Good morning, Tyler!
And hello, October.
Mornings are just a smidge cooler (we’ll take it), pumpkins are popping up everywhere, and it is technically fall now.
As school gets into full swing, we know many families have a lot going on – but there’s still plenty to do around Tyler, even if your schedule isn’t already packed. We picked a few unique events for you today. There’s also some pretty interesting news and events going on in East Texas, outside of Tyler!
And speaking of “a lot going on,” if you have an event, or know of an event, coming up this fall that you want the Tyler area to know about, reply to this email and let us know. We’re always looking for events to add, interesting news that you might not find anywhere else, or local businesses to spotlight.
Okay, now, let's dive into what's happening in Tyler!
In today’s edition:
🎓 PA program lands at UT Tyler (East Texas first)
🤖 30-building AI campus breaks ground
✈️ P-51 Mustang in town for Airfest
✅ Plenty more events to check out!
Local Lowdown
UT Tyler launches first PA program in East Texas
Big move for local healthcare: UT Tyler’s Longview campus is opening a Physician Assistant Studies program, targeting a first class of ~30 students in 2027, with a $5M boost announced at the kickoff. The goal: train East Texans to stay and serve East Texas. Read more
30-building AI data center campus rising in Sulphur Springs
Site work is underway on a massive “Matrix” campus: 30 identical buildings, 3 gigawatts of capacity, and ~1,500 jobs projected as the buildout ramps. Think hyperscale computing designed for AI workloads, right up the road. Read more
Wheels up: Rose City Airfest lands a P-51 Mustang
A World War II-era P-51 touched down ahead of this weekend’s Airfest. Expect plenty of fun flyover thrills if you head out the Airfest this weekend. Read more
Navy’s mixed-reality STEM “Strike Group” docks at Tyler ISD
Flight deck simulations, a SEAL-style challenge, a sub mission—students got a high-tech taste of Navy careers without leaving campus. “It felt so real,” one senior said. Read more
Keep Tyler Beautiful keeps… well, beautiful
Gold Star streak lives on: Keep Tyler Beautiful earned its 19th consecutive Gold Star Affiliate recognition from Keep Texas Beautiful. 🌟 Read more
PRCA rodeo debut = three straight sellouts
The East Texas State Fair’s first-ever PRCA rodeo pulled more than 7,500 fans across its opening weekend. Not a bad first impression. Read more
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Tyler Events
Family Fun
🎪 First Monday Trade Days | First Monday Grounds | Canton | Oct 2–5 | Learn more We can’t not mention this one… 450 acres of treasure hunting, food stands, live music, and epic people-watching.
🛩️ Rose City Airfest | Tyler Pounds Regional Airport | Tyler | Oct 4–5 | Learn more Warbirds, aerobatics, skydivers, and static displays — family-friendly all weekend.
🥕 Rose City Farmers Market | 221 S. Broadway (ETX Brewery lot) | Tyler | Sat, Oct 4 • 8am–Noon | Learn more
Open every Saturday in season. Produce, baked goods, makers & more downtown.
🔭 Star Party Saturday | TJC Earth & Space Science Center | Tyler | Sat, Oct 4 • 8–9:30pm | Learn more
Free telescope viewing + short planetarium shows (arrive early).
🤝 National Night Out (Citywide) | Multiple neighborhoods | Tyler | Tue, Oct 7 • evening | Learn more
Citywide block parties with TPD visits. Is your neighborhood on the list?
🎓 UT Tyler Fall Fest | Patriot Plaza/HPC lot | Tyler | Sat, Oct 4 • 11am–5:30pm | Learn more
Campus + community activities, vendors, and games. Open to the public.
🏛️ It’s All in the Bag (with a Hat on Top) | Goodman-LeGrand Museum | Tyler | Sep 6–Oct 4 | Learn more
Vintage purses + hats exhibit. Last chance weekend to catch it.
🌼 Bullard Bluebonnet Festival | Bullard HS Parking Lot | Bullard | Sat, Oct 4 • 9am–2pm | Learn more
Vendors, food trucks, live music & car show — Saturday fun.
Sports & Outdoors
🛶 Full Moon Paddle | Tyler State Park | Tyler | Fri, Oct 3 • 7–8:30pm | Learn more Guided evening paddle — best seat on the lake under the full moon. (Park entry fee applies.)
🐴 Fall Fun — “A” Hunter/Jumper Show | Texas Rose Horse Park | Tyler | Oct 9–12 | Learn more
Spectators welcome, includes a $25,000 Grand Prix and more.
Music, Arts, & Entertainment
🎸 Randy Rogers Band | UT Tyler Cowan Center | Tyler | Fri, Oct 3 • 7:30pm | Learn more
Texas-country favorite opens the Big Country Series.
🎭 The Miracle Worker | Tyler Civic Theatre (Braithwaite) | Tyler | Oct 3–12 | Learn more
Tony-winning story of Annie Sullivan & Helen Keller; multiple showtimes this week/ weekend.
🎙️ Rob Lowe — Stories I Only Tell My Friends | UT Tyler Cowan Center | Tyler | Tue, Oct 7 • 7:30pm | Learn more
A behind-the-scenes evening with the actor/producer.
🎵 Sheila & The Caddo Kats | FRESH by Brookshire’s | Tyler | Fri, Oct 3 • 6–9pm | Learn more
Patio vibes and classic country/rock at FRESH.
🎵 The Haggertys| FRESH by Brookshire’s | Tyler | Sat, Oct 4 • 6–9pm | Learn more
Turn it up on the patio with alternative covers from the 80s, 90s, and 00s.
🍷 Fall, Fresh & Friends (Women’s Symphony League) | FRESH by Brookshire’s | Tyler | Tue, Oct 7 • 5–7pm | Learn more
Ticketed sip-and-stroll community benefit (open to the public).
🧑🎨 East Texas Tattoo Expo | W.T. Brookshire Conference Center | Tyler | Oct 10–12 | Learn more
Didn’t think you’d see this here, did you? 180+ artists & vendors, contests, and walk-up sessions all weekend.
That's a wrap for this week.
If you enjoyed this edition, share it with a friend — word of mouth is how this thing grows.
And I know I already mentioned this… but if you have an event or story you want to see in our next edition (or maybe even one we missed this week) just reply to this email or fill out this simple form right here.
Have a great weekend!
Eric
From Tyler