Concerts
The State Fair offers a variety of world-class entertainment -- free with your admission to the Fair.
Sept 30: Kraig Parker's Tribute to Elvis
Oct 1: Miguel
Oct 2: KC & the Sunshine Band
Oct 7: JB & the Moonshine Band
Oct 8: Jack Ingram
Oct 9: Katie Armiger
Oct 9: Colt Ford
Oct 9: Thompson Square
Oct 10: Mitchel Musso
Oct 14: Finger Eleven
Oct 15: Hanson
Oct 16: Crystal Bowersox
Oct 21: Randy Travis
Oct 22: TBA (Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo canceled due to Neil's arm injury)
Oct 23: La Mafia
The Chevrolet Main Stage is an outdoor venue, standing-room only.
Rides
Angela Patterson
Get a bird's-eye view of Fair Park by riding the Texas Skyway. The aerial track stretches 1,800 feet between two stations and can accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.
The Texas Star is the tallest Ferris wheel in the Southwest.
The Midway is really known as the Kidway -- with many great rides for smaller children.
Texas Star
Photo courtesy of Kevin Brown / State Fair of Texas
The Texas Star is the tallest Ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere. Put it on your To Do List for the State Fair this year.
College Football Games Played in the Cotton Bowl
©Angela Patterson
Two incredible football games are played in the legendary Cotton Bowl Stadium. While alcoholic beverages are served at the State Fair, they are not available inside the stadium.
- Grambling vs. Prairie View on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 6 p.m. in the Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic. Don't miss the battle of the two amazing bands at halftime.
- The AT&T Red River Rivalry is set for Saturday, October 8 at 11 a.m. featuring the Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma Sooners. The stadium will be 50 percent red and 50 percent burnt orange. It's a great experience. If you live in the great state of Texas, then you are a longhorn for a day.
The Texas SkyWay
©Angela Patterson
The Texas SkyWay provides State Fair visitors with some of the best views of the fair. Fairgoers can sit back and enjoy the magic of the Fair – soaring high above the sights and sounds of the colorful Midway.
The family-friendly attraction provides a smooth ride for its occupants, and the level loading system accommodates strollers and wheelchairs.
Activities for Younger Children
Angela Patterson
Little Hands on the Farm: Children gather eggs, plant seeds, dig up (plastic) vegetables, sell the crop and receive money for their work to spend at the grocery store. Free. A great photo opportunity too.
Pig Races: See pigs fly daily. Free.
The Children's Aquarium at Fair Park: The historic Dallas Aquarium was redesigned and renamed The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. It offers hands-on wonders and experiences like a touch pool filled with sea stars, sea urchins and anemones. The new aquarium made its debut last year.
Children's Medical Center Barnyard: A petting zoo (free).
Starlight Parade: Starts at 7:15 p.m. nightly. Illuminated parade floats, music, clowns.
Mother Goose Storytime: At the big tent on the lawn near Hall of State. Free.
West Side Story
Catch West Side Story at the Music Hall at Fair Park. October 4-23, 2011 (closed Mondays). Get a ticket to the musical includes free admission to the 2011 State Fair of Texas on the day of the performance. Don't want to drive? DART is just outside the theater! See Dallas Summer Musicals for ticket info and times.
Poll: Corn Dog vs. Corny Dog
©Angela Patterson
It's your turn ot decide on what you think is the correct name of the State Fair's most popular item. Is it "corn dog" or "corny dog." Vote here.
Oh by the way, it's corny dog. Ok, that's my opinion and I'm a native Texan.
