concert on the Elaine Reynolds Stage. Be sure and bring a chair or a blanket to enjoy the show. The bands play till about 8 pm.
MOBBERLY TRAIL
Put the pedal to the metal and bike the Mobberly Trail. This trail has some nice hills and beautiful landscape. It is beginner friendly but also challenging for advanced riders. The trail is located on private land but is open to the public. You’ll be pedaling the whole time so you can still get in a good workout on the 6.5 miles of scenic trail.