Events

July 4th, 2026

Sensory Friendly Fireworks

October 31, 2026

Sensory Friendly Trick or Treating

November 14, 2026

Elijah's Retreat 2026
Booking Calendar Opening

January 11, 2026 @ 8am

This is one of our most anticipated days of the year, and cabins fill quickly! Families from across the U.S. and beyond look forward to the peace, fun, and connection found on our 50-acre ranch—featuring cozy cabins, nature trails, fishing ponds, and hands-on animal experiences.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning, this is your chance to reserve a stay where your family can rest, recharge, and reconnect.

✨ Be ready at 8:00 AM—cabins go fast!
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the retreat and create new memories together.

Rest & Renew Mom's Retreat

January 16-18, 2026

Step away from the busyness of life and join us for Rest & Renew, a peaceful weekend retreat created exclusively for moms facing the journey of autism. This special retreat offers time to rest, reflect, and connect with other moms who truly understand.

Your Renewal Pass includes comfortable cabin accommodations, T-Shirt, all meals provided, and intentional time for personal reflection and community.

Weekend Highlights include:

Friday Evening: Silent prayer and reflection

Saturday Morning: Mom reflection and Q&A

Saturday Afternoon & Evening: Special Temple Grandin screening and Q&A

And more meaningful moments throughout the weekend

This is your time to rest, renew, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with peace. Come as you are and leave refreshed, encouraged, and ready to embrace motherhood with a renewed heart.

Boots & Bling Gala

February 21, 2026

Step into an unforgettable evening where purpose meets celebration at Elijah’s Retreat’s Boots & Bling 2026—a one-of-a-kind musical gala honoring the remarkable legacy of Temple Grandin while shining a light on autism and spotlighting the extraordinary talents of individuals facing autism. This inspiring night will feature a live musical production that celebrates creativity, courage, and the unique gifts found within the autism community, reminding us all that every individual has a voice worth hearing.

Join us at the elegant W.T. Brookshire Conference Center in Tyler, Texas, for an evening filled with heart and high energy. Guests will enjoy a lively atmosphere complete with a thrilling live auction, an enticing silent auction, and exciting raffle opportunities—all while dressed in their finest boots and bling. Every dollar raised directly supports families facing autism, helping Elijah’s Retreat keep life-changing retreat experiences affordable and accessible. Together, through music, generosity, and community, we will create hope, celebrate ability, and make a lasting difference—one bid, one song, and one family at a time.

Pathways to Potential: An Autism Symposium

February 21, 2026 9am-3pm

Get ready for an unforgettable day at Elijah’s Retreat’s “Pathways to Potential: An Autism Symposium” on February 21, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Tyler Junior College, located at 1400 E 5th St, Tyler, TX.

This inspiring event will feature the renowned Dr. Temple Grandin, a world-famous autism activist, author, and animal scientist, who will deliver a powerful keynote presentation sharing her remarkable journey and invaluable insights. Attendees will have the chance to engage in interactive breakout sessions tailored for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum, exploring diverse interests and future pathways. Additionally, thought-provoking panel discussions with adults on the spectrum and trusted specialists will provide practical guidance on education options, diagnosis pathways, and transition planning.

Join us for this unique opportunity to empower individuals and families, foster understanding, and build a supportive community!

"The Importance of Good Stockmanship"

February 20, 2026 7:30pm

Dr. Temple Grandin will deliver a powerful and insightful talk on “The Importance of Good Stockmanship,” drawing on her decades of experience as a world-renowned animal scientist, professor, and advocate. Known for transforming livestock handling practices around the globe, Dr. Grandin will share how understanding animal behavior, reducing stress, and designing humane facilities lead to safer, more effective outcomes for both animals and handlers.

Through real-world examples and practical guidance, she will emphasize that good stockmanship is rooted in patience, observation, and respect. Her talk will highlight how small changes in handling techniques can greatly improve animal welfare while increasing efficiency and safety.

