State Fair of Texas

Fall has arrived in Dallas, and that doesn’t just mean it’s time for pumpkin carving and candy corn snacking. September also rings in the first day of the State Fair of Texas!

I have been going to the State Fair every year since I was a kid, and I firmly believe it is one of the most exciting times of the year. If you are visiting town September 28 – October 21 or if you are new to DFW and you have never experienced how much fun the fair can be, we are here to help with some tips to make your experience memorable and affordable. Here are our top 12 tips for the State Fair of Texas.

1. Scope out your fried foods ahead of time.

The State Fair of Texas is famous for fried food. If you are a foodie who wants to try the latest and greatest unhealthy and delicious snacks, check out this year’s list of Big Tex Choice Awards winners for some inspiration. One of last year’s finalists was Deep Fried Texas Sheet Cake, and it is one of the top 10 best desserts I have ever tasted. (Check it out in the picture above!) So far this year we’ve loved the Cotton Candy Taco and the Sweet Crispy Rice.

2. Find out when your favorite artists are performing.

Weekends at the State Fair are for free concerts! On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights you can find both popular local bands and major big name artists performing live for free. The performers are from a wide variety of genres: this year’s lineup features Ludacris, Hunter Hayes, and Casting Crowns. Check out the full list of 2018 concerts here.

3. Don’t skip the Fletcher’s Corny Dogs.

As soon as you step onto the fair grounds, your senses will be accosted by the sights, sounds, and smells of hundreds of different fried foods. We are all eager to scarf down the latest deep fried candy concoctions, but make sure you save room for an old favorite too. Fletcher’s Corny Dogs have been sold at the State Fair of Texas since 1942, and they are just as iconic as Big Tex himself. Some historians say that they were the first corn dogs in the world! As you wander your way through the fair snacking on caramel apples, roasted corn, turkey legs, and fried Snickers, save some coupons for the original corn dog.

4. Take a classic Big Tex picture.

You might want to do this before you slather mustard on your Fletcher’s Corny Dog, but be sure to take a picture in front of the symbol of the State Fair: Big Tex! Every few minutes, Big Tex will address the crowd with his booming voice and share some of his own tips about the fair.

5. Don’t spend all of your time (or money) on the Midway.

Lots of people who aren’t regulars at the State Fair of Texas might head straight to the Midway for typical carnival games and rides. The Midway can be lots of fun, but it’s also pretty expensive. Each ride costs around $5-10 in coupons. Since you will already be spending money on your entry ticket, parking or train fare, and food, our suggestion is to maximize your free fun at the fair. There are lots of shows and activities and exhibits available at the fair that don’t cost a thing. These are what make the Texas State Fair so unique in comparison to other lesser carnivals.

6. Check out all of the FREE entertainment options.

There is a huge list of free shows available all day long at the State Fair of Texas. Watch canines fly through the air and catch frisbees, pigs race each other around an arena, acrobats defy gravity, a chainsaw carver transform trees into celebrities, or a magician master the art of illusion. You can find showtimes and locations in your printed guide and map at the fair, or check out a full list here.

7. See nature up close at the Texas Discovery Gardens.

Fair Park is home to the Texas Discovery Gardens year-round, but I always like to visit during State Fair season. The gardens themselves are beautiful, kind of like a miniature Arboretum. But my favorite place is the Butterfly House, a sanctuary where hundreds of butterflies live safe from predators, surrounded by vegetation, in ideal temperatures. As you wander through their habitat, butterflies will sometimes land on your arms or head! It’s a fantastic opportunity to take beautiful pictures of butterflies close up. Admission to the Butterfly House is $5, and you can stay as long as you like.

8. Feed and cuddle some cute animals.

One of the staples of the State Fair of Texas is the petting zoo. Get close enough to touch kangaroos, newborn piglets, zebras, llamas, camels, ostriches, and more. Purchase a small cup of food for $1 and you are sure to make some furry friends.

9. Visiting with kids? Don’t miss the Backyard Circus or Little Hands on the Farm.

Little Hands on the Farm is an interactive experience that allows children to learn about all of the steps involved in farming, from cultivating crops and raising animals to selling produce at the market. It’s a great way for little ones to become engaged and burn up some energy while learning about local Texas farmers. Little Hands is located inside the Coliseum, the same building that houses the petting zoo. If your kids want another chance to participate directly in some fun, bring them to the Backyard Circus where they become the stars of the show! Every child who volunteers is given a part to perform in front of their parents as a “lion tamer,” “tightrope walker,” or another fun circus persona. It’s fun for everyone involved and makes for some really adorable photo ops.

10. Need a FREE snack? Check the Food and Fiber Building!

After emptying your wallet on so many fried snacks, you will sigh with relief when you step inside the Food and Fiber building. Local Texan small businesses hand out free samples of their tasty food products all day. In the center of the building you can step in line for a free vanilla ice cream cone.

11. Ride the SkyWay at sunset.

The SkyWay is one of the more expensive attractions at the fair, and some people may want to skip it. But if you do plan to ride it, try to time it for sunset. As darkness falls on the fair grounds, the Midway lights will start to flicker on beneath you. The sun will set in the west, directly behind the striking Dallas skyline. It makes for a stunning view and some incredible pictures.

12. Finish off your day with the Starlight Parade and Illuminations Sensations show.

After you have wrapped up a day of food, rides, games, shows, and animals, settle in at 7:15 p.m. for the nightly parade. Each day the parade features a Texas high school marching band and lots of fun festive floats. Afterward, snag a great spot toward the middle section of the Esplanade fountain (located between the two car show buildings) for a fabulous new show. Illuminations Sensations starts at 8:00 p.m. and has fireworks, pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible dancers. It only lasts about 30 minutes, so you won’t have to worry about returning home too late if you have younger kids with you.

We hope these 12 tips help you enjoy the State Fair of Texas to the fullest.

We can’t wait to take multiple trips to the State Fair this year, and we hope to see you there! Have some tips of your own that you want to share? Let us know on Facebook!