Well HOWDY FOLKS…..it’s State Fair time in Texas, and I’m excited to bring you great information, tips and tricks for enjoying all the State Fair of Texas Events. The Best State Fair…in my humble Curious Cowgirl opinion. There are so many fun things to do at the Texas State Fair! One of the best things to do in Dallas! Be sure and bookmark this post, so you can easily access this information for the duration of the Fair. Let’s get started.
State Fair of Texas Events
Texans look forward to the State Fair every year! There are so many fun activities and events, including Midway rides, rodeos, concerts, contests, special exhibits, and of course…FOOD! The best place to check on the daily State Fair of Texas Events is on the State Fair’s Website.
First things first! All the basic info you will need to enjoy all the fun things to do at the Texas State Fair!
Dates and Hours
The State Fair of Texas runs September 30-October 23, 2022
Hours of Operation:
Sundays – Thursdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Fridays – Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Football Game Days and Public School Days
It’s good to know what’s going on at the State Fair of Texas before you head to Fair Park! Some days are definitely more crowded than others. Here’s a link to the calendar….be sure and check it before you plan on visiting. Special Note: A Clear Bag Policy is in effect for the Cotton Bowl!
Grambling vs. Prairie View is October 1, 2022
Texas vs.OU is October 8, 2022
A Big Tex Cup! The Perfect State Fair of Texas souvenir!
Texas State Fair Tickets
General admission: $15-$25 depending on the day. Click here for each day-of-the-week admission price.
Child (under 48″ in height): $10-$18 depending on the day
Child two and younger: FREE
Seniors $5 every Thursday
No matter your age, all adults pay child’s prices at the State Fair of Texas after 5 p.m.
Discount Ticket Opportunities
Seniors ages 60 and older $5 every Thursday
Opening Day Discount: Bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank for a special Opening Day promotional price of $10 admission at the gate. This discount is only available at the gate.
Kroger shoppers Purchase in advance at your local Kroger and get $3 off premium one-day admission tickets or $5 off season passes. They may be purchased at the check-out counter or service desk.
McDonald’s Discounts: Discount coupons are available at participating McDonald’s locations throughout North Texas on tray liners and inside their meal bags. With this coupon, any fairgoer can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday.)
Dr. Pepper drinkers Dr Pepper Value Days are every Tuesday and Thursday during the Fair when you can purchase your admission ticket online for a reduced price of only$10. Only Big Tex Insiders receive the promotion code for this exclusive savings so be sure to sign up now at BigTex.com/Insider.
Wednesdays: Save big AND give back to the community with North Texas Food Bank’s Feed the Need Wednesdays. By bringing five canned food items, fairgoers will receive admission for only $5. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank, which helps feed members of the community.
First Responders: The State Fair would like to thank our country’s first responders by honoring our various active and retired public law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and other emergency services agencies. All first responders can save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present a valid badge or ID card from their department or organization at the gate or online, plus up to three discounted admission tickets for their family members.
Military Appreciation: All active military, retired military, and veterans save $5 off on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and $7 off on weekends (Saturday-Sunday) when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate or online. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive discounted admission.
The only State Fair of Texas Midway game I stand a chance of winning.
State Fair of Texas Food
Ahhhh…..the food at the State Fair of Texas is guaranteed to make you say HOWDY FOLKS!
I like to plow my way through a Belgian Waffle….with strawberries, and whipped cream, and powdered sugar. I’m not even embarrassed, y’all. I eat every single bite. But what foods are new at the 2022 State Fair of Texas? Click here for the Big Tex Choice Awards
So PROUD of Brent and Juan Reaves for their Big Tex Choice Award for “Big Red Chicken Bread.” PC: State Fair of Texas
Fletcher’s Corny Dogs
Of course, it’s practically mandatory to enjoy a Fletcher’s Corny Dog….or two….or three…..there’s absolutely no judging, people. Per Eater Dallas, “The Fletcher’s Corny Dog, first sold at Fair Park by brothers Carl and Neil Fletcher in 1942, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic pieces of the State Fair of Texas’ history — next to Big Tex, of course. The Fletcher brothers claimed to be the inventors of the modern corn dog, and although a few other businesses say they came up with the idea first, it’s hard to beat the original corny dog’s fame. Julia Child, Oprah and Mikhail Gorbachev have all taken a bite.”
Can’t eat just one Fletcher’s Corny Dog!
Things to Do at the Texas State Fair: Shopping!
Oh yes….the State Fair of Texas has LOTS of shopping opportunities, and I get a total kick out of walking through the Automobile Buildings, imagining what my next car needs to be, without having to visit a million different dealerships. I also love walking through the Embarcadero and the Go Texan Pavilion…so many vendors selling everything from BBQ sauces, jewelry, kitchen appliances and accessories….the possibilities are endless. Many vendors are small business owners, and I like to support those folks as often as possible!
But wait, Curious Cowgirl…..aren’t you going to tell us about what all know to be your FAVORITE parts of the State Fair of Texas…Creative Arts???? Oh, dear readers, never fear! I have an ENTIRE post about The Create Arts Contests and Winners! And guess what….many of them are my friends!
How CUTE is this award-winning Create Arts entry???
OK y’all…so get yourselves to Dallas, and enjoy one of our favorite Dallas Family Activities, The State Fair of Texas!!!
This post was written in collaboration with the State Fair of Texas. All opinions are my own!
Is old mill inn gone? It used to be the best kept secret that its bar was the only place you could buy a mixed drink at the fair
Hey Shannon! Good Question! It appears the Old Mill Inn is still open, mainly for lunch. During the Fair, I’m not sure…..remember when it was the display for Borden Milk, and Elsie the Cow was there???
Wow!!!! Everything we need to know in one place…THANKS!!!! Love, Pam
Hope you enjoy the Fair this year!!!!