Even though the State Fair of Texas lasts almost a month long, sometimes our schedule doesn’t allow us to go more than once. There have been years where I went over 10 times and other years where I could only make it once. No matter how many times you visit each year, it’s essential to make the most out of each visit.
I’m not usually a big planner and love to go with the flow but when we head to the State Fair of Texas we like to get a general idea of things we want to do, what food we want to eat and take note of any special attractions to visit. This makes for a less stressful day (especially if you have kids with you).
If at all possible – Arrive Early to the State Fair of TX. The fair tends to be less crowded in the morning, so arrive as close to opening time as possible. This will give you a head start on popular attractions and minimize wait times. Don’t pay full price when attending the State Fair. There are so many different coupons and discounts available.
10 Things to Know Before You Go to the State Fair of Texas
Here are just a few of their scheduled events to be on the lookout for when you visit the State Fair of Texas. You can find their full schedule by visiting their calendar and easily make your own itinerary, print it, or share it.
Big Tex Urban Farms
In 2016, the State Fair of Texas introduced Big Tex Urban Farms, a revolutionary, mobile agriculture system in the heart of Fair Park.
As a testing ground for the project, the Fair used an 80-by-80-foot area normally used to house the Gateway Pavilion during the State Fair season. Employees from various departments worked with a Fair Park-area company to develop 100 raised planting beds created out of products normally used for packaging and shipping.
By the end of 2016, the project proved itself to be a successful experiment by investing financial and human capital into immediate Fair Park neighborhoods and companies. It connects like-minded agriculture entities and provides fresh produce to organizations focused on hunger and healthy lifestyle programs.
Check out their interactive exhibits where you can see baby chicks hatch, piglets feed, and learn how to care for animals. A great place to start exploring.
Daily Wine Tasting at the Wine Garden
The State Fair Wine Garden is a great way to explore the wide variety of wines made right here in the Lone Star State! Featuring more than 40 Texas wineries over the course of the Fair, there is always a new wine to try at the State Fair Wine Garden! Each day, fair attendees (21+) can sample 3-4 wines from the featured Texas wineries. Samples may be purchased by the taste, glass, or bottle.
Nestled in a quaint courtyard under a huge oak tree, between the Food and Fiber Pavilion and the Pan Am Arena, the State Fair Wine Garden is the perfect spot to escape the bustling fairgrounds before your next adventure
All Star Stunt Dog Show
Offering the world’s first and original “stunt dog show,” audiences of all ages will be captivated by amazing canine tricks you have to see to believe! The All-Star Stunt Dog Show dogs have performed across the country, including appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Oprah Winfrey Show. All the dogs have been rescued from shelters and trained to showcase their unique talents. From jump roping, to barrel racing, and even juggling, this show is guaranteed to be dog-gone fun.
Farmer Mike the Pumpkin Carver
Mike Valladao, a.k.a. Farmer Mike, is world renowned for his enormous and expressive pumpkin carvings. Fairgoers can see him in action on weekends in the Greenhouse on the Midway. Watch this pumpkin carver in action as he carves away on a large pumpkin and makes it come to life!
Pee-Wee Stampede and Rodeo
Kids can grab their cowboy gear and get ready to ride! The Pee Wee Stampede and Rodeo lets kiddos put on a show and participate in mock rodeo events. While the crowd cheers, the kids race on their stick horses and bulls and provide a fun-filled show for everyone. From bronco busting to barrel racing, kids are the stars of this rodeo. You can’t miss this laugh-out-loud production! Suitable for children four to eight years old.
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon
Featuring 10 life-sized dinosaurs found in Texas, a kids’ play area, and plenty of seating and dining options, the brand-new Dinosaurs at the Lagoon exhibit brings together Fair fun with bilingual educational entertainment for the whole family. Be sure to get your photo with a 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus!
The Midway at the State Fair of Texas
The State Fair Midway features more than 70 rides including the Thrillway, the Kidway, the iconic 212-ft. Texas Star® Ferris wheel, the 500-ft. Top o’ Texas Tower, and the 1914 Dentzel Carousel – not to mention enough Midway games to keep you entertained for hours!
State Fair of Texas Rodeo
Every weekend, Friday through Sunday, witness the best of the best in the ring – whether it’s rounding up cattle as part of the State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo or celebrating the variety of culture in rodeo as part of the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta. Returning for a second year, the State Fair of Texas is proud to welcome back the Year-End Finale of the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) to the Fair Park Coliseum this fall as part of the Fair’s rodeo lineup.
Chevrolet Ride and Drive
Take on a driving course filled with incredible obstacles in an array of amazing Chevy vehicles, including Silverado 2500HD, Blazer EV, Trax, Corvette and more from the Chevy lineup. This drive is completely free. Located in Chevrolet Park Plaza, northeast of the Top o’ Texas Tower and the Midway.
How would you plan the ultimate day at the State Fair of Texas?
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