Does Texas have a state fair? It certainly does, and in true Texas fashion it does it bigger and longer than almost anyone else. The State Fair of Texas takes over Fair Park in Dallas for more than three weeks every fall, filling the historic grounds with fried food, midway rides, livestock shows, car displays, concerts and one very tall cowboy named Big Tex. For many North Texas families, a fair day is as much a part of autumn as football and cooler evenings.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong fairgoer bringing a group of friends, this guide covers what makes the fair special, how to plan your day, what to eat, when to go and how to get in and out of Fair Park without the parking headache. Schedules, prices and policies change every year, so check the fair’s official information for current details before you go.
Does Texas have a state fair? Meet the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas has been held at Fair Park, just east of Downtown Dallas, since 1886. Over well over a century it has grown into one of the largest and best-attended state fairs in the United States, drawing visitors from across Texas and beyond. It is run as a nonprofit, and much of its identity comes from long-standing traditions that generations of Texans grew up with.
What sets it apart from many other state fairs is its length. While plenty of state fairs run for a week or two, the State Fair of Texas typically opens in late September and runs for roughly three and a half weeks into October. That long run is a big reason it’s often described as one of the longest state fairs in the country, and it gives you plenty of chances to pick a day that suits your group.
What you’ll find at the fair
- Big Tex, the towering cowboy who greets visitors with a booming “Howdy, folks!”
- Fried food, from classic corny dogs to the newest creations from the annual Big Tex Choice Awards.
- The Midway, with thrill rides, games and the Texas Star Ferris wheel.
- College football at the Cotton Bowl, including the famous Texas–OU game.
- Livestock, agriculture and creative arts exhibits that keep the fair’s farm roots alive.
- A big auto show with the latest models from major manufacturers.
- Live music, shows and entertainment across the grounds.
Fair Park: the historic home of the fair
Part of the magic of the State Fair of Texas is the setting. Fair Park covers roughly 277 acres about two miles east of Downtown Dallas, and it is a National Historic Landmark. Many of its most striking buildings were built for the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, and together they form one of the largest collections of 1930s Art Deco exposition architecture in the country.
The Esplanade and the Hall of State
Walk the Esplanade, the long reflecting pool lined with monumental Art Deco buildings and sculptures, and you’ll see why photographers love Fair Park. At one end stands the Hall of State, a grand limestone building celebrating Texas history, with soaring murals and ornate details. Even in the middle of a busy fair day, it’s worth slowing down to look around.
Cotton Bowl Stadium and the museums
Cotton Bowl Stadium is the park’s other giant landmark and the stage for some of the biggest days of the fair. Fair Park is also home to several cultural institutions, including the African American Museum of Dallas, Texas Discovery Gardens and the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. Access to these during the fair can vary, so check current details if one of them is on your must-see list.
Fair Park sits in Dallas, which means getting there is easy from almost anywhere in the Metroplex. Our Dallas limo and car service covers the whole city, and we pick up across DFW for fair days.
Big Tex and the fair’s must-see icons
Every fair has its landmarks, but few are as instantly recognizable as the ones at the State Fair of Texas. Plan your route so you hit these early, before the afternoon crowds build.
Big Tex
Big Tex first appeared at the fair in 1952 and has been its mascot ever since. Standing about 55 feet tall in his boots, jeans and enormous hat, he greets fairgoers with his famous “Howdy, folks!” In 2012 a fire destroyed the original figure just before the end of that year’s fair, and a rebuilt Big Tex returned the following year to a hero’s welcome. Getting a photo with him is a rite of passage, and his location makes him a natural meeting point if your group splits up.
The Texas Star Ferris wheel
The Texas Star is a giant Ferris wheel that rises more than 200 feet over the fairgrounds. It has long been one of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America, and the view from the top takes in the Art Deco buildings, the Midway and the Downtown Dallas skyline. Lines can grow long in the evening, so ride early or be prepared to wait.
The Midway and Kidway
The Midway is packed with thrill rides, classic carnival games and towering stuffed animals. Families with younger children will also find a dedicated area of gentler rides. Rides and games are typically paid for with fair coupons or the fair’s current payment system, separate from admission, so check how payment works the year you visit.
Fair food: corny dogs, fried everything and the Big Tex Choice Awards
Ask anyone what they love about the State Fair of Texas and food will come up within seconds. The fair is famous for deep-fried creativity, and many visitors plan their entire day around what they want to eat.
The classics
Fletcher’s Corny Dogs have been a fair staple since the 1940s, and for many Texans the first corny dog of the season is the official start of fall. Turkey legs, funnel cakes, roasted corn and fresh-squeezed lemonade round out the traditional lineup. These are the dishes people return for year after year.
