12 Things Happening Across East Texas This Weekend – October 17

(East Texas) East Texas is preparing for its first major cool-down of the fall season. It's happening as major festivals and events kick off this weekend. With temperatures from the low 90s Wednesday to around 70 on Saturday, this is going to be a great weekend to get outdoors and have some fun with the family. All this, with no chance of rain, at least right now. Although we could use the rainfall.

Big festivals this weekend include the 89th annual Yamboree in Gilmer and the 93rd Texas Rose Festival in Tyler. We can't forget about high school football on Friday night. It may be a bit chilly as the sun goes down, so grab a jacket as you head out to see the Grand Saline Indians to watch and see if they can extend their perfect season. Maybe the Lindale Eagles and Athens Hornets will continue their perfect seasons too.

At least one unbeaten team will suffer its first loss Friday night and ruin its perfect season. Both the Winnsboro Red Raiders (6-0) and Malakoff Tigers (7-0) will be looking for that win.

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.

East Texas Yamboree

Wednesday through Saturday
venues throughout Gilmer

The festivities begin on Wednesday, October 14, with the Queen's Coronation at 7:30. There are many competitions during the Yamboree, including a quilt show, livestock show, and more. The carnival will be in downtown Gilmer and open Wednesday through Saturday with rides, games, food, and street dances each night.

Texas Rose Festival

Thursday through Sunday
venues throughout Tyler

Tyler is known as the rose capital, so why not have a festival to celebrate and honor this distinction? The Texas Rose Festival features the queen's coronation, Rose Parade, arts and crafts and quilting fair, and many other social activities.

Tap the Texas Rose Festival title above for a full list of events and venues.

Piney Woods Wine Festival

Friday and Saturday
Picker's Pavilion at Blackberry Square - Lindale

Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of wine tasting and fun. Sip a variety of award-winning East Texas wines while enjoying the timeless charm of Picker's Pavilion, live music, great food, and one-of-a-kind shopping.

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Texas Bigfoot Conference

Friday and Saturday
200 S Walcott - Jefferson

The Texas Bigfoot Conference will feature many special speaking guests, videos, investigation details, and a special dinner. This is a ticketed event.

Best of Both Worlds Auto & Cycle Show

Saturday @ 10a
156 CR 3455 - Hawkins

The show will feature the best of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. There is a registration fee to participate, but attending is free. There will be food trucks, door prizes, and more.

Together We Run 5K

Saturday @ 8:45a
Heritage Plaza - downtown Longview - Longview

Together We Run 5K & Fun Run is a community-driven event that brings runners, families, and local businesses together for a meaningful cause—supporting the Martin House Child Advocacy Center and its mission to provide hope, healing, and justice for children in our community. There is a registration fee to participate in the run.

Bullard Bluebonnet Festival

Saturday @ 9a
1426 S Houston St - Bullard

The Bluebonnet Festival is back. The fall tradition continues in Bullard with local vendors, chili cook-off, food trucks, car show, bluegrass music, and it's all free. Whether you’re shopping, eating, showing off your classic car, casting your vote for the chili cook-off, or simply enjoying a beautiful fall day in Bullard, there’s something for everyone.

READ MORE: Your Complete Guide To All The 2026 East Texas Fall Festivals & Events

Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair 2026

Saturday and Sunday
1501 S Broadway Ave - Tyler

The Rose Festival Arts & Crafts Fair returns to Bergfeld Park this October with more than 90 artisan booths featuring handcrafted goods — photography, jewelry, pottery, candles, clothing, art, bath & body products, home décor, and so much more! Enjoy live entertainment from talented local performers, delicious food trucks, and the perfect opportunity to jump‑start your holiday shopping with truly unique, handmade gifts. Admission is free!

10th annual ETBG Homebrew Festival

Saturday 12n-4p
100 Grand Blvd - Longview

10 Years of Brews, Bites, and Bragging Rights! The East Texas Brewers Guild is proud to present the 10th Annual Homebrew Festival: "Hopocalypse Now"!

Craft Fermentations: Unlimited flavor! Pouring incredible beer, wine, cider, and mead from talented local homebrewers, plus beers from area breweries!

Steinholding Championship: We are an official Qualifier Venue for the 2026 Texas Steinholding State Championship Finals with the U.S. Steinholding Association!

Festival Eats & Beats: Local food vendors, artisan shops, and music all afternoon.

13 East Texas Haunted Houses

day and hours vary
throughout East Texas

It's that time of the year. Time to get your scare on! Get that adrenaline pumping by visiting any and all 13 East Texas haunted houses!

• World Of Khaos - Tyler - 816 E Oakwood St
• Doc Wilkes House Of Horrors - Longview - 1228 Market St
• Graystone Scream Park - Longview - 13481 FM 968W
• Thrillvania Haunted House Park - Terrell - 23330 CR 138
• Imminent Doom Haunted House - Kilgore - 990 Post Oak Rd
• Spooktacular Nights at Yesterland Farm - Canton - 15410 I-20
• Haunted Hallows Coopergate Ranch - Mt. Pleasant - 3302 FM 2348
• The Asylum Haunted House - Talco - 205 N Broad St
• River Road Spooky Trail - Big Sandy - 720 River Rd Sandy
• Back To Life Haunted House - Mineola - 630 W Broad St
• Corpse Grove - Hawkins - 2487 FM 1795
• Total Insanity Hauntpark - Lufkin - 3731 Ted Trout Dr
• Texas Jailhouse - Palestine - 704 Ave A

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.

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

Tyler - Broadway Square Mall

Saturday 7a-12m
back side of Broadway Square Mall - Tyler

Palestine

Saturday 9a-1p
813 W Spring St - Palestine

Longview

Saturday 7:30a-11:30a
105 W Cotton St - Longview