The State Fair of Texas is just around the corner, and by the looks of the schedule, the 2023 celebration is bound to be bigger than ever before!
This year, the Texas-sized fair takes place from Sept. 29-Oct. 22 at Fair Park, 3809 Grand Ave., Dallas. Since its founding in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has served as a stomping ground for Texans far and wide to kick back, let loose and enjoy some wide-ranging fair fun with a side of free live music by musicians in nearly every genre under the Texas sun.
This year, attendees at the State Fair of Texas can bask in the glory of a soap-bubble circus, watch daring dogs compete in a stunt show, bond with animals while learning a thing or two about them at Big Tex’s discovery farmyard, cheer on the pig of your choice during the daily pig races, check out sweet rides at the car show, consume your body weight in fried food, try your hand at a plethora of fair games, ride the sometimes-sketchy carnival rides and much more!
In 2022, over 2.5 million fairgoers attended the State Fair of Texas during its 24-day run. With the fair quickly approaching, we figured there’s no better time to break down the 2023 schedule and provide fairgoers with need-to-know information about tickets, fair hours and other special events taking place throughout the fair.
Scheduled events and activities at the State Fair of Texas
It’s no surprise that the State Fair of Texas boasts a never-ending list of things to do and sights to see. With shows, exhibits, museums, farm activities, acrobatic street performers, a bubble circus and an array of free concerts, there’s bound to be something that suits your group’s interests!
Here are the top events and activities happening at the 2023 State Fair of Texas:
All-Star Stunt Dog Show: Get ready to have your mind blown by canines with a few tricks up their sleeves! This event occurs daily with shows at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
¡Fiesta de Marionetas!: A show that features more than 85 handmade marionettes to celebrate a fiesta of culture, color and creativity. Shows take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s also a show at 6 p.m.
Street Circus: Witness a husband-and-wife acrobatic duo as they put on a comical performance of acrobatics, handstands, hula hoops and contortion. The Street Circus will run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 10 with shows at 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Acrobuffos: This epic and interactive water balloon fight will take place daily from Oct. 11 to Oct. 22 with shows at 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Soap Bubble Circus: Witness bubble magic daily at the Oak Farms Theater on the fairgrounds during the Soap Bubble Circus. The show will feature Guinness World Record-breaking feats of bubble madness and attendees will witness things like a snowman dancing on a tightrope, an exploding volcano and more. Soap Bubble Circus shows occur daily at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Scott’s World of Magic: Catch award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements as they put on showcases that include lasers, neon lights and a floating robot. Shows occur daily at 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Sara Twister: Witness world-renowned street performer Sara Twister as she amazes audiences with her contortionist and archery skills. Shows occur daily at 1:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Budweiser Clydesdales: Visit the magnificent and world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Clydesdales also will strut their stuff during the Starlight Parade.
Starlight Parade: The Kroger Starlight Parade is an after-dark spectacle that features an array of colorful and illuminating floats, stilt-walking performers, life-size puppets and animated characters dressed for the part. The parade also features the Budweiser Clydesdales and takes place daily at 7:15 p.m. during the 24-day fair.
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon: Attendees can see 10 life-size dinosaurs from Texas when visiting Dinosaurs at the Lagoon. The new exhibit also includes a kids’ play area and a plethora of seating and dining options and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tastings in Go Texan Pavilion: The Go Texan Pavilion at the State Fair of Texas allows attendees to sample and purchase Texas-made products and enjoy family-friendly activities. An array of tastings will take place daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. depending on availability.
Big Tex’s Discovery Farmyard: The farmyard gives attendees an educational experience with interactive exhibits and animal displays that include calves, piglets and hatching chicks, allowing fair fans to learn about agriculture in the state of Texas. Big Tex’s Discovery Farmyard is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Livestock Shows and Contests: Check out varying livestock shows and contests daily. To get exact times and specific event information, head to the livestock barns once you’re on the fairgrounds.
State Fair of Texas Rodeo: Get your lassos ready, rodeo fans! The State Fair of Texas Rodeo is free with your daily admission and features different rodeo shows from Friday to Sunday throughout the fair.
With specific rodeos such as a Mexican Rodeo Fiesta, the Texas vs. Oklahoma Rodeo Showdown during Red River Rivalry weekend and the Cowboys of Color Rodeo, there’s a show for everyone. Rodeo shows take place at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays during the fair and 2 p.m. on Sundays.
