10 Fun & Unique Things To Be A Part Of This Weekend In East Texas

I love short work weeks. Thanks to the Labor Day holiday this past Monday, many of us had a short work week and honestly, I could get used to a four-day work week! Bring it on!

We're coming up on another East Texas weekend and while it's technically Summer still, Fall seems to be here. Just stroll through Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, Lowe's, or Ellis Pottery; you'll see signs of Fall everywhere.

It's official now, the Fall fair and festival season gets underway this weekend with the opening of the Gregg County Fair. Oh yeah, corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade, and those smoked turkey legs - that's fair food livin' my friend. Plus all the vendors, midway games, and carnival rides!

Here's a look at events happening across East Texas this weekend.

For more information or to purchase tickets to listed ticketed events, click or tap on the event name to be redirected to their official page or website.

Gregg County Fair

Friday - Saturday, September 14
Gregg County Fair Grounds - Longview

The annual Gregg County Fair kicks off the East Texas Fall fair and festival season. Hundreds of exhibitors will be in the exhibit hall, there will be pig races, a petting zoo, live entertainment nightly, and lots of fun on the midway too. Carnival games, rides and of course fair food! Don't miss out on the fun. This is a ticketed event.

88th annual VFW Fall Carnival

Thursday - Sunday
Ford Chapel Rd - Lufkin

VFW Post 1836 will be hosting its annual fall carnival with vendors setting up inside the VFW hall and you can ride all the rides you want with a special armband. No limit and all hours of the day! Just don't eat a corn dog and then get on the Tilt-O-Whirl! This is a ticketed event.

First Friday Happy Hour

Friday 5p-7p
Patterson Rd - Athens

Join friends on the front porch at the East Texas Arboretum to relax and unwind in the gardens. All ages are welcome, must be 21 years and up to consume alcohol. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. $10 for two tickets that can be redeemed for beer, wine, soft drinks, and sweet treats. Join us for yard games, the soft glow of evening in the gardens, and a fun kick-off to the weekend. This is a ticketed event.

First Saturday Hike At Tyler State Park

Saturday @ 9a
Park Rd 16 - Tyler State Park

Join us for our "First Saturday Hike" at Tyler State Park. We'll meet at 9:00 a.m. in the lot adjacent to the Camp Store. This is a group-led hike and not organized by a specific person. As a group, we'll decide which trail(s) to hike. Trails vary from easy to moderate in difficulty, with lengths from 2 miles up to 6 miles. As a reminder, there is a $6.00 park entry fee, unless you have a Texas State Park Pass. We suggest arriving at the park no later than 8:45 to allow time to go through the gates, register, and pay. As usual, please make sure you bring plenty of water, bug repellent, and sunscreen. Dogs, on leash are welcome. Please clean up after your pets. There is an admission fee to the state park.

Market On Main

Saturday 9a-1p
E Main St - Nacogdoches

Shop local goods, made by local people! *We are located indoors at 305 East Main St. This is a family-friendly shopping event.  Artisans, makers, and creators are welcome to apply to join this curated market.

6th annual 9/11 Tribute Honoring Our Local First Responders

Saturday 10a-12n
Airport Dr - Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

Experience a car and truck show at the Historical Aviation Memorial Museum parking lot. The event will celebrate local first responders and have a free meal for them. There will be door prizes, giveaways, and raffles for first responders. In addition to seeing the car show, there will be military aircraft on display as well as, military vehicles, police, fire, ambulances, vendors, live music, and games.

Mac 'N Cheese Fest 2024

Saturday 12n-4p
S US Hwy 59 - Nacogdoches

Join us for our 2nd annual Mac 'n Cheese Fest where you'll be sampling mac from local food trucks and naming the Mac King!
Who's ready to devour mac? Mac ‘n Cheese Fest 2024 is a must-attend for all the cheese lovers out there! From classic mac ‘n cheese to unique and creative variations, this event will showcase the best cheesy creations from local food trucks. Bring your appetite because each of these food trucks will also be serving their regular menus. White Farmhouse Baking Co. will also be joining this year serving cookies & ice cream scoops. Enjoy 3 samples from each of these local food trucks and then drop your vote for the Mac King! Chambers Smokehouse will be defending his title of Mac King, but let's see what the competition holds this year. We'll have a live DJ, cookie truck, artisan craft spirits, photo opportunities and more. Your ticket also includes a cocktail or mocktail from Front Porch Distillery's Tasting Room! This is a ticketed event being held at Front Porch Distillery on US Hwy 59 in Nacogdoches.

Jefferson Art Walk

Saturday 2p-6p
downtown Jefferson - Jefferson

Local artists will be set up indoors at various locations in downtown Jefferson. Stroll, sip, nibble and enjoy some amazing art on display in downtown Jefferson businesses.

Kilgore Art Walk

Saturday 3p-7p
downtown Kilgore - Kilgore

we've got autumn on our mind…Join us for a FREE event celebrating local art! There will be art and craft vendors, demonstrations, performances, and kids' activities.

Haunted Walking Tours Of Downtown Mineola

Saturday 8:30p-11:30p
N Johnson St - Mineola

Find out what goes bump in the night, and a whole bunch of history, in Mineola! Every Saturday night at 8:30 PM we meet in front of the Historic Select Theater and begin a two-hour (sometimes longer) walking journey through the haunted streets and buildings of this historic town! Travel with a professional paranormal investigator! Go inside some places and participate in experiments designed to communicate with the departed! It's a tour and a hunt combined and it's a heck of a fun way to spend a Saturday night! This is a ticketed event.