A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in Piney Woods
Winnsboro
Farmers Market
June 7-Aug. 30
Farmers Market Pavillion, 111 E. Carengie St.
Find fresh, local agricultural products at this farmers market, open on Saturdays and voted the third best farmers market in Texas according American Farmland Trust’s 2024 market shopper poll. Stroll through a vibrant, community-driven market and meet local farmers and savor the flavors of East Texas.
Kilgore
Texas Shakespeare Festival
June 26-July 27
Van Cliburn Auditorium, 1200 S. Henderson Blvd.
East Texas’ only professional theater company performs each summer in rep two Shakespeare plays, a non-Shakespearean classic, a musical, and a production for children. The main stage productions are produced in rotating repertory Thursday through Sunday, with an afternoon matinee and an evening performance each day. This summer’s list of plays include “Twelfth Night” and “Macbeth.”
Winnsboro
Adam and Chris Carroll in Concert
July 12
Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market St.
Adam and Chris Carroll are a husband and wife duo, both singer-songwriters, who met at a music festival in 2012 and have been touring together since their 2013 marriage, initially as co-headliners before developing into a popular act.
Kilgore
REEL East Texas Summer Film Intensive
July 14-18
Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St.
The REEL East Texas Summer Film Intensive is a hands-on program where student filmmakers learn from industry professionals while creating their own short films. Through workshops, mentorship, and real-world experience, participants develop their storytelling and technical skills in the heart of East Texas.
Huntsville
Texas Thimble Trail One Stop Shop Hop Vendor Market
July 18-19
Walker County Fair Grounds, 3925 SH 30
This two-day extravaganza is a must visit for quilting and sewing enthusiasts with a wide array of vendors showcasing the latest fabrics, patterns, and sewing supplies, plus live demonstrations and classes.
Palestine
“Alice in Wonderland”
July 18-27
Texas Theatre, 213 W. Crawford St.
An adaptation for live theater of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” is sure to be an amazing experience for all theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Wine in the Pines Train Ride
July 19
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting aboard the vintage rails of the Texas State Railroad. The train departs from the Palestine Depot and embarks on a 4-hour, round trip ride through the Piney Woods of East Texas to the Rusk Depot where you stop and have dinner under the stars.
Jefferson
Caddo Fly Fishing Expo
July 19
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
At this celebration of the sport of fly fishing, visitors can see fly tying demonstrations and lessons, get casting instructions, learn kayak fishing tips, and shop for new gear.
Civil War Symposium
Aug. 2
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
The event spends a whole day focused on various aspects of the Trans-Mississippi Civil War history, with presentations, expert speakers, exhibits, vendors, an auction, and lunch. There’s also a Friday night speakers reception.
Palestine
Fiesta Flyer Dinner Train
Aug. 9
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Traverse the tracks to the Rusk Depot, where you are treated to a Mexican-themed dinner served on the beautiful grounds by the lake. During dinner, a mariachi band provides music for dancing.
Winnsboro
“Romeo and Juliet”
Aug. 15-24
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
Winnsboro Center for the Arts presents William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” The play was adapted by Dr. John A. Price, the director of theatre, with a fresh new twist. Everyone will not only understand but enjoy this tragic tale of first love.
Gladewater
Elvis Tribute Concert
Aug. 16
Jackson’s Theatre, 108 E. Commerce Ave.
Jackson Foltyn is back again with his award-winning Elvis tribute show.
Jefferson
UFOcon
Aug. 23
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
This UFO convention covers Texas-based UFO sightings, alien encounters, and UFO crash sites.
Winnsboro
Texas Songwriters Showcase Concert
Aug. 30
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
Winnsboro Center For The Arts lets Texas songwriters take the stage and have their moment to shine in the spotlight.
Labor Day Car Show
Aug. 30
Winnsboro Train Depot, 100 E. Broadway
Cruise into historic downtown Winnsboro for a car show featuring automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles from the 1940s to today. Enjoy a day of nostalgia, food, shopping, and family fun as you admire beautifully restored vehicles.
Jefferson
Indoor Art Walk
Sept. 6
Downtown
As you stroll into the businesses of historic Jefferson, you have the opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the local artists and experience their diverse creativity. You may even take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Wheels on the Bayou
Sept. 6
Downtown
The lineup showcases different classes of cars, trucks, jeeps, imports, rat rods, and corvettes.
