12 Things To Do Around East Texas This Weekend – July 18
(East Texas) Weekends in East Texas are always filled with fun events. This weekend, you can learn about horse rescues, shop Christmas in July, see a car show, plan a full wedding, support local farmers, and much more.
FIFA World Cup Final Game Is Sunday
This is also the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup tournament. Stadiums throughout the US and Mexico have been hosting countless numbers of soccer fans from around the world. The final game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday in New Jersey at the New York-New Jersey Stadium. At the time of this writing, the team from Spain will be facing off against the winner of the second semi-final game featuring England and Argentina. There will be countless watch parties on Sunday to see which team wins the World Cup.
Texas Tax Free Weekend Is Coming Soon
Some families may be preparing for back-to-school this weekend by shopping for clothing, uniforms, school supplies, and the technology that goes with it. Remember that the Texas Tax Free Weekend is coming up August 7-9. Save money by not paying taxes on qualifying back-to-school items.
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.
42nd annual Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally
Saturday @ 8a
2025 S Collegiate Dr - Paris
Tour de Paris began with a few cycle enthusiasts in 1984. Since then, the event has grown to include more than 1700 cyclists and volunteers for the annual event in Paris, Texas.
The Tour de Paris features multiple routes that are tailored to riders of all skill levels. These include the 14 & 24 mile off-road on the Northeast Texas Trail and the 22, 35, 57, 68, and 80-mile county routes.
Registration is required for the event, and all riders are responsible for repairs, bike safety, water, and helmets.
Black Beauty Ranch Tour
Saturday @ 9a
12526 CR 3806 - Murchison
You can explore Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison. The ranch is home to more than 600 animals from more than 40 species. This is a guided tour provided by Black Beauty Ranch. It's your opportunity to learn about the animals that call the ranch home. This is a ticketed event.
Christmas In July
Saturday 9a-5p
11684 Barber Rd - Winona
Stillwater RV Resort in Winona is hosting the Christmas in July market. Shop the market that will feature around 200 local and state vendors who have created many handcrafted items. It's Christmas in the middle of summer.
Stamper Park Family Aquatic Grand Opening
Saturday 10a-1n
501 Fair St - Longview
The grand opening event will be free for the community and include a ribbon cutting, games, food, and the use of the City's new aquatics facility.
Following its grand opening, the aquatic center will be open to residents for the remainder of the Swim Season.
The new facility is designed to be a premier destination for local families, featuring a 76,155-gallon pool with a "beach-style" zero-entry zone perfect for toddlers and shallow-water play. Other exciting features include:
A large water slide and play structure with spray jets and climbing platforms.
Recreational zones for water basketball and volleyball.
Modern support facilities include family restrooms, changing rooms, and ample lounge seating under cantilever shade structures.
READ MORE --> When Does School Start In East Texas? See The Full List
Kids Splash Day
Saturday @ 10a
201 N Buffalo St - Canton
Canton's Main Street is hosting Kids Splash Day this Saturday. The whole family can cool off at this family-friendly event that will feature water slides, snow cones, and showers from the Canton Fire Department - maybe from the fire hydrant! This is a free event for the entire community.
Flint Baptist annual Car and Truck Show
Saturday 10-2p
11131 FM 2868 - Flint
It's time for the 2026 Car Show at Flint Baptist Church. More than 100 vehicles will be on display during this car show. The event is free to attend.
East Texas Comic Con
Saturday and Sunday
Lonview Exhibit Center - Longview
At East Texas Comic Con, you can meet amazing celebrity guests, show off your cosplay personality, shop with vendors, enjoy gaming activities, and have a great time with other comic lovers. This is a ticketed event with tickets available at the door or online.
The event will feature autograph sessions, panels, and meet-and-greets with celebrities from voice acting, horror movies, professional wrestling, and more. Scheduled to appear are:
Karan Ashley — Power Rangers, Power Rangers: The Movie, Power Rangers: Once a Ranger Always a Ranger
Vic Mignogna — Voice actor in Dragon Ball, Full Metal Alchemists, Naruto, One Piece
Michael Sorich — Jujutsu Kaisen, Full Metal Alchemists, Naruto, Mob Psyco 100
Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake — WWE Hall of Famer, WWE Tag Team Champion
Allen Danziger — The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Weed Hacker Massacre, Cannibal Comedian
John Dugan — The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
18th annual East Texas Wedding Extravaganza
Saturday 12n-3p
420 Rose Park Dr - Tyler
For those who said 'I Do', now's the time to plan that wedding! You can plan your entire wedding in one stop at the East Texas Wedding Extravaganza. Shop wedding dresses, tuxedoes, cakes, caterers, venues, dj's, flowers, honeymoon destinations, and so much more.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect florist or still dreaming up your color palette, we’ve curated the best local experts to help you bring it all to life. This is a ticketed event.
Discovering 4-H
Saturday 1p-5p
Highway 31 W - Chandler
Ever wonder what 4-H is? Or think we don’t have livestock, what can they do for me? 4-H has a project that would interest anyone! From Legos, robotics, photography, and cooking to virtual fishing, Shooting Sports, Archery, public speaking, and so much more! 4-H is where lifelong friends are made, life lessons are taught, and communities are brought together! Come and see what Henderson County 4-H is all about!!
Lufkin's Summer In The City 2026
Saturday 7p-10p
105 N 1st St - Lufkin
Summer in the City is happening in Downtown Lufkin each Saturday evening this summer. The evening 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, it's music from Lufkin Limners in concert. This is a free event 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.
Saturday 8a-1p
101 W Front St - Mineola
Saturday 8a-12n
111 E Carnegie St - Winnsboro
Tyler - Rose City Farmer's Market
Saturday 8a-12n
221 S Broadway Ave - Tyler
Saturday 7a-12m
back side of Broadway Square Mall - Tyler
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Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
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Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
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Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins