6 Must‑See Highlights at the 2024 Texas State Fair
After a two‑year hiatus, the State Fair of Texas (SFOT) returns on September 24, 2024, under the new theme “Howdy, Folks!” with an unmasked Big Tex and a blend of classic attractions and fresh additions.
The Good Eats
Food is the cornerstone of any fair, and SFOT delivers both familiar favorites—Fletcher’s Corny Dogs, funnel cakes, and cotton candy—and daring new creations. While the full 2024 lineup hasn’t been released, past innovators like the PB & J Bacon Pickle Dog and the Stuffed Turkey Leg prove that the fair will keep pushing culinary boundaries. Keep an eye on the 2024 Big Tex Choice Awards; finalists such as Deep Fried Seafood Gumbo Balls (savory) and the Armadillo Cookie Butter Ice Cream Sandwich (sweet) already promise to be crowd‑pleasers.
Don’t miss Thrifty Thursdays, when classic fair foods are discounted, or stop by the Cutco Celebrity Chef Kitchen for insider cooking tips. Afterward, unwind in the State Fair Wine Garden, which showcases 11 Texas wineries.
The Live Performances
Enjoy free, live music for the price of admission. The Chevrolet Main Stage will feature country stars like Clay Walker, Kevin Fowler, Jack Ingram, Sugar Ray, and Charley Crockett, while regional acts on the Chevy Stage offer hidden gems. Check the fair’s complete music schedule on YouTube or Spotify.
The Rodeo
The State Fair Rodeo debuts each weekend evening at the Fair Park Coliseum. Opening weekend highlights the Cowboys of Color Rodeo and a Mexican Rodeo Fiesta, celebrating diversity in the sport. Families can also visit the Oncor Petting Zoo in the Pan Am Arena to meet zebras, goats, and pigs.
The Rides
The Midway is the fair’s centerpiece, offering over 70 rides—including the new Moonraker and the Sparkletts Log Flume—and a Kidway area for younger guests. The iconic Texas Star Ferris Wheel is a must‑visit, and Midway games offer prizes for your loved ones. Remember to purchase tickets for rides and games.
The Auto Show
Explore the Texas Auto Show’s impressive lineup of cars and trucks, regardless of whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle. Snap a photo of your favorite model before you go.
The Football
Since 1936, the Cotton Bowl Stadium has hosted college football classics. This year’s schedule includes Grambling State University vs. Prairie View A&M on the first weekend, followed by the Red River Showdown between Texas and Oklahoma on October 9—an event that draws tens of thousands of fans.
On the fairgrounds, a COVID‑19 vaccination station near Big Tex offers $20 in fair coupons to those who get vaccinated onsite. For full COVID and masking guidelines, as well as ticketing and discount information, click here.
