September in East Texas means a few familiar things: football, slightly cooler evenings if we are lucky, and the return of the Texas State Forest Festival.

From September 17–20, the George H. Henderson Jr. Expo Center will once again fill with music, food, competitions, carnival rides, and families making memories together. Now in its 42nd year, the festival has become one of our community’s favorite traditions, but it is also much more than four days of fun.

The Texas State Forest Festival is a reflection of East Texas.

It brings together local businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, volunteers, entertainers, competitors, and families from across the region. Some people have attended for decades. Others will walk through the gates for the first time this year. Each person becomes part of a tradition that continues to grow while still holding on to what makes it special.

This year’s festival offers something for every age. Guests can experience the Bengal Tiger Encounter, Wildlife Wendy’s colorful bird show, and Nick Toombs’ Dino Takeover. Returning favorites include Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, the Exotic Petting Zoo, train rides, and the Children’s Festival. Live entertainment will continue throughout the weekend on the Swingin’ Axe Music Stage, with plenty of room nearby to grab something to eat, visit the Vendor Market, or relax in the South First Bar & Grill Beer Garden.

The competitions are a big part of the weekend, too. Runners will start Saturday morning with the Lumber-JACKED 5K and Fun Run. Later, the smell of barbecue will fill the grounds during the Big Axe BBQ Competition, while local mascots bring their best moves to the Mascot Dance-Off. On Sunday, the Pineywoods Car Show and East Texas Cheer & Pom/Dance Championships will close out the weekend with plenty of energy.

Of course, no festival visit is complete without fair food and a trip through the carnival. Whether your favorite is a funnel cake, something fried on a stick, or one of the food vendors’ signature dishes, come hungry.

While the attractions bring people through the gates, it is the people behind the festival who make the weekend possible.

The Texas State Forest Festival is hosted and produced by the Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, but it takes hundreds of helping hands to bring it to life. Volunteers greet guests, assist with competitions, support vendors, help behind the scenes, and step in wherever they are needed. Local businesses invest through sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support. Community partners share their time, equipment, and expertise.

That support allows us to create an event that welcomes thousands of people to Lufkin while giving local businesses, vendors, performers and organizations a place to connect with the community.

We are especially grateful to Brookshire Brothers, our presenting sponsor, and to every sponsor, volunteer, and partner who believes in the value of this tradition. Their involvement is a reminder that the festival does not belong to one organization. It belongs to the entire community.

General gate admission is $8 and includes access to the festival attractions and entertainment. Families can come for a favorite competition, build an entire day around the shows, or return throughout the weekend to experience something different each time.

As festival weekend approaches, we invite you to join us. Bring the kids. Meet your friends. Cheer for the runners, dancers, and competitors. Browse the vendors, listen to live music, and take a picture with Big Jake.

Most of all, take a moment to enjoy being together.

That is what has kept the Texas State Forest Festival going for 42 years. It is not only what happens inside the gates. It is the people who show up, pitch in, and continue a tradition that celebrates the best of East Texas.

For festival hours, schedules, competition details, and more information, visit TexasStateForestFestival.com.

We will see you at the festival!