Fall festival season is officially kicking off in East Texas!
I’m breaking the fall guide into weekly sections so you can skip the overwhelm and simply see what’s happening near Tyler this week.
Save this page, grab the kids, Share with a friend, and let’s make the most of fall in the 903! 🍂
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Symphony in the Park
📅 Saturday, September 5, 2026
Every year, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra kicks off the season with an outdoor concert at Bergfeld Park. For our family, this has become our “Beginning of Fall” tradition—a night we look forward to every year.
⏰ Time: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Bergfeld Park, Tyler, TX
💵 Cost: Free admission for all
Our Family Tradition
We start the evening with a stop at Raising Cane’s to grab dinner, then head to the park with our blankets and chairs. The kids love it—while we set up for a picnic, they run off to play at the playground, or if they’re in swimsuits, they cool off at the splash pad. It’s the perfect way to fill the time before the music begins.
What to Expect from the Symphony
As the sun goes down, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra fills the park with music, giving a preview of their upcoming season. They also play familiar favorites and fun covers that everyone recognizes. One of the highlights? The whole crowd joining in a big sing-along of “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” It’s a mix of elegance and community fun that makes the night so special.
Mom Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and chairs. The blanket is perfect for spreading out dinner, while the chairs make it more comfortable once the music starts. And definitely bring swimsuits if your kids like the splash pad—it keeps them entertained and burns energy before the show!
Mineola HAY Bale Contest
📅 September 1-9, 2025
📍 Location: All around Mineola, Check Facebook page for locations
💵 Admission: FREE
If you’re looking for a unique fall outing with the kids, the Mineola Hay Show’s Decorative Hay Bale Contest is a hidden gem in East Texas. Every year, local businesses, schools, and organizations transform giant round hay bales into colorful works of art. Think painted Minions, tractors, cartoon characters—even storybook scenes!
Event Highlights:
👩🎨 Creative Displays – Dozens of hay bales painted and decorated in clever, colorful themes.
📸 Photo Ops – Perfect backdrops for your family’s fall pictures.
👨👩👧 Community Fun – Local spirit shines through with designs from schools, FFA programs, and small businesses.
🎓 For a Good Cause – The Hay Show itself also raises funds for scholarships and agriculture programs.
Bear Creek BBQ & Balloon Festival
📅 Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
📍 Location: Bear Creek Smokehouse
10857 State Highway 154, Marshall, TX 75670
⏰ Time: 5:00 p.m.
🎟️ Admission: FREE
One of the most magical evenings in East Texas is back! The 3rd Annual BBQ & Balloon Festival is the perfect way to kick off fall with a family-friendly mix of great food, outdoor fun, and glowing hot air balloons.
This event is completely free and open to the public, making it an easy yes for your fall calendar. The only costs are for food, drinks, and optional tethered balloon rides.
Here’s what you can expect:
🎶 Live outdoor concert with plenty of room to dance or relax
🍖 Killer BBQ and festival eats from Bear Creek Smokehouse
🎈 Hot Air Balloon Glow at dusk (weather permitting)
🎡 Tethered balloon rides available for purchase
♿ Handicap-accessible ramp for easier access
🪑 Lawn chairs encouraged so you can sit back and soak it all in
