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, 9/24
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!
Selah
- When: 7pm
- Where: First Baptist Sulphur Springs
Gospel concert.
Sara Evans
- When: 7:30pm
- Where: Temple Theater, Lufkin
Known for her powerful vocals, authentic storytelling, and chart-topping hits, Sara Evans has spent decades creating songs that capture life’s joys, heartbreaks, and everything in between. From “Born to Fly” and “Suds in the Bucket” to “A Real Fine Place to Start,” her music has become the soundtrack to countless memories for country fans across America. Now she’s bringing those songs, stories, and her unmistakable voice to East Texas for a night filled with great music, nostalgia, and the kind of connection only live music can create.
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FRIDAY, 9/25
52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival
- When: 8am
- Where: Downtown Grand Saline
The 52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival is HERE — September 24–26, 2026! Three days of food, fun, music, and small-town magic right in the heart of Grand Saline. Here’s what’s in store: Friday, Sept. 25 is packed from morning to night — start with Morning Yoga at the Pavilion, then enjoy the Virginia Milam Old Fashioned Southern Luncheon ($10), the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the EDC Pavilion, Floral Contest displays, and Community Bingo. Cap the evening with the GS Indians Football Game and the Friday Street Dance on Frank Street featuring Brett Boatman and Billie Jo — tickets just $10!
Dolly Day
- When: 10:30am-6pm
- Where: Market Street NEST Boutique and Gift Shop, Mabank
We’re celebrating **Dolly Parton** all day long at The Nest with: **Lemon Drop Martinis** because yellow was one of Dolly’s favorite colors! Come grab a “Cup of Ambition”. Dolly music playing ALL DAY. Wear your best **Dolly-inspired look**: pink, yellow, denim, rhinestones, big hair... you get the idea!**FREE Gift** for everyone who dresses for Dolly Day! **SHOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE!**Dolly’s love of reading and literacy is legendary, and since we just happen to have the **Tri-County Library right next door**, we’re donating a portion of the day’s sales to our sweet neighbors at the library.
“It’s All in the Bag with a Hat on Top”
- When: 10am-4pm
- Where: Goodman-LeGrand House, Tyler
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.
Battle of the Businesses Cornhole Tournament
- When: 12pm
- Where: Blackhawk Creek Grill, Whitehouse
The 2026 Battle of the Businesses Cornhole Tournament is set for Friday, September 25, 2026 at a new venue this year; Blackhawk Creek Grill, 20255 TX-110 in Whitehouse!The Battle of the Businesses Cornhole Tournament brings local teams together for a day of competition, camaraderie, and community spirit. It’s your chance to show off your skills, connect with other businesses, and claim bragging rights in this fan-favorite event.
52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival
- When: 6pm
- Where: Downtown Grand Saline
The 52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival is HERE — September 24–26, 2026!Three days of food, fun, music, and small-town magic right in the heart of Grand Saline. Here’s what’s in store: Thursday, Sept. 24 kicks things off with the Dessert Contest turn-in followed by a FREE Gospel & Praise Night at the Pavilion. Come worship, enjoy live music, and get in the festival spirit!
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SATURDAY, 9/26
Car Show
- When: 7am-1pm
- Where: Calvary Baptist Church, Longview
Hey everyone my church is having a car show in September. It would be a pleasure to see all the beautiful jeep there!
52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival
- When: 8am
- Where: Downtown Grand Saline
The 52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival is HERE — September 24–26, 2026! Three days of food, fun, music, and small-town magic right in the heart of Grand Saline. Here’s what’s in store: Saturday, Sept. 26 is the BIG day! It all starts with the new Salt City 5K Fun Run at dawn, followed by the Parade (NEW TIME), Car Show, Cornhole, Phase 10, and Mexican Train Tournaments, and a full slate of Family Follies & Kiddie Kapers — pet show, turtle races, pie eating contest, the Great Pumpkin Race, Watermelon Crawl, and so much more for the kids! Folklorica Dancers, Dance Dimension performers, and a Decorated Pumpkin Pageant round out the afternoon. Then the gates open at 6:00 p.m. for the Saturday Night Street Dance — featuring Knox LaPrade, Damon Momon & Matt Fisher, Heather Linn and the Deacons, and headliner Tracy Byrd at 10:00 p.m.!
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!
Hawkins Oil Festival
- When: 8am-4pm
- Where: Hawkins Park Pavilion
Open Mic 8am. Parade 11am. Band 11am. Fun and games all day long!
Girls in Aviation Day
- When: 8:30am-12pm
- Where: 200 Airpark Dr, Longview, TX 75603-7061, United States
This come & go event shares aviation with girls ages 8-17, along with families/teachers/scout leaders! Boys are welcome to attend too!
Light the World Women’s Conference
- When: 9am
- Where: Athens Church of God- TX
This is a FREE women’s conference, and we would love for you to be our guest! Come expectant for a powerful time of worship, encouragement, and sisterhood as we gather to be refreshed, strengthened, and reminded that the light of Christ shines through us.
