Experience the Excitement of the 2024 State Fair of Texas

It’s that time of year again! The State Fair of Texas is back, inviting you to try your luck on the midway, indulge in the latest deep-fried delights, pick out your next dream car, and stroll through the cattle barns. This year’s theme, “24 Days of Fun,” promises an unforgettable experience filled with activities, entertainment, and mouthwatering food. With so much to see and do, you’ll need every one of those 24 days to soak it all in!

Dates and Hours

Mark your calendars! The State Fair of Texas runs from September 27 to October 20. The fair opens its gates from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and extends the fun until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission Details

Admission prices vary depending on the day of the week, ranging from $15 to $25 for adults and $5 to $18 for children and seniors. Children under 2 can enter for free, making it a family-friendly outing.

Discounts and Value Days

The fair offers several discounts to help you save:

• After 5 p.m.: Adults pay children’s prices every day.
• Military/First Responder Discount: Active military, veterans, and first responders save $5 with valid documentation.
• Opening Day Special: Bring two jars of peanut butter to donate to the North Texas Food Bank and receive admission for just $10 at the gate.
• Wednesdays: Bring five canned food items for a $5 admission, with all donations going to the North Texas Food Bank.
• Thursdays: Seniors aged 60 and older can enter for just $5.

Parking and Transportation

Parking at the fairgrounds costs $30 per space. To avoid the hassle of parking and traffic, consider taking the DART Rail. The Green Line will take you to two stations: Fair Park Station, located at the entrance to the fairgrounds, and MLK, Jr. Station, which is near Gate 6.

Policies to Keep in Mind

Before you head to the fair, be aware of a few important policies:

• Minors Policy: After 5 p.m., all minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (21+).
• Firearms Policy: The fair prohibits firearms and other weapons on the grounds, including concealed carry.
• Public Events or Protests: Any public events or protests require prior written approval from fair management.

For a complete list of policies, visit bigtex.com/know-before-you-go.

New Shows and Attractions for 2024

This year’s fair features over 100 activities daily, including exciting new attractions:

• Cirque Du Soleil: Songblazers: This acrobatic performance combines the artistry of Cirque du Soleil with beloved country music. Performances run from September 25 to October 20 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
• Billy Kidd Show: Award-winning magician Billy Kidd will dazzle audiences with her sleight of hand and mind-bending tricks at the Fringe Stage.
• Bryan Berg the Card Stacker: Watch as Guinness World Record-holder Bryan Berg constructs the Dallas skyline using only playing cards inside the Hall of State.
• Pint-Sized Parade: A family-friendly procession featuring costumed characters, music, and dance will take place daily.

New Food for 2024

Food lovers, rejoice! The State Fair of Texas is introducing six new concessions this year:

• Rita’s Italian Ice: Try the new Cool Combo, featuring Italian ice paired with vanilla frozen custard.
• Korean Corn Dogs: The Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog combines a hot dog and mozzarella cheese, battered and deep-fried, topped with spicy mayo and Hot Cheeto crumbs.
• Crepes and Co.: Indulge in the Fried Apple Cinnamon Crepe, filled with Biscoff cookie butter and caramelized apples.
• So Eggciting Deviled Eggs: A Texas twist on the classic, topped with coleslaw and barbecue rib meat.
• Smith Spot BBQ: Try The Nephew, a glazed donut topped with brisket, mozzarella cheese, honey, and powdered sugar.
• The Dumpling Experience: Customize your dumplings with a variety of sauces.

Farm Animals and Activities

Explore the animal barns and enjoy farm-related activities:

• Pig Races: Watch adorable pigs race at Chevy Park Plaza, with daily shows at various times.
• Farm and Fork University: Cowboy Trey answers your burning barnyard questions in this engaging presentation.
• Big Tex’s Discovery Farm: Interactive exhibits and live animal displays teach about agriculture and livestock.

Parades, Fireworks, and an All-New Drone Show

End your day at the fair with spectacular entertainment:

• Starlight Parade: A vibrant procession featuring floats, puppets, and characters takes place nightly at 7:15 p.m.
• Illumination Sensation: Following the parade, enjoy a synchronized fireworks and special effects show at 8 p.m.
• Stars Over Texas Drone Show: New for 2024, catch this mesmerizing drone show after the fireworks on select nights.

Live Music

Throughout the fair, enjoy a variety of musical performances across multiple stages, all free with admission. Notable headliners include:

• Jo Dee Messina on opening weekend
• Shakey Graves and Grace Potter on the second weekend
• Spin Doctors and The Commodores closing out the fair

For a complete list of performances, visit bigtex.com/live-music.

With so much to see, do, and taste, the 2024 State Fair of Texas promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. Be sure to check the fair’s website at bigtex.com and its social media channels for any last-minute updates and changes. Get ready for 24 days of fun!