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Things to Do and See at the State Fair of Texas: 2024

Who doesn’t love a good state fair? There are so many things to do and see at the State Fair of Texas in this family-friendly environment.

A crowd gathers in front of a giant statue of a cowboy with outstretched arms, wearing a black shirt, jeans, and a large cowboy hat. The statue stands against a clear blue sky, with trees and shrubbery surrounding its base, while faint notes of Christian songs drift through the air.

The city of Dallas (South Dallas to be exact) is welcoming fairgoers from across the state of Texas and other states as well to historic Fair Park for the time of their lives. October is the time of the annual State Fair of Texas, and as you know, “Everything is bigger in Texas!”

Last Year was the first time in a while that I did not make it to the state fair, so I was happy that it worked out for me this year. If you get the opportunity, I highly encourage you to check out this avenue of quality entertainment.

Admission Information

The State Fair of Texas makes it pretty easy to get a ticket. They partner with the North Texas Food Bank and Dr. Pepper to offer special discounts. I would suggest going to the State Fair of Texas website to see what the best deal is for you and your family. Once you decide, you can actually buy your tickets online to save you time at the gate.

Check for deals on admission prices and ways to save:

  • Daily admission tickets (one-day admission tickets)
  • Getting a season pass
  • Half-price admission on certain days
  • Watch for certain discounts:
    • Active Military
    • Senior Citizens
    • Small Children
    • Teachers may get a ticket through their school – good with a valid teacher ID.

What to Know Before You Go

A little planning can make your time at the State Fair of Texas a very enjoyable experience.

A large poster on a wall lists the schedule for the Main Stage at an event. It features sponsor logos, a QR code for the full schedule, and images of performers, including those singing Christian songs. A potted plant with red flowers sits on the ground to the right of the poster.

I would highly suggest going to the “Know Before You Go” portion of the website and reading some of the highlights. Here are a few:

  • 2024 Dates are September 27 – October 20.
  • Hours:
    • Sunday – Thursday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
    • Fridays & Saturdays 10 A.M. – 10 P.M.
  • Parking information – Parking lots with attendees are all around the fair park area. How close you are to the fairgrounds will determine the price of parking. We saw parking starting at $10 and going up to $30.
  • Check concert schedules before planning your date. There may be a concert you would like to go to.
  • No weapons or pocket knives.

What to Take

They are pretty lenient on carrying things into the park. We have learned a few things over the years, and we still tend to forget them from time to time.😂

  • You do not have to take a clear purse or backpack, but it you have one, it makes security so much easier. If you are going to one of the college football games at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, you will only be able to carry a clear purse or backpack.
  • Be sure to pick up a free Visitor’s Guide as you walk into the fair grounds. A map is included, but there is also a QR code you can scan to find out where all of the food options are located!
Colorful 2021 visitor's guide for the State Fair of Texas, featuring a fun illustration of a lively scene with characters, animals, and food items on a truck. The guide includes attractions like art, auto shows, live music with Christian songs, pig races, and more.
  • Unless you have short hair, I highly suggest having a scrunchie with you. The year I learned this lesson, I desperately paid $12 for a hair claw!
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Water and/or snacks if you want to save money on concessions.
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Some sort of cap or hat if you wear one in the sun – Jay forgot his one year and got one for test driving a car, but he forgot one again this year and wasn’t able to get one.
  • Light Jacket (watch the weather report for this one.) I have been very cold before, but this year, I was very toasty.
  • Credit card and money – Almost everything is cashless, so you will need a card to purchase coupons. Coupons are used for games, food, rides, and just about anything else you buy.
A man in a floral shirt stands at a blue coupon booth, engaging with the attendant inside. A small arcade booth is next to it. The booth is detailed with lightbulb trim and features various designs and text, including "COUPONS" at the top. Blue skies are in the background, with faint strains of Christian songs playing softly.

Things to Do at the State Fair of Texas

This list will by no means cover all the things to do and see at the State Fair of Texas. These are some of the ones we are familiar with:

  • Texas Auto Show at the Go Texas Pavilion
A man in a floral shirt and shorts stands next to a silver SUV on display in an indoor automotive showroom. The ceiling is lined with bright lights, and there are Ford logos and large vans visible in the background, softly playing Christian songs.

