Special Events

Year Round, Texas-Sized Fun

Did you know that the spirit of the State Fair of Texas can be felt outside of the 24 days a year that the Fair is open? It’s true – we have plenty of opportunities for you to share your love of all things Fair related and help further the Fair’s mission of supporting Texans. Mark your calendar and check out these fun-filled, State Fair experiences.

Big Tex Choice Awards

The biggest foodie event of the year right around the corner! The Big Tex Choice Awards is an annual event that allows YOU to be among the first Fair fans to try the newest, craziest, and tastiest State Fair foods. Taking place on August 25, 2019 at 2 p.m., judges will decide which food items should be awarded “Best Taste – Sweet,” “Best Taste – Savory,” and “Most Creative.” Tickets for the event are LIMITED and cost $125, with all proceeds going to the Big Tex Scholarship Program. Click here for more info.

State Fair of Texas Rodeo

After almost 30 years, the State Fair of Texas Rodeo made its return in 2018 and we’re excited to share it will be back this year! The 2019 Rodeo will be held in the historic Fair Park Coliseum on August 30 and 31, with tickets starting at just $10. Families can enjoy some good ol’ mutton bustin at 6:30 p.m. and a traditional rodeo at 7:30 p.m.  Awarded UPRA “New Rodeo of the Year” in 2018, this old State Fair tradition is an event you don’t want to miss. What better way to kick off the Fair fun?!

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Fourth on the Midway

Your favorite foods, Fair rides, best games, live music, and a spectacular firework show will all at Fourth on the Midway during Fair Park Fourth! Celebrate Independence Day in the best way us Texans’ know how…. in a very BIG Tex kind of way!

-Admission to Fair Park is free
-Parking is $10
-Admission to the State Fair of Texas Midway is $5 online or $8 at the gate
-Midway is open from noon until 10 p.m.
-Fireworks show will begin at dark

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Big Tex Barn Dance Social

The State Fair of Texas is hosting it’s first ever Big Tex Barn Dance Social and unlike any other barn dance, this is one Texas two-step you won’t want to miss. The State Fair is excited to open doors and turn up the Texas music for families, couples, and friends to enjoy! Hosted in the Livestock Judging Pavilion, the Big Tex Barn Dance Social will be a celebration with beer and wine, Fair snacks, and you guessed it – dancing! Just a few days before the Fair, this is an event we’re excited to kick-off, with all proceeds going to the Big Tex Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program. Taking place on September 19, tickets are just $150 per duo or $75 per person and parking is free. No need to get too fancy, put your boots on and great ready to cut loose!

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