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Salt, Songs & Saturday Nights: Grand Saline's Salt Festival Turns 52

For more than half a century, the city of Grand Saline has gathered each fall to celebrate the heritage, community and spirit that define this corner of East Texas. The 52nd Annual Grand Saline Salt Festival, September 24–26, 2026, promises to be the biggest and best yet—with new events, returning favorites and a headlining country music act that will have fans driving in from across the region.

Three Days of East Texas Tradition

The festival kicks off Thursday evening, September 24, with a free Gospel & Praise Night at the Pavilion, where local voices and live musical performances set the tone for a weekend rooted in community and faith. Friday morning brings Yoga at the Pavilion, followed by the beloved Virginia Milam Old Fashioned Southern Luncheon—dine in, take out or get it delivered—and the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the new EDC Pavilion at noon.

Friday afternoon's free Community Bingo gives way to one of the most anticipated nights of the festival: the Friday Night Street Dance on Frank Street. Gates open at 7 p.m. with tickets just $10 (ages 5 and up). The music runs from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., featuring Brett Boatman from 7:30–9:00 p.m., followed by Billie Jo from 9:30–11:30 p.m.

Saturday: The Main Event

Saturday, September 26, is when Grand Saline truly comes alive. Early risers can lace up for the new Salt City 5K Fun Run, benefiting the Breaking Bread Community Pantry, starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Salt Palace. The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. through downtown, launching a full day of street vendors, a classic car show, cornhole and horseshoe tournaments, Phase 10 and Mexican Train Domino tournaments, and the always-popular Family Follies & Kiddie Kapers—featuring pet shows, turtle races, hula hoop contests, pie eating and the brand-new Great Pumpkin Race. New this year: the Little Pumpkins Play Patch with a bounce house, slide and petting zoo for the youngest festival-goers.

As the afternoon winds down, attention turns to Frank Street—where things are just getting started.

Saturday Night Street Dance: Tracy Byrd Headlines

Saturday evening's Street Dance on Frank Street is the crown jewel of the Salt Festival weekend. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30 p.m. with Knox LaPrade warming up the crowd, followed by Damon Momon & Matt Fisher (7–8 p.m.) and Heather Linn and the Deacons (8:30–9:30 p.m.). Then, at 10 p.m., the stage belongs to Tracy Byrd.

A beloved figure in Texas country music, Tracy Byrd has spent three decades delivering the kind of country that connects—from his iconic hit "Watermelon Crawl" to "The Keeper of the Stars" and "Ten Rounds with José Cuervo." Seeing Tracy Byrd live under the stars in Grand Saline will be an unforgettable night.

Pre-sale tickets are $35 and available at any local bank, the Salt Palace Museum, Grand Saline City Hall, Trax, Farmhouse or online at Stubwire. Gate price is $50. Cooler fee is $25. Bring your lawn chair—and leave the glassware at home.

Whether you're a Grand Saline native coming home or a first-time visitor discovering East Texas hospitality, the Salt Festival welcomes everyone to the table.

Grand Saline Salt Festival — September 24–26, 2026 | Grand Saline, Texas Pre-sale tickets & info: Stubwire.com | www.facebook.com/GSSaltFest | and local businesses in town