A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in PINEY WOODS
Palestine
Blueberry Picking
June 15-July 31
Lake Creek Blueberry Farm, 1471 FM 321
Spend a leisurely day under the sun, exploring bountiful blueberry fields and savoring the fresh, juicy goodness straight from the bush. It’s the perfect way to connect with nature, create cherished memories, and enjoy a taste of summer’s finest.
Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival
June 25-July 26
Van Cliburn Auditorium, 1200 Henderson Blvd.
The Texas Shakespeare Festival brings high-caliber theater to East Texas and beyond, offering Shakespearean classics, contemporary plays, and family-friendly performances.
Palestine
Wine in the Pines
July 18
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Embark on the Wine in the Pines excursion, an adults-only train journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas. Sip on local wine samples and have dinner while on a moonlit ride under the stars.
Old Eighteen Defense: Tactical Biathlon
July 18-19
Dead Cat Ranch, 3775 FM 315
A competitive run-and-shoot race combines endurance and marksmanship. Participants navigate a set course carrying a rifle and pistol, completing timed shooting stages along the way.
Tyler
Texas State Open
July 28-31
Cascades Country Club, 4511 Briarwood Road
The golf tournament began in 1960 and has crowned many past and future stars throughout its history. Champions who have gone on to compete on the PGA Tour include Ben Crenshaw, Lee Trevino, Jeff Maggert, and Blaine McCallister.
Brick Street Revival
July 31-Aug. 1
Liberty Hall, 103 E. Erwin St.
Spend two nights at a historical music venue during Brick Street Revival, a Texas country singer-songwriter showcase where the stories behind the songs take center stage. Featuring Sean McConnell, Wade Bowen, Aaron Raitiere, and Jack Ingram.
Palestine
Saturdays on Main
Aug. 1
Main Street, 825 W. Spring St.
Head downtown to enjoy a day full of special shopping opportunities with vendors.
Pints in the Pines
Aug. 8
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
What could be better than enjoying the beautiful East Texas Piney Woods from a vintage train whilst sipping local ales? This is an adults-only excursion departing from Palestine and traveling to the Rusk Rail Depot. Sample several local or regional beers and appetizers. Upon arrival in Rusk, enjoy a catered dinner with dessert outside as the sun sets.
Jefferson
Civil War Symposium
Aug. 8
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
The 15th annual symposium focuses on various aspects of the Trans-Missippippi Civil War history. Enjoy presentations, expert speakers, exhibits, vendors, and an auction. Lunch is included. Also, Friday night has a speakers reception.
Indoor Art Walk
Sept. 4
Various locations, Downtown
Experience the diverse creativity of Jefferson. Stroll the streets and businesses of historic downtown, listen to live music at various locations, and meet and mingle with some of the inspiring local artists showing their work.
Palestine
Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train
Sept. 11
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Embark on an enchanting Piney Woods ride with dinner beneath the stars. Indulge in appetizers, a champagne or cider toast, dessert, and refreshments.
Nacogdoches
Old Town Rig Down
Sept. 11-12
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
The biggest and baddest rigs are on display. This family-friendly event features an exciting display of big rigs, show trucks, and custom semis, all polished to perfection, plus live music and food vendors.
Tyler
Matthew Broussard
Sept. 11-12
Rose City Comedy Club, 7428 Old Jacksonville Highway, Suite 10
Matthew Broussard’s comedy is heady, self-effacing, and weirdly educational. He’s performed on the “Tonight Show,” Conan, “Jeff Ross Presents Roast Battle,” and the “Comedy Central Half Hour.” You can catch him on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The League,” “The Mindy Project,” and alongside Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish in the film “Here Today.” He is the creator of the webcomic and puzzle app, Monday Punday.