6th Annual Classic Car Show
- When: 9am
- Where: Arabella of Longview Senior Living, Longview
Come admire a dazzling lineup of classic cars while enjoying food and drink, live entertainment, and door prizes throughout the morning. It’s a fun-filled celebration for car lovers and the whole community alike
Art Fest 2026
- When: 9am-2pm
- Where: Banita Creek Park, Nacogdoches, Texas
This market will be jam packed with artisans, crafters, musicians, food vendors, and so much more. Located next to the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market at Banita Creek Park, Art Fest is a Parent Weekend tradition and is always one for the books.
Day Motor Sports Car Show
- When: 10am-2pm
- Where: Day Motor Sports, Tyler
Come enjoy the day with us while we raise money to help support our local veterans and CampV.
Potlatch 2026
- When: 10am-5pm
- Where: Carthage Civic Center
Indoor & Outdoor Vendors | Car Show | KidsZone. Potlatch welcomes thousands of visitors each year, making it a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business, organization, handcrafted products, or delicious food while celebrating community and America’s 250th!
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Blue Ribbon Round-Up Art Show & Sale
- When: 10am-5pm
- Where: Rose City Art Gallery and Gifts, Tyler
The gates are open, the art is ready, and Rodeo Week in Tyler just got a whole lot more colorful! Join us for a boot-scootin’ celebration of East Texas talent as featured artists Heather Burris, Pam McAdams, and Pam Smith showcase an outstanding collection of western-inspired creations. From stunning paintings and beautifully embellished western hats to unique home décor and accessories, every piece is handmade by talented East Texas artists and captures the spirit of the West.
Designer Purse Bingo
- When: 4:30pm
- Where: Angelina County Senior Center, Lufkin
Join us at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center for our annual Designer Purse Bingo benefitting the Seniors in your community! September 26th, 2026 Doors open at 4:30pm, Dinner Served at 5:00 pm, and Bingo Starts at 6pm. Tickets are $45 and tables of 10 are $400. There will be raffles, a dessert auction, door prizes, and a special raffle for a Louis Vuitton purse!
Masterpieces & Martinis
- When: 6pm
- Where: LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts
We are excited to share our gala, Masterpieces and Martinis, co-chaired by Dorothy Womack and Sandra Skoog. Their dynamic vision will ensure its success, and we cannot wait to share it with you. LMFA relies on funds raised through Masterpieces and Martinis to continue offering free admission, captivating exhibitions and educational opportunities to our East Texas community.
Bethesda Birthday Bash
- When: 6pm
- Where: W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, Tyler
Save the date for the 2026 Bethesda Birthday Bash, featuring America the Beautiful! The Bethesda Birthday Bash is our largest annual fundraising event, hosted by the Bethesda Alliance—a passionate group of volunteers committed to raising both awareness and critical funding for Bethesda Health Clinic.
TAG+ Game Night
- When: 6pm
- Where: Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce
We provide a main dish and a library of board games. Feel free to bring your own side dish, drinks, and games!
Next Stop Comedy
- When: 7pm
- Where: Elements By 456, Gun Barrel City
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.
Dinner at the Diamond
- When: 7pm
- Where: Poland Field, Lufkin
The Angelina College Foundation will host Dinner at the Diamond on Saturday, September 26, from 7:00–10:00 PM at Poland Field at Angelina College. Guests can enjoy a live performance by Donice Morace, along with food and drinks, live and silent auctions, games, and more.
William Lee Martin - Seemed Smart at the Time Tour
- When: 7pm
- Where: Jacksons Cozy Theatre, Gladewater
Red Dirt Comedy Presents: William Lee Martin - Seemed Smart at the Time Tour
Neal McCoy’s Angel Network 2026
- When: 7pm
- Where: Belcher Center, Longview
Neal McCoy is excited to bring The Frontmen (featuring Richie McDonald - formerly of Lonestar, Larry Stewart - of Restless Heart- and Tim Rushlow - formerly of Little Texas) to his 32nd annual Benefit concert supporting the East Texas Angel Network. This night will be full of nostalgia and 90’s country hits, all while raising money for children in East Texas that suffer with the most serious life altering conditions.
American Soldier - A Tribute to Toby Keith
- When: 7:30pm
- Where: Blackhawk Creek Grill, Whitehouse
This incredible show is coming back to the Blackhawk Creek Stage! Don’t miss this night of singing along to all the Toby Keith hits!
SUNDAY, 9/27
Pretty & Creepy Book Club
- When: 2pm-4pm
- Where: Reading in the Dark, Marshall
Pretty & Creepy Book Club is calling all thriller lovers, mystery solvers, and horror readers alike. Join us the last Sunday of every month at 2PM as we dive into chilling plots, shocking twists, true crime, psychological thrillers, and stories that keep you up at night.
Illusionists David & Kylie Knight
- When: 6pm
- Where: Crossroads Canton
Illusionists David & Kylie Knight bring their Family Fun Night BACK to Crossroads Church in Canton, TX with new illusions and fun. FREE to attend!
*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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Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.
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