JUNE

  June 4–5 - Greenville
COTTON BOLL ARTFEST... This arts & crafts festival features handmade jewelry, pottery, artwork & more on the grounds of the Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum. For more information, call (903) 450-4502, or visit www.amacmuseum.com.

  June 10, July 1 & August 5 - Kilgore
FRIDAYS AFTER 5 CONCERT SERIES... Held under the stars at the World’s Richest Acre in Downtown Kilgore each month this summer. The series includes Tuxedo Cats on June 10; Vocal Trash on July 1; and Purple Hulls & Leap of Faith on August 5. Bring a chair & your dancing shoes to enjoy the entertainment. For more info, visit the KilgoreMainStreet Facebook page, or go to www.VisitKilgore.com.

  June 11 - Jacksonville
32nd TOMATO FEST... Enjoy many tomato activities, including Salsa Contest, Tomato Eating Contest, Tomato Peeling Contest. Other activities include 200 vendors, Got Talent Contest, Chili’s Street Dance, Entertainment, History Display, Farmer’s Market, Gospel Concert, Soccer/Tennis Tournaments and lots more. Free admission. Contact Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at (903) 586-2217 or visit www.jacksonvilletexas.com.

   June 17–19, July 15–17, August 12–14 & September 16–18 - Livingston - TRADE DAYS... Discover a wide array of Trade Days treasures, original handcrafted artworks, antiques, collectibles, crafts and foods at Pedigo Park on Hwy 59 Bypass. (936) 327-3656 or 1-877-824-6653.  www.visitlevingstontexas.com.

  June 25 – Kilgore
STARS & SCARS 5K/10K MUD RUN 2016... Ready to play in the mud? As one of the dirtiest, muddiest and most rugged obstacle course runs in the region, this out-door challenge tests both seasoned athletes & weekend warriors. Also enjoy entertainment, food, vendors and such fun games as mud volleyball & corn hole. For info, visit www.starsandscarsmudrun.com, or like our Facebook page at Kilgorechamber.

  June 30–July 31 - Kilgore
TEXAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL … Recognized as one of the top 10 cultural events in the state! The 30th Anniversary Season features six play productions—The Merchant of Venice, Blithe Spirit, Henry V, Carousel, The Belle of Amherst, and Spirit of the Sea. All plays can be seen during the course of a weekend! Van Cliburn Theatre at Kilgore College Campus. For more details, visit www.texasshakespeare.com, or call (903) 983-8601.

JULY

  July 2 - Commerce
4th OF JULY CELEBRATION... Celebrate Independence Day on Saturday at Centennial Park with a parade, live bands on stage, children’s activities, food and kid’s bounce houses. Held 5pm-9pm at the park’s Eddie Moore Sports Complex. Enjoy fire-works at 9:30pm. Bring a can of food for entry to help those in need. (903) 886-3950. info@commerce-chamber.com.

  July 20 - Kilgore
BASEBALL, BALLOONS & ROOT BEER... Join this kick-off event for the Great Texas Balloon Race at Driller Park. Family activities include “Guns & Hoses” baseball game between Kilgore Fire & Police Dept, kid’s events, food & music. Hot air balloon pilots fill the park with a Balloon Burn around dusk. Like our Facebook page “Baseball, Balloons & Root Beer”. For ticket information, log on at www.VisitKilgore.com.

SEPTEMBER

  September 16–17 - Greenville
RALLY ROUND GREENVILLE FESTIVAL... This general street festival is great family fun! Begin with Friday night’s Kick-Off Concert on Courthouse Square, where music continues throughout the week-end. There’s also a Kids Alley, Cotton Patch Classic Bicycle Ride, and art show. Expected attendance 8,000 to 10,000. Vendors apply ASAP for best placement. Call (903) 455-1510 or e-mail shelley@greenvillechamber.com.

  September 17  Buffalo
BUFFALO STAMPEDE & BARBEQUE COOK-OFF... Saturday. Stampede parade ends in Harriman Park for a day of FUN. A park filled with KID’s games, arts & crafts, food vendors, auction, horseshoe pitching tournament & much more. (903) 322-5810. POB 207, Buffalo TX 75831.

  September 23–24 - Commerce
BOIS D’ARC BASH...”The Bois d’Arc Capital of Texas” - 31st Annual Bash Downtown. Saturday: Arts & crafts, food, music, games, parade, golf tournament, 5K run, carnival, Texas wine tasting, and Sept  17th’s Miss Bois d’Arc Pageant. (903) 886-3950. www.commerce-chamber.com. Email: info@commerce-chamber.com.

OCTOBER

  October 13–16 – Tyler
TEXAS ROSE FESTIVAL...Come celebrate the Rose at the 83rd Annual Texas Rose Festival. Ceremonial events include the Queen’s Coronation, Rose Show, Queen’s Tea & Rose Parade. In addition, there will be an Arts & Crafts Fair, Nursery Tours, Art Show & more! 1-800-235-5712, www.VisitTyler.com, or www.texasrosefestival.com.  v