10 Fresh Attractions at the 2018 Texas State Fair
1. Celebrate Texas Innovation.
The 2018 Texas State Fair’s theme spotlights homegrown ingenuity. The Hall of State’s “Celebrating Texas Innovation” exhibit offers an in‑depth look at the state’s most significant advances across food, medicine, agriculture, art, industry, and science.
2. Explore Home on the Range.
Fair favorites Little Hands on the Farm and the Children’s Health Barnyard petting zoo have merged into a larger, family‑friendly experience called Home on the Range. Visitors will stroll through a miniature farm town set inside the Fair Park Coliseum.
3. Taste the Latest Fried Fare.
While the 2018 Big Tex Choice Awards winners are still pending, the fair already boasts a growing lineup of fried and non‑fried delights that have advanced to the semi‑finals. Food enthusiasts can sample innovative new treats and anticipate the final selections.
4. Witness Life at the Livestock Birthing Barn.
The brand‑new Livestock Birthing Center lets guests observe the birth of various farm animals, offering an educational glimpse into the natural cycle of life on a ranch.
5. Discover a New Exhibit at the African American Museum.
Beginning Sept. 22, the African American Museum will host “Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty,” a traveling exhibit featuring over 300 artifacts, artworks, and documents that reveal the untold story of the plantation, including a new focus on Sally Hemings. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 3–12.
6. Watch Rescued Dogs Perform Stunts.
The All‑Star Stunt Dog Show— the world’s first show featuring rescued dogs—offers heart‑warming performances such as rope jumping, barrel racing, juggling, and more.
7. Experience Amazing Archery.
Professional archer Frank Addington Jr., with nearly four decades of experience, delivers a breathtaking display, including mid‑air shots of a baby aspirin, that showcases the precision of modern archery.
8. Savor New Concessions.
After a long day on the fairgrounds, try the Backyard Steak‑Out and Pizzeria, a shipping‑container‑styled stand that serves brick‑oven pizzas, grilled steak, and live music.
9. Enjoy Concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage.
With 24 consecutive nights of performances, the fair guarantees a musical highlight every day. Artists such as Ludacris, Aaron Watson, Seven Streeter, Banda Carnaval, and Hunter Hayes will perform, while local acts line up on the Bud Light and Dr Pepper stages.
10. Catch the State Fair Football Showdown.
The upcoming matchup between Texas Southern University Tigers and Southern University Jaguars will take place at the historic Cotton Bowl on Oct. 20. Halftime will feature a “Battle of the Bands” competition between Southern’s Human Jukebox and TSU’s Ocean of Soul.
For a comprehensive guide and to avoid rookie mistakes, consult our First‑Timer’s Guide to the State Fair of Texas and our Texas State Fair Rookie Mistakes to Know Before You Go.
