The East Texas Weekend Preview — If you’re looking for fun things to do in East Texas this weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our rundown of some fun things happening around the area!

If you know of another event, or see an inaccuracy below, please let us know here.

THURSDAY, 9/10

Bling-O Under the Big Top

When: 6pm
Where: W. T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler

The Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County is thrilled to bring the 13th annual Bling-O(sm) to life on September 9 and 10, 2026 at the W. T. Brookshire Conference Center. We invite you to join for East Texas’ largest ladies’ night out, as we empower our community to join the fight against child abuse and have a wildly fun time. This year, we will experience the magic of the circus as Bling-O heads “Under the Big Top”!

Thursday Trivia

When: 7pm
Where: Brisket Love Barbecue & Icehouse - Lindale Texas

Don’t get smoked by the competition. Come prove you’re the whole rack of ribs when it comes to random knowledge!

FRIDAY, 9/11

Running Doe Embroidery Club

When: 10am-11am
Where: Running Doe Quilts, Tyler

Join us for a monthly club where we show off fun new machine embroidery projects, share tips & tricks, & dive into the exciting world of interfacings! Signing up here will secure your spot for your first visit (whatever month that may be). Be sure to bring a show & tell to be entered for a door prize + get your next club entry for free! If you forget to bring show & tell, the next meeting will be $5.

Forever Families 2026 Benefit Golf Tournament

When: 11:30am
Where: Kings Creek Country Club, Kemp

Celebrate Forever Families is proud to announce our 9/11 Honor Benefit Golf Tournament on September 11, 2026 at Kings Creek Country Club! Join us for a day of golf, fellowship, patriotism, and purpose as we honor courage, remember those impacted by tragedy, and give hope to survivors of domestic violence.

Paris Balloon and Music Festival

When: 5pm
Where: 570 E Center Street, Paris, TX

Coming back to Paris the weekend of September 11th - 13th. Festival is Friday & Saturday nights 5-9:30ish at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds. Ages 13 & up $10 - Ages 5-12 $5 - 4 & under Free. Balloons take Flight Saturday and Sunday mornings around (7-7:45 am) Flights depend on weather being cooperative. Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides * Monster Truck Rides * available for additional cost. Taking the stage Friday night Bulletproof! Taking the stage Saturday night The Jukebox Heroes

Gregg County Fair

When: 6pm
Where: 1123 Jaycee Dr Longview TX 75604

The Gregg County Fair began in 1949 as a venture started by the Jaycee chapter in the area. Since its inception, the fair has brought in vendors, families, and anyone interested in a fun time from all over Gregg County and the surrounding areas. The Gregg County Fair is home to plenty of different attractions, including rides, shopping, local artisans’ wares, petting zoos and more. The fair provides something for everyone - we hope to see you!

Matthew Broussard Comedy Show

When: 7pm & 9pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

Matthew Broussard is a disgraced financial analyst forced into stand up comedy. The byproduct of a Cajun chemist and Jewish microbiologist, he holds a degree in computational mathematics he always manages to bring up (just did it!) and is fully aware of how douchey he looks. His comedy is heady, self-effacing, and weirdly… educational? He’s performed on the Tonight Show, Conan, Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle, the Comedy Central Half Hour, and some stuff with MTV2 he doesn’t like to talk about. You can catch him in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The League, The Mindy Project, and alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the film Here Today. He is the creator of the webcomic and puzzle app, Monday Punday

SATURDAY, 9/12

Classics Round The Square

When: 7am
Where: 167 Quitman St, Emory, TX, United States, Texas 75440

This CRS car show will be held on the 2nd Sat. in Sept. on the square in Emory, Texas from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, vehicles must be 1988 & older to participate, physical address 167 Quitman St Emory, TX.

Coffee & Sculpt

When: 8am-11am
Where: Clarity Wellness - Canton

Join us for a morning of movement, coffee & community at Clarity Wellness Center with Beani & Coco Mobile Coffee Trailer! We’re opening our doors to the community for 2 FREE workouts—no membership required and all fitness levels are welcome!

