Fireworks, food, parades and patriotic music are always part of July 4th festivities throughout East Texas. Here is a list of all of the fun events as well as a few guides for FREE stuff to do and more!

Mark your calendars for  June 21st, 22nd and 23rd when the 7th annual Junebug Summer Fair kicks into high gear. The family-friendly festival, which is located in the tiny art enclave of Ben Wheeler, Texas, highlights the work of artists, musicians,  and artisans from the Lone Star state. The festival will be held Friday, June 21st (7-10pm, VIP ticket holders), Saturday June 22nd (10am-12 midnight), and Sunday, June 23rd (10am-3pm).

Headquartered on the three-acre park-like property surrounding the Forge (a local restaurant, bar, and music venue), the festival will give attendees an opportunity to witness the creative process through “live art” displays as well as the chance to actively join in the process. Here are just a few of the fun events planned for the day:

Long Table Dinner

Kicking off the Junebug Summer Fair Friday night, June 21st from 7-10pm, The Forge will be hosting an intimate Long Table Dinner in the Grist Mill, serving local ingredients paired with local wines. The menu will show where each ingredient came from. You will also get a VIP preview of the art show and live music.

Farmers Market

The Forge will be hosting a Farmers Market both days of the festival to promote local farms and cottage businesses. There will also be a space reserved for vendors who sell goods and services based on health and wellness including Thai Yoga massage, handmade lotions and soaps, and other wellness-based businesses. This will be held Saturday June 22nd (10am-4pm), and Sunday, June 23rd (10am-3pm).

Live Music

Live acoustic music will run both days throughout the grounds, with a larger concert set for Saturday evening with Porters Bluff headlining. Bands on the Grist Mill stage start at 7pm Friday and Saturday.

Live Hands-on Art Demos

Live art stations will be set up where artists will show how they perform their particular craft. Last year, there was a live community loom where adults and children alike had the opportunity to add to the large woven piece. There was also a pottery wheel with artisans helping teach how to throw pottery and make simple pieces. The festival will also have weaving stations along with artist demonstrations.

Health And Wellness

There will be an area for health and wellness with Thai Yoga massage, organic soaps, handmade clothes, and other wonderful products and services with wellness in mind.

You may simply want to wander around the beautifully manicured herb gardens and grounds of the Forge, or grab a cone of homemade ice cream or an adult beverage from the Forge’s bar and settle into one of the many park benches and tables to listen to local musicians as they play their original songs.

For more info go to theforgebenwheeler.com/2019-junebug/ or email junebugsummerfair@gmail.com.