“The Velveteen Rabbit”
Sept. 11-13, 17-20
Tyler Civic Theatre, 400 Rose Park Drive
“The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams Bianco is an staged adaptation of the classic children’s book written in the early 20th century. This beloved tale follows the journey of a stuffed rabbit made of velveteen and explores themes of love, reality, and the nature of being through the eyes of toys.
Marshall
Rüeggenfest
Sept. 12
Rueggenbach Brewing Co, 108 W. Houston St.
The brick streets of downtown Marshall transform into a Bavarian-style festival village for Rüeggenfest, East Texas’ own Oktoberfest-inspired celebration, where small-town Texas hospitality meets Old-World tradition. The festival fills the heart of Marshall with craft beer, live music, artisan vendors, traditional games, family activities, and the aromas of smoked meats, pretzels, and fresh-baked pastries drifting through the streets. The biergarten has German-inspired lagers, seasonal festival beers, and special one-day releases brewed exclusively for the event. Expect stein-holding competitions, yodeling, costume contests, dachshund races, shopping, demonstrations, a kids area, and food vendors.
Jefferson
Antique Tractor Show
Sept. 12
Downtown, Austin Street
This show features more than 100 years of rural American history with vehicles as well as stationary and working antique engines, antique farm machinery, and antique displays. Other festivities include a swap meet, a parade, exhibits, a slow tractor race, and awards.
Whitehouse
CHRISTUS Rose City Triathlon
Sept. 13
The Boulders at Lake Tyler, 16538 McElroy Road
This annual sprint triathlon is known for a beautiful course around Lake Tyler and attracting new participants from across East Texas and beyond each year. The race consists of a 650-meter open water swim, a 13-mile bike portion, and a 3-mile run.
Jefferson
AHRMA Riverport National Vintage Motocross and Cross Country
Sept. 18-20
Diamond Don RV Park and Event Center, State Highway 49
This 22nd annual event has racers come from all over the world to participate in a weekend full of old bikes showcasing AHRMA vintage, post vintage, next gen classes: 100cc, XR 200, and 2 stroke modern bikes. The wide, flat grassy pit area offers great viewing of the racetrack that runs through the pasture and into the Piney Woods. Vendors and concessions are available at the track. The weekend closes out with a wine-down party on Sunday evening and a fireworks show with cannon fire.
Gladewater
Arts and Crafts Festival
Sept. 19-20
Old Broadway School Campus, 200 Broadway Ave.
Shop for arts and crafts, ceramics, dolls, needlework, jewelry, clothing, and homemade goods. Only handcrafted items are allowed, giving you the opportunity to shop local for the upcoming holidays.
Tyler
Art Festival
Sept. 19
Caldwell Arts Academy Field, 376 W. Woldert St.
The fifth annual Tyler Art Festival is back with food, fun, and lots of art.
Winnsboro
Cowboy Music and Poetry
Sept. 25-26
The Bowery, 200 Market St.
The Bowery becomes a hub of activity, filled with attendees drawn by the easy rhythm of the Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering. Regional performers take to both outdoor and indoor stages, carrying forward the voices and stories of life on the range. Alongside the music and poetry, a ticketed chili cookoff invites a bit of friendly competition, while evening concerts showcase headlining artists who bring both authenticity and energy to the stage.
Tyler
East Texas State Fair and Rodeo
Sept. 25-Oct. 4
The Park of East Texas, Inc., 204 Patton Lane
Celebrate East Texas’ traditions at the 110th annual East Texas State Fair and second annual rodeo. Enjoy exciting rodeo action, live entertainment, fair food favorites, livestock exhibits, carnival rides, and family-friendly fun. This beloved fall event showcases the heritage, agriculture, and hospitality that make East Texas unique.
The Woodlands
Fine Craft, Art, and Design Show
Sept. 26-27
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive
Discover a curated indoor show celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and design. Explore original works from artists and designers across the country, enjoy artist talks, acoustic music, specialty vendors, and opportunities to connect directly with artists.