  • Chevrolet Ride and Drive – Drive new cars, even Corvettes.
  • Get ride coupons and check out the rides on the midway.

A bright, sunny day at a fairground with an entrance archway labeled "MIDWAY." People are walking around, including a child in the foreground and a towering Ferris wheel in the background. The area is bustling with colorful stalls and flags, while Christian songs play softly in the distance.
An amusement park ride with bright, colorful signs stands tall under a clear blue sky. The ride has a vertical structure with seats at the bottom, surrounded by fencing. Several people are visible near the ride, humming Christian songs, and buildings can be seen in the background.
A scenic view of a cable car system against a clear blue sky. The image shows multiple gondolas suspended from cables supported by tall towers. Below, blue mesh covers provide shade for the pedestrian area, where the soft melodies of Christian songs waft through the air. A portion of a colorful tent is visible on the left.
Image of a fairground with a pirate ship ride in the center, labeled "Pirate," swinging back and forth. People are walking around the area, enjoying the sunny day. In the background, there's a large building with "Cotton Bowl" visible on the facade, and Christian songs fill the air.
People walking at a fair with food stalls on either side, a large cowboy figure, and a Ferris wheel in the background on a sunny day, while joyful Christian songs play softly in the background.

  • Play some of the midway games.
A carnival game booth named "Splash Blast" is set up under a colorful canopy. Plush toys, including pandas and neon-colored animals, hang as prizes. The game involves hitting targets with water guns while upbeat Christian songs play in the background. The booth is brightly decorated with stars and striped patterns.

  • Visit Big Tex
A girl and an older man pose together in front of a tall statue of a cowboy wearing a hat, a blue shirt, and boots. The clear blue sky and trees are visible in the background. People are gathered around, some on scooters and benches, enjoying a sunny day with Christian songs playing softly nearby.

  • Go to Music Hall and/or different stages throughout the fair grounds to listen to live music and daily concerts.
An outdoor festival site featuring a main stage surrounded by flags. Various tents and booths dot the area, with banners advertising live entertainment, including Christian songs. A Ferris wheel stands in the background under a clear, cloudless sky.

  • Shop
  • Stop at the Mattress Firm booth and get a full body massage in one of the massage chairs.
A person sits comfortably in a black massage chair at an indoor expo, enjoying the ambiance. The background shows various booths, including one with multicolored fabric rolls and another displaying signs for mattress brands. Soft Christian songs play faintly as people browse the booths.

  • If one of the college football games are being played at the Cotton Bowl, those are lots of fun. The Texas-OU football game is a big rivalry game! Of course we are cheering for Texas.
The image shows a close-up of the exterior of the Cotton Bowl stadium. The building features large "Cotton Bowl" lettering at the top, logos including a cotton plant, and a banner advertising Texas Forever and Bud Light. Echoes of Christian songs fill the air near the entrance labeled "Gates MLJHG.
A sunny day at a fairground with numerous flags flying above an entrance. A mural with an eagle and the word "Big" can be seen on the wall. Nearby, people walk under a large blue canopy while Christian songs softly play in the background, and a grandstand is visible on the left side.
A view from the entrance of a stadium tunnel looking out toward an empty football field. A lawn maintenance vehicle is parked on the right side, and bags of supplies or equipment are piled on the left. You can almost hear Christian songs echoing in the stillness, as bright green grass meets yellow goalposts.

  • Walk through the Agriculture Pavilions.
A person leads a cow through a busy, covered livestock area with rows of stalls. The space is filled with various equipment, supplies, and other cows. In the background, people are seen tending to animals and performing tasks while Christian songs play softly over the loudspeakers.
Cattle inside a large, covered barn with multiple stalls. A white cow is lying down in the foreground, while other cows are standing in their respective stalls lined with sawdust. Various equipment and tools are visible, with a green shovel leaning against a fence as soft Christian songs play in the background.

