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, 10/15

Draw After Dark

When: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Unwind, get creative, and draw after dark at Longview Museum of Fine Arts! Join us for a relaxed evening of drawing in the classroom with a seasonal still-life arrangement set up as your reference.

Paint Your Pet

When: 6pm
Where: Pinot’s Palette, Tyler

Paint a portrait of your pet at Project Pet. Once you sign up for the painting, email us a high quality digital photo of your pet (one pet per canvas, please) and we will do the rest. Each photo will be transferred onto a 16”X20” canvas. Our talented artists will walk you through the steps to create your very own Pet Portrait!

Hooked on History Quarterly Lecture Series

When: 6pm
Where: Jefferson Historical Society & Museum

Join us for “Hooked on History,” the next program in the Jefferson Museum Quarterly Lecture Series, presented with the Marion County Historical Commission. Enjoy wine and cheese, then settle in for three short stories from Jefferson’s past.

Practical Magic Trivia

When: 7pm
Where: True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler

There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can.

FRIDAY, 10/16

12th Annual Draggin’ & Pullin’ in the Pines

When: 10am
Where: Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin

Join East Texas Truck Center, Kelly’s Truck Parts, & Mad Gear Hot Rod Apparel for the 12th Annual Draggin’ & Pullin’ in the Pines Charity Truck Show in Lufkin, TX. 100% of ALL proceeds go to help Mission 22 & the Wyakin Foundation.

Tyler’s Old Rose Dress Display

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

Step back in time and experience the elegance of Tyler’s rose-growing heritage through a stunning display of vintage-inspired gowns and floral fashion. The Old Rose Dress Display celebrates the beauty, tradition, and history that helped make Tyler the Rose Capital of America.

Texas Bigfoot Conference

When: 6pm
Where: Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center

Discover and enjoy all things BIGFOOT! Presentations from experts from all across the nation. Catered dinners and meet n’ greets with speakers.

SATURDAY, 10/17

Best of Both Worlds Auto & Cycle Show

When: 7am-2pm
Where: Lake Hawkins RV Park

Coffee & donuts for the early birds. Door prizes. Food trucks. Tons of awesome cars and cycles!

12th Annual Draggin’ & Pullin’ in the Pines

When: 8am
Where: Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin

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!

12th Annual Draggin’ & Pullin’ in the Pines

When: 8am
Where: Pine Valley Raceway, Lufkin

Together We Run 5K

When: 8:45am
Where: Heritage Plaza Longview TX.

Join us on October 17th for the Together We Run 5K & Fun Run, presented by Racquet & Jog, Chick-fil-a, and Woolley G’s. This community-driven event brings runners, families, and local businesses together for a meaningful cause—supporting the Martin House Child Advocacy Center and their mission to provide hope, healing, and justice for children in our community.

Texas Bigfoot Conference

When: 9am
Where: Jefferson Tourism and Visitor Center

Discover and enjoy all things BIGFOOT! Presentations from experts from all across the nation. Catered dinners and meet n’ greets with speakers.

Bullard Bluebonnet Festival

When: 9am
Where: Bullard High School

Whether you’re shopping, eating, showing off your classic car, casting your vote for the chili cookoff, or simply enjoying a beautiful fall day in Bullard, there’s something for everyone.

Skin Care Workshop

When: 9am
Where: Three Roots Boutique, Gladewater

Learn about natural skin care from Kristin Johnson, a local licensed aesthetician. She has 18 years of hands on experience and is the owner of Inked Aesthetics and a delightful addition to our staff. Call the shop to pre-pay and reserve your spot. $45 each.

Longview Bonsai Exhibit

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Longview

Located inside the Hilton Garden Inn in Longview Tx. Open to the public and Free to attend. We will have bonsai Vendors and over 30 trees on display!

Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair

When: 9am-5pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

The Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair returns to Bergfeld Park this October with more than 90 artisan booths featuring handcrafted goods — photography, jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, art, bath & body products, home décor, and so much more!

Atlatls: History of Pointy Sticks

When: 10am
Where: Mission Tejas State Park, Grapeland

Join Park staff at the rice family log home for a fun and interactive presentation on one of the oldest hunting methods in history! The atlatl Is one of the first big steps humanity took to provide food for everyone. Come try your hand at using these darts like our ancestors did!

