Carnival rides offer thrills and excitement for fairgoers and are one of the East Texas State Fair’s most popular attractions. (Katecey Harrell/ Tyler Morning Telegraph)

From staff reports

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, check out this list of events and activities around East Texas.

Santa in September, 10 a.m. to noon, Sept. 28, Longview World of Wonders, 112 E. Tyler St. Photos with Santa, coloring with Santa station and free ice cream from Wild Honey Creamery to first 100 children in attendance. Donations go to Longview Police Department’s Blue Santa Program, which provides Christmas gifts for children through the Shop With a Cop event in December.

September Sock Hop, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 27 and 28, Kokomo Theatre, 2400 W. Marshall Ave., Longview. Kelli Grant will perform songs celebrating teen idols of rock ‘n’ roll, including Elvis, Bill Haley, Little Anthony, Mel Carter, Dusty Springfield. Shelley Fabares and more. Performance will be followed by screening of “Rio Bravo.” Ticket information: Call (903) 918-2132 or email kokomotheatre@kokomotheatre.com .

Superhero 5K & Fun Run, limited packet pickup 7 a.m., 5K start at 7:30 a.m. and 1-mile run beginning at 7:45 a.m., Sept. 28, Guthrie Park (110 Triple Creek), Longview. Race benefits East Texas CASA. Each runner will receive race shirt, custom finisher medal and swag bag. Top three overall finishers will receive prizes. Superhero costume contest for participants, children and pets. Registration information: tinyurl.com/3z9ws2nf .

Eighth Annual Military Appreciation Celebration, 8 a.m. to 11:30, Sept. 28, FRed Lobster International Speedway, Gladewater. Opening ceremony at noon. Live music, food and drinks, craft and trade vendors, music, military expo, fireworks show and more. Information: facebook.com/easttexasveteranscelebration/ .

Spook-tember Vender Show and Trunk or Treat, noon to 6 p.m., Sept. 28, The Event Center, 2023 Alpine Road, Longview. Bounce house, face painting, food trucks, costume contest for children and more. Admission: $2 for adults and free for children.

East Texas Angel Network benefit concert, 7 p.m., Sept. 28, Belcher Center at LeTourneau University, 2100 S. Mobberly Ave., Longview. Performances by Neal McCoy, Mark Wills and comedian Bill Engvall. Tickets: tinyurl.com/angelnetworktickets .

East Texas State Fair, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sept. 27-29 with carnival hours 4 to 10 p.m. Sept. 27, noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 28, and noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 29. Park of East Texas, 11315 Texas 64 West, Tyler. Rides, food, vendors and much more. Admission: Free for children younger than 5, $6 for ages 5 to 12 and $12 for ages 13 and older. Unlimited carnival ride wristbands are $37. Purchase tickets at etstatefair.com/tickets or at the fair.

Cuddle With Cookies, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 27, Therapet, 225 E Amherst Drive, Ste 200, Tyler. Cuddle with a dog at the Therapet training center to learn about therapy offered by Therapet and receive a free box of Girl Scout cookies.

Toadies in concert, 7 p.m., Sept. 27, True Vine Brewing, 2453 Earl Campbell Parkway, Tyler. Early bird tickets $35 for the first 500 then $45 until the show.

Tyler Farmers Market, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 28, Broadway Square Mall, 4850 Old Bullard Road, Tyler.

Plantation Pines opening weekend, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 28, 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 29, 10098 CR 429, Tyler. Pumpkins, hayrides, corn pit, play area and more. Free admission.