Mineola Farmers Market

When: 8am-1pm
Where: 101 W Front St, Mineola, TX, United States, Texas 75773

Join us at the Pavilion on Front Street from 8 AM – 1 PM and shop fresh local produce, homemade goodies, artisan products, and more. There’s nothing better than supporting local while enjoying a beautiful morning in Mineola!

Artist Meetup

When: 9am-11am
Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett

Join us at Crazy Four Books & Coffee for a laid-back Artist Meetup to fuel your creativity, meet other creators, and hit your caffeine fix. We provide the dedicated space and free coffee, while you bring your current project or medium that you are passionate about. Whether you’re sketching, painting, crocheting, or crafting, this is the perfect opportunity to work in the company of fellow creators! Connect with the local artist community, share ideas, and find fresh inspiration. No experience required!

Carthage Farmers Market

When: 9am-1pm
Where: 300 W Panola St, Carthage, TX, United States, Texas 75633

We’re looking forward to beautiful weather, local vendors, live music, and great food coming together to launch the new market season.

Horseback Obstacle Challenge

When: 9am-2pm
Where: Cross Brand Cowboy Church, Tyler

Kids 17 & Under. Starts 9:00. $10 Entry Fee | May enter twice in same division *Rider may enter only 1 division but may enter that division twice. Covered arena | Concession Open.

Shopping Days - Longview

When: 9am-4pm
Where: Maude Cobb Convention Center, Longview

Your next shopping day is officially planned. Grab your mom, your bestie, your sister—or whoever never tells you “you don’t need that”—and join us for Shopping Days, a shopping experience filled with small businesses, unique finds, delicious treats, giveaways and plenty of reasons to stay awhile. This isn’t just a room full of booths.

Framed Jeweled Mosaic Workshop

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Cassie Edmonds Mosaics, Tyler

$125 PER PERSON. Join me, Saturday September 12, 2026, from 10am till 2pm at my studio and workshop in downtown Tyler, TX for an afternoon of creativity.

TAG+ Rainbow Market & Wellness Fair

When: 10am-3pm
Where: Parry’s Pizza (Tyler)

Announcing our Fall Rainbow Market & Wellness Fair!!

It’s All in the Bag with a Hat on Top

When: 10am-4pm
Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler

A Special Vintage Accessory Exhibit at the Goodman-LeGrand Museum Step into the world of timeless fashion and elegant details at “It’s All in the Bag,” a special exhibit showcasing beautiful vintage accessories from years past. From classic handbags and gloves to hats, jewelry, and other treasured pieces, this display highlights the style and sophistication of another era.

Rüeggenfest

When: 11am-10pm
Where: Rüeggenbach Brewing Co, Marshall

Rüeggenfest is a free family‑friendly Oktoberfest street festival hosted by Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. in downtown Marshall, Texas. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11:00 am until 8:00 PM, the historic courthouse square will transform into a Bavarian celebration. Enjoy craft beers, local vendors, German‑inspired games and live bands playing toe‑tapping tunes all day. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses to fully embrace the heritage.

Fiesta de Kemp

When: 4pm-9pm
Where: Kemp City Park

Join us for the 3rd annual Fiesta de Kemp, a vibrant celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture through music, food, art, and community! This event honors the traditions, talent, and heart of our Hispanic and Latino community in Kemp and beyond. Come ready to dance, eat, and celebrate!

Paris Balloon and Music Festival

When: 5pm
Where: 570 E Center Street, Paris, TX

Family Peace Project Benefit: A Taste of Hope

When: 6pm
Where: Sand Springs - The Hill 300 NW Loop 7, Athens, TX

Join us for an evening of fajitas, live and silent auctions, and community as we support survivors through the Family Peace Project.

