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 27-October 20.
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.
A Big Tex Cup! The Perfect State Fair of Texas souvenir!
Texas State Fair Tickets
General admission: $18
Child (under 48″ in height): $14
Child two and younger: FREE
Senior (ages 60 and older): $14
Seniors FREE every Thursday (October 3, 10, & 17, 2018)
Discount Ticket Opportunities
Seniors ages 60 and older FREE every Thursday (October 3, 10, & 17)
Kroger shoppers purchase your ticket in advance at your local Kroger and get general admission tickets for only $16.50
Dr. Pepper drinkers bring an empty Dr. Pepper can to a State Fair of Texas. On Tuesdays, you get in for $9 with your empty can! One can per person, and can’t be combined with any other offers.
Wednesdays: Bring 4 cans of food and get in for $4! Food is donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
Thursdays: Bring an empty bottle of any 20oz Coke produce, and get in for $9.
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 2019 State Fair of Texas? Click here for the Big Tex Choice Awards
I’m also a HUGE fan of the folks at Smokey John’s BBQ! Smokey married me and Will, and sadly passed away in August 2019. But, his legacy lives on! His sons Brent and Juan Reaves are Big Texas Choice Awards Winners of “Best Taste-Sweet” for their “Big Red Chicken Bread.”
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???