BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
How long can I expect to spend at the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru?
Plan for a fun-filled day at the Fair with your friends and family! Once you have entered Gate 11, please anticipate it to take anywhere from an hour to two and a half hours to get to the entry gate to have your tickets scanned. Yep, that’s right – us Texans sure do love our Fair food, and boy is it worth the wait! Bring along some activities or games to keep your car-full entertained. Once your ticket has been scanned and you are inside the Drive-Thru, the event will take approximately 45-90 minutes with food, drink, and restroom stops along the route.
What should I bring to the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru?
Be sure to bring your ticket, either printed or digital. Other than that, it is up to you! If there is anything additional to what you are receiving in your package that you’d like to bring for the ride you’re welcome to bring it. Remember, you will not be able to make any additional in-person purchases for food or drinks.
Where do I find the professional photos that were taken at the event?
Your professional photo will be texted to you instantly, however, if you have issues receiving it you may check back after the event and download your image(s) here.
Where do I enter the fairgrounds for the Drive-Thru?
Please enter Fair Park Gate 11 at Fitzhugh Ave. and Lagow St. This is the only entrance for the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru.
When can I get in line for the Drive-Thru?
If your ticket is for 10:00 a.m. to 12:59 p.m., you may get in line as early as you’d like, but keep in mind that we will not allow vehicles to enter the Drive-Thru until 10:00 a.m.
If your ticket is for 1:00 p.m. to 4:59 p.m., you may get in line starting at 1:00 p.m.
If your ticket is for 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. you may get in line starting at 5:00 p.m.
Is there somewhere to park after we go thru the Drive-Thru to eat?
Yes, at the end of the 1.25-mile Drive-Thru route, parking lot 8 will be available prior to exiting the fairgrounds, if you’d like to park and enjoy your food immediately. For safety reasons, there will be no tables set up in this parking lot. We ask that you bring a picnic setup or remain in your vehicle to eat. Please note, there will be security officers present to ensure all health and safety protocols, including proper social distancing, are followed.
Can we bring outside food and drink?
Yes, you may bring outside food and drink items in your vehicle. We ask that you properly dispose of any trash you may have in the trash and recycling bins located along the Drive-Thru route. Please note, alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited for this event.
Are face masks required?
Face masks will be required for guests when interacting with team members. All team members will be required to wear face coverings at all times, unless they are in the designated break area.
Can I get out of my car to eat?
While we ask you remain inside your car for the duration of the Drive-Thru, you may get out of your car to eat once you have completed the Drive-Thru experience. At the end of the 1.25-mile Drive-Thru route, parking lot 8 will be available prior to exiting the fairgrounds if you’d like to park and enjoy your food immediately. For safety reasons, there will be no tables set up in this parking lot. We ask that you bring a picnic setup or remain in your vehicle to eat. If you choose to exit your vehicle, please maintain social (or physical) distancing at all times. Alcohol is strictly prohibited for this event. Please note, there will be security officers present to ensure all health and safety protocols are followed.
Once arriving to the Fairgrounds, will people be allowed to ride in the bed of a truck through the drive thru?
Unfortunately, no. Due to safety concerns, we ask that all guests remain inside their vehicle throughout the duration of the Drive-Thru, with the exception of the Big Tex photo experience and using the restroom. Please note, there will be security officers present throughout the Drive-Thru route to ensure all health and safety protocols are followed.
Is smoking permitted?
Fair Park is a smoke-free public park. Please do not smoke once you have entered Gate 11.
May I bring my pet to the Food Drive-Thru?
You are welcome to bring your pet, but the pet must remain in your vehicle for the entirety of the Drive-Thru, including the photo opportunity with Big Tex. Please note, there are no restroom stops for animals along the route. For safety, pets cannot roam freely in a truck bed.
Is there another way I can support the State Fair if I’m not able to attend the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru?
There are several ways you can support the State Fair, the Big Tex Scholarship Program, and the various small businesses that rely on the State Fair of Texas for their annual income.
Please check back in the coming weeks for a complete list of food vendors and how to support them.
Please check back in the coming weeks for a complete list of shopping exhibitors and how to support them.
To donate to the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, please visit BigTex.com/Donate.
What’s the best way to donate to the North Texas Food Bank if I am not attending the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru?
A portion of the proceeds from the Big Tex Fair Food Drive-Thru will also benefit the North Texas Food Bank to help feed our community in need. The State Fair of Texas has historically served as the North Texas Food Bank’s largest food drive of the year through discount day programs like “It’s A Fair Deal”. To continue to support the North Texas Food Bank, please donate directly on their website at give.ntfb.org.
Who should I contact if my question was not previously answered?
You may email the Tex Team at info@bigtex.com. A Tex Team member will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible. For urgent matters, please call 214.565.9931 to speak with a representative, during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.