Nacogdoches
Old Town Rig Down
Sept. 12-13
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.
San Augustine
Pro Rodeo
Sept. 12-13
San Augustine Expo and Fair Grounds, 1109 Oaklawn St.
The annual rodeo has a live band on Saturday night after the festivities, and lots of fun for kids along with tasty concession stand treats.
Winnsboro
Charlie Stout and Kayla Ray in Concert
Sept. 13
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
From the mythical dark hollows of the Appalachian Mountains to the magnificent deserts of West Texas and beyond, Charlie Stout’s words, music, and images evoke contemplation of life and death. Ray’s sound is a unique and fearless take on the human condition.
Palestine
Dogwood Jamboree—Country Classics
Sept. 13
Palestine High School Auditorium, 1600 TX 256 Loop
The Dogwood Jamboree is a Branson-style country music show filled with family fun, laughter, and country music from some of the best artists anywhere.
Jefferson
Antique Tractor Show
Sept. 13
Downtown
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. Events include a swap meet, a parade, exhibits, a slow tractor race, and awards ceremony.
Diamond Don AHRMA Regional Motocross and Cross Country
Sept. 19-21
Diamond Don RV Park , 1602 SH 43 East
Motocross and cross country racing takes place with vintage, post vintage, and next-generation bikes.
Palestine
Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train
Sept. 19
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.
Gladewater
Arts and Crafts Festival
Sept. 20-21
Broadway School Grounds, 200 Broadway Ave.
Artisians showcase their ceramics, dolls, paintings, needlework, jewelry, woodwork, wreaths, and holiday decorations.
Palestine
Paint and Sip
Sept. 20
Home Grill Steak House, 223 W. Crawford St.
No need to be Picasso when you participate in the paint and sip class. You’re guided from start to finish in completing a beautiful painting to take home.
Pints in the Pines
Sept. 20
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Escape into the Piney Woods aboard a vintage train for a beer-tasting adventure. Sample local brews and enjoy appetizers, a catered dinner, and dessert.
Crockett
Hispanic Heritage Day
Sept. 20
Davy Crockett Memorial Park, 600 Bradshaw St.
Get ready to experience a day full of culture, tradition, live music, kids activities, and lots of color. The fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Day, hosted at Davy Crockett Memorial Park, is a thoughtfully organized event lead by residents to showcase Hispanic food, history, and entertainment.
Winnsboro
Cowboy Tales Juried Art Exhibition
Sept. 24-Nov. 15
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
Cowboy Tales is a juried art exhibit held each year in conjunction with the Winnsboro Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering. The exhibition exemplifies the theme of Western culture and imagery.
The Woodlands
Texas Fine Craft Show
Sept. 26-28
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive
This craft show welcomes art lovers to a curated, intimate environment that celebrates the art of fine craft. Fine artisans display their handcrafted works featuring fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, and ceramic items and techniques from around the world.
Winnsboro
Cowboy Music and Poetry Gathering
Sept. 26-27
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
Each year, award winning artists and musicians participate in this celebration of Western and cowboy culture. There are six shows and 11 performers across two days, and there are also activities for the family, including a chili dinner and vendors, chuckwagon food, a reenactment village, baby farm animals, corn husk doll making, and face painting.
Woodville
Ghosts of Texas Past
Sept. 27
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
Listen to fascinating stories regarding legends and tales from Tyler County’s colorful history.
Mineola
Iron Horse Heritage Festival
Sept. 27
Downtown, 101 E. Broad St.
Celebrate Mineola’s railroad heritage with music, entertainment, a classic car show, weenie dog races, food vendors, artisan vendors, and contests for the whole family.
Marshall
Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards Festival
Oct. 2-5
Memorial City Hall Performance Center, 110 E. Houston St.
Independent country music artists from around the world are nominated to perform and compete in this extended weekend festival. Eight to 10 acts perform, with a new lineup each night. Performers are judged by a panel, and awards are Sunday afternoon.
Jefferson
City-Wide Rummage Sale
Oct. 2-4
Various locations
Homeowners all over town go through their closets and storerooms to bring out their old treasures to sell. Many local businesses participate as well. Maps are provided.
