State Fair of Texas: What to Know and Is it Worth It?
The State Fair of Texas is an iconic event that draws millions of visitors each year. Between the thrilling rides, fair foods and massive Ferris wheel there is something for everyone. You can’t miss the iconic Big Tex along with the rodeo that displays the Texas culture. Get the tips and tricks and everything to know before heading to this legendary event in Dallas, Texas.
When and Where is the Texas State Fair
| Address: 3921 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX | Dates & Hours: Sept. 27- Oct. 20th, 2024 Sun- Thurs: 10am-9pm Fri- Sat: 10am-10pm | Ticket Prices: GA: $15-$25 Child (3-12 yrs): $10-$18 Child (2 & younger): FREE Senior (60 & older): $10-$18 |
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Offering a lively celebration of Texas culture, food, and entertainment, the Texas State Fair time typically runs from late September through mid-October. To make the most of your visit, check the official Texas State Fair schedule for specific events, concerts, and exhibits happening each day.
Click here to download map of the fairgrounds.
Texas State Fair Food
For those who consider themselves a foodie, a trip to the state fair of Texas will have all the fried guilty pleasure foods you could hope for. As delicious as the fried foods and sweet treats are, the Texas State Fair prices for food can get pretty pricy. The endless options also get a bit overwhelming since everything looks and sounds so good.
Use this food map for a list of some of the favorite food items to try and where to find them. Also, be on the lookout for the foods that have been given the Big Tex Choice Award. This award is given to certain foods that stand out and are true and unique culinary creations compared to the other foods at the state fair.
Typical Food at the Fair with Prices
- $22- Turkey Legs
- $26- Steak Kabob
- $9- Roasted Corn
- $20- Brisket Sandwich
- $20- Rodeo Donut Burger
- $20- Candied pork belly bacon bites
- $17- Fryed Sweet Potato S’mores
- $16- Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick
Big Tex Award Winning Foods
- Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick
- Dominican Fritura Dog
- Texas Sugar Rush Pickles
- Drowning Taquitos
- Hippie Chips
- Pancake Poppers
- Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs
- Nevins Nutty Bar-Laska
State Fair of Texas Rides
In my opinion, going to any state fair is not complete without enjoying at least one of the many rides available. The Texas State Fair in Dallas is one of largest in the United States and has over 70 rides to keep visitors entertained all day. To enjoy these rides, be sure to grab purchase Texas State Fair coupons. Coupons are required to ride the rides.
The iconic Texas Star Ferris wheel offers stunning views of Dallas as well as the Texas Skyway gondola lift and both are family friendly. To get the best views, go on the Top O’ Texas Tower that gently rises over 500 feet in the air.
For those who are hoping to feel some adrenaline can try some of the rides like the Sling Shot and more. There are also several fun houses with different themes to either walk through or take a short ride on.
Younger children also have options. There are pony rides near the Livestock section of the fairgrounds, mini trains and of course the iconic and gentle carousel ride. Throughout the fair, you’ll find a wide range of thrilling Texas State Fair rides for all ages.
Don’t Miss
The Texas State Fair in Dallas is packed with special attractions and activities that make it a must-visit event. Between the rodeo, live music and especially the Big Tex there is much to see that makes the Texas State Fair very special compared to others across the United States.
Games
There are many games located throughout the fairgrounds, where you can test your skills after purchasing Texas State Fair coupons. Aim to win a prize at ring toss or in a basketball shootout.
Rodeo and Livestock
Don’t miss the exciting rodeo show, where professional cowboys and cowgirls show off their talents in bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Watching the rodeo show is free with your ticket to the fair and happens mostly on the weekends. Also, head over to the livestock area to view prize-winning animals.
See Big Tex
Be sure to visit the iconic landmark Big Tex, the giant cowboy figure that welcomes visitors each year. After getting a selfie with the statue, stick around to watch the animatronic move and speak. There is also another Tex in the fairgrounds to see: The Neon Tex.
Live Music
Take in some free live music from local and national acts. There are 3 stages with almost 100 artists performing throughout the month of the state fair.
Aquarium and Gardens
Kids will love the Children’s Aquarium, where they can see marine life up close, while the Discovery Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning plants and butterfly exhibits.
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon is a fun section in the fairground that is very different from the rests. You’ll see life size sculptures of dinosaurs in the lagoon and around it, perfect for taking pictures.
Cotton Bowl
Don’t forget to stroll by the Cotton Bowl Stadium, an architectural highlight of the fair. Every year the very anticipated Texas vs. OU football occurs called the Allstate Red River Rivalry. Also, in 2018 and 2019 the historic State Fair Showdown occurred between Texas Southern University and Southern University.
Go for a Test Drive
Interested in going for a ride? Choose a vehicle like a Corvette, Equinox or Silverado on a professional track. Click here to pre-register for the free “Ride and Drive” attraction.
Ways to Save at the State Fair of Texas
When planning your trip to the Texas State Fair, there are plenty of ways to save on Texas State Fair ticket prices.
- $5 Daily Discount: First Responders (Bring badge or ID)
- $5 Daily Discount: Active and Retired Military and Veterans (Bring badge or ID)
- $5: Feed the Need Wednesdays: 5 canned goods per person
- $5: Every Thursday for those 60 and older
- $3- $4 Coupons: All rides on Tuesdays (excludes the Thrillway and Ferris Wheel)
- $10: Tuesday and Thursday when signing up for a promo code
- Reduced Price on Fair Food: Thursdays
- Reduced Price for kids daily after 5PM
My Final Thoughts After Visiting
Going to the Texas State Fair, and especially seeing the Big Tex, has been on my “Texas Bucket List” for several years. I’m excited that I finally got to check the event off my list, however, I probably wouldn’t need to go again.
Even with going on a discount day, attending the fair gets expensive fast. Between the cost of parking, entry tickets, food, rides and more you can rack up an expensive bill if you’re not paying attention.
Tips and Tricks
Bring $10-$20 cash for parking in private lots outside the fairgrounds. These parking lots are monitored and a quick walk to the Texas State Fair. I parked on the Martin Luther King Blvd entrance and there were several parking lots to choose from. Look for people near the street waving flags that show they have space. If you have a lot of little kids and want to park as close as possible to the fairgrounds, parking is $30.
Eat a full meal before going inside the fairgrounds. You can save money by only purchasing the fair foods you’ve been excited to try. Take a look at the list of food that will be in the park.
Drink plenty of water before going to the fair. September and October in Texas is still very hot. While walking in the heat, you’ll want to be as hydrated as possible. Keep cold water in the car inside an insulated bottle to avoid buying an excessive amount of water in the fairgrounds.
You have to purchase coupons inside the fairgrounds to buy food, drinks, play games or ride the rides. Coupons are nonrefundable. If you do have leftover coupons, you can use them the next year. Walk a short loop around the games and the rides you want to do before purchasing more coupons than you’ll need.
Enjoy your time at the iconic Texas State Fair! Before your visit, be sure to read through an updated FAQ.
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