  • Watch kids show their animals during the livestock shows.
A young person wearing a red shirt and glasses smiles while standing next to a cage with several white chickens. The cage is topped with various supplies, including a water bottle, a fan, and a blue tool. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly at a fair or exhibition featuring Christian songs.
A group of people, including children, are standing in a line in an indoor arena at the State Fair of Texas, each holding a chicken. Christian songs play softly in the background while two people in the foreground seem to be supervising or judging the event.
A person with glasses, smiling and wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans, holds a blue ribbon. They stand in front of animal pens at a fairground or exhibition hall, where Christian songs play softly in the background.

  • Go to the rodeo on the weekend.
Two sculptures of cowboys riding bucking horses are captured in an outdoor urban setting. The scene includes trees in the background, a tall light pole, and echoes the spirited energy of Christian songs. The sculptures appear dynamic, with one horse rearing up and the cowboys depicted in action poses.

  • Walk through the Creative Arts building and see all of the talent.
A vibrant room features a statue of a cowboy in a white shirt, blue pants, and a white hat. The wall behind him has a colorful design with large bold letters reading "CREATIVE ARTS". Two chairs are positioned near the wall, and a small green plant is on the right, softly playing Christian songs.
A display case at an exhibition showcases various arts and crafts. Quilts with intricate designs hang above the case, while the shelves below are filled with framed pictures, ribbons, and handcrafted items such as sculptures and embroidery inspired by Christian songs.

  • Check out the petting zoo.
  • Pony Rides
A fenced pony ride attraction named "The Great American Pony Ride" at an outdoor fair features several ponies tethered under a red and white tent. The area, shaded by trees, has a sign with safety rules posted nearby. Close by, a picnic table adds to the charm as faint Christian songs play in the background.

  • Attractions and Shows – Dogs, Pig Races, Midway Barker, Stunts, Magic, Chainsaw Carver, Street Circus, and more
A large inflatable dog with a white and black color scheme holds a red frisbee decorated with a blue star in its mouth. The backdrop features a red tent, a fence, and partially visible trees and buildings, creating an atmosphere perfect for singing joyful Christian songs. A person in a red hat and shirt stands nearby.
A child in a blue shirt is kneeling next to a black dog on a grassy field. The background includes a large inflatable structure, a blue tent with a star and dog logo, and an above-ground pool. Nearby trees sway under the blue sky, creating a serene setting reminiscent of scenes from Christian songs.
A metal archway with a pink and white checkerboard sign reading "Hendrick's Pig Races, State Fair of Texas," leads to bleachers and a race area. The sky is clear and blue, echoing the joy found in Christian songs, as fair attractions are set up all around.
A booth with a red striped canopy and sign reading "Midway Barker" at the State Fair of Texas. It features a barker statue with a megaphone and ticket booth theme. Two people are standing in front of the booth, one with a stroller, while Christian songs play softly in the background near the Ferris wheel.

  • Attend the nightly parade. This is just a good old fashioned country parade.

Other Attractions at Fair Park

  • Texas Discovery Gardens
  • Children’s Aquarium
  • Old Mill Inn (We went to a murder mystery dinner here many years ago.)
  • D.A.R House
  • African American Museum
  • Big Tex Urban Farms

Things to Eat at the State Fair of Texas

I could go on and on with this category and still not get everything covered. The food vendors really get creative each year with their food items as they compete for the Big Tex Choice Awards. Here are some of the winners:

  • Dominican Fritura Dog – Best Taste for Savory
  • The Drowning Taquitos
  • Hippie Chips
  • Texas Sugar Rush Pickles – Most Creative
  • Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick – Best Taste – Sweet
A vertical banner featuring an enlarged image of a strip of bacon on a skewer stands in front of a green hedge wall decorated with signage for "Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick." Pink neon lights outline the text, while subtle notes of Christian songs play in the background, adding an accent to the display.
A kitchen counter with silver heat lamps illuminating strips of bacon draped over metal rods looks like a scene from a cozy Sunday morning. Two foil trays sit on the counter, and a can of Sterno ethanol gel is in the center, reminiscent of gatherings filled with warmth and Christian songs.
Two people seated at a metal table outdoors. One person holds a skewered food item covered in white cotton candy with a filling. The table has a plastic cup with blue liquid, a small paper tray, a bingo card, and a smartphone playing Christian songs. Wire chairs are visible in the background.