Nacogdoches
SFA Gardens Fall Plant Sale
Oct. 4
Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St.
SFA Gardens fall plant sale features a large selection of hard-to-find, Texas-tough plants, including Texas natives, perennials, shrubs, and trees. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early and bring a wagon to carry plants.
Palestine
Fall Harvest Lunch Train
Oct. 4, 18
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
The Fall Harvest Lunch Train takes you on a scenic 4-hour journey through East Texas with a catered lunch at the Rusk Rail Depot, complimentary appetizers, and a champagne/cider toast.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails
Oct. 4
Various locations
For almost 70 years, Winnsboro has hosted the Autumn Trails celebration in October, with different events planned for each weekend. The kickoff weekend features an antique tractor pull, a 5K run and .05K run, and the Little Miss and Miss Autumn Trails pageants.
Kilgore
East Texas Pipe Organ Festival
Oct. 5-9
Various locations in Dallas and Kilgore
The East Texas Pipe Organ Festival celebrates the legacy of Roy Perry and the Aeolian-Skinner pipe organs through a week of inspiring performances by renowned organists. The festival showcases the rich sound and artistry of American classic organ building.
Jefferson
East Texas Burn Run
Oct. 10
Downtown
The weekend offers bikes, bands, and fun. Enjoy bike games, a live auction, live music, a bike show, and a raffle for a brand-new motorcycle. Proceeds go to the Percy R. Johnson Burn Foundation and Camp I’m Still Me.
Kilgore
Oktoberfest
Oct. 11
The Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St.
At this festive event, experience authentic German culture in East Texas with German food, live music by the Royal Klobasneks, drinks, and family-friendly activities.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Youth Rodeo and Just Believe Western Playground
Oct. 11
Winnsboro Rodeo Arena; Jack Cross Pavillion, 937 Wheeler Drive; 915 Wheeler Drive
Part of the Autumn Trails celebration, spend the morning enjoying a youth rodeo, then head to Winnsboro City Park for an opportunity to examine several agricultural fields like cattle production, ferrier, and equine dentistry. Clinics include horsemanship, breakaway, and sorting. There are team challenges, ranch games, food science, and prizes.
Woodville
Harvest Festival
Oct. 17-18
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
This East Texas folk life festival includes pioneer demonstrations, music (dulcimer, bluegrass, folk, gospel, and country), dancing, food, artisans, and The Big Thicket Outlaws shootout.
Dance Under the Stars
Oct. 17-18
Heritage Village, 157 PR 6000
Join along for a dance under the stars. Wear your cowboy boots to two-step and line dance the night away.
Palestine
“Bonnie and Clyde—The Musical”
Oct. 17-26
The Texas Theatre, 213 W. Crawford St.
“Bonnie and Clyde—The Musical” brings the electrifying story of America’s infamous outlaw duo to life at the historic Texas Theatre. Experience passion, crime, and drama in a thrilling stage production.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Trail Riders Welcome Parade, Trail Ride, and Campout
Oct. 18
Downtown, City Park
The afternoon parade begins at the city water tower on East Broadway, travels 2.3 miles through historical downtown Winnsboro, and includes horses, mules, and wagons of all types. The next day, riders take a 16-mile trail ride through the countryside of the Piney Woods. Trail riders may camp out in tents or RVs in City Park. Camps may be set up Friday through Sunday at noon.
winnsboroautumntrails.com/autumn-trails-riders-welcome-parade
Montgomery
Voices From the Past
Oct. 18
Voices From the Past, 14364 Liberty St.
Take a graveside tour through two of Montgomery’s historic cemeteries. Actors in period dress stand near headstones of prominent persons’ graves as they relate the deads’ lives and accomplishments.
Kilgore
SAFFE Day
Oct. 18
Downtown , South Kilgore Street
The Kilgore Fire Department hosts the Special Abilities Family Fun Event Day. The day is designed for kids and adults with special needs and their families, allowing them to participate in fun, educational, and exciting activities that are free.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails 42 Tournament
Oct. 18
Winnsboro Civic Center, 915 Wheeler Drive
Play “the national game of Texas” at this fun domino tournament. Arrive early to participate. There is a $25 entry fee per player. Prizes are awarded.
