Discover 10 Must-See Highlights at the 2017 Texas State Fair
The Texas State Fair opens its gates, and this year brings fresh attractions for visitors. In addition to classic rides, delicious foods, and the iconic Big Tex photo op, the fair features ten standout additions worth exploring.
1. Celebrate Texans.
This year's theme, "Celebrating Texans," expands on the fair’s mission of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement. Throughout the 24‑day run, visitors can enjoy livestock events, local talent, and competitions presented by the Creative Arts Department.
2. Take a selfie in your dream car.
The largest auto show in the Southwest, now renamed the Texas Auto Show, occupies three buildings across the grounds and showcases more than 400 vehicles. Don’t miss the newest rides, classic corral, and truck zone.
3. Bring your appetite.
No visit is complete without sampling the fair’s fried delights. New treats this year include bacon‑cream corn and deep‑fried cannoli bites, plus the Big Tex Choice Award winners: funnel‑cake bacon queso burger and Gulf Coast fish bowl.
4. Check out some concerts.
Live music runs every day of the fair, and all performances are included with admission. Headliners such as Maren Morris, Flo Rida, and Pat Green join a roster of other artists. Find the full lineup here.
5. Go for an arts & culture experience.
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, the fair opened two new exhibits – "Texas in the First World War" and "America and World War I" – featuring wartime memorabilia in the Hall of State and the D.A.R. House.
Plan a visit to the Moving Cities: Dallas exhibit inside the African American Museum. Commissioned by VisitDallas, the traveling photo collection captures Dallas street life through Jevan Chowdhury’s juxtaposed imagery of dancers and cityscapes.
Also on display is John Knott’s "Drawing Power: The Editorial Art of John Knott," showcasing cartoons that resonate with contemporary audiences.
6. Visit the Big Tex Urban Farms.
Since opening last year, the urban garden has expanded from 100 to 520 planters, providing fresh, organic produce to the community. This year, visitors can tour the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway and see the crops in progress.
7. Learn about all things agriculture.
The new Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center broadens livestock and agriculture programming for all fairgoers. Explore the interactive "I Spy Texas" exhibit, an agricultural road‑trip of Texas.
8. See a magic show.
Bring the kids to the World of Magic show at the Oak Farms Showplace Theatre for mind‑blowing tricks and illusion. Afterwards, stop by Backyard Circus to dress in circus costumes and become part of the spectacle.
9. Explore the gardens.
The Texas Discovery Gardens host lavish floral displays from the Ikebana International Dallas Chapter, as well as the "Snakes of Texas" exhibit and the live "Honeybee Tree" hive.
10. Get your extreme sports fix.
The Xpogo show returns to a new venue in Chevrolet Park Plaza, featuring professional pogo athletes. Don’t miss the Lords of Gravity Basketball Slam Dunk Show, a renowned international acrobatic basketball team.
