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Your Insider Guide to the 2024 State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas returns after a lengthy hiatus. For 24 days, Fair Park transforms into a celebration of tradition—fry‑food feasts, iconic midway attractions, and community events. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a first‑time visitor, this guide helps you navigate the must‑see highlights.

 

Your Insider Guide to the 2024 State Fair of Texas

The Texas Star
Ride the Texas Star for a 12‑minute ascent that lifts you 20 stories above the fairgrounds, offering sweeping views of downtown Dallas and, on clear days, a glimpse of AT&T Stadium 21 miles away.

A Fletcher’s Corny Dog
No visit is complete without a Fletcher’s corny dog. Lines prove its popularity, and options like the jalapeño‑cheese or turkey Bird Dog cater to diverse palates.

Your Insider Guide to the 2024 State Fair of Texas

A photo with Big Tex
Standing 52 feet tall, Big Tex has greeted fairgoers for over 65 years with a booming Texas accent. Snap a photo—creative angles make the experience memorable. Fun fact: before becoming a Texas icon, he served as Santa in a small town east of Corsicana during the 1950s.

The pig races
At the Coliseum, watch piglets sprint to the finish line. Four races daily keep the energy high, and the animals’ spirited performance brings smiles to fans of all ages.

The Starlight Parade
End your day with the Starlight Parade at 7:15 pm, featuring majestic Clydesdales, stilt‑walkers, and more. The event is visible from across the fairgrounds.

A HBCU game
The State Fair Classic—Grambling State vs. Prairie View A&M—offers more than gridiron action. The halftime Battle of the Bands showcases vibrant marching ensembles. This year’s halftime kicks off at 5:15 pm on September 25.

For more details, visit the official State Fair website.

Travel Notes
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    Every fall, the State Fair of Texas becomes a sprawling playground of lights, music, and mouth‑watering food. With the Texas Auto Show, the Midway, and a lineup of live performances, it’s easy to build up a craving for a chilled cocktail or a locally brewed beer. Below is our insider guide to the best spots where you can grab a drink, savor local flavors, and make the most of your fair experience. Magnolia Beer Garden Often dubbed a hidden gem, the Magnolia Beer Garden sits just beyond Gate 5, n

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    1. Head to the Kids’ Boardwalk For first‑time fairgoers, the Kids’ Boardwalk is the place to start. This vibrant area offers free, kid‑friendly shows, games and activities that come with your Texas State Fair admission. Enjoy a lively puppet show, creative arts and crafts, or a calming Mother Goose Story Time. The Boardwalk operates daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 2. Ride the Kidway Rides Kidway, the family‑friendly section of the Midway, features scaled‑down rides and games perfect for younger gue

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    Most of us know the State Fair of Texas for its iconic Corny Dogs and midway attractions, but since its founding in 1886 the fair has maintained a core focus on agricultural education and livestock stewardship. Visitors can get up close and personal with animals, watch live cow‑milking demonstrations, and even enjoy playful pig races—all while learning about the critical role of farming and ranching in our economy. Each year, more than 5,000 students participate in the fair’s livestock contests