Check Out These 14 Things Going On In East Texas

(East Texas) This weekend, we'll see more sunshine than any other weekend as we get outdoors and do something.

We've been talking about summer for nearly a month now. Well, summer officially arrives this weekend! The Earth will be tilted about 23.5° toward the sun on Sunday, June 21, at 3:24 CDT. Because of this tilt, we'll experience the year's longest day with sunlight. Welcome summer!

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Summer isn't the only thing happening this weekend. East Texans will be celebrating Dad on Sunday for Father's Day, and many will be celebrating Juneteenth this weekend as well. Juneteenth is a federal holiday honoring the emancipation of enslaved people in the US.

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.

Broadway Square Mall Carnival

Friday - Sunday
Broadway Square Mall - Tyler

Kick off summer by riding your favorite carnival rides, eating carnival food, playing games to win prizes, and having a fun time with the family at Broadway Square Mall. Get your tickets and armbands now and have a fun time welcoming summer to East Texas.

Juneteenth Firework Celebration

Friday 6p-9p
Kilgore City Park - Kilgore

The Kilgore Men and Women of Alliance is hosting a fireworks show on Friday evening in honor of Juneteenth. The third annual event will feature a fireworks show at dark.

Juneteenth Celebrate Freedom

Saturday 9a-12n
701 N Glenwood Blvd - Tyler

Celebrate Juneteenth in Tyler with the Tyler Juneteenth Parade and Family Fun in the Park. The day's events will begin with the parade at 9 along MLK Boulevard. The Family Fun event will be held at Woldert Park on N Glenwood Blvd. The event is free to attend.

Juneteenth Celebration

Saturday @ 10a
Martin Luther King Jr Blvd - Longview

The celebration marking the end of enslaved people in the US will be honored with a parade along MLK from Pittman Street to Broughton Recreation Center. The parade is free to attend; however, there is a participation fee to be in the parade.

Father's Day Hike

Saturday 9a-10a
789 State Park Road 16 - Tyler

Have fun with dad in nature at Tyler State Park. Join park rangers for a hike to learn about the fathers in nature of all shapes and sizes. The event is free to attend; park admission is required for entry.

East Texas Parent Conference

Saturday 9a-3p
15062 CR 1145 - Tyler

Texas Parent to Parent will host a free conference for parents, self-advocates, family members, educators, service providers, and community members interested in topics related to children with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions, and other healthcare needs.

The conference will be held at the Douglas R. Mehling II Center at Breckenridge Village. Lunch and free childcare are provided.

Gladewater June Trade Days

Saturday and Sunday
1000 US 80 - Gladewater

Gladewater Trade Days will be held at the old Bear Stadium and will feature a weekend full of shopping, fun, and food. Shop for antiques, furniture, crafts, tools, car parts, and so much more. It is free to attend and shop.

God & The Great Outdoors Expo

Friday - Sunday
Maude Cobb Activity Center - Longview

Experience a one-of-a-kind event where faith, family, and the outdoor lifestyle come together. Discover the latest in hunting, fishing, outdoor gear, seminars from national experts, and unforgettable family activities — all in a wholesome, faith-centered environment.

Rise & Shine June Market

Saturday @ 10a
15121 FM 2625 W - Hallsville

Shop the farm Saturday! Local vendors will be on site with lots of hand-crafted goods, activities, and food too. Stop in, see the farm, and unplug for the day.

Family Fun Day

Saturday 10a-5p
FM 2911 - Big Sandy

Bring the family out for trail rides, pet the animals in the petting zoo, kids can ride the ponies, fish in the pond, and play yard games.

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

Tyler - Rose City Farmer's Market

Saturday 8a-12n
221 S Broadway Ave - Tyler

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 Two Tons Of Steel Rockability.

11 National Parks Closest To East Texas

Stacker has compiled a list of the 10 closest national parks to East Texas. Ok, I'm making it 11, because I have to include Rocky Mountain National Park, because it's just so majestic.

Gallery Credit: Stacker

10 Strange Texas Town Names That Are Actually Real

Seeing these town names on a map might leave you confused and asking if the town is really real!

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

Hey Food Network, These East Texas Best East Are Worthy Of An Episode

We're sending Food Network a message - it's about time to bring some of those cameras from your shows and feature our fantastic restaurants on several of your shows.

East Texas is full of fantastic restaurants that are owned by some extremely talented chefs, pitmasters and bakers. For years you, the Food Network, have been creating shows featuring local hot spots and we feel it's about time for some of our favorite hot spots to be featured on one of your many shows.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry