If you’ve recently relocated to the small college town of Beaumont, Texas, you may be wondering what there is to do for fun. The answer: plenty! Beaumont is a great place to spend time outside and get involved with the community, especially in the early spring. Below are a few ideas for things to do this March and April.

Spring Fitness

With average high temperatures in the mid-60s, March is the perfect time to come out of hibernation and start getting back into shape. Of course, working out is always easier when you have a support network, and Beaumont has several fitness groups that meet regularly. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or an occasional bike rider, look for group rides organized by Kickstand Bike Shop and other local cycle shops.

If you enjoy jogging, you can meet up with the Golden Triangle Strutters or the Sea Rim Striders. Both are free local running groups that welcome participants of all ability levels. If you’re new to Beaumont, joining this type of group is a great way to meet locals.

Enjoying Nature

See what’s in bloom in early spring by heading to the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, located near the entrance of Tyrrell Park. This 23.5 acre garden is a good place for a peaceful walk and is also popular with birdwatchers, thanks to its location in a migratory bird flyway. While there, you can also visit the Warren Loose Conservatory, which features a koi pond, waterfall, and a diverse collection of native and non-native plants.

For an even more serene setting, visit Beaumont’s Cattail Marsh. See how many of the 350-plus species of birds you can spot at this wildlife refuge, and go for a walk, run, or bike ride along the eight miles of levee roads.

Arts and Culture

If you haven’t checked out the Jefferson Theatre since coming to Beaumont, make a point of seeing a movie there this spring. The Jefferson Theatre was first built in 1927, and the beloved historic building was renovated in 2003. This March, they’re finishing up a 12-week classic movie series, which has been running every Friday at 7:30 since January. Get tickets for only $5 and sip on a craft beer or glass of wine while you watch the film.

For a live theater experience, you can head to the Betty Greenberg Center to see a production by the Beaumont Community players. Their first spring play, the eccentric comedy Arsenic and Old Lace, starts its run on February 27^th with performance dates through March 14^th.

South Texas State Fair

You may have to wait until autumn for the Texas State Fair in Dallas, but you can head to the Southeast Texas State Fair in Beaumont this March. You’ll find all the classic fair features, including a carnival midway, livestock expo, arts and crafts displays, a kids fun zone, and, of course, deep-fried food. There will also be a rodeo on March 27^th and 28^th. The fair runs from March 26^th-April 5^th.