What Is State Fair of Texas?

Texas’ State Fair is one of the state’s biggest and most anticipated events, promoting all things homegrown. This celebrated celebration has drawn tourists from throughout the nation with its many activities, attractions, and entertainment for over a century. State Fair is a memorable event for visitors and residents. This enormous celebration features fried food, cattle shows, and thrilling rides.

From 1886, the State Fair of Texas has become a cultural and social event for Texas. This yearly festival celebrates the state’s agricultural, educational, and innovative heritage and current attractions, making it popular.

We’ll cover the State Fair of Texas’s dates, ticket prices, how to get there, and the finest things to do in this definitive guide.

Event Details: What Makes the State Fair Special?

Dallas’ Fair Park, a historic 270-acre venue, hosts the Texas State Fair yearly. The fair runs from late September to October for 24 days. It has exhilarating rides, games, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, and live performances. Texan culture and cutting-edge attractions and entertainment await visitors.

“Big Tex,” the huge cowboy who greets guests, is a fair symbol. The State Fair brings nostalgia and new excitement with its mix of agricultural exhibits, arts and crafts, food competitions, and new attractions each year.

Event Dates: When is the State Fair of Texas Held?

The 2024 Texas State Fair runs from Friday, September 27th to Sunday, October 20th. Visitors get 24 days to organize their vacation and enjoy the fair. If you’re traveling with kids or want to avoid big lines at rides and food kiosks, visit on weekdays.

Event Ticket Cost: Prices and Discounts

Texas State Fair admission varies by day and ticket type. Standard 2024 season ticket prices:

• General Admission (12-64 years old): $20-25 (depending on the day)
• Children (under 48 inches in height): $10-18
• Seniors (65+): $10-15
• Children under 2: Free entry

Tickets are available at advance purchase discounts, group prices, and season passes. Military, first responders, and college students can get cheap admission on select days. The fair offers discounted tickets through local grocery stores and retailers.

How to Get There: Transportation and Parking

Dallas-Fort Worth residents can easily reach the State Fair of Texas at Fair Park. Some transportation options:

• By Car: Fair Park charges $20 for parking. Arrive early, especially on weekends, to get a spot.
• By DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit): The DART light rail stops near Fair Park, making it the easiest way to travel to the fair. Multiple lines serve Fair Park, saving you traffic and parking fees.
• By Ride-Sharing Apps: Fair Park features drop-off and pick-up sites for ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft.

Things to See and Do in State Fair of Texas

Activities for all ages are available during the Texas State Fair. Must-see attractions:

• Big Tex: No fair visit is complete without a photo with Big Tex, the 55-foot cowboy statue.
• Rides and Games: The Midway has Ferris wheels, roller coasters, and many games.
• Auto Show: One of the nation’s largest automotive shows, the Texas Auto Show features the latest models and technologies from top automakers.
• Creative Arts Exhibits: Texans present stunning quilting and photography in the fair’s creative arts competition.
• Agricultural Exhibits and Livestock Shows: Texas-inspired agricultural exhibits and livestock shows showcase local agriculture, including animal competitions.

Family-Friendly Activities in Fair

Families with children will find plenty of kid-friendly activities at the fair, such as:

• Petting Zoo: Kids can play with friendly farm animals.
• Little Hands on the Farm: Kids may plant crops and milk cows in this interactive display.
• Kids Health Barnyard: This engaging, educational exhibit teaches food origins.
• Kidway Rides: The Midway has rides and games for kids.

There are different family-friendly activities at Texas State Fair including interactive exhibits, kid-friendly rides, and fun educational experiences for all ages. Families can enjoy crafts, storytime, and interactive activities in “Kid’s Activity Zones”.

Food & Drinks: What to Eat at the Fair

A feature of the Texas State Fair is the tremendous variety of food. Wild and innovative fried meals are fair signatures. Each year, merchants participate in the Big Tex Choice Awards with distinctive, fried snacks and entrees. Popular products from previous years:

• Fried Oreos
• Fried Butter
• Fletcher’s Corny Dogs (a Texas favorite)
• Fried Thanksgiving Dinner
• Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex

For those looking for healthier options, the fair also offers vegan and gluten-free food options, though the fried foods remain the biggest draw.

Sports Activity in Fair: Embrace the Texas Spirit

The Texas State Fair offers lots for sports fans. Cotton Bowl Stadium in Fair Park hosts the annual Red River Showdown between the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners, drawing huge crowds. Football aficionados must attend this historic college football rivalry.

The fair also has equestrian activities and rodeos, displaying Texan athleticism and sportsmanship.

Live Music At State Fair of Texas: Concerts You Can’t Miss

Music is crucial to the Texas State Fair. Live country, rock, pop, and jazz performances by local and national performers are available throughout the event. Evening concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage are free with regular entry.

Besides the main stage, smaller stages throughout the fair showcase up-and-coming performers and cover bands for every musical taste. Special events and live shows at State Fair of Texas offer visitors an exciting lineup of concerts, parades, and unique performances throughout the fair.

More Events at State Fair of Texas: What Else to Look Forward To

The Texas State Fair has more than food, rides, and music. Additional events not to miss:

• Parades: Daily parades feature bright floats, marching bands, and costumed performers.
• Fireworks Show: On some nights, tourists can end their day with a spectacular fireworks display.
• Creative Arts Competitions: Visit creative arts competitions to see candidates bake and paint.
• Shopping: The fair has hundreds of vendors selling homemade crafts and home improvement supplies.

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit the Texas State Fair

Texas’ State Fair is a memorable celebration of its uniqueness. From great food and exhilarating rides to historic agricultural and athletic traditions, this event has something for everyone. The fair offers new activities and old-fashioned pleasure every time you visit. Plan beforehand and know what to expect to maximize your time at this amazing event.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create memories and embrace the true spirit of Texas at the State Fair!