Small-Town Festivals Worth the Drive — Only at Cedar Creek Lake
The Festivals Locals Love—And Visitors Wish They Knew About
Looking for a weekend plan that doesn’t involve traffic, overpriced parking, or shoulder-to-shoulder crowds? Come see why the festivals around Cedar Creek Lake are some of the best-kept secrets in East Texas. Just an hour or two from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler, or Corsicana, these small-town celebrations offer something you won’t find on TripAdvisor: local flavor, laid-back lake life, and the kind of connection that reminds you why you love Texas in the first place.
Can’t-Miss Festivals Around the Lake, 2025
Plan your perfect lake day around live music, parades, street tacos, and stories you’ll want to tell twice. From historic music traditions to gourmet slices and lakefront home tours, these signature events show off the best of Cedar Creek Lake’s charm.
🎻 94th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion
📍 April 18–19 | Henderson County Courthouse Square, Athens
This is one of the region’s biggest—and most beloved—musical traditions. The 94th Annual Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion brings two nights of street dancing, fiddling competitions, and toe-tapping East Texas talent to the courthouse square. If you want to experience small-town Texas at its finest, don’t miss the Friday and Saturday night lineups, local food vendors, and community pride you can feel in the air.
🏡 Best of the Lake Spring Home Tour
📍 April 26 | Various Homes Around Cedar Creek Lake
Hosted by The Library at Cedar Creek Lake, this self-guided tour lets you peek inside six of the most beautiful homes around the lake. Whether you’re into design inspiration, architecture or just want to explore different lakefront living styles, this annual tour is a favorite among locals!
🍻 Cedar Creek Brewery 12th Anniversary Bash
📍June 22 | Seven Points
Celebrate 12 years of local brews with an all-day party including local vendors and live music. Family-friendly and full of lake-town energy, this festival is always a local favorite.
♠️ Cedar Creek Lake Poker Run
📍 July 19 | Multiple Stops on the Lake
This is the biggest #LakeLife event of 2025—and one of the most impactful fundraisers in the region. The Cedar Creek Lake Poker Run brings together hundreds of boats, generous hearts, and the best-loved waterfront spots for a full day of giving, good times, and lake-wide connection.
With the area’s best charity auction, creative themed boats, and friendly faces at every dock, it’s more than just a party—it’s a tradition built by the community, for the community. Whether you're floating, spectating, or bidding for a cause, you’ll leave with new friends and a deeper love for Cedar Creek.
🌽 28th Annual Cornbread Festival
📍 September 27 | Downtown Malakoff
A true fall favorite. Malakoff’s Cornbread Festival fills the streets with food vendors, live music, contests, and classic small-town energy.
Don’t miss the Cornbread Cook-Off, corn-on-the-cob eating contest, car show, and all-day music from the main stage.
🎤 Black-Eyed Pea Jamboree + Uncle Fletcher Hamburger Cook-Off
📍 October 18 | Athens Courthouse Square
Celebrate Athens’ claim to fame as the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World—and the birthplace of the hamburger!
This community-wide celebration features:
🍔 Hamburger Cook-Off
🌱 Black-Eyed Pea Recipe Contests
🧃 Horchata Cook-Off + Pop-Up History Museum
🚜 Antique tractor show
🧒 Kids Zone + Turtle Races + Mooing Contest
🎶 Live entertainment all day
🛍️ Vendor booths + Southern comfort food everywhere
This is one of Athens’ most anticipated annual events—quirky, community-driven, and full of flavor. Whether you're racing, tasting, or just soaking up the live music and stories, this is what East Texas festivals are all about.
Local Tips You Won’t Find on TripAdvisor
Want to enjoy these festivals like a local? These tips come from years of showing up early, talking to vendors, and knowing where the shade hits just right.
Bring cash. Many vendors are locals and accept cash—it’s quicker and often appreciated.
Come hungry. From fried pies and brisket tacos to peach cobbler and craft horchata, you’ll find flavors that don’t make it to food blogs.
Don’t skip the side streets. Some of the best booths and friendliest vendors are just off the main path.
Talk to the people behind the tables. You’ll get stories, recipes, local recs—and probably a bag full of unexpected goodies.
Bring your dog. Many of these festivals are pet-friendly, and your pup will love the energy (and the attention).
🐾 Check out our Dog Lover’s Guide to Cedar Creek Lake ›
Make It a Full Lake Day
Don’t just come for the festival—make it a full experience.
🌅 Start with a paddle. Launch spots ›
🍳 Grab brunch or lunch. 🔗 Fig’s Backyard or The Whistlestop are local favorites
🛍️ Stroll a market. 🔗 Mabank Farmers Market is a great pre-event warmup
🍷 Unwind with music or a drink. 🔗 Cedar Creek Brewery or Triple N Ranch Winery
Bookmark It, Share It, Make It Yours
These events aren’t about crowds or clout—they’re about connection. A day well spent. A new memory made. And Cedar Creek Lake has plenty of both. Whether you're bringing the kids, your partner, or your fur-baby, you'll leave feeling like part of the community.
