TrekUnity
When
October
Attendance
~2,300,000
Admission
Ticketed
Setting
Outdoor
Running 24 days each fall at Dallas's historic Fair Park, the State Fair of Texas is one of the largest and longest state fairs in the country — presided over by the 55-foot talking cowboy "Big Tex," and famous for its outrageous fried foods, the auto show, livestock, and a giant Ferris wheel.
It coincides with the Red River Rivalry football game and draws millions to its Art Deco fairgrounds, making it a Texas institution and a fun anchor for a Dallas trip.
Want to go? Turn State Fair of Texas into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
24 days, late September through mid-October
Admission
Daily gate admission · rides & food via coupons
Parking
Fair Park and neighborhood paid lots plus DART light rail straight to the gates.
Nearest airport
Dallas Love Field (DAL) ~15 min; DFW International ~30 min
Typical weather
Warm Texas fall — 70s–80s °F, cooling toward mid-October; occasional rain.
Official website
Location
Dallas, TX
Where to stay
The Adolphus
Historic luxury hotel in downtown Dallas.
Virgin Hotels Dallas
Lively hotel in the Design District.
Deep Ellum / downtown stays
Walkable to nightlife, DART to the fair.
Where to eat & drink
Fletcher's Corny Dogs
The fair's legendary original corny dog.
Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum)
Acclaimed Texas barbecue.
Fried food row
The fair's wild deep-fried creations.
Nearby attractions
Fair Park
The largest collection of Art Deco architecture in the U.S.
Dallas Arts District
Museums and the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
Deep Ellum
Historic music and nightlife neighborhood.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + Deep Ellum
- •Fly into DAL
- •Afternoon: Dallas Arts District
- •Evening: Deep Ellum + Pecan Lodge
2Fair day
- •Morning: DART to Fair Park
- •All day: Big Tex, fried food, auto show, Ferris wheel
- •Evening: back downtown
3City + depart
- •Morning: a downtown museum
- •Head to the airport
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Ride DART to Fair Park — parking fills fast on weekends.
- Buy food coupons and split the wild fried foods to try more.
- Go on a weekday to dodge the biggest crowds.
Frequently asked questions
When is the State Fair of Texas?
It runs for 24 days from late September through mid-October at Fair Park in Dallas.
Who is Big Tex?
The fair's 55-foot talking cowboy mascot who greets visitors — a beloved Texas icon.
How do you get there?
Take DART light rail straight to Fair Park to skip the parking hassle.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by State Fair of Texas or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.