Best Things to Do in East Texas in August 2026
Looking for the best things to do in East Texas in August 2026?
This month is full of live music, family-friendly events, back-to-school activities, shopping weekends, car shows, fun runs, horse shows, community events, and small-town day trip ideas.
From Tyler and Longview to Lufkin, Canton, Mineola, Nacogdoches, Palestine, Jefferson, and nearby East Texas towns, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the last stretch of summer close to home.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a quick weekend trip, or just need something fun to do before school routines take over again, here are some August events and local activities to add to your calendar.
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Tyler
Brick Street Liberty Revival Festival
This singer-songwriter festival continues in Downtown Tyler at Liberty Theater. Visit Tyler lists it for July 31–August 1, 2026, with “4 Singer-Songwriters, 2 Nights, 1 Stage.
Lufkin
Summer in the City: ZooDust 90’s Party Band Concert
Lufkin’s Summer in the City wraps up at Cotton Square Park on August 1 with ZooDust 90’s Party Band.
Canton
First Monday Trade Days
Canton’s August First Monday weekend runs July 30–August 2, 2026, so August 1 is a great shopping day. Expect home décor, boutique clothing, handmade goods, furniture, plants, back-to-school finds, food, and 450+ acres of vendors.
Longview
Theatre Longview’s OKLAHOMA!
Longview’s calendar lists Theatre Longview’s OKLAHOMA! on August 1 from 7:30–9:30 PM.
The McLane Conglomerate Business Expo: Back to School Edition
Longview also lists this Back to School Edition expo on August 1 from 12–5 PM at the Longview Convention Complex.
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Canton
First Monday Trade Days
The August First Monday Trade Days weekend continues through Sunday, August 2.
Monday, August 3, 2026
Tyler
Kids’ Health Creative Challenge Begins
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists the Kids’ Health Creative Challenge from August 3–September 18, 2026.
Friday, August 7, 2026
Tyler
United Way Annual Pickleball Tournament
The Tyler Area Chamber lists the United Way Annual Pickleball Tournament for Friday, August 7, 2026.
Karaoke at Daiquiris
7-11p.m. at Daiquiris America First Wings & Grill, hosted by Krusin’ Karaoke with Jerry Payne. Bring your friends, pick your favorite song, and enjoy a laid-back night of music, drinks, and local fun.
Lufkin
Celebrate Life Community Outreach
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber calendar lists Celebrate Life Community Outreach on Friday, August 7, 2026, under festivals, celebrations, community services, and continuing education.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Tyler
Family Circle Fun Run
The Family Circle Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, in Tyler. Run Signup lists a 5K starting at 8 AM and a Kids’ Dash for ages 12 and under starting at 7:55 AM.
Bottles & Books
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists Bottles & Books for Saturday, August 8, 2026, under festivals, celebrations, arts, culture, community, and continuing education.
Canton
Hazelwood Hotrods Car Show at Lewis Auto Swap Meet
Visit Canton lists the Hazelwood Hotrods Car Show at Lewis Auto Swap Meet for Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8–9 AM.
Lufkin
Family Day
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber calendar lists Family Day on Saturday, August 8, 2026, under arts and culture.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Lufkin
Summer Blessings, LIFTed Hearts
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber calendar lists Summer Blessings, LIFTed Hearts on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Tyler
Back-to-School Bash
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists a Back-to-School Bash for Sunday, August 16, 2026, under community, schools, recreation, and sports.
Monday, August 17, 2026
Nacogdoches
Total Body Circuit
The Nacogdoches Chamber calendar lists Total Body Circuit on Monday, August 17, 2026, under community and recreation/sports.
Stonewall Fellowship Church Groundbreaking Ceremony
Also listed on the Nacogdoches Chamber calendar for August 17.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Tyler
Cabernet Vertical Tasting at Kiepersol
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists Cabernet Vertical Tasting at Kiepersol on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Friday, August 21–Sunday, August 23, 2026
Tyler Area
Texas Rose Breed Horse Show
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists the Texas Rose Breed Horse Show from Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Karaoke at Daiquiris
7-11p.m. at Daiquiris America First Wings & Grill, hosted by Krusin’ Karaoke with Jerry Payne. Bring your friends, pick your favorite song, and enjoy a laid-back night of music, drinks, and local fun.
Monday, August 24, 2026
Tyler
First Tee Golf Tournament
The Tyler Area Chamber calendar lists the First Tee Golf Tournament on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Anytime in August Ideas Around East Texas
Mineola
Ride the Mineola Mini Train at Iron Horse Square
The City of Mineola announced the 2026 Mini Train schedule with rides running from April through September. The train is located at Iron Horse Square, 200 W. Front Street, rides are free, and the city notes rides are weather-dependent and may be suspended for inclement weather or extreme heat.
Canton
Plan a Canton Shopping Day
Even outside of First Monday weekend, Canton works well as a shopping and small-town day trip with local dining, shopping, wineries, breweries, parks, and lodging options listed by Visit Canton.
Palestine
Explore Palestine Main Street District
Palestine’s Main Street District is a good anytime day-trip stop for shopping, dining, historic buildings, and small-town charm.
Jefferson
Spend a Day in Historic Jefferson
Jefferson is a strong anytime add-on for historic charm, shopping, restaurants, tours, and nearby Caddo Lake or Lake O’ the Pines activities. Visit Jefferson keeps a tours and attractions page for things to do in Jefferson, Caddo, and Lake O’ the Pines.