Tyler
LeAnn Rimes in Concert
Sept. 26
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
Multiplatinum-selling singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter LeAnn Rimes has made a name for herself since she was 14 and winning Best New Artist, making her the youngest solo artist to take home a Grammy, and, at 15, becoming the first country artist to win Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. Her ballad “How Do I Live” holds the record as Billboard’s Hot 100 all-time No. 1 hit by a female artist.
Jefferson
Citywide Rummage Sale
Oct. 1-3
Various locations
Homeowners all over town go through their closets and storerooms and bring out treasures to sell. Many local businesses participate as well. You might find that perfect item you have had your eye on for sale this weekend. Maps will be provided.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Antique Tractor Pull
Oct. 3
Jack Cross Pavillion, Winnsboro City Park, 915 Wheeler Drive
Come see antique tractors show what they’re made of in this tractor pull and show, one of several events taking place during Winnsboro annual Autumn Trails festival.
Autumn Trails 5K Run and .05 Run
Oct. 3
Winnsboro City Park, 900 Wheeler Drive
The Autumn Trails 5K Run, sponsored by the Interact Club of Winnsboro High School, welcomes all runners and walkers. The .05K Fun Run is literally a distance of 164 feet and half an inch, with various age brackets. The entry fee is canned food to benefit the Winnsboro Resource Center.
Little Miss and Queen Autumn Trails Pageant
Oct. 3
Winnsboro Jr. High School Auditorium , 409 Newsome St.
See the crowning of Little Miss Autumn Trails (4-6 years old), and Queen Autumn Trails (14-18 years old). The event begins at 6 p.m. at the Winnsboro Jr. High Auditorium.
Jefferson
East Texas Burn Run
Oct. 9-11
Various locations
Enjoy bike games, rides, a live auction, live music, and a bike show. There’s also a raffle for a brand-new 2026 motorcycle. The event is sponsored by The Phoenix Organization of Jefferson and the Brother’s Keepers MC. Proceeds go to Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation and Camp I’m Still Me.
Tyler
Rose City Airfest
Oct. 9-11
At Tyler’s annual aviation celebration, visitors can see thrilling aerial performances, explore military and civilian aircraft up close, and enjoy family-friendly activities, food vendors, and entertainment throughout the weekend. The event brings together aviation enthusiasts and curious visitors alike for a day of flight and community spirit.
Piney Woods Open Disc Golf
Oct. 9-11
Lindsey Park, 12557 Spur 364 West
A premier disc golf tournmament, the event celebrates its 23rd annual year and is a PDGA A-tier tournament.
Beauty and the Beast Bicycle Tour
Oct. 9-10
Various locations
Enjoy the beauty of the East Texas rolling hills and finish with a challenging climb up “The Beast” on one of the most popular bike tours in the country.
Marshall
FireAnt Festival
Oct. 10
Downtown
The FireAnt Festival returns every year on the second Saturday of October. Entertainment throughout the day includes a TourDeFireAnt long-distance bike ride, the FireAnt 5K, the Toddler Trot, a kids run, parade, the Diaper Derby, the gurning contest, the Chicken Chunkin’ Contest, a kids dance contest, and vendors.
Kilgore
Oktoberfest
Oct. 10
Downtown , 201 S. Kilgore St.
This annual Oktoberfest is a family-friendly, authentic German experience with German-inspired food, live music by the Royal Klobasneks, and traditional drinking activities. Come dressed for the occasion in a drindl or lederhosen and enter the Best Dressed competition. Be sure to visit the beer garden near the Texan Theater.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Stew Cookoff and Cake and Pie Contest
Oct. 10
Winnsboro Civic Center, 915 Wheeler Drive
Teams and individuals participate in the stew cookoff. The baking contest is open to bakers of all ages, amateur and novice bakers only, and categories are fruit pies, nut pies, cream pies, and the youth category. There’s also a bake sale.
