The State Fair of Texas - Fun, Food and Ferris Wheels

The State Fair of Texas - A Texas Tradition

The State Fair of Texas is an annual festival held in Dallas at historic Fair Park. It is one of the largest and longest-running state fairs in the United States, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. For over 130 years, the State Fair of Texas has been a beloved Texas tradition and a place where memories are made.

History of the State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas dates back to 1886, when local leaders created the Dallas State Fair and Exposition as a way to promote agriculture, industry, and entertainment in North Texas. The first fair was held in October of that year, featuring agricultural exhibits, machinery demonstrations, art displays, and harness racing competitions. From the beginning, creative fair food was part of the experience, with the first fair featuring classics like hot dogs, sodas, and popcorn.

Attendance at the early fairs was impressive, ranging from 75,000-100,000 visitors each year in the late 1800s. The fair was temporarily halted between 1898-1904 due to POST-Civil War economic strife in Dallas, but returned with gusto in 1905 after city leaders voted to make it an annual event. The State Fair of Texas was canceled only one other time since then - during World War II between 1942-1945.

Over the decades, the fair has grown tremendously in size and scope. It has relocated twice - first to Fair Park in 1886 and then to a larger area of Fair Park in 1936. Iconic fair buildings like the Cotton Bowl Stadium and the Tower of the Americas were constructed in the 1930s and 1960s to accommodate growing crowds. Today, the 24-day State Fair of Texas attracts over 2 million yearly visitors - a testament to its longtime place in Texas culture.

Attractions at the State Fair of Texas

Half of the appeal of the State Fair of Texas lies in its many attractions and activities:

• Livestock shows - Since the 1800s, competitive livestock shows have been a big draw, allowing Texas farmers and ranchers to show off their prized cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, poultry, and rabbits.
• Creative food - Over 70 different vendors serve up the wildest fair fare food you can imagine - from deep fried Oreos to hot dog donuts.
• Midway rides - The 212-foot Texas Star Ferris Wheel and other thrilling rides offer stunning views and family fun.
• Games and contests - Show off your skills at carnival games and enter contests like the annual auto show or creative arts competitions.
• Shopping - Over 600 commercial vendors offer all kinds of unique arts, crafts, clothing and more in shopper's paradise.
• Live music - Multiple stages host national and local performers ranging from country to jazz to rock and blues.
• Exhibits - Interactive learning experiences like the Children's Aquarium entertain and educate guests.
• Sports - Each year, the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium hosts a major college football game during the fair.

With so much to experience, fairgoers flock to Dallas each fall to make lifelong memories at the State Fair of Texas.

The Food of the State Fair of Texas

Perhaps the biggest attraction of all is the creative, only-in-Texas cuisine you can find at the State Fair. Families look forward to tasting the outlandish concoctions that come from blending sweet and savory flavors in adventurous combinations. Some perennial favorites include:

• Fernando's Deep Fried Nachos - Fresh tortilla chips piled high with beef, cheese and all the fixings - then deep fried to perfection.
• Fried S'mores - Marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between fried cookies...Need I say more?
• Deep Fried Bayou Fruit Bites -Chunks of pineapple and strawberries fried in a crispy, spiced batter.
• Texas Fried Maple Bacon Whoopie Pie - A Texas-sized whoopie pie filled with maple cream cheese and crumbled bacon.
• Deep Fried Thanksgiving Dinner - Turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and veggies deep fried into a tender, crispy bite.
• Funnel Cake Ale - A blonde ale flavored with notes of powdered sugar and funnel cake.

The wilder, the better seems to be the motto when it comes to State Fair foods. New concoctions are invented every year, drawing the crowds who can't seem to get enough of the wacky but oh-so-delicious creations.

Going to the State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas is held every fall at historic Fair Park, located just east of downtown Dallas. The 2023 fair runs from September 29th through October 22nd. Fair hours are 10:00am to 9:00pm Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 10:00pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00am to 7:00pm on Sundays.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate upon arrival, or discounted advance tickets can be purchased online. Parking is available at Fair Park, and shuttle services also run from some Dallas DART stations. Families or groups can consider purchasing season passes for additional savings.

A trip to the State Fair of Texas has brought joy to generations of fairgoers since 1886. For Texans and out-of-state visitors alike, it's the perfect place to celebrate arts, agriculture, indulge in fried delicacies, and make memories to last a lifetime.

FAQs

What are the dates for the State Fair of Texas in 2023?

The 2023 State Fair of Texas runs from Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 22.

What are the hours of the State Fair?

Fair hours are:

• Mondays-Thursdays: 10am-9pm
• Fridays-Saturdays: 10am-10pm
• Sundays: 10am-7pm

How much do tickets cost?

At the gate, adult admission is $25 for ages 13 and up. Children under 12 are free. Discounted advance tickets can be purchased online.

Where is the fair located?

The State Fair of Texas is located at Fair Park, a 277-acre park just east of downtown Dallas, Texas.

What are some of the highlight attractions?

Don't miss the iconic 212-foot Texas Star Ferris Wheel, creative fried foods, Midway games and rides, livestock shows, auto exhibitions, shopping, and live music performances.