New and Can't Miss Things To Do At The State Fair of Texas

On September 27, a 55-foot cowboy will belt out his first greeting of the 2024 State Fair of Texas. “Howdy, folks!” bellows from the animatronic mouth of Big Tex, the fair’s iconic mascot and friendly spokesgiant. Since 1886, the annual event has been a tradition for Texans and visitors from all over the globe, eager to participate in a fully immersive Lone Star experience.

Each year, the fair adds new attractions, decadent foods, and live entertainment options that keep things fresh while tried-and-true staples tap into a comforting sense of nostalgia. Read on for some can’t-miss new additions to the State Fair of Texas, plus a few all-time great ideas.

Food, Glorious (Fried) Food

Not everything to eat at the State Fair of Texas is deep-fried, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. In addition to fairground staples such as Fletcher’s Original Corny Dogs, fair foods continue to push the boundaries of creativity. For the past two decades, vendors have competed in a competition to recognize the best new foods. This year’s Big Tex Choice Awards winners include the Dominican Fritura Dog (Best Taste - Savory), Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick (Best Taste - Sweet) and Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (Most Creative), but check out all the finalists for a bellyful of crazy.

The Hall of State

Love history—or need an air-conditioned escape? In either scenario, the historic Hall of State has you covered. This year, several new exhibits, from the Alamo Diorama to the Texana Collection: Selections from Pre-Colonial Spanish Texas through the Revolution (1720-1836), will teach you something new about Texas between rides and bites.

Live Entertainment

This year’s State Fair of Texas welcomes more than 100 musical acts across three stages. Major headliners this year include Bowling for Soup, the Commodores, Dasha, Jesse & Joy, and Jo Dee Messina. Plus, the Yuengling Stage hosts stand-up comics each Friday night for Deep Fried Comedy.

The Fringe Stage

Strange and mysterious things happen on the Fringe Stage each season and this year will be no different. The new Billy Kidd Show features mind-blowing magic tricks, while favorite acts from the past thrill audiences, too. Catch Sara Twister, Mighty Mike and Street Circus for that authentic carnival experience.

Songblazers

Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville have collaborated to create an all-new production, Songblazers, which brings country music to life in exciting and death-defying ways. Purchase tickets to this touring production at The Music Hall at Fair Park and receive a free ticket to the fair to enjoy before or after the performance.

Ropin’ & Ridin’

The State Fair of Texas Rodeo returns to Fair Park for several challenging events, from wild cow milking to bull riding. The smaller-scale competitions throughout the fair all lead up to the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) World Finals from October 17-20. All rodeos are free with fair admission.

Fan Favorites

For many regular fairgoers, the experience wouldn’t be complete without a few specific State Fair Bucket List items. Marvel at the butter sculpture in the Creative Arts Building, thrill rides on the Midway, the nightly Kroger Starlight Parade and Mattress Firm’s Illumination Sensation, which features pyrotechnics, acrobats and fireworks for the perfect ending to every visit.

Visit bigtex.com for tickets, including discounts, and complete information.