Fall Festival

When: 10am
Where: Bob Wells Nursery at Sorelle Farms, Mineola

Bring your family and friends for a day of fall festivities, great food, friendly competition, and community fun. There’s something for everyone, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Small Business Showcase

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Scoop and Grind, Tyler

Join us for a fun and cozy indoor and outdoor event featuring local small business vendors! Grab your favorite drink from Scoop and Grind, then sip, shop, and support local while you browse handmade goods, crafts, and treats.

Petals, Pumpkins & Ponies

When: 10am-2pm
Where: Jones Supply & Manufacturing, Longview

Mums & Fall Flowers for Sale. Pumpkins for Sale. Ponies & Petting Zoo. Hayrides. Bounce House. FREE Family Pictures. FREE Hot Dogs. Local Fishing Experts on site to answer questions, share tips & talk fishing!

Assemblage Workshop

When: 11am
Where: Art House Trinidad

Create your own “tin man” assemblage or any other assemblage you’d like to create. The workshop includes all materials for building your own assemblage. Feel free to bring small pieces that you’ve been saving or that inspire you to include in your assemblage. However, you don’t need to bring anything. We have plenty of material options to choose from. No experience is needed.

10th Annual Homebrew Festival

When: 12pm
Where: Longview Convention Complex - Maude Cobb

Craft Fermentations: Unlimited flavor! Pouring incredible beer, wine, cider, and mead from talented local homebrewers, plus beers from area breweries! Steinholding Championship: We are an official Qualifier Venue for the 2026 Texas Steinholding State Championship Finals with the U.S. Steinholding Association! Festival Eats & Beats: Local food vendors, artisan shops, and music all afternoon.

Writers Club: Intermediate Group

When: 4pm
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.

Haunts & Legends of Longview

When: 6pm
Where: Gregg County Historical Museum, Longview

Walking Haunted tour, 6pm, 7pm & 8pm 10.00 per ticket. The tour begins at the GCHM

89th Annual East Texas Yamboree Barn Dance

When: 6:15pm
Where: 181 Bob Glaze Dr, Gilmer, TX 75644, United States

Supporting Artist will begin at 6:30pm. Act One- Evan Patterson. Act Two- Chris Colston. Main Act- Southall

LMFA LIVE Concert: Hollis Brown

When: 7pm
Where: LMFA - Longview Museum of Fine Arts

Hollis Brown is a New York–bred rock band known for their performances, memorable lyrics, and roots-driven sound. Since their acclaimed debut releases in 2009, the band has built momentum through relentless touring across the U.S. and Europe, sharing stages with Deer Tick, Lucero, and Counting Crows.

River Road Spook Trail

When: 7pm
Where: 720 River Road S, Big Sandy, TX

Ready for a scream? The River Road Haunted Trail is the scariest event in East Texas this Halloween. Gather your bravest friends and prepare for a night of heart pounding fright around every corner.

Professional Wrestling - Dark Avenues

When: 7:30pm
Where: League of Lions Wrestling, Marshall

Award winning professional wrestling, League of Lions proudly presents Dark Avenues. 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.

SUNDAY,10/18

Longview Bonsai Exhibit

When: 9am-12pm
Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Longview

Located inside the Hilton Garden Inn in Longview Tx. Open to the public and Free to attend. We will have bonsai Vendors and over 30 trees on display!

Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair

When: 11am-5pm
Where: Bergfeld Park, Tyler

Garden Session Episode II

When: 2pm-5pm
Where: Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

Episode One was a BLAST! Thanks for making the maiden voyage with us. DJ’s Locklear, Lee JD and Batmanda will be back on the decks with a special guest Namaa joining the mix. Live artists Gemini and Oscar Solis will be back making new magic on the platforms.

Cup O’ Joy 7th Anniversary

When: 2pm-6pm
Where: 105 E 8th St Unit #105, Tyler, TX

Celebrate our 7 year anniversary with us. Vendors selling their products at our tent sale. We will have giveaways for everyone that attends from our vendors & sponsors

*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, 10/15

FRIDAY, 10/16

SATURDAY, 10/17

SUNDAY,10/18

*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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