Winnsboro Live! Autumn Trails Nights
Oct. 10
Jack Cross Pavillion, Winnsboro City Park, 915 Wheeler Drive
Enjoy an outdoor concert featuring the Brad Carpenter Band and headliner Jason Waldon and the Alibis. Along with live music, there’s dancing and vendors to round out a night under the stars in East Texas.
Tyler
Mayhem Roller Derby Halloween Mashup
Oct. 10
Flores Center, 11237 FM 14
The Halloween Mashup brings fast-paced, competitive roller derby to Tyler. Costumes are encouraged. BYOB. Come enjoy the mayhem.
Foreigner in Concert
Oct. 10
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
With 10 multiplatinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner is hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales exceeding 80 million records. Founded in 1976, the group’s enduring anthems include “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” and “Hot Blooded.”
Texas Rose Festival
Oct. 15-18
Rose Garden Center, 420 Rose Park Drive
Since its beginning in 1933, the Texas Rose Festival has represented the spirit that brings Tyler together as a community. Rich in heritage and tradition, the festival offers enchanting ceremonial events, including the Queen’s Coronation, the Queen’s Tea, and the Rose Parade, all amid a backdrop of brilliant roses.
Lindale
Fall Piney Woods Wine Festival
Oct. 16-17
Picker’s Pavilion at Blackberry Square, 205 Cannery Row
Enjoy tastings from over 20 wineries of the Piney Woods Wine Trail, shop unique gift vendors, enjoy food trucks, and hear live music.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Trail Riders Welcome Parade
Oct. 16
Water tower, 1501 E. Broadway St.
This afternoon parade starts at the city water tower and travels 2.3 miles through historical Winnsboro. It includes horses, mules, and wagons of all types.
Tyler
“The Book of Will”
Oct. 16-25
Tyler Civic Theater, 400 Rose Park Drive
Written by Lauren Gunderson, this comedic and poignant play chronicles the efforts of Shakespeare’s fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell, to compile and publish the First Folio, the first collected edition of his plays, after his death. The play, set in 1619, follows their humorous and heartfelt quest to save Shakespeare’s legacy from being lost to time and bad quartos, battling unscrupulous publishers and their own mortality in the process.
Nacogdoches
Tobaccodoches Cigar Festival
Oct. 17
Nacogdoches Cigar Co., 325 E. Main St.
At the fifth annual Tobaccodoches Cigar Festival, the aroma of fine cigars fills the air and good times await. Enjoy live music while savoring food and drinks.
Jefferson
Bigfoot Conference
Oct. 17
Jefferson Convention and Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Established in 2001 as the original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas by the Texas Bigfoot Research Center, this event features a full day of expert speakers, physical evidence, presentations, special screenings, vendors, and other activities.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Pancake Breakfast, Trail Ride, and Campout
Oct. 17
Winnsboro Civic Center and City Park, 915 Wheeler Drive, 900 Wheeler Drive
Participate in a good old-fashioned breakfast at the Civic Center to kick off the weekend’s festivities. Then trail riders participate in a 16-mile trail ride through the countryside of the Piney Woods. Horses, mules, and wagons are welcome. Trail riders also may camp out in tents or RVs in City Park.
Autumn Trails 42 Tournament
Oct. 17
Winnsboro Civic Center, 915 Wheeler Drive
Play in this fun 42 tournament. Arrive a little early if you would like to participate. There is a $25 entry fee per player. Prizes are awarded.
Autumn Trails Mule Rodeo and Barn Dance
Oct. 17
Winnsboro Rodeo Association Arena and Civic Center, 967 Wheeler Drive, 915 Wheeler Drive
See participants compete in this annual family-friendly mule rodeo, where different contests, such as barrel racing, involve mules. The boot scootin’ begins following the rodeo and continues until midnight. DJ Damon Momon gets everyone on the dance floor for an evening full of two-steppin’.
