Check Out These 12 Things Going On In East Texas

(East Texas) Innovation, design, creativity, and beauty are on full display during the final weekend of the Parade of Homes in Tyler. If you are thinking about building a new home, remodeling your current home, or wanting to update a single room or get new fixtures, the parade has lots of inspiration thanks to the Tyler area builders.

In addition to being inspired, there are several festivals and events you and the family can be a part of this weekend. TomatoFest in Jacksonville. Blueberry Festival in Nacogdoches. The Great Texas Balloon Race in Longview. These events will offer up a lot of family fun where you can create some fantastic memories.

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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.

Tomato Fest

Saturday 8a-4p
downtown Jacksonville - Jacksonville

This festival is all about the tomato! There are tomato-eating contests, fried green tomato contests, farmers' markets, car shows, salsa contests, live music, more than 500 vendors, street dances, and so much more.

Texas Blueberry Festival

Saturday beginning @ 8a
Nacogdoches

It's a day-long celebration of the blueberry harvest in the oldest town in Texas - Nacogdoches. There will be all sorts of blueberry competitions, live entertainment, kids' entertainment, a pet parade, a pancake breakfast, and so lots more to do, all centered around the blueberry.

Great Texas Balloon Race

Friday through Sunday
Longview Convention Complex - Longview

Hot air balloons will be filling the Longview sky this weekend. From traditional hot air balloons to special shapes, these balloons will be drawing eyes to the sky all weekend long. Events will include special balloon glows in the evening, live music, vendors, a kids' play area, a drone show, and more fun.

This is a ticketed event.

Tyler Area Train Show

Saturday and Sunday
10495 CR 2167 - Whitehouse

The Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society of Tyler is hosting the Tyler Area Train Show. The show will feature railroad memorabilia, model trains, track, and accessories. All scales will be on display - N, HO, O, and G scales. There will be modular layouts by model railroad clubs on display. There is an admission fee to attend this event.

Tyler Parade Of Homes

daily through Sunday
various locations throughout Tyler and Smith County

The Tyler Area Builders Association has been busy creating some beautiful and stunning new homes in Tyler and throughout Smith County. These homes are on display and available for touring. Go on an inspiration tour and see the latest in design, technology, building, landscaping, and more for your home. There is an admission fee to participate in the tour.

East Texas Celtic Fest 2026

Friday through Sunday
2487 FM 1795 - Hawkins

The event celebrates the Celtic culture, focusing on the Scottish, Irish, and Welsh. Several stages of live entertainment, vendors, food, and activities! It's like a Renaissance faire that encompasses many eras!

Skippers Pier Car Show

Saturday 7a-2p
103 N Main St - Gladewater

The classic car, truck, and motorcycle show will be in downtown Gladewater. In addition to all the vehicles, there will be special raffles and drawings to win prizes all day. There is an admission fee to enter a vehicle, but free to attend.

Farmer's Markets

Purchase local and support local 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.

Mineola

Saturday 8a-1p
101 W Front St - Mineola

Winnsboro

Saturday 8a-12n
111 E Carnegie St - Winnsboro

Downtown Car Show

Saturday @ 11a-3p
290 E Tyler St - Canton

Get ready for a day of chrome, horsepower, and community! Head to beautiful Downtown Canton for an unforgettable car show experience. Whether you’re a passionate gearhead or just looking for a fantastic afternoon out, there is something for everyone to admire.

Founder's Day @ Discovery Science Place

Saturday @ 10a
314 N Broadway Ave - Tyler

Join The Discovery Science Place in Tyler as they celebrate another year of igniting curiosity and inspiring young minds with a free family event. There will be all kinds of activities for the kids, including face painting, bounce houses, STEM activities, and food trucks will be on site as well.

Lufkin's Summer In The City 2026

Saturday 7p-10p
105 N 1st St - Lufkin

Summer in the City returns to Downtown Lufkin on Saturday evenings and will be full of music, movies, dancing, and community fun! The event will take place on Cotton Square and is free to attend. Food trucks and drink sales begin at 7 PM, and the featured event begins at 8 PM. This Saturday, enjoy the sounds of Latin music from Latin Mix DJ Dance Party with DJ Rule FX.