Rock The Pines: a Christian music festival in Mineola

On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Mineola Nature Preserve transforms into an outdoor concert venue for Rock The Pines, a Christian music festival that runs from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The lineup features national headliners, rising artists, and a full day of music on the preserve grounds, about 40 minutes east of the property.

The 2026 lineup

The headliners

Switchfoot has been one of the defining rock bands of the past two decades, with multi-platinum albums, a Grammy Award, and a catalog that stretches from alternative radio hits to contemplative songwriting. Songs like "Dare You to Move" and "Meant to Live" have soundtracked a generation. Tauren Wells brings a blend of pop, gospel, and contemporary Christian music with multiple Grammy nominations and hits like "Hills and Valleys" and "Known." Colton Dixon, a finalist from American Idol, rounds out the top of the bill with his rock-infused Christian sound. The rest of the lineup spans hip-hop, Latin Christian music, and worship from artists like Evan Craft, Terrian, Gio, Bodie, and Trip Lee.

The venue: Mineola Nature Preserve

The Mineola Nature Preserve sits on 310 acres along the Sabine River, with hiking trails, a boardwalk, and open meadow areas that lend themselves well to an outdoor festival. The setting is pure East Texas: tall pines, open sky, and the kind of quiet that makes amplified music sound bigger. The festival takes over the preserve grounds with a main stage, vendor village, food trucks, and seating areas spread across the meadow. It's a family-friendly event, and the organizers emphasize accessibility and community atmosphere over the typical festival chaos.

The cause

Rock The Pines benefits the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, an organization that provides support and funding for pediatric cancer research and family assistance. The festival is organized in partnership with local churches and the Mineola community. Early ticket purchases help support the foundation's work throughout the year.

The drive from the property

From County Road 1070, head east on US-271 to Interstate 30, then take I-30 east toward Mineola. The entire drive is about 40 minutes on paved roads, with the last stretch winding through the pine-covered hills of Wood County. For anyone evaluating the 8-acre property as a primary residence or weekend retreat, the proximity to events like Rock The Pines adds another dimension to the area. Within a 40-minute radius you get major Christian music headliners, outdoor festivals, the Whatley Center performing arts season, and the Titus County Fair. Easy access and real variety for a quiet rural setting.