12 Things Happening Across East Texas This Weekend – September 19
(East Texas) The late summer events and festivals are heating up in East Texas, as are the temperatures. While summer temperatures continue to dominate this weekend, the fairs, festivals, and other community events aren't going to stop. They'll continue to bring joy, food, and knowledge to all those who attend.
Friday Night High School Football Action
Many East Texans will be in the bleachers Friday evening cheering on their favorite high school football team as week 4 action gets underway. The 3-0 Rusk Eagles will face off against the 3-0 Troup Tigers, where one team will notch its first loss of the season. The 3-0 Lindale Eagles look to continue their winning streak. Arp, Winnsboro, Carlisle, Grand Saline, and Union Grove look to preserve their perfect seasons too.
The Peanut Butter Challenge Continues
Another competition is still happening in East Texas with the East Texas Food Bank's Spread The Love Peanut Butter Drive. The drive will continue through September 24th with Tyler and Longview residents donating jars of peanut butter to benefit the East Texas Food Bank. The friendly competition between Tyler and Longview has Longview in the lead as of September 15, with 2,846 pounds of peanut butter donated, and Tyler has only donated 1,164 pounds. The city-wide competition continues through next Thursday (September 24); make those donations in person or online.
Here's A Look At What's Happening This Weekend In East Texas
For more information or to purchase tickets for any listed ticketed event, click or tap the event name to go to its official page for tickets and additional details.
Gregg County Fair - Longview
daily through Saturday
Gregg County Fairgrounds - Longview
The 77th celebration of the fair, which got its start in 1949 with the Longview Jaycees, comes to an end Saturday night. The Gregg County Fair features pig races, a petting zoo, live entertainment nightly, and lots of family entertainment. There will be armbands and ride tickets to ride all the carnival rides you'd like. Shop the many on-site vendors and don't forget to fill up on all the fair food you can. Admission, concessions, rides, and other attractions may require admission or cost.
Pittsburg Pioneer Days - Pittsburg
daily through Saturday
downtown Pittsburg - Pittsburg
The 53rd Pioneer Days Festival is underway. Saturday events include a bubble party, crafts, bingo, stick horse races, parade, and more. Vendors, food, attractions, and competitions will take place on Main Street with live music and entertainment too. Vendors will be on Main Street beginning at 8, with the parade scheduled for 10, and live music from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Gladewater Arts & Crafts Festival 2026
Saturday and Sunday
downtown Gladewater
Vendors of all kinds will be set up along Broadway Ave. in downtown Gladewater, celebrating homeland and handcrafted arts and crafts created by East Texans and Texans from near and far. Shop homemade goods, jewelry, unique handmade works, food, toys, and more.
Texas State Forest Festival
Thursday through Sunday
George Henderson Exposition Center - Lufkin
Competitions are abundant at the Texas State Forest Festival, along with carnival rides and live shows featuring Puppy Pals Live, The Accidental Acrobats, Nature Nick's Animal Adventures, wood carvers, a petting zoo, a car show, a BBQ competition, and more.
Winnsboro Live
Saturday @ 7p
downtown Winnsboro
Winnsboro and the Winnsboro Center For The Arts introduce the city's new social district, 'The Bowery'. This social district will feature a concert by Darren Morris Saturday evening beginning at 7. Bring your lawn chairs for this free event. However, coolers and outside alcohol are not allowed. Alcohol will be available for purchase on site.
READ MORE --> Your Complete Guide To All 2026 East Texas Fall Festivals & Events
Paris Texas Marathon
Saturday @ 6a
2055 S Collegiate Dr - Paris
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 a beautiful canopy of trees with minimal road crossings. If you love trail races, you'll still love the backdrop, and if you are a road runner, you will enjoy a flat, fast course with much better scenery. Run in the morning, night, or both! There is a registration fee to participate.
East Texas Gold Run
Saturday @ 8a
1501 S Broadway - 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. All proceeds fund our local programs as well as pediatric cancer research projects. Let’s GO GOLD! There is a registration fee to participate in this event.
World Show Warm-Up Horse Show
Saturday and Sunday
3356 State Highway 31 Business - Athens
The Henderson County Regional Fairpark Complex will host the World Show Warm-Up Horse Show. This includes Appaloosa, all breeds, EWD, and ranch classes.
Iron Horse Heritage Festival
Saturday 10a-4p
124 E Broad St - Mineola
Celebrate railroad heritage at the Iron Horse Heritage Festival in Mineola. Enjoy food trucks, unique vendors, a car show, music, weenie dog races, a watermelon eating contest, a pie-baking contest, and so much more. Come make memories at one of Mineola's favorite traditions!
Tyler Art Festival
Saturday 10a-5p
376 W Woldert St - Tyler
The 5th annual Tyler Art Festival is back! Join us for food, fun, and lots of art!
Barrels & Brews + Market
Saturday 12n-6p
100 Grand Blvd - 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. This is a ticketed event happening at Maude Cobb Activity Center in Longview.
Farmer's Markets
Shop local and support East Texas farmers. Farmers have been busy growing crops for you to enjoy. Shop local produce, homemade goods, products, and more at these East Texas farmers' markets.
Saturday 8a-1p
101 W Front St - Mineola
Saturday 8a-12n
111 E Carnegie St - Winnsboro
Tyler - Rose City Farmer's Market
Saturday 8a-12n
221 S Broadway Ave - Tyler
Saturday 7a-12m
back side of Broadway Square Mall - Tyler
Saturday 9a-1p
813 W Spring St - Palestine
Saturday 7:30a-11:30a
105 W Cotton St - Longview
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