The Big Tex Choice Awards
Each year, vendors compete in the Big Tex Choice Awards, a contest that crowns the most creative and best-tasting new fair foods. Finalists are announced before the fair opens, and fans line up to try them in the first days. Over the years the competition has produced headline-grabbing creations such as fried butter and fried Coke, and the new list is always a conversation starter. Look up the current finalists before you go and build a tasting plan.
How to eat your way through the fair
- Share everything. Portions are big and rich. Splitting dishes lets your group try far more.
- Start with the finalists. New award-winning foods draw the longest lines, so try them earlier in the day.
- Pace yourself. Alternate fried treats with lighter snacks and plenty of water, especially on warm days.
- Budget your coupons. Decide roughly how much you’ll spend on food versus rides before you arrive.
- Save room for a classic. End the day with a corny dog or a funnel cake on the way out.
Food lovers who like planning trips around a meal may also enjoy our roundup of the best restaurants in Arlington, another favorite North Texas outing.
Football at the fair: Texas–OU weekend and the State Fair Classic
College football is woven into the fabric of the State Fair of Texas, and two games in particular draw enormous crowds to the Cotton Bowl.
The Red River Rivalry
The University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma meet at the Cotton Bowl during the fair, usually on a Saturday in October. Known as the Red River Rivalry, it is one of college football’s most famous neutral-site games. The stadium is split down the middle, with burnt orange on one side and crimson on the other, and the energy spills out across the entire fairgrounds. Game tickets have traditionally included fair admission, but confirm the current policy before you go.
The State Fair Classic
The State Fair Classic, featuring historically Black universities Grambling State and Prairie View A&M, is another beloved fair tradition at the Cotton Bowl. The marching band performances alone are worth the trip, and the weekend has a festive, community feel.
What game days mean for your visit
Big game days bring the heaviest crowds of the entire fair run. Traffic around Fair Park slows to a crawl, parking fills quickly and nearby streets can close or change. If you’re attending the game, a pre-arranged drop-off and pickup is far easier than hunting for a parking spot. If you’re not going to the game, you may want to choose a different day for a more relaxed visit.
For game-day groups, our group transportation service keeps everyone together, from the tailgate to the final whistle.
Beyond the Midway: livestock, cars, creative arts and music
It’s easy to spend a whole day eating and riding, but some of the fair’s best moments happen in its exhibit halls and barns.
Livestock and agriculture
The fair’s agricultural roots are still strong. Livestock barns host competitions throughout the run, including youth livestock shows where young Texans show cattle, goats, pigs and more. It’s a fascinating look at rural Texas life and a great stop for city kids and adults alike.
The auto show
The fair’s auto show is one of the largest in the region, with new cars, trucks and SUVs from major manufacturers on display. It’s a popular stop for anyone shopping for a new vehicle or simply curious about the latest models, and it offers a welcome break from the sun.
Creative arts and competitions
Creative arts halls showcase baking, quilting, canning, crafts and photography entered by Texans from all over the state. Browsing the blue-ribbon winners is a quiet, charming part of the day that many first-timers overlook.
Concerts and shows
Live music and entertainment run throughout the fair, from main-stage concerts to smaller performances, demonstrations and evening shows. Many are included with admission, but lineups and policies change, so check the current schedule before you go.
Planning your State Fair of Texas visit
A great fair day comes down to choosing the right day, arriving prepared and knowing how you’ll get home. Use this quick comparison to match your day to your group.
| Type of day | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday, daytime | Lighter crowds, shorter lines, school groups on some mornings | Families, retirees, food-focused visits |
| Weekday, evening | Cooler temperatures, lit-up Midway, moderate crowds | Couples, coworkers after work |
| Weekend | Busiest days, liveliest atmosphere, longer lines | Friend groups who love energy |
| Football game day | Heaviest traffic and crowds, major parking pressure | Fans attending the game |
| Opening or final days | Excitement around new foods, busy final weekend | Fair regulars and food fans |
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes. Fair Park is large, and you’ll cover a lot of ground.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Late September can still feel like summer in Dallas.
- A light jacket for evenings later in October, when temperatures can drop.
- A fully charged phone and a portable charger for photos and meeting up.
- A plan for meeting up if your group gets separated, with Big Tex as a classic landmark.
The fair publishes rules about bags and permitted items, and those rules can change. Check the current policies on the official site before you pack.
Tips for big groups
Planning a company outing, a youth group trip or a reunion at the fair? Set a clear meeting time and place, share a group chat and agree on a departure time in advance. If you’re traveling together, booking one vehicle for the whole group makes the end of the day far less stressful. Our corporate event transportation team is used to coordinating group outings across Dallas.
Getting to Fair Park: parking, DART and chauffeured drop-off
Getting in and out is often the most stressful part of a fair day. Fair Park is close to Downtown Dallas and to Interstate 30, but on busy days the surrounding streets fill with traffic and the official lots can fill quickly.
