What’s Happening Around Cedar Creek Lake This Week…


🌿 Upcoming Activities


7th Annual - Back to School Bash

Free School Supplies, Athletic Physicals, Haircuts and more resources.


Love to sing, act, or dance?

Come audition for StageNotes’ fall production of The Addams Family — a spooky, kooky musical comedy that’s full of fun for all ages!


Sunset Paddle @ Sandy’s Lake Escape

Join us for a sunset paddle—fresh air, gentle movement, and a chance to stay strong without stepping into a gym.

Push off @ 6:30 PM, 7/30 | Paddle ~2 hours
Bring your own paddle - All experience levels welcome

We move at a steady pace, nothing intense—just real, functional movement that helps us feel better in our bodies and more connected to the lake around us.

Sandy’s Lake Escape | 105 Prairie Dr, Mabank

** WEATHER PERMITTING **


Island Vibe Karaoke @ Element by 456

When disaster strikes, Cedar Creek Lake shows up.

In the early morning hours, longtime locals and beloved community members John and Tana lost everything in a house fire—including their home, vehicles, and personal belongings. But if you’ve ever crossed paths with them, you already know: they’ve spent years giving their time, heart, and energy to help others.

Now it’s our turn to give back. Join us for a night of music, fun, and fundraising—all in support of two people who’ve always shown up for the rest of us.

Thursday, July 31st

Silent Auction (5–9 PM)

Island Vibes Karaoke (7–10 PM)

Caribbean Dinner – $30/plate - jerk chicken and island-style sides.
💰 $20 from every plate goes directly to John & Tana’s recovery.

Island Games:

  • Limbo Contest ($1 entry): Winner gets a clue to the treasure chest

  • Hula Hoop Contest ($1 entry): Winner gets a margarita

  • Longest Drive Golf Simulator ($10/shot): Half the winnings go to John & Tana

Dress Code: Island Chic, Flip-flops, leis, sundresses, beach shirts—come relaxed and ready to rally.


Blend your own luxury candle with Jean Russell of SweetGum Designs, choose from four dreamy scents, and personalize with charms. Light snacks provided—BYOD welcome!

Only 20 spots available → Reserve your seat


Kick off the weekend at the East Texas Arboretum!

Bring your friends, family & leashed pup for this FREE garden hangout.

🧺 Pack a picnic or grab snacks on-site
🎟️ Enter our 50/50 raffle – half supports the Arboretum, half goes to one lucky winner!
🌿 All ages welcome


🌽 Farmers Market Season is in Full Swing! 🥕

Support local growers, makers, and artisans every weekend at the Athens and Mabank Farmers Markets! S

Athens Farmer market.jpg

hop fresh produce, homemade baked goods, handcrafted items, and more — all while enjoying the vibrant community atmosphere. Come early for the best selection and stay to soak in the small-town charm!


August Book Club Pick: The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane

Our next Wine Down Book Club at 3 P’s in a Vine meets Wednesday, August 28—and we’re diving into The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See.

Set against the backdrop of China's remote tea-growing Akha community, this powerful novel explores family, tradition, and the ties that bind across continents and generations.

📍 3 P’s in a Vine Winery


Now thru Oct. - TEXAS TWANG Art Show @ Art House Trinidad

If you haven’t been yet, it’s worth the trip.


Mid-Week Dinner Specials


🍹 Monday Funday: Elements by 456 & Vernon’s Lakeside
When most places are closed, Elements & Vernon’s are open!

🍗 Tuesday Night at The Dock

Chicken Fried Chicken done right—served with creamy Yukon mash, sautéed green beans, and peppercorn cream gravy. Happy Hour starts at 3 PM. Come hungry!

🥩 Steak Night at Vernon’s – Every Thursday
This one’s earned its reputation. Filet or Ribeye, fully loaded, plus $5 Crown & Down drinks—it’s a local favorite for a reason. Great food. Good prices. And no clean up.


Be one of the first 50 guests and get 6 FREE wings!

Doors open at 11AM—come hungry, bring your crew, and celebrate bold flavors and good vibes in Gun Barrel.

📍 Opening Day: Friday, August 1


🐾Milo’s Pick:


The Dog Lover’s Guide: Patios, Parks & Places to Stay

Looking for spots where your dog’s just as welcome as you are?

👉 Read the full guide online — restaurants, wineries, breweries, trails, and places to stay.


📌Mark Your Calendar


This isn’t your average lake day!

Join The Tool Bark Club for a laid-back afternoon at Sandy’s Lake Escape.

We’ll have 6 kayaks and a lily pad ready—just bring a pup pool if you’d like, and a sharable appetizer to toss on the table.



Our community showed up in a BIG way! Together we raised more than $31,996 in gift cards to support families in the Hill Country. This is what #TexasStrong truly looks like. 🙌

Special thanks to everyone who donated, volunteered, and helped count and organize the contributions. And yes... #MyMabank took the win in the friendly competition — by a landslide! 😄

We’re still collecting, so if you’d like to give, there’s still time to make an impact. Let’s keep this momentum going! 💥


✨ One Last Thing...

Bookmark this guide, share it with a friend, or post it to your group chat. Life at the lake isn’t about how much you do — it’s about how much you enjoy while you’re doing it.

We’ll see you out there.


Cedar Creek Lake FAQs: What to Know Before You Go

Planning your weekend just got easier. From wineries to dog-friendly patios, here are quick answers to the most common questions—plus insider links to help you explore more of what makes the Cedar Creek Lake special.

  • Check out local favorites like Fig’s Backyard, Sharkie’s Smashburger, Elements by 456.


    👉 Browse Top Restaurants ›

  • Cedar Creek Lake is surrounded by small-batch wineries and laid-back breweries that locals love—and visitors wish they knew about sooner.

    🐾 Many welcome pets.
    👉 Explore The Best Pour Around Cedar Creek Lake

  • Yes! Many patios, trails, and markets welcome pups. Milo’s Weekly Pick is a great way to see what’s dog-approved.


    👉 Explore Pet-Friendly Places Around Cedar Creek Lake›


Make the Most of Your Weekend.

Great weekends at Cedar Creek Lake aren’t just about where you go—they’re about who you enjoy them with. From vineyard sunsets to local meetups, here are a few more ways to savor the lake life.


✨That’s Your Weekend Snapshot

📬 Want this sent to your inbox every Thursday?

Short, sweet, and packed with local picks.

Lake life starts with good plans. Thanks for making us part of yours.


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Small-Town Festivals Worth the Drive — Only at Cedar Creek Lake

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Top Kids Summer Camps Around Cedar Creek Lake