Autumn Trails Mule Rodeo
Oct. 18
Winnsboro Rodeo Association Arena, 967 Wheeler Drive
At this family-friendly event, mules are the star attractions. See entertaining rodeo competitions like barrel racing, musical ring, and balloon pop.
Jefferson
Bigfoot Conference
Oct. 18
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Established in 2001 as the original annual Bigfoot Conference in Texas by the Texas Bigfoot Research Center, the event offers expert speakers, physical evidence exhibits, presentations, special screenings, and vendors.
Taste of Jefferson
Oct. 19
Downtown
Exciting, reimagined, and expanded, this year’s event is a familiar opportunity to sample some of the wonderful food from participating restaurants. Tickets may be purchased the day of the event.
Grapeland
Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 23-25
Salmon Lake Park, 247 Salmon Lake Road
Experience the sounds of bluegrass at the 49th annual Salmon Lake Park Bluegrass Festival. This tradition brings together renowned bluegrass bands, rising stars, and music enthusiasts for three days of unforgettable performances, jamming, and community.
Kilgore
East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cookoff
Oct. 23
Downtown Kilgore (“World’s Richest Acre”), 100 N. Commerce St.
Dozens of oil field service and supply company teams, set up along over 3,000 feet, compete for the title of best chili in East Texas. Come out and try as much chili as you can handle and vote for your favorites.
Winnsboro
Autumn Trails Trade Day and Swap Meet, Classic Car Parade, Baking Contest, and Other Events
Oct. 23-26
Various locations
The final weekend of the monthlong Autumn Trails celebration features a trade day and swap meet; an antique and classic car parade; an arts and crafts show; a cake and pie baking contest and sale; the Lone Star Pepper Palooza (hot pepper eating contest); a classic car show; a “Fashion Through the Eras” exhibition; a pet show; a barbecue; and a beard and mustache contest.
Palestine
Herrington Memorial Rodeo
Oct. 24-25
Anderson County Youth Livestock Arena, 750 US 287 North
See bull riding, barrel racing, and roping competitions, plus performances from top country artists.
Wine in the Pines
Oct. 24
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.
Nacogdoches
Tobaccodoches Cigar Festival
Oct. 25
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.
San Augustine
Sassafrass
Oct. 25
Downtown, Main Street
A family-friendly day includes vendors, food, arts and crafts, train rides for kids, and face painting. A sanctioned barbecue cookoff brings the heat, and a car show, photo contest, and pie-eating contest round out the day. Admission is free.
Gladewater
FallFest
Oct. 25
Broadway School Playground, 200 Broadway Ave.
Gladewater’s first responders, the city of Gladewater, and the Gladewater Chamber work to provide a safe environment for youngsters to wear costumes, play various games, and enjoy bounce houses, free hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, and other treats.
Palestine
Hot Pepper Festival
Oct. 25
Downtown, 401 W. Main St.
More than 10,000 visitors come to this festival to enjoy spicy food, a chili cookoff, music, games, vendors, the annual parade, arts and crafts vendors, and food vendors.
The Spooky Special
Oct. 25
Texas State Railroad, 789 Park Road 70
Join Texas State Railroad for an adults-only Halloween costume party on the rails. Appetizers, a champagne/cider toast, a catered dinner, dessert, and dancing are included.
Coldspring
Haunted Jail
Oct. 31-Nov. 2
San Jacinto County Jail Museum , 200 Commercial Ave.
See the 1887 historic jail turned into a haunted jail. There are movies, music, a food truck, and family-friendly scares.
Nacogdoches
Dia de los Muertos
Nov. 1
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
This vibrant tradition brings the heart of the city to life with live music, dazzling dance performances, delicious food and drink, and a variety of local vendors.
Jefferson
Fall History, Haunts, and Legends Paranormal Conference
Nov. 1
Jefferson Convention and Visitors Center, 305 E. Austin St.
Experience a day of special guest speakers, vendors, tours, and nighttime investigations at some of Jefferson’s historic sites and rumored haunted locations. This is a fun event for those who enjoy history, mystery, the unexplained, and things that go bump in the night.
Kilgore
REEL East Texas Film Festival
Nov. 6-9
The Texan Theater, 201 S. Kilgore St.
In mid-November, celebrate REEL East Texas’ slate of indie film projects with live screenings, filmmaker Q&As, and special events showcasing the city of Kilgore and its visiting film industry colleagues.
