Lufkin, Texas – Get ready for a spectacular weekend filled with carnival rides, electrifying thrill shows, live music, delectable food, exciting competitions, and much more! Mark your calendars for the 40th Texas State Forest Festival, presented by Brookshire Brothers, taking place from September 19th to 22nd. This year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, packed with entertainment for everyone.
Step into a world of exhilaration and entertainment as the festival opens its gates on Thursday, September 19, at 5 PM. Carnival rides will be ready to whisk you away into a world of excitement. For those who prefer live entertainment, head over to the Swinging Axe stage, where non-stop live performances await, thanks to a partnership with Visit Lufkin. Festival-goers can groove to the music throughout the entire four days.
Saturday holds a plethora of excitement, commencing with the 5th Annual Lumber-JACKED 5K & Fun Run, presented by S&W Expert Collision Repair, at 8 AM. Participants can enjoy a scenic run around Ellen Trout Memorial Lake. Registration details are available on the festival's official website. Participants must register by Thursday, August 30 to be guaranteed a T-shirt.
As the day progresses, indulge in a variety of scrumptious treats, from a famous Ribeye Sandwich and mouthwatering BBQ to wood-fired pizza and Mexican delights. Food vendors will cater to all tastes. Don't miss the impressive Bear Hollow Wood Carver exhibit, offering remarkable wood carvings for purchase. The festivities continue with attractions like face painting, and the Children's Festival area, sponsored by Hijinx Trampoline Park and hosted by Angelina Beautiful Clean and the Texas Forestry Museum.
Saturday and Sunday are also a shopper's delight, with the Vendor Market Days offering an array of unique items. Commercial vendors will showcase their products, providing ample opportunities for shopping enthusiasts.
Calling all cooking enthusiasts! The 3rd Annual Big Axe BBQ Competition, presented by Ferrara's Heating & Air Conditioning, will take place on Saturday. The competition joins forces with the IBCA and introduces new categories and challenges for participants.
New this year bringing excitement, Saturday evening will host a Washer Tournament, presented by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing where teams the top three teams will walk away as winners.
Sunday, Sunday 22 will bring the Pineywoods Classic Car Show, presented by Bryan’s Paint & Body, showcasing classic cars, trucks, jeeps, and motorcycles. The awards presentation will commence around 4 PM, promising a day of automotive nostalgia.
Also, Sunday, the East Texas Cheerleading & Pom/Dance Championships, presented by Integra Insurance, begins at 12 PM. Cheer for your favorite local teams and revel in the excitement of this crowd-pleasing event.
New and Exciting Shows and Competitions promise an unforgettable experience for all attendees. We are welcoming back the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, where they compete in both modern and old-time lumberjack skills. New this year is Scott's World of Magic, the only interactive illusionist show where kids can be part of the large illusions live on stage! We're also thrilled to welcome the world-renowned Off Axis Stunt Show, all the way from Las Vegas!, featuring a high-energy circus show combining the thrilling talents of extreme sports and acrobatics.
The festival's operating hours are as follows:
Thursday and Friday from 5 PM to 10 PM
Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM
Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM
Visit the official website, TexasStateForestFestival.com,
for entry forms, ticket prices, volunteer opportunities, and schedules.
Lufkin’s Bistro 2026 Returns October 3; Restaurant Registration Now Open and Ticket Launch Date Announced
Lufkin’s Bistro 2026 Returns October 3; Restaurant Registration Now Open and Ticket Launch Date Announced Lufkin’s Bistro presented by Brookshire Brothers returns to Downtown Lufkin on Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing back one of the city’s most anticipated adult nights out. For more than 16 years, Bistro has brought guests together for an evening…
Read MoreTomé Celebrates 12 Years with Community Anniversary Celebration
Tomé Celebrates 12 Years with Community Anniversary Celebration For 12 years, Tomé has been serving East Texas with fresh, chef-prepared meals and a commitment to making “The Ordinary Made Extraordinary.” Now, they’re inviting the entire community to celebrate this milestone with an afternoon of family fun, great food, and exciting giveaways. Join Tomé on Saturday,…
Read MoreJ.D.’s Center of Hope Banquet to Feature Texas A&M Head Basketball Coach Joni Taylor
J.D.’s Center of Hope Banquet to Feature Texas A&M Head Basketball Coach Joni Taylor J.D.’s Center of Hope will host its annual Center of Hope Banquet on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., bringing the community together for an evening of inspiration and support featuring keynote speaker Joni Taylor, head women’s basketball coach at…
Read MoreCongratulations, Leading Edge Class of 2026!
Congratulations, Leading Edge Class of 2026! The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the graduation of the Leading Edge Class of 2026! This month, we gathered at The Mill House to recognize a remarkable group of professionals who dedicated the last six months to growing as leaders and deepening their commitment to…
Read MoreVeraBank Earns SBA Preferred Lender Status
VeraBank Earns SBA Preferred Lender Status HENDERSON, TX – June 22, 2026 VeraBank announced that it has received delegated authority by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to approve, process, and service SBA-guaranteed loans. This designation, known as the SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP), recognizes a select group of lenders with proven expertise and a…
Read More