Oncor Petting Zoo: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the fair and step inside the Oncor Petting Zoo to interact with and feed furry farm friends daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hall of State exhibits: The Hall of State, formerly known as the State of Texas Building, will feature several exhibits during the fair, such as a 15,000-piece art exhibit by well-known cartoonist John Knott detailing aspects of public interest throughout the years and a commemorative exhibit called “Texas in the First World War,” which will provide Texas history and the state’s role throughout the war.
African American Museum: Similar to the rodeo, admission to the African American Museum at Fair Park is included with your fair ticket. The museum includes one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the United States and also features African American fine art, traditional African art and historical artifacts. During the State Fair of Texas, the exhibits at the African American Museum are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Día de los Muertos exhibits: Fairgoers can learn about and celebrate the rich history and significance of the Day of the Dead at the Día de los Muertos exhibits daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cutco Celebrity Chef Demonstrations: See what a handful of popular chefs from Texas are cooking up as they prepare and share some of their favorite dishes in the Cutco Celebrity Kitchen at the State Fair of Texas daily with demonstrations at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Free live music across three stages: Musicians from around the world will perform at one of three stages throughout the 24-day fair. The stages include the Chevrolet Main Stage, the Bud Light Stage and the Yuengling Flight Stage. Shows at the Bud Light Stage will take place daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Shows at the Yuengling Flight Stage will occur at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Headlining acts on the Chevrolet Main Stage for the 2023 State Fair of Texas include music artists such as Cee Lo Green, Lonestar, Chrisette Michele, X Ambassadors, Craig Morgan, La Zenda Norteña, Bowling For Soup, Lil Jon, Clayton Mullen, Sabor Puro, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, We The Kings and Charlotte Sands.
Download the full 2023 State Fair of Texas schedule here and view this year’s full live music lineup here.
Ticket costs and discount days for the State Fair of Texas
The price of daily tickets to the State Fair of Texas depends on the day of the week you’re attending and the type of ticket you’re interested in purchasing. Daily tickets can be purchased online starting Sept. 9 or at the gate. Single-day Friday tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children and $15 for senior citizens older than 60. Saturday-Sunday tickets are $25 for adults, $18 for children and $18 for senior citizens. Monday-Thursday tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Single-day tickets for senior citizens Monday-Wednesday are $10 and $5 on Thursdays for senior day.
Premium single-day tickets currently can be purchased online for $24 each, and they allow ticketholders the flexibility to attend the fair for one day during its 24-day run without having to pick the specific day in advance. Premium admission two-pack combo tickets are $98 and include two premium single-day tickets to attend the fair one day during its 24-day run and $50 in food and ride coupons. Premium admission four-pack combo tickets are $146 and include four premium single-day tickets to attend the fair one day during its run and $50 in food and ride coupons.
Season passes allow fairgoers to attend every day of the fair and cost $50 each. Two-pack season pass combos are $150 and include two season passes and $50 in food and ride coupons. Season passes are currently available for purchase online, or you can purchase them at the gate throughout the fair.
If you’re looking for discounts, we’ve got you covered!
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Big Tex Insiders can purchase daily tickets online for $10 each. It’s completely free to become a Big Tex Insider, and those interested in saving big can sign up on the State Fair of Texas’ official website.
On “Feed the Need Wednesdays,” fairgoers of all ages can receive $5 admission if they bring five canned food items. All canned donations go to the North Texas Food Bank and help feed members of the community.
Each day of the 24-day fair, attendees of all ages can pay the child price for that given day if they arrive after 5 p.m. These tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.
Daily military and first responder discounts allow single-day access for $10-$15.
McDonald’s is teaming up with the State Fair of Texas for discounted tickets. Fair fans can visit any participating McDonald’s in North Texas for discount vouchers that grant single-day access for $10-$15.
State Fair of Texas hours, parking and ride-share information
The gates at the State Fair of Texas open at 10 a.m. daily. The fair closes at 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. The latest you can enter on Fridays and Saturdays is 9 p.m.
Parking gates open at 9 a.m. daily. Parking for the State Fair of Texas is available by Gate 2 at 925 S. Haskell Ave., Dallas. Each parking spot is $20.
Those using a taxi or ride-share app to attend the festival can be picked up and dropped off near Gate 1 where Gurley Avenue meets Washington Street.
Check out the official map for the 2023 State Fair of Texas to better plan your visit.
How to enjoy the rides, buy food and drinks at the State Fair of Texas
Coupons are needed to purchase food and drinks, as well as for the rides. State Fair Food & Midway Coupons can be bought online or at the fair with cash or cards, although they aren’t available online yet. The cost for the coupons currently isn’t available online.
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