Winnsboro
Art and Wine Festival
Nov. 7-8
Winnsboro Center For The Arts, 200 Market St.
This popular, juried festival attracts talented artists from around the country. In addition to the variety of art, Texas wineries show off award-winning wines by providing tastings and bottles for sale. Specialty foods and other vendors attend, and live music provides entertainment.
Gladewater
Christmastyme in Gusherville
Nov. 8
Downtown , 100 E. Commerce St.
The Gladewater Antique District celebrates the Christmas season with the lighting of the Christmas tree, costumed carolers, and food trucks.
Jefferson
Woofstock
Nov. 8
Downtown
At this family pet-friendly event, guests can find food trucks, artisan and craft vendors, activities for kids and pets, games and prizes, live entertainment, pet adoptions.
Henderson
Heritage Syrup Festival
Nov. 8
Downtown and Depot Museum, 100 E. Main St. and 514 N. High St.
Enjoy a celebration of pure cane syrup, crafted with time-honored tradition in Henderson. One of the sweetest festivals in Texas features craft demonstrations, vendors selling a variety of merchandise, live music, food, children’s activities, and a car show.
Jefferson
Diamond in the Rough Dual Sport Adventure Ride
Nov. 12-16
Diamond Don RV Park and Pavillion, 1602 SH 43 East
Travel the back roads of the Piney Woods at this dual sport adventure ride. The weekend includes a new rider orientation, self-organized rides, a meet-and-greet dinner, fireworks, and the walking Poker Run. Adventure, dual sport, and street-only riders are welcome.
Kilgore
A Very Derrick Christmas
Nov. 13
Downtown , South Kilgore Street
One of Kilgore’s seasonal favorites, this event includes the annual lighting of the derricks ceremony in downtown, kids activities, music, and other entertainment.
Nacogdoches
NacoPalooza
Nov. 15
Downtown, 200 E. Main St.
Experience a high-energy evening of live local music, great drinks, and unforgettable vibes.
Palestine
The Polar Express Train Ride
Nov. 15-Dec. 30
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.
Nacogdoches
Holiday in the Pines
Nov. 20-22
Nacogdoches County Exposition and Civic Center, 3805 NW Stallings Drive
More than 100 specialty stores and shops from coast-to-coast gather for holiday shopping in a festive atmosphere.
Gilmer
“Before the Manger—Beyond the Cross”
Nov. 22
Gilmer Civic Center, 1218 US 271 North
“Before the Manger—Beyond the Cross” is a powerful original drama that begins before creation and stretches to the return of Jesus Christ. Journey along to a realm where Jesus wrestled with the weight of His mission, the angels watched in awe, and the love of God for His children was set in motion.
zeffy.com/ticketing/before-the-manger-beyond-the-cross-a-christmas-story-of-salvation
Winnsboro
Red River Songwriters in Concert
Nov. 22
Winnsboro Center for the Arts, 200 Market St.
The Red River Songwriters are a group of Central Texas-based musicians who came together to create an annual festival in Red River, New Mexico. Comprised of songwriters you know and love, this group of friends reunites for this special performance to celebrate their love of songwriting and to promote their February festival that is now in its 14th year.
Hughes Springs
Holiday on First Street
Nov. 24
The Legacy, 122 E. First St.
Held the Monday before Thanksgiving every year, enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, and a wine festival.
Nacogdoches
Wassail Fest
Nov. 29
Downtown , 200 E. Main St.
Sip festive holiday wassail as you explore downtown shops.
Jefferson
Wassail Walk
Nov. 29
Various locations
Come stroll through eclectic boutiques and antique shops while sipping a compememtary cup of wassail or other holiday beverage in downtown Jefferson. Finish your holiday shopping or just lift your spirits.
Christmas Parade and “Enchanted Forest” Tree Lighting
Nov. 29
Downtown and Lions Park, 515 E. Jefferson St.
Come and be inspired as 100-plus beautifully decorated Christmas trees, sponsored by various businesses and individuals in Jefferson, are lit up to ring in the holidays. Enjoy Christmas carol singing, entertainment, and the grand finale lighting of the Christmas trees. Children can visit with Santa after he arrives in the parade atop the Fire Engine.
