11 Things Happening Across East Texas This Weekend – September 12
(East Texas) East Texas fair season kicks off this weekend with the opening of the Gregg County Fair. The smell of cotton candy and smoked turkey legs will fill the Gregg County Fairgrounds this weekend through next Saturday. While we'd enjoy cooler weather for the fair, it doesn't appear that we will be getting a break from the relentless East Texas heat until maybe the end of next week.
Be prepared for the heat if you head out to the Gregg County Fair for your corn dog, fresh-squeezed lemonade, funnel cake, and some saltwater taffy. There will be a petting zoo, exhibits, carnival rides, lots of food, and live entertainment throughout the fair.
This is week 3 of high school football, and the new NFL season is now underway too. The Dallas Cowboys are on the road Sunday facing the New York Giants at 7:20.
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
Friday through Saturday, September 19
Gregg County Fairgrounds - Longview
This will be the 77th celebration of the fair, which got its start in 1949 with the Longview Jaycees. The Gregg County Fair also hosts the annual Miss Gregg County pageant and 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
Saturday through Saturday, September 19
downtown Pittsburg - Pittsburg
The 53rd Pioneer Days Festival will begin Saturday, September 12 with the Little Miss Peach Queen Ball. There will be many other events squeezed in all week long, and it wraps up Saturday the 19th with a spectacular parade, vendors lining Main Street with crafts and more, and live entertainment on the streets of downtown Pittsburg.
Paris Balloon & Music Festival
Friday - Sunday
570 E Center St - Paris
The annual Paris Balloon & Music Festival will take place on the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in Paris. Balloon flights will be Saturday and Sunday mornings. There will be live music as well as tethered hot air balloon rides, balloon glow, a 5K, kids' fun zone, classic car show, market vendors, and other events. There is an admission fee to attend.
Blue Bell Lone Star Scoop Tour
daily
check official site for locations
The Blue Bell Lone Star Scoop Tour is making its way through East Texas over 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.
READ MORE --> Your Complete Guide To All 2026 East Texas Fall Festivals & Events
Classics Round The Square
Saturday @ 7a
167 E Quitman St - Emory
Classics from 1988 and older will be on display around the square in Emory. Come out and relive and remember what cars and trucks looked like from the 80s and beyond, well before technology took over the dashboard.
Horseback Obstacle Challenge
Saturday 9a-12n
11915 FM 2015 - Tyler
This is a kids' horseback obstacle challenge. Kids 17 and younger may enter the competition. There is a registration and participation fee.
Shopping Days
Saturday 9a-4p
100 Grand Blvd - Longview
If someone said, 'You don't need that', leave them behind and grab everyone else and head to the sale. This sale is full of small businesses, unique finds, treats, and giveaways. You'll find vendors selling jewelry, clothing, home decor, desserts, plants, pet toys, candles, and so much more. There is an admission fee to shop.
Rüeggenfest
Saturday 11a-10p
108 W Houston St - Marshall
Rüeggenfest is a free family‑friendly Oktoberfest street festival hosted by Rüeggenbach Brewing Co. in downtown Marshall. The historic courthouse square will transform into a Bavarian celebration. Enjoy craft beers, local vendors, German‑inspired games, and live bands playing toe‑tapping tunes all day. Guests are encouraged to wear traditional lederhosen and dirndl dresses to fully embrace the heritage.
Family Peace Project Benefit: A Taste of Hope
Saturday @ 6p
300 NW Loop 7 - Athens
This will be an evening of fajitas, live music, and community coming together to support survivors through Family Peace Project. This is a ticketed event.
Saturday @ 7p
12290 FM 344 E - Whitehouse
Calling all Swifties! It's going to be an unforgettable night of music, singing, and dancing with Reputation – A Tribute to Taylor Swift. This high-energy tribute show celebrates the eras, stories, and chart-topping songs that have made Taylor Swift one of the most influential artists of the 21st century. From fan favorites like “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood,” and “Shake It Off,” Reputation brings the magic of Taylor’s music to the stage with a full live band and a show designed to keep the crowd singing along all night. There is an admission fee to attend.
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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