Beyond livestock management, Dr. Grandin’s message will offer broader lessons in empathy, problem-solving, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Her unique insights will inspire attendees to approach their work with greater awareness and compassion, demonstrating how thoughtful stockmanship can positively impact agriculture, education, and the lives of those who care for animals.

Tyler Fresh 15

March 7, 2026

Join us at the Tyler Fresh 15 and support families at Elijah’s Retreat! Sign up to run or walk with our team, or volunteer to help make a difference. Every step and every hand helps provide a place of rest, connection, and joy for families affected by autism.

Get involved:

Run/Walk with Team Elijah’s Retreat

Volunteer at the race or retreat

Spread the word and bring friends

Elijah's Retreat Day

April 15, 2026

Experience the heart of Elijah’s Retreat at our 2nd Annual Elijah’s Retreat Day on Autism Awareness Day! This special event is your opportunity to tour our ranch, see our programs in action, and explore hands-on experiences designed to engage families and children affected by autism.

Discover how we provide therapeutic activities, connection, and support in a safe, welcoming environment. Meet our staff, learn about our resources, and see firsthand how Elijah’s Retreat makes a difference in the lives of the families we serve.

East Texas Giving Day

April 28, 2026

East Texas Giving Day is an 18-hour day of giving that provides critical funding for our area nonprofits. Help Support Elijah’s Retreat by inviting friends and family through a Virtual Fundraiser!

Tops in Texas Rodeo

May 08, 09, & 10, 2026

Jacksonville’s 63rd Tops in Texas Rodeo is rich in Tradition presenting the top contenders in all events and world champion specialty acts. There are a wide range of activities for the entire family during Western Week. Thursday night is free, Friday night is the Semi-finals and Saturday night is the Finals. Every night at the rodeo they invite all of the kids in the stadium to jump the fence and participate in the Calf Scramble. Saturday morning at 8am is the Jr. Rodeo for Exceptional Children. Please register your autistic children for the Jr. Rodeo!! Its Free!

Tomatofest

June 13, 2026 8-3PM

Five blocks of Vendors, Food, Farmer’s Market,
Fried Green Tomatoes, Tomato Eating Contest, Tomato
Peeling Contest (peel a tomato with your teeth), Tomato Packing Contest, Salsa Contest, Best Homegrown Contest, Live Entertainment, Talent Show, Car Show, Motorcycle Show, Soccer Tournament, Tennis Tournament, History Display, Top Tomato Contest and so much more.

7-11 pm – Chili’s Grill & Bar 17th Annual Street Dance

Sensory Friendly Fireworks

July 4, 2026

Elijah’s Retreat celebrates our Nation’s Independence with Firework Display, Sparklers and Roman Candles. We appreciate a donation if possible to go towards the fireworks.

Jacksonville Top Soccer

September/October Dates TBD

TOPSoccer in Jacksonville, Texas, is an incredible program designed to give children with special needs the opportunity to play organized soccer in a fun, supportive, and inclusive environment. Our goal is to help every child experience the joy of sports, build confidence, and make lasting friendships.

We are looking for caring volunteers to join us as “buddies,” partnering one-on-one with a player to guide, encourage, and cheer them on during practices and games. No prior soccer experience is necessary—just a heart for helping kids have fun and succeed.

Come be part of a community where every child matters and every smile counts! Join us at TOPSoccer and make a lasting difference in the lives of our amazing players.

Trick or Treating

October 31, 2026

Join us for our Trick or Treating Hayride! Families get to trick or treat at each of the three cabins, the welcome center and activity barn! Bring your own pumpkin!

7th Annual Fall Festival

November 14, 2026

Elijah’s Retreat is hosting the 6th Fall Festival benefiting Elijah’s Retreat. Lots of Great Food, Great Music, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Laser Tag Course, Hayrides, Barrel Train Rides, Balloon animals, Face painting, Raffle and soo much more!

We are also honoring all veterans with a FREE BBQ Meal.