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, 9/17
Founders Day Community Centennial Celebration
- When: 5pm
- Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler
Join the community on Thursday, September 17, 2026, as the college officially turns 100 years old! Presented by True Vine Brewery, this FREE celebration marks the culmination of TJC’s Centennial Giving Day campaign and honors a century of education, memories, and community impact.
42nd Annual Texas State Forest Festival
- When: 5pm
- Where: 1200 Ellen Trout Dr, Lufkin, TX, United States, Texas 75904
Join nearly 13,000 attendees for four days of East Texas tradition and non-stop fun, featuring new attractions like the Bengal Tiger Encounter, Wildlife Wendy, and Dino Takeover! Don’t miss returning favorites like the Exotic Petting Zoo, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, and the Children’s Festival. Enjoy the Lumber-Jacked 5K & Fun Run, Big AXE BBQ Competition, Pineywoods Car Show, East Texas Cheer & Pom/Dance Championships, and so much more! The carnival is back with all your favorite rides and games, along with a Vendor Market, delicious festival food, live music, and local entertainment. And yes, the Beer Garden and dance floor are ready for you to groove on!
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!
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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.
Canton Poor Boy Rodeo
- When: 7pm
- Where: Zeke Burns Arena, Canton
Get ready for three nights of rodeo excitement at the Canton Poor Boy Rodeo, September 17 through September 19 at Zeke Burns Arena in Canton, Texas! Mutton Bustin’ rides begin @ 7:30 PM. Full Rodeo action begins at 8:00 PM nightly, featuring talented contestants competing for championship buckles and thousands of dollars in prize money. Bring the whole family out for a true Texas rodeo experience filled with fast-paced competition, great entertainment, and hometown tradition. Concessions will be open each night, along with vendors and additional entertainment for rodeo fans of all ages. Don’t miss the traditional calf scramble, a crowd favorite that brings plenty of fun and excitement to the arena
FRIDAY, 9/18
34th Annual Kilgore Golf Classic
- When: 8am
- Where: Meadowbrook Golf Course, Kilgore
Join the Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce for our 34th Annual Chamber Golf Classic on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the beautiful Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center! Whether you’re looking to network with fellow business professionals, entertain clients, or simply enjoy a great day on the course, this tournament is the perfect opportunity to connect, compete, and have fun.
United Hearts & Minds Luncheon
- When: 10:30am
- Where: The Grove - Tyler
We’re thrilled to invite you to our annual fundraiser, the United Hearts & Minds Luncheon, taking place on September 18th 2026, at The Grove Kitchen in Tyler, Texas. This event will welcome 100 community members for an afternoon of meaningful conversations, shared stories, and a celebration of the many hearts and minds that shape our mental health landscape.
42nd Annual Texas State Forest Festival
- When: 5pm
- Where: 1200 Ellen Trout Dr, Lufkin, TX, United States, Texas 75904
Join nearly 13,000 attendees for four days of East Texas tradition and non-stop fun, featuring new attractions like the Bengal Tiger Encounter, Wildlife Wendy, and Dino Takeover! Don’t miss returning favorites like the Exotic Petting Zoo, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, and the Children’s Festival. Enjoy the Lumber-Jacked 5K & Fun Run, Big AXE BBQ Competition, Pineywoods Car Show, East Texas Cheer & Pom/Dance Championships, and so much more! The carnival is back with all your favorite rides and games, along with a Vendor Market, delicious festival food, live music, and local entertainment. And yes, the Beer Garden and dance floor are ready for you to groove on!
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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!
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.