Gregg County Fair

When: 6pm
Where: 1123 Jaycee Dr Longview TX 75604

How the Starr Family Saved the Travis Diary

When: 6pm-7pm
Where: Starr Family Home State Historic Site, Marshall

Join Site Manager, Scott Whitley, as he recounts the long, sometimes tragic, journey of William Barret Travis’ diary. The diary, which provides a detailed personal account of the daily life of the Alamo hero written by his own hand, was in the possession of the Starr family for almost 100 years.

Arsenic and Old Lace

When: 7pm
Where: Henderson County Performing Arts Center, Athens

Arsenic and Old Lace, written by Joseph Kesselring, is a dark comedy about Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic who discovers his sweet, elderly aunts, Abby and Martha, are serial killers, poisoning lonely old men with elderberry wine laced with arsenic and burying them in the cellar, all while Mortimer’s crazy brother Teddy thinks he’s Theodore Roosevelt and helps by burying the bodies in the Panama Canal, leading to chaos when Mortimer’s villainous, disfigured brother Jonathan shows up, complicating everything as Mortimer tries to hide the murders and get Teddy committed, only for the aunts to decide they should go to the sanitarium too, offering their latest victim wine as the play ends. Arsenic and Old Lace is under the direction of Ethan Herrin and set to run September 10 - 19.

Taylor Swift Tribute

When: 7pm
Where: Serenade Range Concert Venue, Whitehouse

Calling all Swifties! Join us for an unforgettable night of music, singing, and dancing with Reputation – A Tribute to Taylor Swift. This high-energy tribute show celebrates the eras, stories, and chart-topping songs that have made Taylor Swift one of the most influential artists of the 21st century.

Matthew Broussard Comedy Show

When: 7pm & 9pm
Where: Rose City Comedy, Tyler

September Nights

When: 7pm
Where: The Pines Lufkin

Get ready to relive the soundtrack of a generation as the Earth, Wind, & Fire Tribute Band electrifyingly recreates the music, energy, and excitement of one of the most beloved bands of all time. From “September” and “Let’s Groove” to “Boogie Wonderland” and more, this concert is packed with the songs that filled dance floors, wedding receptions, road trips, and family celebrations for decades.

Next Stop Comedy Show

When: 7:30pm
Where: Mineola Beckham Hotel

Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues! Each show features a novel line-up with acts seen on TV and heard on your favorite podcasts.

SUNDAY, 9/13

Paris Balloon Festival Launch

When: 7am
Where: 570 E Center Street, Paris, TX

Balloons take Flight Saturday and Sunday mornings around (7-7:45 am) Flights depend on weather being cooperative.

From Punchlines To Pantries: Serving Full Plates & Funny Takes

When: 6pm
Where: Pitser Garrison Convention Center, Lufkin, TX

Catch Marcus D. Wiley live in Lufkin! A night of laughs supporting CISC’s fight against food insecurity. Sept 13, 2026 at 6 PM! Get ready, Lufkin! Join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter and purpose at the CISC Charity Comedy Show starring Marcus D. Wiley. Presented by the Christian Information & Service Center (CISC) and hosted by Jammin’ Jimmy Olson of JJO Radio, this special event will take place on September 13, 2026, at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the show begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $50 each, and every purchase directly supports CISC’s mission to combat food insecurity and provide essential resources to individuals and families in need throughout our community. Come enjoy a night full of laughter while supporting a meaningful cause. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses and organizations looking to make an even greater impact while gaining valuable community visibility.

Gregg County Fair

When: 6pm
Where: 1123 Jaycee Dr Longview TX 75604

*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out

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Our mission at The East Texas Weekend is to show you that you’re never too far from FUN!

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

Live Music - Each month we show you where all the East Texas concerts are.

Food + Drink - Try some of these wonderful places to eat!

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Events Around East Texas This Weekend!

THURSDAY, 9/10

FRIDAY, 9/11

SATURDAY, 9/12

SUNDAY, 9/13

*All dates and information are subject to change. Contact us if there are changes to the schedule or if we left anything out

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