The moment you see 55-foot “Big Tex” and hear that iconic “Howdy, folks!” phrase booming from his animatronic mouth, you know you’ve officially arrived at the State Fair of Texas.

Welcoming more than two million visitors each year for its 24-day feast for the senses, the State Fair of Texas sticks true to the state’s bragging rights by delivering the largest of all state and county fairs in the U.S. The food and fun is spread out over the gorgeous 277-acre National Historic Landmark known for its 1930s Art Deco buildings and impeccably landscaped grounds. Even if you’ve been every year of your life, there’s still much to discover with plenty of new additions each year.

Eat and Drink Your Way Through the Fair

Despite a wide range of offerings around Fair Park, food will always be the biggest draw, and Fletcher’s Corny Dogs easily rank #1 among the most iconic fair foods that people crave. The Fletcher family has been feeding fair-goers for nearly a century, from the original beef-and-pork corny dogs to even veggie or turkey options.

The State Fair of Texas has a reputation for giving guests some of the most outrageous culinary creations ever imagined. Bourbon banana caramel sopapillas anyone? The race to grab headlines has become such an intensely fun spectator sport that the Big Tex Choice Awards contest was created to recognize the top foods in both sweet and savory categories, as well as the occasional beverage.

The Midway

Whether you’re looking to win prizes at games of skill and chance, or spin in circles at high speeds on a crazy ride, the Midway has plenty to excite. A ride on the Texas Star Ferris Wheel is a rite of passage, but also one of the best places in the city to catch breathtaking views of the downtown Dallas skyline — from 212 feet in the air

Must-See Attractions

Big Tex is impossible to miss, and he’s always a great first-stop photo op.

Of course, a tradition going back to the early days of the fair finds people competing for blue ribbons in a variety of categories, from arts and crafts to pickled foods. Visit the Creative Arts Building to see all the winning entries, as well as the over-the-top butter sculpture, which is made from real butter. Past designs have featured life-sized cows and horses, as well as legends like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, and Big Tex himself.

Also paying tribute to time-honored traditions and the fair’s roots, the barns are classic places to visit. There, you can interact, pet, and feed a variety of barnyard beasts, marvel at massive livestock, catch the pig races, enjoy the dancing dogs, and watch demonstrations featuring majestic horses.

Throughout the fair’s duration, you can catch the State Fair of Texas Rodeo each weekend.

The Auto Show

If you love sitting behind the wheel of all the latest models, including giant pickup trucks and state-of-the-art electric rides, you’ll find a lot to love at the Texas Auto Show. With one of the largest collections of cars you’ll ever see under one roof — and outside, too — it’s one of the most popular places to visit year-in, year-out.

Concerts

Each day (and multiple times per day) live music can be found on the Chevrolet Main Stage and throughout Fair Park. Acts range from local bands to superstar entertainers, representing every musical genre imaginable.

With the closest hotels to Fair Park found only a few minutes away in downtown Dallas, a day or two at the State Fair is a great way for the whole family to kick off the fall season in Texas.  

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