EEK! We’re only two and a half weeks away form the 2023 State Fair of Texas! I LOVE to go to the state fair each year and look forward to the food, exhibitions, animals and variety of entertainment. We’ve been going for over 30 years! Tickets can be purchased HERE. The 2023 fair theme is “EXPLORE THE MIDWAY,” which is the perfect theme to celebrate the fair fun each fall at the iconic Midway. Over the years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks to easily navigate the State Fair of Texas so I thought I would share them today.
TANYA’S TIP: My biggest piece of advice is to attend the State Fair of Texas on opening day. The fair starts on Friday, September 29 and will run for three weeks ending on Sunday, October 22. Why opening day? The food is fresh, the vendors are excited about opening day and everything is a bit cleaner, in my opinion. The gates will open at 10:00 AM! Here are some important tidbits about this years State Fair of Texas that will help you navigate your experience. This is of course in addition to all the amazing stuff we already know about such as the Texas Auto Show, the Midway, livestock exhibitions, college football games, arts & crafts and the petting zoo.
Pete and I head to the state fair several times during its 3 week run. We’ve even been know to just pop in for a corny dog dinner. 🙂
10 Things to know about the 2023 State Fair of Texas!
- A new exhibit that features 10 life-sized dinosaurs found in Texas including a 57-foot tall Alamosaurus! It is both a fun and educational exhibit.
- This is a great activity for all ages. It is located at the Leonhardt Lagoon.
NEW! Soap Bubble Circus
- This show features the Soap Bubble Circus performing Guinness World-Record breaking bubble magic.
- Watch this show daily at the Fringe Stage.
- Included with your entry ticket again this year is the ability to attend the rodeo! Located in the Fair Park Coliseum.
- Various days and weekends from 6:30 – 8 PM
- Texas has a lot of great wine, which is why the State Fair Wine Garden is giving you three ways to try the different varieties. Throughout all 24 days of the Fair, wines are sold by the taste, glass, and bottle.
- There is also a stage that features shows daily during the run of the Fair. Details here.
FREE concerts at the Chevrolet Main State
- The State Fair of Texas always has a great lineup of musical talent for the free concert series. Click HERE to see who will performing.
- Lonestar is performing on Opening Day at 8:30 PM
2022 Big Tex Choice Award Winners
- Since 2005, the Big Tex Choice Awards contest has solidified the State Fair of Texas as the top Fair for great food creations. Each year, State Fair concessionaires fry up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition. Everything from Fried Beer to Fried Peaches and Cream has made the cut to become a part of the exclusive club of fried food creations.
- This year’s winners are:
- Best Taste – Savory: Deep Fried Pho
- Best Taste – Sweet: Biscoff Delight
- Most Creative: Bourbon Banana Caramel Sopapillas
- Click HERE for a full list of foods at the State Fair of Texas. There’s lots of NEW food!
How to get every discount possible
- Culturemap does such a great job of gathering discount hacks. Click HERE to read their article.
- Thrifty Thursdays offers discount food pricing. October 5, 12 & 19. Details HERE.
- Want to see every new make and model car? Head to the Automobile Building, the Centennial Building and the Truck Zone
- Tip: It’s a great way to cool off in an air conditioned building!
- The State Fair of Texas has announced that it is tweaking its Opening Day Ceremony, which is Friday, September 29. It will be held at 7 PM in from of the Hall of State inside the fairgrounds. Yes, the Kilgore Rangerettes are back for this annual performance tradition.
- There are a limited amount of PREMIUM TICKETS. They are one-day admission tickets that give you date flexibility. They can only be purchased online HERE. Don’t worry – there are still regular daily admission tickets and season passes too. Click HERE for all ticket information.
- Coupons are still needed for all rides and food inside the State Fair of Texas. They can be purchased in $50 packets.
- Did you know that coupons from past State Fair of Texas are always valid? Yep, just bring them with you and use them up!
WOW! That seems like a lot of information but I really do hope it helps you plan your visit. If you are looking for even more info on all new things at the fair, be sure and read HERE. And if you are like me, you will go several times during the three week run because, well, all need more than one Fletcher’s Original State Fair Corny Dog! Am I right?
xoxo – Tanya
P.S. Did you know that the State Fair of Texas coupons never expire? If you have some from last year be sure to bring them with you. The vendors will take them for food and rides.
Photo: Sarah Blaze Photography
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Tags: Big Tex, Dallas, State Fair of Texas, Texas
Great tips, Tanya. We went last night and I noticed the facelift to The Old Mill inn, the only place to get mixed drinks at the fair (not that I drink liquor at the fair — beer with a Fletcher’s for me).
It is always fun to go see the Butter Sculpture in the creative arts building! We have a couple blue ribbon winners(Collections) in there as well!