The Texas State Fair is one of the largest and most anticipated annual events in the Lone Star State. A celebration of Texas culture, food, music, and fun, the 2024 Texas State Fair is set to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong attendee or a first-time visitor, here’s what you can expect at this year’s fair.
1. Dates and Location
The 2024 Texas State Fair will be held from September 27 to October 20 at its traditional home in Fair Park, Dallas. Spanning 24 days, the fair offers plenty of opportunities to explore the festivities with family and friends.
Fair Park, located just east of downtown Dallas, is a historic venue that transforms into a vibrant fairground every year, attracting millions of visitors from across Texas and beyond.
2. Big Tex: The Fair’s Iconic Mascot
One of the first things you’ll see when entering the fairgrounds is Big Tex, the towering 55-foot cowboy who has been the fair’s official mascot since 1952. This Texas icon welcomes visitors with a booming "Howdy, folks!" and serves as the perfect backdrop for countless photos. Be sure to snap a picture with Big Tex—it’s a Texas State Fair tradition!
3. Food: Deep-Fried Delights and Creative Creations
The Texas State Fair is world-famous for its unique and indulgent food offerings, and 2024 promises to deliver even more mouthwatering treats. Fairgoers can expect an array of creative dishes, with a focus on all things deep-fried. Some of the most anticipated food items include:
Fried Southern Comfort: A Texas favorite, where everything from cheesecake to Oreos gets deep-fried to perfection.
Deep-Fried Brisket Burnt Ends: A crispy, savory take on Texas barbecue.
Sweet Treats: Don’t miss the Fried Cookie Dough, Cotton Candy Tacos, and Funnel Cakes.
The Big Tex Choice Awards, an annual competition that crowns the best new fair foods, will once again showcase innovative culinary creations. Whether you’re a fan of savory or sweet, the food at the Texas State Fair is guaranteed to satisfy every craving.
4. Live Music and Entertainment
Music is a central part of the Texas State Fair experience, and 2024 will feature a wide range of performances across multiple genres. The Main Stage will host headline performances from big-name artists in country, rock, pop, and more. Past performers have included artists like Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett, and 2024 is expected to have a star-studded lineup.
In addition to the main acts, you can find local bands, up-and-coming artists, and cultural performances throughout the fairgrounds, offering a diverse array of sounds and styles. From traditional Texas country music to Tejano, rock, and blues, the Texas State Fair has something for every music lover.
5. The Midway: Rides and Games
The Midway is where the action happens—home to thrilling rides, fun games, and carnival-style attractions. Expect classic rides like the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the country, as well as exhilarating roller coasters, bumper cars, and water rides.
For those looking for a challenge, the Midway also offers a variety of skill-based games, from ring tosses to basketball shooting contests. With tons of prizes up for grabs, you can try your hand at winning giant stuffed animals, toys, and other memorabilia.
6. Livestock and Agriculture Exhibits
As a nod to Texas’s agricultural roots, the 2024 Texas State Fair will feature extensive livestock shows and exhibits. Visitors can expect to see prize-winning cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and other livestock competing in various categories. The fair’s Youth Livestock Auction offers young Texans the chance to showcase their animals and auction them off to support their future agricultural pursuits.
You can also explore the agricultural exhibits, where Texas farmers and ranchers showcase innovations in farming, sustainability, and technology. From learning about farm-to-table practices to watching live demonstrations, this part of the fair is both educational and interactive.
7. Creative Arts and Competitions
The fair celebrates the creativity and talents of Texans with a wide range of creative arts competitions. Categories include quilting, photography, painting, woodworking, and culinary arts, with amateur and professional artists alike submitting their best work. Be sure to check out the Creative Arts Pavilion, where you can admire the award-winning entries on display.
Baking enthusiasts can also witness live cooking competitions, including pie-baking contests and cooking demonstrations that highlight the best of Texas cuisine.
8. Auto Show: A Texas Tradition
For car enthusiasts, the Texas State Fair Auto Show is a must-see event. As the largest new car show in the Southwest, it features the latest models from major auto manufacturers, including trucks, SUVs, and electric vehicles. You can take a close look at the latest innovations in automotive design, technology, and performance, and even test drive some vehicles on-site.
The auto show is one of the fair’s most popular attractions, combining Texas’s love of cars and trucks with hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages.
9. Parades and Fireworks
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy daily parades featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed performers. The Starlight Parade, held in the evenings, lights up the night with dazzling displays, music, and entertainment.
To close out your day at the fair, be sure to stay for the nightly fireworks show. This stunning display of pyrotechnics over Fair Park is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day with family and friends.
10. Family-Friendly Fun
The Texas State Fair is a family-friendly event with plenty of attractions for kids and parents alike. Little Hands on the Farm is an interactive exhibit where kids can learn about farming by planting seeds, harvesting crops, and caring for animals. The Kidway, a section of the Midway, is designed specifically for younger children, with gentler rides and games.
With educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and entertainment, the fair provides fun for visitors of all ages.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the 2024 Texas State Fair
The 2024 Texas State Fair promises to deliver everything Texans love—delicious food, thrilling rides, exciting live music, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, car enthusiast, or just looking for a day of entertainment, the Texas State Fair has something for everyone. Mark your calendars for September 27 to October 20, 2024, and get ready to experience the best of Texas culture and tradition!
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