Canton Poor Boy Rodeo
- When: 7pm
- Where: Zeke Burns Arena, Canton
Get ready for three nights of rodeo excitement at the Canton Poor Boy Rodeo, September 17 through September 19 at Zeke Burns Arena in Canton, Texas! Mutton Bustin’ rides begin @ 7:30 PM. Full Rodeo action begins at 8:00 PM nightly, featuring talented contestants competing for championship buckles and thousands of dollars in prize money. Bring the whole family out for a true Texas rodeo experience filled with fast-paced competition, great entertainment, and hometown tradition. Concessions will be open each night, along with vendors and additional entertainment for rodeo fans of all ages. Don’t miss the traditional calf scramble, a crowd favorite that brings plenty of fun and excitement to the arena
SATURDAY, 9/19
Paris Texas Marathon
- When: 6am
- Where: Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas
The Paris Pair is run along a paved path on the NETT Trail. While not a traditional trail race, this is nothing like a road race either. The asphalt trail is shaded by beautiful canopy of trees with minimal road crossings. If you love trail races, you’ll still love the backdrop and if you are road runner, you will enjoy a flat, fast course with much better scenery. Run in the morning, night or both!s Appaloosa Horse Club
World Show Warm Up - Horse Show
- When: 7am
- Where: Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex, Athens
Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex Athens Tx. Appaloosa, All Breed, EWD, and Ranch Classes. Co-Pointing: Texas Appaloosa Horse Club
12th Annual East Texas Gold Run
- When: 8am
- Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler
Join us for the 12th Annual East Texas Gold Run. ETX Gold Run is more than a race. It’s a day to rally around the childhood cancer community: to celebrate the survivors, encourage those still in the fight, and to honor the memory of friends we’ve lost. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the ribbon color is GOLD. Gold Network of East TX is a registered 501c3 nonprofit that serves local pediatric cancer families. All proceeds fund our local programs as well as pediatric cancer research projects. Let’s GO GOLD!
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!
Pioneer Days - Car Show
- When: 8am-2pm
- Where: 209 LAFAYETTE — Pittsburg, TX
Come out and celebrate Pittsburg, Texas Pioneer Days with an awesome day of cars, trucks, classics, imports, and good ol’ car-show fun!
2nd Annual Dalton Sanders Memorial Golf Tournament
- When: 9:30am
- Where: Alpine 55 Golf Course, Longview
All proceeds go Blakely & Stetson Sanders.
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East Texas Women’s March & Expo
- When: 10am
- Where: Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler
Hosted by the Northeast Texas National Organization for Women Foundation (NETNOWF).
Iron Horse Heritage Festival
- When: 10am-4pm
- Where: Historic Downtown Mineola
Join us in downtown Mineola on Saturday, September 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a day of family fun as we celebrate the railroad heritage that helped shape our community! Enjoy food trucks, unique vendors, a car show, music, weenie dog races, a watermelon eating contest, pie baking contest, and so much more.
5th Annual Tyler Art Festival
- When: 10am-5pm
- Where: Caldwell Arts Academy Field - Tyler ISD
The 5th annual Tyler Art Festival is back! Join us on September 19th for food, fun, and lots of art!
9th Annual Barrels & Brews + Market
- When: 12pm-6pm
- Where: Maude Cobb Convention & Activity Center, Longview
The Barrels & Brews wine/beer festival is the signature fundraising event for the East Texas Alzheimer’s Alliance. Enjoy wine and beer tastings from across the state, while making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families affected by dementia.
Writers Club: Intermediate Group
- When: 4pm-6pm
- Where: Crazy Four Books & Coffee, Crockett
Join our 2nd Writers Group every 3rd Saturday of the month from 4PM-6PM. This group is intended for writers who have a mid to long form project they want to have dedicated time to work on.
42nd Annual Texas State Forest Festival
- When: 5pm
- Where: 1200 Ellen Trout Dr, Lufkin, TX, United States, Texas 75904
Join nearly 13,000 attendees for four days of East Texas tradition and non-stop fun, featuring new attractions like the Bengal Tiger Encounter, Wildlife Wendy, and Dino Takeover! Don’t miss returning favorites like the Exotic Petting Zoo, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, and the Children’s Festival. Enjoy the Lumber-Jacked 5K & Fun Run, Big AXE BBQ Competition, Pineywoods Car Show, East Texas Cheer & Pom/Dance Championships, and so much more! The carnival is back with all your favorite rides and games, along with a Vendor Market, delicious festival food, live music, and local entertainment. And yes, the Beer Garden and dance floor are ready for you to groove on!
