Longview has a fascinating history spanning the early years When cotton was king in the East Texas oil boom days through to the present. Located in the heart of Longview's One Hundred Acres of Heritage, the Gregg County Historical Museum and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts are favorite places of visitors and residents alike. The Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a variety of brochures on tourism venues. There is an abundance of restaurants, Both national chains and Local Favorites. The Longview community is blessed with a variety of preforming arts organizations. Longview serves the the hub for visitors to the East Texas area, and is the site of AlleyFest , an annual three day festival on the streets Downtown Longview the first weekend in June, and The Great Texas Balloon Race an annual event held in mid July. AlleyFest , Begun in 1979 with 39 artists now includes over 100 artisans, 40 hours of live music on two stages, a large children's festival, a 3 on 3 street basketball tournament, sand volleyball tournament, a certified 10k runners course with 5k and 1 mile PLUS routs outrageously good food. The Great Texas Balloon Race , also Begun in 1979 is the first and largest such event in the state. This competitive event attracts world class hot-air balloon pilots from around the world who compete for points toward National and International titles. The three-day event in mid-October 5 holds races, two night time balloon glows and is a fun festival with full carnival, air shows, commercial and food venders, live music Fri. & Sat night. Light Up Longview celebrates the holiday season with one of the most dramatic lighting displays in East Texas. The Gregg County Courthouse and grounds as well as many block in Downtown Longview come alive with thrill and Longview residents and visitors alike. Longview's NEW rodeo arena is the stage for a variety of exciting rodeo action including the Longview PRCA Rodeo in the springtime, the Juneteenth Rodeo, and the PBR Barrels and Bulls each August.