A First-timers Guide to the State Fair of Texas

Last year was my first time to ever attend the State Fair of Texas. I loved it so much that I went twice. It’s such a big event and there is so much to do that I wanted to help make it easier to navigate. It opens today so I wanted to share my Guide to the State Fair of Texas!

What to Eat:

There are so many food options to choose from but here are my favorites:

• Fried Oreos. This was my FAVORITE thing I ate out of the two times I visited. They’re so delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
• Fletchers Corn Dog. You can’t come to the State Fair of Texas and NOT eat a Fletchers Corn Dog. They are other corn dog vendors, but none of them stand a chance against the Fletchers dog.
• Chocolate Covered Bananas. It’s simply a frozen chocolate covered banana and it really hits the spot. It’s hot outside normally and you’re most likely eating really bad food and this is a healthier sweet treat. It’s also dairy-free which is an added bonus for me!

Thrifty Thursdays will be your best friend if you are going for the food or if you’re wanting to save money. Every Thursday at the fair, certain food items that are discounted. For any other information on food, head here.

What to Do:

• Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Sadly, last year I didn’t get to ride the Ferris Wheel on either of my visits but this year it’s on my list. The line is just soooo long, be prepared to wait around.
• Concerts. There are so many platforms for entertainment at the State Fair. Before you head to the fair, check out who is performing that day especially on the Main Stage. Not only does this give you something to do it also informs you if you’re not interested in concerts to avoid that area at the time of their performance. Concerts, live music, and entertainment draw people so it will get congested around where the performers are.
• Free Exhibits. There are a handful of free exhibits to take advantage of and many of them are located inside. This is a great time to take a break and cool down and explore free of cost.

For more information on what to do, head here.

Other Helpful Information:

• Weekends are the busiest time to visit, so if you’re able to go on a weekday that’s the best time to go. They also have ISD days where schools get the day off to attend the fair, you’ll want to avoid those days as well.
• DISCOUNTS! There are SO MANY different discounts and ways to save money when it comes to the fair. Discounts are great because almost everything at the fair costs money (food, rides, etc.) Here are just a few of those ways to utilize discounts: buying online, group tickets (20+), Dart GoPass, Kroger, Dr. Pepper, etc. You can view all of those discounts and details here.
• Parking, come prepared. Parking can become overwhelming. Here are the different parking options:
  • Ride the Dart instead, it takes you right up to the front gate.
  • Park off-site
  • Self-park on-site ($15)
  • Vallet ($30)

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The State Fair of Texas will last from September 27th – October 20th, 2019. It’s one of my favorite North Texas Fall activities!

What are your favorite things about the State Fair? What’s your best advice for a first-timer heading to the fair?