The Texas State Fair: History, Traditions & Tips for Visiting

The History of the Texas State Fair

The Texas State Fair has a long and storied history stretching back to the late 1800s. The first fair was held in 1886 in Dallas as a way to promote agriculture, manufacturing, and livestock in Texas. It was such a success that it became an annual event, growing over the decades into one of the largest and most attended fairs in the United States.

Early Years of the Fair

In the early years, the fair was mostly focused on agricultural exhibitions and competitions. Farmers and ranchers from all around Texas would bring their largest vegetables, award-winning livestock, and finest homemade goods to show off to fellow Texans. Prizes and blue ribbons were awarded for the best in show.

The first fair was located on 10 acres of land just east of downtown Dallas. As its popularity grew, so did the need for a larger fairground location. In 1904, the fair settled into a new permanent location at Fair Park, which remains the site of the Texas State Fair today. Several iconic structures were soon built, including the original Cotton Bowl Stadium.

A Growing Tradition

By the 1920s and 1930s, the fair had grown to over 3 million annual attendees. It became an important annual tradition for many Texas families. The auto show debuted in 1904, showing off the latest car models to Texans. Creative hobby contests like pie baking, quilting, and preserves captured public interest. The 1936 fair was centered around the Texas Centennial Celebration.

Although the fair was canceled during World War II, it came back stronger than ever in the postwar years of the late 1940s and 1950s. Annual attendance soared past 3.5 million in the mid-1960s. Major music acts like Elvis and Willie Nelson played concerts there. New technology displays and corporate pavilions also increased public interest after the war.

Signature Foods and Entertainment

Today, the Texas State Fair is most famous for its outrageously indulgent fair fare creations. The annual Big Tex Choice Awards honor the most creative new foods that will debut at the fair. Past trophy winners include favorites like deep-fried butter, fried Coke, fried cookie dough, deep-fried peaches and cream, and the original corny dog.

Sweet and Savory Treats

You can find just about any crazy food conceivable at the Texas State Fair, from savory choices like deep-fried mac and cheese and fried avocado tacos to sweet concoctions like deep-fried Snickers and fried cheesecake on a stick. Outlandish mashups like the fried lobster corny dog and the chicken fried bacon burrito are always a hit.

Beyond the stunt foods, you’ll also find classic fair fare like giant turkey legs, blooming onions, loaded curly fries, funnel cakes and aisles of prize-winning jams, jellies and pickled products. There’s no shortage of desserts like red velvet waffle cones or chocolate-covered frozen bananas.

Concerts and Rides

In addition to the endless culinary options, the fair today features one of the largest midway rides parks in the country. The towering Texas Star Ferris Wheel offers spectacular views. You can also enjoy classics like the carousel, bumper cars, giant slide and rollercoasters as well as livestock shows, creative art displays, a auto show and daily parades.

The fair's concert series draws major stars in country, rock and pop to the Cotton Bowl Stadium. Past acts have included icons like Elvis, Willie Nelson, Selena, ZZ Top, Bob Dylan and Beyonce.

Planning Your Visit

The Texas State Fair is held every fall in Dallas, running for 24 action-packed days from late September through mid October. Hours run from 10am to 9pm Monday through Thursday and 10am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Getting There

Fair Park sits conveniently near downtown Dallas. Public transportation by DART light rail and buses stops directly at the main gates. Those driving in can park in one of the 10,000 spaces at the fair. Rideshares, taxis and hotel shuttles are other options.

Tickets and Admission

You can save money by buying discounted tickets in advance online instead of paying full price at the gate. Deals are usually offered for early morning or weekdays. Gate admission ranges from around $20 to $25 per person depending on the day. Children under 48" are free. Various combo ride-and-entry passes are also available.

Tips for Your Visit

With so much to see and do in 24 days, it’s smart to plan your day in advance. Arrive early on weekdays to avoid long lines during peak times on weekends. Bring small bills for food vendors and pack comfy walking shoes. Download the fair app to have the entertainment schedule, maps, and activities in hand. Most importantly, come hungry and ready to indulge!

FAQs

When is the Texas State Fair held?

The Texas State Fair is held every fall, running for 24 days from late September through mid October.

Where does the Texas State Fair take place?

The fair takes place at Fair Park near downtown Dallas, where it has been held since 1904 after moving from its original site.

What kinds of activities and entertainment does the fair offer?

The fair features livestock shows, creative arts displays, an auto show, daily parades, concerts by major music acts, one of the largest midway ride parks in the US, and of course hundreds of wild and delicious fair foods.

How can I get discount tickets?

Discounted tickets can be purchased online in advance of the fair. Deals are also usually offered for early morning and weekday admission.

What tips do you recommend for attending?

Arrive early on weekdays to avoid long lines, bring small bills for food vendors, wear comfy shoes, download the fair app, and come hungry!