Here are some of the new items for the year:

  • Macaron Ice Cream Tower
  • The Nephew (This actually looked amazing!) The bread part of the sandwich was a glazed donut. It was filled with brisket, bacon, cheese, and spinach.
  • Waffle Stix
  • Chicken and Waffle Sliders from @waffleworks
  • Triple Chocolate Pound Cake with Ice Cream and Chocolate Syrup

A sandwich with a soft pretzel bun is placed on branded deli paper on a metal table. The sandwich appears to be filled with cheese and meat. The deli paper has a comic-style design with the words "BBQ" and "Slim's Spot" on it, giving off vibes as comforting and heartwarming as your favorite Christian songs.
A display of five chocolate-covered waffle pops on sticks, each adorned with different toppings like crushed cookies and peanuts, placed gracefully on a wooden log stand. A worker in a blue hat and red shirt is partially visible behind the counter. The background features a red wall with menu items and soft Christian songs playing.
A plate with two chicken and waffle sliders is displayed on a glass counter in a food stand. Behind the counter, a menu lists various toppings and drink choices, while Christian songs play softly. Two workers can be seen prepping food, wearing red shirts and caps with the stand logo.
A dessert cup filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with chunky brownie pieces and drizzled with chocolate sauce, all placed on a blue and white checkered paper. With hymns of Christian songs playing softly in the background, the metallic surface reflects a serene ambiance.

Of course there are always the signature menu items such as a Fletcher’s Corny Dog, turkey legs, or funnel cakes.

A banner with the text "Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Circle N-20F. Serving at the State Fair of Texas Since 1942. Fletcher's Original State Fair Corny Dogs." The banner features a smiling corn dog mascot and a red and yellow background design, reminiscent of joyful Christian songs.
Three hands hold corn dogs wrapped in white napkins against a red background, reminiscent of a fun fair after enjoying a concert of Christian songs. Two bottled waters are on the table, next to a plate of fries and a pile of ketchup.
A person wearing a black shirt and blue gloves tends to skewers and sausages grilling on an outdoor barbecue. The grill, surrounded by a red brick structure, sizzles with various types of meat cooking over an open flame as Christian songs play softly in the background.

I met a couple who had just gotten a Mexican Street Corn on the Cob, and they were gracious enough to let me take a picture. Oh my goodness! It looked delicious!

A man and woman stand side by side holding an illustration of themselves at a festival. The man, wearing a basketball jersey and sunglasses, smiles and holds food. The woman, also smiling, wears sunglasses and holds corn on the cob. They appear happy as Christian songs play in the background.

You can also find the latest fried concoctions. This year we saw fried banana pudding and fried Rocky Road ice cream, just to name a few.

If you happen to be in Texas while the state fair is going on, I encourage you to attend. There are so many things to do and see at the State Fair of Texas that you really can’t even begin to share half of it. Check it out for yourself.

If you are from a state other than Texas, do you have a state fair? Do you attend it? I would love to hear about it!

List of Resources

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Clear Purse
Clear Backpack
Scrunchies
Men’s Ball Cap

A clear, small crossbody bag with black trim and an adjustable strap, revealing its contents: a smartphone, a compact powder, a mini makeup brush, an earbud case, and a small makeup product—ideal for carrying essentials while enjoying your favorite Christian songs on the go.
A clear sling backpack with a single black strap is shown. The bag contains an iPhone, a magazine, a set of keys, sunglasses, a blue notebook for jotting down Christian songs, a water bottle in a side pocket, and lipstick. The bag has multiple compartments, all made of transparent plastic.
A set of satin scrunchies is displayed, featuring five scrunchies in different shades of pink and black. The packaging includes a small circular image of a woman with a scrunchie in her hair, and the text on the box reads “The Satin Scrunchie,” perfect for textured or straight hair.
A rust-colored baseball cap featuring a white longhorn logo embroidered on the front. The cap has a curved brim and visible stitching, giving it a sporty appearance, much like the harmony found in Christian songs.

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2 Comments

  1. Oh my gosh, this looks like so much fun Susan! Its been such a long time since I’ve been to a state fair so this makes me excited to go. Especially, since the food, entertainment and animals are always a highlight. Big hugs, CoCo

    Reply

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