The 70th State Fair of Texas kicked off last Friday and the FTWtoday team headed to Fair Park for opening day. City Editor Kate, here — There are hundreds of things to try at the fair + Rebecca and I are sharing our editor’s picks on everything from food to rides to shows.
But first, the basics — The fair runs until Sun., Oct. 23. We’re got everything you need to know before you go in our guide to the fair + daily discounts to play fair with your budget.
The full schedule is extensive. If you’re on a time crunch, here are our single-day must-dos.
We went for a classic corny dogs but there are lots of flavors to try.
Photo by @FTWtoday
Eat 🌭
- Fried charcuterie board | The winner of this year’s Savory category in the Big Tex Awards, this fare is sweet and salty, spicy and creamy.
- Fletcher’s Corny Dogs | A can’t-miss classic — there are multiple Fletcher’s stands across the park.
- Editor’s Pick: Frontier Fruit and Nut Co. | Need a sweet treat to eat + take home? Try the Mansfield confectionery’s turtle fudge.
The carousel is fun for all ages.
Photo by @FTWtoday
Play 🎯
- Texas Star Ferris Wheel | 212 exhilarating feet above the Dallas skyline.
- Midway games | Grab a Big Tex game card + win a stuffed prize.
- Editor’s Pick: Dentzel Carousel | A 1914 staple for those who need slower-paced fun.
That is a lot of butter.
Photo by @FTWtoday
See 👀
- Butter sculpture | Artist Tom Robert’s “Big Tex’s Butter Birthday Party” is a lard of fun.
- Mavs Vault | Slam dunk into the history of the Dallas Mavericks in the Hall of State.
- Editor’s Pick: Mundo Latino: “Dia de Los Muertos” | Celebrate the Day of the Dead with art installations and face painting at the Women’s Museum.
Funds from the bird show support conservation efforts.
Photo by @FTWtoday
Pet 🐐
- Oncor petting zoo | Feed goats, camels, kangaroos, miniature horses, and more out of the palm of your hand.
- Stunt Dog Show | Catch the crazy canines perform gravity-defying tricks.
- Editor’s Pick: SOAR! | Presented by World of Birds, watch exotic birds fly from the top of the Ferris wheel to the Band Shell.
Trace Adkins kicked off the music lineup at the Chevrolet Main Stage.
Photo by @FTWtoday
Watch 🎇
- Kroger Starlight Parade | See floats with a giant cow and a mirrored man parade around the fairgrounds every night.
- Live music | Concerts are included with admission and take place across three stages.
- Editor’s Pick: Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation | Don’t miss the nightly show with dancers, lights, pyrotechnics, and popular music all reflected in the Esplanade.