State Fair of Texas Tips and Tricks to Know Before You Go
Whether it's your first time or hundredth time to the State Fair of Texas, we could all use some helpful tips on how to guarantee a successful trip.
Going to the state fair can be the highlight to anyone's fall season, but don't let the state fair craze overwhelm you. Here are four easy tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect fair day.
1. Don't spend too much time parking.
DART is a great option to save time getting to the fair. Just hop on a train to Fair Park Station and get dropped off right in front of the main gate! You can even purchase your tickets on the DART GoPASS app, where you'll get $2 off fair admission. The time you save on transportation means more time at the Midway or a second (or third) Fletcher's Corny Dog.
2. Don't try to get everything done in one day.
The State Fair of Texas is the longest running fair in the country with open gates for 24 consecutive days from Sept. 27 through Oct. 20 – and for good reason! There's so much to experience, so don't feel like you have to cram it all in one day.
3. Don't pay too much.
Save on admission by buying a season pass. If you plan to go more than once (and we think you should) you can save with a season pass. The season pass includes other great benefits as well, like one bring-a-friend admission ticket, one free Midway game of your choice and more!
The State Fair of Texas partners with many organizations to offer discounted admission on tickets for things like donating to the North Texas Food Bank or recycling a Dr Pepper can.
4. Don't miss the icons
Big Tex
Big Tex lives at the center of the fairgrounds along Lone Star Boulevard and Grand Avenue and welcomes every fair goer with a deep, Texas-accented voice. Plus, the main Fletcher's Corny Dog stand is just steps away, so a stop for both a selfie and a corny dog is ideal.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=320&s=9b7b6e1e75c1eb9b7ca188bea261c639 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=540&s=56eadcc41850e3a32063657e4d9a8d90 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=768&s=d5d947ece76e77579d094f03f2eb47cd 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=1024&s=170d8543cb7723de91ed9c7e98a7addc 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=1200&s=e11f317aaa25af7c86d9922b6202475d 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=1440&s=9e25df2cd2d56cf0c7af483f14a54b31 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=1920&s=49c24c0a8e51b20420e82cb6f74a3868 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-86.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=52.11%2029.83&q=80&w=2560&s=e77d76f522c0edefcb2e98d5cc7757c5 2400w)
Midway
The epicenter of excitement, Fair Park's Midway, is home to the fair's rides, games and some of the tastiest treats. Plan for the rides being early in the day because nobody in your group wants to see your turkey leg a second time.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c56b405bbfdb94585f6cfb406c82559e 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a3f9313b6f4214206f007ed3d04a5f46 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=1068db4c9763b2304cb9bfeaa4de727d 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c0b703d05388731c0c6f68bbbd6567dc 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=0cbbcd4f8e8a43fc516c51c72d3be135 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=e7d02586249217e2ee5d34c2e4f031f2 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=2ac8aa09f3aa933c7ebe9b9956a23e97 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/events/state-fair-of-texas/State_Fair_Of_Texas_2021-28.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=223135212e719dd82e4eec6bd496f845 2400w)
Texas Star Ferris Wheel
The heart of the Fair Park Midway is the Texas Star, Dallas' iconic Ferris wheel. Snag a selfie from the ground before you take to the sky on a 20-story tall journey offering unique views of Fair Park and the Dallas skyline.
![Texas Star Ferris Wheel](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=2031a0c914f0dcc4dabc2457ca87cf93 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5cd4107317f287bc1fcfa3bd9ca6fe8c 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e863b950d23fdc355f75e33a6aa222ed 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=067a8daefe6600ced72adc3df45f86e2 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=8b854a326ecf2ad2a9a7239f9b14efb8 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=910370bd7a634601837a5767dad3fcf3 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=295b372d28d05843b4d2d42c27dbb24c 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=b281a142e883e4740b5ad2d53728b86f 2560w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/attractions/2G4A0234.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=97f4b49462cc886b97e5ef20c2c02860 3840w)
Fletcher's Corny Dog
Imagine getting home and realizing that your plan to "come back when the line was shorter" completely fell through. Dedicate the time to standing in line for a chance to try this classic treat, trust us – the wait is worth it. Are you a vegetarian? Get in line, because you too can satisfy that famous corny dog craving with a veggie corn dog.
![Fletchers corndogs](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5b33d96ae7f4c3a53475f4bb877b6872 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=b796abe84fc70a40c670eea67bc70f86 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=662556b7d8b5398fee65f6731e66a2f2 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d8b03b6ace93599ebca3186b917466ee 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=8d0c6f7bb72cf3affdb8f1320f151652 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=789d9ff40c605812357adad904fdf1cc 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c91b2b5aa14edc5d121975abf7adab24 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=8569618f2a1eaab1b8c45dba92370d65 2560w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Fletchers-corndogs-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=37d5556008cbf38651eca40b32f59d07 3600w)
Cotton Bowl
Home of the famous AT&T Red River Showdown, the Cotton Bowl is Fair Park's symbol of victory. Catch one of the exciting college football games set to take place on this legendary field, tickets and more information here.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6f1490392f810b2086016d4da971f4f2 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bec0e14de9827582e95ea047c7abcfca 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e4c8a23709b18a456e23ba61df9963cf 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=83ef40d9d4709a3b3fbfb655ca70772a 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=9d2bc93b495dce600b7e5093a456f2b7 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6cf96db6d85abb5ec8b4896b1d49e07c 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/sports/Cotton-Bowl-Red-River-Showdown-Stadium-view-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=e2e229240a2174b1441500971002a3e1 1500w)
Hall of State
Set in the middle of the fairgrounds, the Hall of State is packed with tons of historical artifacts, photos and more – all focusing on Texas history and culture. And with this year's special exhibit, Texas Cinema, which will showcase and analyze the Lone Star State through films, a visit to the Hall of State during your time at the fair is a must.
![Hall of State](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/History/1200x500-Hall-of-State.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5841d7128fc0ada8f70a2fe9e855bd9c 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/History/1200x500-Hall-of-State.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=45c4db06d16b990b37fb44aa9d652b07 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/History/1200x500-Hall-of-State.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=60b2d4b7f5be33d576981aba48efb1d9 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/History/1200x500-Hall-of-State.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=de2c36b276e4a0d906754772729abee4 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/things-to-do/History/1200x500-Hall-of-State.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=140799aa0711d1e529c69285691c040c 1200w)