Critter Encounter
Texas Discovery GardensA perfect spot to stop for a little rest and relaxation, Texas Discovery Gardens offers entertainment the whole family will enjoy! Local organic gardens can be found outside, while the indoor section features a tropical butterfly house with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. The “Snakesss of Texasss!” exhibit returns again, including native reptiles of all... Read more »
Brittany Mansfield – Palate Pro Private Chef
Celebrity Chef KitchenDaily demonstrations from some of Texas' most renowned chefs who show off their cooking skills, share tips and offer samples of their signature dish to the audience.
Daily Feeding Demos
Children's AquariumThe child-friendly aquarium offers interactive exhibits for hands-on exploration including a coastal touch pool filled with horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, lobsters and more. The outdoor pavilion features Stingray Bay, where guests can feed and interact with cownose rays.
Branch & Dean
Bud Light StageCentrally located in Cotton Bowl Plaza, the Bud Light Sound Stage is convenient to all your fair food favorites and features a wide variety of local and regional acts - all included with admission to the Fair. The 2018 lineup includes performances from Branch & Dean. Shows at 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8... Read more »
Monarch Tagging
Texas Discovery GardensA perfect spot to stop for a little rest and relaxation, Texas Discovery Gardens offers entertainment the whole family will enjoy! Local organic gardens can be found outside, while the indoor section features a tropical butterfly house with hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. The “Snakesss of Texasss!” exhibit returns again, including native reptiles of all... Read more »
Mike Owens – Table 13
Celebrity Chef KitchenDaily demonstrations from some of Texas' most renowned chefs who show off their cooking skills, share tips and offer samples of their signature dish to the audience.
Market Steer Grand Champion Drive
Livestock Judging PavilionWith agriculture as one of its founding cornerstones, the State Fair of Texas is proud to present livestock and agriculture-related shows and contests throughout the annual exposition. Fairgoers are encouraged to visit the livestock barns and judging areas, but please be careful - these are working areas with live animals
Daily Wine Tasting
State Fair Wine Garden , United StatesThe State Fair of Texas sets itself apart from other venues of its kind by housing a wine garden that features only Texas wines. The Wine Garden, located on Nimitz Drive across from the Creative Arts Building, features three different wineries each day and offers guests the choice of buying a small taste, glass or... Read more »
Community Coffee Sampling
Chevrolet Park PlazaCoffee samples all day at the Community Coffee stand in Chevrolet Park Plaza.
Cake Contest
Creative Arts Competition KitchenDownload event details below. Pre-register on-line at BigTex.com/creativearts or fill out the during-Fair contest entry form and bring it with you on contest day to enter. See the Creative Arts Handbook for complete rules and entry guidelines. Creative Arts Handbook