10 Things Happening Across East Texas This Weekend – September 5
(East Texas) Here it comes, the long three-day Labor Day weekend, for most of us in East Texas. It's about more than the big Labor Day sales on furniture, clothing, and cars. Although that is nice, Labor Day is about the worker. The U.S. has celebrated Labor Day since 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the law making Labor Day a national holiday in 1894.
Labor Day weekend is also considered the unofficial end of summer. It's one last big splash on the lake and hot dogs on the grill. There will be parades along with the return of football! High school, college, and the NFL.
Many of us might take one last-minute quick family getaway to an Airbnb a couple of hours away; others will take the boat out on the lake pulling the kids on the tubes, some will be doing yard work, while others shop, and some just catch up on rest. No matter what you do this weekend, you've put in the hard work on the job, and you deserve a day off. Hopefully you get a three-day weekend.
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.
Blue Bell Lone Star Scoop Tour
daily
Check the official site for locations
The Blue Bell Lone Star Scoop Tour is making its way through East Texas the next couple of weeks. The Blue Bell truck and trailer will be set up at area retailers, giving out scoops of Blue Bell ice cream along with other frozen treats and merchandise. See the full schedule for when the rig will be in your part of East Texas.
Canton First Monday Trade Days
through Sunday
First Monday Trade Days grounds - Canton
It is time to shop until you can't shop or walk anymore! The world's largest flea market is open for business, and vendors will spread out over 450 acres with their vintage goods for sale, along with homemade crafts, antiques, soaps, animals, clothing, and so much more. There's live entertainment and, of course, the festival food to satisfy your appetite. You'll find something you didn't realize you needed!
7 Brew Caffeine For A Cause Give Back To Children's Miracle Network
Friday through Sunday
Loop 323 - Tyler
7 Brew will soon be celebrating with the grand opening of a new location in Tyler. This Friday through Sunday, during special hours, choose from a limited menu and pay what you want for your coffee. What you pay for goes directly to the Children's Miracle Network in Tyler. This event is being hosted by 7 Brew as a give back and training day for the staff at the new location. The grand opening event will be Monday, September 14.
READ MORE --> The Complete Guide To All The 2026 East Texas Fall Festivals & Events
Saturday's On Main
Saturday
Main St - Palestine
Explore the many businesses that make up downtown Palestine. Shop, dine, browse the Railroad Heritage Center, farmer's market, and marvel at the historic architecture. Support local downtown businesses that are thriving in Palestine.
Historic Upshur Museum Car Show
Saturday 7a-2p
Gilmer Civic Center - Gilmer
The Retro Car, Motorcycle, & Truck Show will be at the Gilmer Civic Center. There will be vehicles of all kinds on display, along with a variety of food trucks too. The car show is a benefit for the Historic Upshur Museum. The event is free to attend, but a registration fee is required to participate in the car show.
Jacksonville Police Association Fundraiser Car Show
Saturday @ 8a
174 E Larissa St - Jacksonville
It's 'Grills and Wheels Fest' at Hazel Tilton Park in Jacksonville on Saturday. The car show is a benefit show for the Jacksonville Police Association. The event is free to attend, but a registration fee is required to participate in the car show.
3rd annual King Of The Wings
Saturday @ 1p
235 Conger St - Quitman
The Piney Woods Raceway dirt track is open to all RC car drivers. There will be nine classes of races at this event. There is a registration fee to participate in the RC races.
4th annual BBQ & Balloon Festival
Saturday @ 5p
10857 State Highway 154 - Marshall
BBQ. Balloons. Live Music. Family Fun. The event is taking place at Bear Creek Smokehouse in Marshall. Bring your lawn chairs, your appetite, and the whole family for an unforgettable evening under the East Texas sky.
East Texas Psychic Fair
Sunday 11a-5p
2759 McDonald Rd - Tyler
There will be an assortment of vendors, psychics, and healers at the East Texas Psychic Fair. If you march to the beat of a different drum, then this is the place for you! Learn about other paths and come enjoy being a part of an open-minded community of people. The ETPF is a place full of love, light, and positivity for those who seek acceptance.
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
As a bonus, get ready for fair season in East Texas. Fair season will kick off next Friday (September 11), with the opening of the 77th annual Gregg County Fair on the Longview Fairgrounds in Longview. Get your fill of fair food, carnival rides, vendors, and more. It'll run through Saturday, September 19.
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