Take a stroll through the Midway after dark for a neon wonderland. | Photo by @FTWtoday
The State Fair of Texas kicked off last Friday and the FTWtoday, DALtoday, and ATXtoday teams headed to Fair Park for opening day to eat, ride, and try things chosen by our readers. Here’s our review of everything y’all recommended plus a few editor’s picks.
Reader’s rec:Fletcher’s Corny Dogs Stop by multiple Fletcher’s stands spread throughout the park for a can’t-miss classic. We won’t tell you what condiment to top it with. The editor’s still can’t agree.
Editor’s pick: Milton’s Amish Doughnuts While not on the list of Big Tex Choice Awards, this new concession item is definitely one to taste on Grand Avenue. We ranked the giant sweet treat — fluffy fried sourdough coated in a warm sugar glaze — a nine out of 10.
Ride
Reader’s rec: Texas Star Ferris Wheel We cruised 212 ft above the Dallas skyline for a 360-degree view of Fair Park. Bonus: Riding twice around the Ferris Wheel gives you a few minutes to sit down and cool off in the breeze.
Editor’s pick:Dentzel Carousel The 1914 ride is a staple for those who need slower-paced fun — or for editors who needed a chill moment after they thought they could ride the spinning Techno Power, but really shouldn’t have.
Play
Reader’s rec: Skeeball Step right up for this classic carnival game located in the Midway. ATXtoday City Editor Morgan turned out to be quite the skeeball sportsman.
Editor’s pick: Midway Barker The man who “ain’t got no body” guards the entrance to the Midway and pokes a little fun at fairgoers on their way to the games.
See
Reader’s rec: Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation Don’t miss the nightly show with dancers, lights, pyrotechnics, and popular music all reflected in the Esplanade.
Editor’s Pick:Pint-sized Parade There was nothing pint-sized about the larger-than-life armadillo and giant cow floats in this new parade that takes place four times daily in front of the Hall of State.
Events
Tuesday, Oct. 1
Honeybee Show-and-Tell & Honey Tasting | Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle | Free | Don’t stop bee-lieving in this delicious, family-friendly class.
“Company” | Tuesday, Oct. 1-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Bass Performance Hall | $44+ | Watch the musical that features award-winning songs like “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” and “Being Alive.”
Wednesday, Oct. 2
“What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?” | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 2 p.m. | The Modern | $0+ | Catch the 1962 horror film starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford as part of the “My Favorite Films” series.
Spark Workshops | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 5:30-8 p.m. | SiNaCa Studios | $120 | Learn how to make your own colorful glass creation from master artists.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Korean Barbecue | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Central Market Fort Worth | $105 | Work in teams to create Korean pear salad, pajeon, bulgogi, and bibimbap.
Trivia Night | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Saddlerock Wine and Beer Co. | Grab your friends and put your knowledge to the test — winning teams receive gift cards to the new wine house.
Wyzant is pay-as-you-go (read: no expensive packages required), offering lessons starting as low as $10. | Photo via Pexels
With October upon us and the school year in full swing, it’s a good time to pause and reflect (ideally with a cozy drink in hand): How is the student in your life doing?
Whether you have a house full of kiddos or are going back to school yourself, Wyzant‘s vetted instructors can help with 300+ topics, from academic core subjects and foreign languages to test prep, musical instruments, and more.
Meet in person with a local tutor, or take lessons virtually. The best part? It’s pay-as-you-go and starts as low as $10/session.
It’s a boy — the Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a new baby mandrill earlier this month. Jasper is already hanging out in the World of Primates habitat with his mom Scarlett, dad J.J., and older sister Ruby, who was the first mandrill to be born at the zoo in three decades.
Outdoors
Construction is set to break ground on Saturday, Nov. 16 for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s new Baker Martin Family Garden. The $25 million space for exploration and learning is just one part of the garden’s 20-year master plan. (Fort Worth Report)
Open
Sip, sip, hooray — a new tennis-themed coffee shop is open on West Seventh Street in a former dental office. Former college tennis player Scott Keenan soft-launched Match Point Coffee last week. Bonus: The cafe is also home to a new podcast space.
Sports
The two best 5A high school football teams in Texas will go head-to-head on Friday, Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Catch the match up between No. 1 Denton Ryan and No. 2 Aledo on WFAA+ and get the full game lowdown from WFAA sports anchor Mike Leslie.
Listen
The TCU Horned Frogs defeated the Kansas Jayhawks (38-27) on Saturday, righting the ship after back-to-back losses. Hear what changed in coach Sonny Dykes’ strategy on Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Pro Tip
Instead of scrolling through social media while you sip your coffee, try reading 817 Biz. It’s a free newsletter that features no-snooze, bite-size business news from Tarrant County. Subscribe for free — and see it in your inbox on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.*
Finance
Which card now features 0% APR Into 2026? This card. (ICYMI, experts say balance transfer cards are one of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt.)*
The Buy
The Buy 10.01.24 (Affiliate)
A MagSafe Kate Spade wallet that conveniently attaches to the back of your phone. It boasts Kate Spade’s signature elegant design + can hold up to three cards and cash.
Attention foodies — the Michelin Guide will announce its list of Michelin-rated Texas restaurants on Monday, Nov. 11 + we can’t wait to see which Fort Worth eateries earn a star. Until then, chow down at our reader-voted spots + book a staycation at Fort Worth’s two Michelin-key hotels.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.