Explore the 2020 State Fair of Texas: Activities, Food, and Festive Alternatives
Although the 2020 State Fair of Texas—Dallas’s premier autumn celebration—won’t run at full capacity this year, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the fair’s spirit. Below we outline how you can support Big Tex, indulge in signature fried treats, and build anticipation for next year.
ACTIVITIES
Big Tex Food Drive‑Thru
Friday‑Sunday; Sept. 25 – Oct. 18
Presold tickets available online
Experience the iconic Big Tex without the crowds. This weekend‑only event features classic fried foods, photo ops with Big Tex, and midway prizes. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and you’ll want to check the schedule, as a few weekends (e.g., Texas/O.U. weekend) are excluded.
Fair Play at the Statler
Friday‑Sunday; Sept. 11‑20
$10 admission; free under six
The Statler Hotel’s expansive Ballroom transforms into an indoor fair zone. Fair Play hosts fair‑inspired games like cornhole and horseshoes, while the on‑site restaurant Scout becomes a midway complete with contests and snacks.
It’s Not Fair at The Rustic
Sept. 23 – Oct. 18
The Rustic’s Uptown location turns into a pop‑up celebration called It’s Not Fair. Expect fried favorites, contests, and live music—all crafted in homage to Dallas’s biggest fall event.
RESTAURANTS
Starting Labor Day, Meddlesome Moth in the Design District will showcase State Fair‑inspired dishes such as corn dogs, bacon lollipops, and churro ice cream.
The legendary Fletcher’s Corny Dogs is making it easier to snag a hot dog this year. In addition to the Big Tex Food Drive‑Thru, Fletcher’s will pop up at The Rustic, Pegasus Brewery, and Deep Ellum. Check the calendar for dates. If you can’t attend, Golden Chick will carry Fletcher’s Corny Dogs through Oct. 25.
CornDog with No Name has introduced a drive‑thru curb service to deliver all the fried favorites you love. While its indoor dining space remains closed, the menu expands weekly with new creations. During the fair run (Sept. 25 – Oct. 18), the first 100 corn dogs will be free.
Head to Cocina Italiano for fried peanut butter and jelly, cookie dough, and family‑pack ribs, pulled pork, and chicken entrees—available Saturdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Norma’s Café will launch a State Fair of Norma’s menu through October, featuring mini corn dogs, funnel‑cake fries, and deep‑fried Oreo churros at all locations, including North Dallas and Oak Cliff.
From Sept. 17, Turkey Leg Paradise in the Cedars District will add funnel cakes, corn dogs, and sausage on a stick to its menu. The State Fair‑inspired lineup runs through Sept. 20, with potential extensions.
Maple Leaf Diner, Dallas’s Canadian‑style diner, will serve fried Oreos and a chicken‑fried bacon burger on weekends after 3 p.m.