Tyler Downtown Revival
- When: 6pm
- Where: 300 W Erwin St, Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75702
Tyler Downtown Revival is bringing back the Pirtle Series, a powerful church-wide spiritual event for all ages. As our downtown celebrates its transformation, we will be celebrating Christianity’s profound truths and Methodist’s distinct beliefs. Come be transformed as we celebrate spiritual renewal and community revival.
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!
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.
Texas Songwriters on the Rise
- When: 7pm
- Where: LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts
LMFA LIVE Concert Series is located in our second location on Fredonia Street. The beautifully restored former bank provides an intimate setting for our audience and performers. Featuring Meredith Crawford, David Percy, Kyle Sinkule and Zach Maberry.
Canton Poor Boy Rodeo
- When: 7pm
- Where: Zeke Burns Arena, Canton
Get ready for three nights of rodeo excitement at the Canton Poor Boy Rodeo, September 17 through September 19 at Zeke Burns Arena in Canton, Texas! Mutton Bustin’ rides begin @ 7:30 PM. Full Rodeo action begins at 8:00 PM nightly, featuring talented contestants competing for championship buckles and thousands of dollars in prize money. Bring the whole family out for a true Texas rodeo experience filled with fast-paced competition, great entertainment, and hometown tradition. Concessions will be open each night, along with vendors and additional entertainment for rodeo fans of all ages. Don’t miss the traditional calf scramble, a crowd favorite that brings plenty of fun and excitement to the arena
Professional Wrestling - Rise of the Lions 14
- When: 7:30pm
- Where: 315 Pope St, Marshall, TX, United States, Texas 75670
Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents Patriotic Punch. Come out and enjoy one of the best pro wrestling shows in Texas. Complete with a fully stocked concession stand and pick up some merchandise from your favorite wrestler. BYOB. Coolers welcome, NO GLASS BOTTLES.
SUNDAY, 9/20
PTX Con 5.1
- When: 11am-6pm
- Where: Love Civic Center, Paris, TX
PTX CON is back for a fifth year! This year will be a Pop Culture Spectacular! PTX is pulling all the stops to ensure this is our biggest event yet. That means more events, activities, new vendors, and an exceptional incoming guest list! Of course, there’s plenty from Marvel to DC, including all kinds of toys and collectibles!
Tyler Downtown Revival
- When: 2:30pm
- Where: 300 W Erwin St, Tyler, TX, United States, Texas 75702
Tyler Downtown Revival is bringing back the Pirtle Series, a powerful church-wide spiritual event for all ages. As our downtown celebrates its transformation, we will be celebrating Christianity’s profound truths and Methodist’s distinct beliefs. Come be transformed as we celebrate spiritual renewal and community revival.
42nd Annual Texas State Forest Festival
- When: 5pm
- Where: 1200 Ellen Trout Dr, Lufkin, TX, United States, Texas 75904
Join nearly 13,000 attendees for four days of East Texas tradition and non-stop fun, featuring new attractions like the Bengal Tiger Encounter, Wildlife Wendy, and Dino Takeover! Don’t miss returning favorites like the Exotic Petting Zoo, Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, and the Children’s Festival. Enjoy the Lumber-Jacked 5K & Fun Run, Big AXE BBQ Competition, Pineywoods Car Show, East Texas Cheer & Pom/Dance Championships, and so much more! The carnival is back with all your favorite rides and games, along with a Vendor Market, delicious festival food, live music, and local entertainment. And yes, the Beer Garden and dance floor are ready for you to groove on!
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!
*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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