If you find yourself in Texas from September 27 – October 20, 2024, stop by the Texas State Fair, the largest fair in the United States. During this 24-day event, you’ll experience and celebrate Texas authentically and uniquely – including a 55-foot Texan cowboy, “Big Tex,” one of the first to greet you as you enter the fair. But just like Big Tex, the attractions that await you will not disappoint.
Here is a small sample of what you can expect when you arrive:
Are you hungry? Try the food entered into the “Big Tex Choice Awards” competition.
The “Big Tex Choice Awards” is something many chefs and food hobbyists alike strive for in Texas. Get your taste buds ready to try some of the finalists’ creations for the contest. Some of the menu that you can look forward to trying?
Crookies – Imagine a croissant and cookie dough coming together, then being baked together, creating a crookie!
Cotton Candy Bacon on a Stick – Bacon is first fried on a griddle and then dipped into a cotton candy syrup before fluffy, sweet cotton candy is added on top.
October Fest Pizza – Creating a German-themed pizza, this pizza has German sausage, crispy German potatoes, sauteed onions, green peppers, and Sauerkraut. So, grab a beer and grab a slice!
Check out Bryan the Card Stacker.
Bryan built the tallest house of cards in 1992 without glue or tape, and he has maintained his place in the Guinness World Records since the 1990s. Visit the Texas State Fair, and you can see Bryan using decks of cards as he builds well-known Texas buildings.
Watch pigs race.
Decorated in their very best for the race, selected pigs are chosen to see who has the most speed. According to the Texas State Fair website, this annual event is a fan favorite, so you’ll want to add this to your schedule as you look for things to do during the fair’s festivities.
Watch in awe as Sara Twister performs acrobatic archery.
Having trained in Brazil and Germany at their circus schools to learn the art of contortion, Sara went on to perfect her act by adding archery into the mix. Sara travels the world performing “foot archery,” attending different festivals as a performer, and she was also seen on season 18 of “America’s Got Talent.” Her incredible act is one you’ll want to see.
Listen to great headliners on their mainstage.
Every day is filled with musical performances. Some headliners include Jo Dee Messina, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors, and Shaylen and Bowling for Soup. One night is even dedicated to a Taylor Swift dance party, so make sure you have your outfits planned out and your friendship bracelets made for the occasion. If several, or all, of the bands interest you, you can buy a season pass for the events taking place at the mainstage, so you don’t have to miss out on your favorites.
Take a ride on one or more of the 70 rides throughout the fairgrounds.
You can ride on the Dentzel Carousel, which is over 100 years old. It features 66 hand-carved horses, which will give over 80,000 people a ride throughout the days of the fair. You can also cool off on the Log Flume as water splashes you throughout the twists and turns of the ride. Lighting up the sky is the Texas Star Ferris Wheel, 212 feet tall, making it the tallest Ferris wheel in Texas. Whether you like gentle rides or something a bit more adventurous, options await you.
Attend the rodeo.
From bull riding, barrel racing, bucking horses, and calf racing to milking cows, cowboys and cowgirls will be featured in this year’s rodeo as they compete for a title of championship throughout their sports. Entrance into this event is free with the purchase of your ticket to the fair.
Find a new favorite band as you listen to live music taking place throughout the fair.
The main stage isn’t the only place where you’ll find great performers. Throughout the fair, you’ll find other live music and daily performances on various stages. Some of the names you’ll find throughout the fair include Elle Red, Grace Nova, We Them Grays, Bidi Bidi Banda, Ricki Derek and Kam Franklin.
Whether you have your fair traditions filled with activities and foods you like to do and eat every year, or you’re looking for something new to experience, there is something for you to do. This event will be full of energy and fun, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
