How the 2024 State Fair of Texas is Celebrating 138 Years of Tradition - HTexas (2024)

The State Fair of Texas is celebrating its 138th year with a mix of traditional favorites and exciting new attractions.

General Admission Prices:

• Adults: $15-$25 (depending on the day)
• Children (ages 3-12): $10-$18
• Seniors (60+): $5-$18
• After 5 PM Discount: $10-$18 for all ages​​

Special Discounts:

• Military and First Responders: $10-$18 adults, $5-$11 children/seniors
• McDonald’s Voucher Discount: $10-$18 adults, $5-$11 children/seniors
• $5 Admission on Wednesdays with canned food donation
• $5 Admission for seniors on Thursdays with ID​​

*Rodeo Events are also free with general admission!

Big Tex’s New Look

Big Tex, the towering 55-foot cowboy, will be greeting visitors with a fresh wardrobe designed by a local Texas artist, reflecting the state’s diverse cultural heritage with intricate embroidery and vibrant colors​.

Location: Big Tex Circle

Big Tex, the 55-foot-tall cowboy, will be greeting visitors from his iconic spot at Big Tex Circle, sporting a new outfit designed by a local artist.

Expanded Livestock Exhibits

The livestock exhibits have been significantly expanded this year, featuring a wider array of animals and interactive displays. Educational sessions and live demonstrations will provide deeper insights into Texas’s agricultural roots and livestock practices​​.

Location: Livestock Barns

The expanded livestock exhibits can be found in the Livestock Barns. These barns will host a variety of animals and interactive educational displays about Texas agriculture.

Heritage Pavilion

A new Heritage Pavilion has been introduced, dedicated to the 138-year history of the fair. It features historical exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia presentations that showcase the evolution of the State Fair of Texas from its inception to the present day​​.

Location: Hall of State

The Heritage Pavilion, dedicated to showcasing the 138-year history of the fair, is located in the Hall of State. This pavilion features historical exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia presentations​.

Culinary Delights

The fair will offer an expanded menu of both traditional Texas dishes and innovative culinary creations. Highlights include cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs, food tours, and the chance to sample the famous fried foods the fair is known for​​.

Location: Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Yuengling Flight Stage

Live music performances will be held across three main stages: the Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Yuengling Flight Stage, featuring over 100 acts throughout the fair​.

Live Music Performances

With more than 100 live music acts performing across three stages, the fair’s lineup includes headliners like Jo Dee Messina and the Commodores. The stages will feature a variety of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Location: Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Yuengling Flight Stage

Live music performances will be held across three main stages: the Chevrolet Main Stage, Bud Light Stage, and Yuengling Flight Stage, featuring over 100 acts throughout the fair​

Arts & Crafts Village

The Arts and Crafts Village is showcasing works from over 200 local artisans. Visitors can explore handmade goods ranging from jewelry and pottery to textiles and paintings, supporting local artists and taking home unique pieces of Texas craftsmanship​​.

Location: Creative Arts Buildinga

The Arts and Crafts Village, showcasing works from over 200 local artisans, is located in the Creative Arts Building. This area includes exhibitions of handmade goods such as jewelry, pottery, textiles, and paintings​

Rides & Attractions

New state-of-the-art attractions have been added to the traditional carnival rides. These include virtual reality experiences, the giant Texas Star Ferris wheel, and other thrilling rides designed to provide fun and excitement for all ages​​.

Location: Midway

New state-of-the-art attractions, along with traditional carnival rides, can be found on the Midway. This area includes virtual reality experiences and the Texas Star Ferris wheel​.

Educational Workshops & Demonstrations

Daily workshops and live demonstrations will cover topics like sustainable farming, Texas history, and traditional crafts. These sessions are both informative and engaging, offering visitors the chance to learn something new while enjoying the fair​​.

Location: Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway and Farm and Fork University

Educational workshops and live demonstrations will be held at the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway, where Big Tex Urban Farms operates, and at Farm and Fork University, located near the livestock barns​.

Grand Parades & Fireworks

Nightly parades and fireworks displays are set to be more spectacular than ever. The parades will feature themed floats, marching bands, and cultural performances, culminating in dazzling fireworks shows​​.

Location: Fairgrounds Parade Route and Esplanade

Nightly parades will take place along the designated parade routes throughout the fairgrounds, culminating in fireworks displays at the historic Esplanade.

Community & Family Activities

Emphasizing community and family engagement, the fair offers activities such as scavenger hunts, family-friendly games, and community art projects. These events aim to create lasting memories and foster a sense of community spirit among visitors​.

Location: Various Locations Across Fairgrounds

Community and family activities, including scavenger hunts, family-friendly games, and community art projects, will be held in various locations across the fairgrounds to foster engagement and connection among visitors.