Jefferson
Taste of Jefferson
Oct. 18
Various locations
Reimagined and expanded, this food event is an opportunity to sample delectable dishes from participating Jefferson restaurants. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event.
Kilgore
East Texas Oil Men’s Chili Cookoff
Oct. 22
World’s Richest Acre, 100 N. Commerce St.
Oil field service and supply companies compete for the title of best chili in East Texas. Get in the line that stretches 3,000 feet and try as much chili as you can handle, then vote for your favorites.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Trade Day and Swap Meet
Oct. 22-25
Winnsboro City Park, 900 Wheeler Drive
Vendors sell the kinds of unique merchandise and one-of-a-kind items you expect at a trade day, flea market, and swap meet.
Autumn Trails Antique and Classic Car Parade and Show
Oct. 24
Downtown , Main Street
The parade weaves through historical downtown Winnsboro, and cars park on Main Street, where pedestrians can walk among the Model A and Model T cars and inspect these vehicles from a bygone era. Car clubs are welcome. The Classic Car Show, following the parade, is in the parking lot of the train depot.
Autumn Trails Arts and Crafts Show
Oct. 24
The Bowery, 100 Market St.
Head to the Bowery, Winnsboro’s pedestrian walkway, to find works by some of the best artisans in the region. The show features local and statewide talent.
Autumn Trails Lone Star Pepper Palooza
Oct. 24
The Bowery, 101 Market St.
Set your mouth on fire at this nationally sanctioned contest. Come early to get registered, or come later to enjoy the professional and amateur hot pepper-eating contestants show spectators what they’re made of.
Autumn Trails “Fashion Through the Eras”
Oct. 24
Vanora Studio, 215 N. Main St.
Walk through 100-plus years of fashion at the artisan boutique Vanora Studio. The exhibit, on display after the Antique and Classic Car Parade, features a collection of vintage clothing covering the past century.
Autumn Trails Pet Show and Beard and Mustache Contest
Oct. 24
The Bowery, 100 Market St.
Come see the contestants or dress up your pooch to impress. Trophies are awarded to the winning contestants. The fun starts at noon on the Bow-wow-ery (The Bowery). Then, take a look into the art of beard and mustache crafting sponsored by The Best Barber Shop. See some of the most unique and well cared for facial hair in the region. Prizes are awarded to the winners.
Autumn Trails Model A Club Barbecue and Tour
Oct. 24
Winnsboro Civic Center, 915 Wheeler Drive
Model A automobiles take a tour of Winnsboro and the Piney Woods beginning at the Trail Country Motel. Model A Car Club members are then invited to a barbecue at the Winnsboro Civic Center.
Tyler
Bachman-Turner Overdrive in Concert
Oct. 29
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
The classic rock. band returns with a new lineup of musicians but continues to play all the hits, as well as dive deep into album cuts.
Gladewater
Emergency Services FallFest
Oct. 31
Downtown , 100 E. Commerce St.
Sponsored by Gladewater’s first responders, the city of Gladewater, and the Gladewater Chamber of Commerce, families can enjoy free food, games, candy, and a costume contest.
Tyler
Mistletoe and Magic
Nov. 4-7
W.T. Brookshire Conference Center, 2000 W. Front St.
The Junior League of Tyler hosts its largest fundraiser—now in its 48th year. This beloved holiday market features 75-plus merchants from across the country offering unique gifts, gourmet treats, and festive finds. Held each November, proceeds support local projects, scholarships, and outreach programs that empower women and strengthen our community.
Jefferson
Fall History, Haunts, and Legends
Nov. 7
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Experience special guest speakers, vendors, tours and nighttime investigations at some of Jefferson’s historical, rumored haunted locations. This fun event is for those who enjoy history, mystery, the unexplained, and things that go bump in the night.
Kilgore
East Texas Pipe Organ Festival
Nov. 8-12
Various locations
The festival celebrates the legacy of Roy Perry and Aeolian-Skinner pipe organs with a week of inspiring performances by renowned organists in Kilgore and surrounding cities. The festival showcases the rich sound and artistry of American classic organ building.
