Your Ultimate Guide to the Texas State Fair – From Big Tex to Auto Show Highlights
If you're new to the Texas State Fair, you might think it's just another county fair. In reality, it's the largest fair in the United States, spanning 277 acres of Fair Park and featuring iconic attractions like Big Tex, the tallest cowboy in Texas, and the 212‑foot Texas Star Ferris wheel. After a one‑year pause, the fair is back, and this guide will help you navigate the festivities.
Spacious Grounds and Iconic Landmarks
The fair occupies the entire 277‑acre Fair Park, including multiple exhibition halls. Visitors are greeted by the 55‑foot‑tall Big Tex—an interactive cowboy who actually speaks. The 212‑foot Texas Star Ferris wheel, the tallest in the state, offers panoramic views that stretch 21 miles to AT&T Stadium on a clear day.
Getting to Fair Park
Fair Park sits in South Dallas and is a short drive from downtown. Official State Fair parking costs $20, while other lots around the park vary in price and may accept cash only. DART Green Line riders can reach Fair Park via Fair Park Station or MLK Jr. Station, providing convenient access to the gates. Learn more about getting to Fair Park here.
24 Days of Unlimited Entertainment
The fair runs from September 24 to October 17, opening daily at 10 a.m. Gates close at 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. A detailed schedule lists daily activities, including headline musical performances by Black Pumas, Dru Hill, and Clay Walkers. Sports enthusiasts can catch the Red River Showdown (Texas vs. Oklahoma) on October 9 and the State Fair Classic (Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling State) on September 25.
Food That Defines the Fair
Each year, concessionaires compete for the Big Tex Choice Awards with inventive fried dishes. Past winners include 2016’s fried jello and 2015’s smoky bacon margarita, alongside quirky entries like fried beer and fried bubblegum. This year’s finalists feature deep‑fried seafood gumbo balls and “The Armadillo,” a cookie‑butter ice‑cream sandwich. Classic favorites such as Fletcher’s Corny Dog and funnel cake remain crowd‑pleasers.
The Texas Auto Show
Highlighting automotive innovation, the Texas Auto Show occupies nearly 300,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor space. Approximately 90 % of fairgoers visit the show, where they can view the latest models and, in the outdoor Truck Zone, preview upcoming trucks.
Fair Park Beyond the Fair
Fair Park itself is a National Historic Landmark that showcases the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the United States. During the fair, visitors can explore the African American Museum, the only museum of its kind in the Southwest, open every day. The Children’s Aquarium reopens on September 24, and Texas Discovery Gardens offers half‑price admission throughout the 24‑day run.