Driving and parking
Official parking is available at Fair Park, along with private lots in the surrounding neighborhood. On weekends and game days, lots can fill early, and walking from a distant spot can add time to both ends of your day. After dark, finding your car among thousands of others isn’t anyone’s favorite fair memory.
Public transit
DART’s Green Line serves Fair Park, making light rail a practical option for many visitors. Trains get crowded at peak times, and you’ll still need to get to and from your station, which can be tricky for larger groups or anyone carrying souvenirs.
A chauffeured ride to the gate
The easiest option is to let someone else drive. With SA Limo, your chauffeur picks your group up at home, a hotel or the office, drops you near the entrance and meets you at an agreed pickup point when you’re ready to leave. Nobody drives after a long day, and nobody has to remember where the car is parked. With an hourly charter, you can even add a dinner stop or a visit to another part of Dallas on the way home.
Choosing the right vehicle
We offer options for 1 to 56 passengers, so there’s a fit for every fair group:
- Couples and small families: an Executive SUV seats up to six in comfort.
- Friend groups and teams: a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van carries up to 14.
- Celebrations: a 29-passenger party bus or 40-passenger luxury party bus with LED lighting, premium sound and plush seating.
- Large organizations: a Mini Coach for up to 28 or a Motorcoach for up to 56.
Our party bus rentals are especially popular for fair days and Texas–OU weekend, because the ride itself becomes part of the fun. Safety comes standard, with GPS tracking, fire extinguishers, first aid kits and chauffeurs trained in defensive driving.
Coming from out of town
Many fairgoers fly in for Texas–OU weekend or a family visit. Dallas Love Field is only a short drive from Fair Park, while DFW International Airport is farther out between Dallas and Fort Worth. Our airport pick-up and drop-off chauffeurs monitor your flight and help with luggage. If you’re still choosing a flight, our guide to DFW vs Love Field breaks down the differences.
Texas fair and rodeo season: how the State Fair compares
The State Fair of Texas is the state’s signature fall event, but Texas has a full calendar of big fairs and stock shows. If you enjoy the State Fair, these other long-running events are worth adding to your list. Dates shift slightly each year, so check current schedules.
| Event | City | Typical season | Known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Fair of Texas | Dallas (Fair Park) | Fall, about three and a half weeks | Big Tex, fried food, Texas–OU, Midway |
| Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo | Fort Worth | Mid-winter, several weeks | Pro rodeo, livestock, Western heritage |
| Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | Houston | Late winter into spring, several weeks | Rodeo, big-name concerts, livestock |
| San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo | San Antonio | Winter, a few weeks | Rodeo, livestock, family events |
Headed to Fort Worth for rodeo season or a weekend in the Stockyards? Our Fort Worth limo service can help, and our Fort Worth bachelorette party guide is full of ideas for boots, rodeos and rooftops.
Make it a North Texas fall weekend
Fall is one of the best times to visit Dallas–Fort Worth. Pair a fair day with a zoo visit using our Dallas Zoo vs Fort Worth Zoo comparison, or head north for golf and dining with our guide to what Frisco, TX is known for. With a chauffeur handling the driving, you can fit more into a weekend without the fatigue.
Frequently asked questions
When is the State Fair of Texas held each year?
The State Fair of Texas usually opens in late September and runs for roughly three and a half weeks into October. Exact dates change each year, so check the official schedule before you plan your trip.
Where is the State Fair of Texas located?
The fair takes place at Fair Park, a historic 277-acre park about two miles east of Downtown Dallas. Fair Park is also home to Cotton Bowl Stadium, the Hall of State and several museums.
Is the State Fair of Texas the longest state fair in the country?
It is one of the longest. While many state fairs run for one to two weeks, the State Fair of Texas typically runs for more than three weeks, which is why it’s often described as one of the longest-running and largest state fairs in the United States.
How tall is Big Tex?
Big Tex stands about 55 feet tall. He debuted at the fair in 1952, was rebuilt after a fire in 2012 and returned the next year. He’s one of the most photographed figures in Texas and a popular meeting spot at the fair.
What is the best way to get to the State Fair of Texas with a group?
For groups, a chauffeured vehicle is usually the easiest option. A Sprinter Van, party bus or coach picks everyone up together, drops you near the gate and returns at an agreed time, so nobody deals with parking or crowded trains. SA Limo offers options for 1 to 56 passengers.
Is it worth going to the fair on Texas–OU weekend?
If you’re attending the game, absolutely. The atmosphere is electric. If you only want to enjoy the fair itself, a weekday or a non-game weekend usually means shorter lines and easier access. Either way, plan transportation in advance, since game days bring the heaviest traffic of the fair.
Ready to make this year’s fair day easy? SA Limo is available 24/7 by reservation across Dallas–Fort Worth, with free cancellation on 24-hour notice. Rates depend on vehicle, date, duration and distance, so call (435) 720-8948 or request a free quote and we’ll get your group to Fair Park in style.