REEL East Texas Film Festival
Nov. 11-14
The Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St.
Celebrate the tenth anniversary of the REEL East Texas Film Festival, showcasing a slate of indie film projects with live screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and special events that highlight the city of Kilgore for visiting film industry colleagues.
Jefferson
Diamond in The Rough Dual Sport Adventure Ride
Nov. 12-15
Diamond Don RV Park and Event Center, SH 49
All street-legal bikes can participate in self-organized rides through the Piney Woods. Some of the dirt roads harken back to stagecoach days with wagon trails on each side. Bring out your vintage dirt bikes on Saturday and Sunday to ride the Diamond Don National Motocross track.
Kilgore
A Very Derrick Christmas
Nov. 12
Downtown , South Kilgore Street
One of Kilgore’s seasonal favorites, this event includes the annual lighting of the derricks ceremony, shopping at the Kris Kringle Market, along with games and activities.
Tyler
“Beetlejuice: The Musical”
Nov. 12
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
Based on Tim Burton’s beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Under its uproarious surface is a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Palestine
“The Polar Express” Train Ride
Nov. 13-Dec. 27
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Step aboard a vintage train for a magical holiday adventure. Sip on hot chocolate, enjoy cookies and festive storytelling, and journey to the North Pole, where Santa greets guests with the first gift of Christmas—a silver sleigh bell. Based on the children’s story, this train ride provides families with merry holiday memories.
Jefferson
Woofstock
Nov. 13-15
Downtown
This family- and pet-friendly fundraiser for pet rescues in Marion County includes food trucks, artisan and craft vendors, kids and pet activities, games and prizes, a silent auction, a 5K fun run, a 1-mile dog walk, and live entertainment.
Nacogdoches
NacoPalooza Music Fest and Pub Crawl
Nov. 14
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
Hit the streets of downtown Nacogdoches for NacoPalooza Music Fest and Pub Crawl. Experience a high-energy evening of live local music, great drinks, and unforgettable vibes.
Holiday in the Pines
Nov. 19-21
Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive
Celebrate the season in style at this festive holiday extravaganza. With over 100 boutique vendors, find unique gifts for everyone on your list. Indulge in delicious seasonal treats, enjoy the thrill of exciting raffles, and soak up the holiday cheer with plenty of festive surprises.
visitnacogdoches.org/events/holiday-in-the-pines/6a19e311cc9724497b43d55c
Tyler
The Oak Ridge Boys in Concert
Nov. 19
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
One of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in country music, the Oak Ridge Boys’ four-part harmonies and upbeat songs have spawned dozens of country hits and two pop smashes, as well as winning awards ranging from Grammys to CMA and the ACM. Hits include“Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue,” and “Dream On.”
Nacogdoches
Wassail Fest
Nov. 28
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
Sip festive holiday wassail as you explore downtown shops.
Jefferson
Christmas Parade and “Enchanted Forest” Tree Lightig
Nov. 28
Downtown and Lions Park
The parade travels through downtown Jefferson to Lions Park for the “Enchanted Forest” Tree Lighting Ceremony. Gather with family and friends for Christmas carol singing, live entertainment, and the grand finale—the lighting of 100-plus decorated Christmas trees. Children can also visit with Santa after he arrives atop a fire engine.
Tyler
“Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol”
Nov. 28
UT Tyler Cowan Center, 3900 University Blvd.
The heartwarming musical features music and lyrics by the 11-time Grammy winner and a book by David H. Bell. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this production imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. The legendary holiday tale re-written as a new American classic features Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting expertise.
Winnsboro
Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 3
Downtown, Market Street
Winnsboro’s annual Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony kicks off in the evening. The parade travels from the high school, circles through downtown, and ends at The Bowery for the tree lighting.