Discover All the Festivities Offered at the Texas State Fair
In partnership with: Texas Department of Agriculture
Rodeos, world-class shows and a food extravaganza make the State Fair of Texas the “Most Texan Place on Earth.”
Miles before visitors make it to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas, they are greeted by its ambassador, Big Tex, a 55-foot-tall legend, nearly as iconic as the fair itself.
Since 1886, when it began as the Dallas State Fair and Exposition, the fair has been a hub for guests to experience “all things Texan,” showcasing the state’s diverse agriculture, family-friendly entertainment and sporting events.
From the delicious aroma of fried doughnuts and giant balls of cotton candy to a bird’s-eye view of Dallas atop the Ferris wheel, the fair makes everyone feel like a kid.
“The saying ‘Everything is bigger in Texas’ undoubtedly holds true when it comes to the great State Fair of Texas,” says Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations for the fair. “With 277 acres of fairgrounds, there’s something of interest at every turn and plenty of room to host millions of guests throughout the 24-day exposition.”
See more: 10 Best State Fairs in America
Getting Off the Ground
Like a ride on one of its roller coasters, the fair experienced its share of twists and turns when it began as a convergence of rival associations, merging in 1887 to become the Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition. The fair faced challenges, ranging from repeated fires to rising debt.
In 1904, the fair sold its property to the City of Dallas, which dedicated a period each fall to the exposition. The traditional fair season was later extended from 17 to 24 days.
In 1925, the fair completed an impressive auditorium, later named Music Hall, and brought big-name shows to Texans. The venue, now known as Broadway Dallas, is located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park. The Texas-Oklahoma college football game became an annual fair-season event in 1929, followed by the addition of Fair Park Stadium, a 46,000-seat venue, which would become the Cotton Bowl.
Partnering to Promote Agriculture
The State Fair of Texas works with partners like the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), which oversees the GO TEXAN program, to showcase Texas-based agricultural businesses.
“The GO TEXAN Pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, is the only place on the entire fairgrounds that is 100% dedicated to Texas businesses and agriculture,” says Kathryn Idzorek, lead coordinator for marketing at TDA.
The 27,000-square-foot pavilion includes a 9,000-square-foot pop-up General Store, featuring products from more than 100 GO TEXAN partners and exhibitors, showcasing Texas’ robust agricultural roots.
“The saying ‘Everything is bigger in Texas’ undoubtedly holds true when it comes to the great State Fair of Texas.”
– Karissa Condoianis, senior vice president of public relations for the state fair
Southwest Dairy Farmers, an alliance of regional dairy farmers, offers the pavilion’s visitors a free dairy treat while they shop.
“The dairy industry is such a vital part of the agricultural industry in Texas,” says Jim Hill, CEO of Southwest Dairy Farmers. “Our sponsorship demonstrates the dairy industry’s role in Texas agriculture, as well as the wonderful, healthy products that dairy provides to Texas families.”
See more: The GO TEXAN Program Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting Texas Producers
The Mobile Dairy Classroom, sponsored by Southwest Dairy Farmers, features a fully operational milking parlor with a live cow, modern milking equipment and an instructor.
In addition to the agricultural attractions, there are over 100 free activities, like the Dinosaurs at the Lagoon – the first-ever bilingual exhibit in English and Spanish – as well as acrobatic archery and strongman shows.
See more: Top 10 Texas Agriculture Products
The Chevrolet Main Stage features headliners each day, from red dirt country to hip-hop.
The State Fair of Texas attracted more than 2.3 million visitors in 2023 from around the world.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to maintain the cherished traditions of the state fair,” Condoianis says. “All while continuing to innovate and provide a world-class experience.”
State Fair of Texas
Location: 3809 Grand Ave. in Dallas
2024 Dates: Sept. 27–Oct. 20
Phone: (469) 945-FAIR
Website: bigtex.com