State Fair After Dark

The State Fair of Texas becomes a magical place as the sun goes down and the lights on the Midway and the Chevy Main Stage become bright.  If you have never experienced the Fair at night, here are the top six things to do after 5 p.m.
The Starlight Parade.  The nightly, illuminated parade makes its way through the grounds each night beginning at 7:15 p.m. Texas-themed and fun for the whole family, the Starlight Parade is a State Fair tradition.  And don’t miss the vintage Greyhound bus that will be leading the parade each night.
Illumination Sensation.  Each night at 8 p.m., the Esplanade becomes the backdrop for a light and water show like no other.  Complete with video and pyrotechnics, this show is a salute to Texas and the traditions of the State Fair.  Special thanks to Mattress Firm for making this nightly show possible.
Texas Star Ferris wheel.  There are few places in the Fair that give you a better vantage point to see the grounds lit up at night.  The Texas Star Ferris wheel takes you 350 feet in the air and allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Fair.  Plus, it’s a great place to take a “selfie” with the Fair in the background.
The Midway.  Walking through the Midway at night is truly something special.  There is nothing like the lights and the sounds of the Midway after dark.  Whether or not you take a spin on the roller coaster, just walking around makes you feel like you are at the center of a magical world.
Chevy Main Stage.  With 14 headliner concerts and regional acts on the stage all 24 days, there are no shortage of concerts you can see at the State Fair.   This year, Friday and Saturday evenings come alive with concerts featuring Kool and the Gang, Danielle Bradbury, the Swon Brothers, Collective Soul and the Casey Donahue Band.
Big Tex.  If you think your family picture is great during the day, then wait until you see it with Big Tex at night!  Under the lights with the Texas flag in the background, visiting Big Tex at night will not disappoint.
There is one more bonus if you plan your trip to the Fair after 5 p.m. Admission is only $8 with a Dr Pepper can.  For a complete list of all activities and shows at the Fair, see the daily schedule.