Events in Gilmer, TX

Gilmer doesn't do boring. From the legendary Yamboree festival that draws thousands each October to live music nights at local bars, car shows on the square, and community celebrations that have been running for generations — there's almost always something happening in East Texas.

This is your year-round guide to what's on, when to go, and how to make the most of it.

Annual Events Calendar

Month	Event	What to Expect
January	Barnwell Cold Run	Off-roading event at Barnwell Mountain
March–May	Spring car shows	Classic cars on the historic square
June	Father's Day Run (Barnwell)	4WD challenge and family gathering
July	Summer festivals	Live music, food vendors, community events
October	East Texas Yamboree	Parades, carnival, livestock, pageant
November	Fall festivals	Harvest celebrations, craft fairs
December	Holiday events	Tree lighting, community gatherings

East Texas Yamboree (October)

When: Third Thursday–Saturday in October Where: Downtown Gilmer square and surrounding areas Cost: Free admission; rides and food extra

The Yamboree is Gilmer's signature event and one of the biggest festivals in East Texas. Celebrating the sweet potato harvest since 1935, it's three days of pure small-town Texas energy.

What to Expect:

Parade — Floats, marching bands, classic cars, local celebrities, and enough candy thrown to kids to rival Halloween

Carnival rides — Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and the kind of midway games that haven't changed in 50 years

Livestock show — 4-H and FFA kids show cattle, goats, and rabbits

Pageant — The Yamboree Queen pageant is a local tradition

Food vendors — Corn dogs, funnel cakes, turkey legs, and every other fair food you can imagine

Craft vendors — Handmade goods, local art, and sweet potato everything

Insider tip: Go Friday evening for the parade and stay for the fireworks. Saturday is busiest — arrive early for parking. Bring cash for rides and food.

Barnwell Mountain Events

Barnwell Mountain Recreation Area hosts several major events throughout the year:

Event	When	What It Is
MegaRun	Spring/Fall	One of Texas's biggest off-road events. Hundreds of Jeeps converge for trail riding, vendor shows, and campfires.
Jeep Jamboree USA	Varies	Official Jeep-sanctioned event with guided trail rides and manufacturer demos.
Father's Day Run	June	4WD challenge, family gathering, and trail competitions.
Cold Run	January	Winter off-roading event for the hardcore crowd.

Insider tip: Campground reservations for major events sell out months in advance. Day-use parking fills up fast on event weekends.

Live Music & Local Entertainment

Gilmer's bars and restaurants host live music on select nights:

Open Range Bar & Grill — Country, rock, and local bands. Check their Facebook for schedules.

Davidson's Bar & Grill — Smaller venue, acoustic sets, balcony seating.

Rowdy Creek Ranch Winery — Occasional live music on weekends.

Insider tip: Most local music events are announced on Facebook, not on dedicated event sites. Follow your favorite venues.

Car Shows & Community Events

The historic downtown square is the natural venue for community gatherings:

Classic car shows — Spring and fall, usually Saturdays

Farmers market — Seasonal, featuring local produce and crafts

Holiday events — Tree lighting, parades, and community celebrations

Insider tip: The square has free parking all around. Events usually start mid-morning and wrap up by mid-afternoon.

Planning Your Visit Around Events

Best times to visit for events:

October — Yamboree. The biggest and best time to experience Gilmer.

Spring/Fall — Barnwell Mountain events for off-road enthusiasts.

Weekends year-round — Live music and casual community gatherings.

Where to stay during events:

Book hotels in Gilmer or Longview/Tyler well in advance for Yamboree weekend.

Barnwell Mountain camping fills up for off-road events — reserve early.

Airbnb options exist but are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Yamboree? Third Thursday–Saturday in October. Mark your calendar.

Is the Yamboree kid-friendly? Absolutely. Carnival rides, parades, and livestock shows are built for families.

How do I find out about smaller events? Follow local businesses on Facebook. Most events are promoted there.

Can I bring my dog to events? Outdoor events on the square usually allow leashed dogs. Carnival areas may not.

Where should I park for downtown events? Free street parking surrounds the square. Arrive early for the best spots.

Last updated: July 2026