Celebrating 133 years of tradition in the fall, the State Fair of Texas® will return for another season of food, festivities, and family fun. Themed “Celebrating Texas Creativity,” this year’s exposition kicks off on Friday, September 27 in historic Fair Park. With planning for the big event fully underway, the State Fair team is prepping to bring you more fun and entertainment than ever before. Adding to its annual offering of more than 100 free attractions, 70 Midway rides, and endless activities across the fairgrounds, the State Fair is excited to announce several new attractions lined up for the 2019 event.
They’re back! After a six-year hiatus, a fairgoer favorite is coming out of retirement to return to the State Fair of Texas. “World of Birds Show presents: SOAR!” Steve Martin and his stunning array of birds from all across the globe have flown out of retirement and nested back into the historic Fair Park Band Shell for an all-new, high-flying adventure. With a cast of new species, as well as memorable feathered friends, “SOAR!” brings the aviary world up-close to the audience with bird releases from the Texas Star Ferris wheel and flyovers just inches from guests’ heads. “SOAR!” is also filled with a wealth of knowledge regarding bird health, habitat information, and conservation efforts taking place across the world. Experience the spectacular show daily at the Band Shell.
An all-new family-friendly experience presented by McDonald’s, “¡Fiestas de Marionetas!” is one of this year’s not-to-miss shows. Surrounded by lights and beautiful landscaping, a small village of more than 85 handmade marionettes come to life to celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity. Be sure to stick around for the backstage tour and craft activity after the show. Come check it out yourself with daily performances at the McDonald’s Amphitheater on First Avenue.
Produced in partnership by the State Fair of Texas and the Dallas Historical Society, “Texas Cinema” focuses on the history and impact of film performers and creators from the Lone Star State, as well as the depiction of Texas through film. Incorporating a substantial amount of video and other media elements, the Great Hall will come alive with interactive opportunities and valuable historical artifacts. Through a partnership with the Dallas International Film Festival, the Hall of State’s Hill Auditorium will feature screenings all day. Experience “Texas Cinema” at the Hall of State this fall.
Introducing “Fair Focus: The Photography of Kevin Brown.” Shooting professionally before he could drive, Kevin Brown has more than 38 years of professional experience as a Dallas-area freelance photographer and 16 years of capturing the sights, tradition, and fun of the State Fair of Texas. As the inaugural showcase in the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center exhibit space, “Fair Focus” will display Brown’s most exciting and intriguing shots from his time on the grounds of Fair Park. Open daily at the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center.
Step right up! Be witness to Mighty Mike’s incredible feats of strength in the “Mighty Mike Show.” A bender of horseshoes, juggler of bowling balls and sledgehammers, and all-around charmer, Mighty Mike’s funny performance showcases strongman strength techniques dating back to the 1920’s and, dare we say, questionable dance routines. Audience members will laugh the entire show but also leave motivated and inspired by the culture of the old-time strongman. Catch a glimpse of Mighty Mike daily over in Coliseum Terrace.
Developed exclusively for the State Fair of Texas, “Splashdance!” combines a high-energy performance of professional dancers and acrobats with the wowing Esplanade fountains. Set to festive music, this spectacular new show will dazzle and entertain guests of all ages. Prepare to be awed by “Splashdance!” daily on the Mattress Firm Stage on the Esplanade.
State Fair foodies can look forward to several new food destinations across the fairgrounds. With an additional soft-area by the Children’s Aquarium, families can sit back and relax while enjoying a new kid-friendly atmosphere and cuisine. Not to mention, it’s the perfect viewing spot to kick back and watch the nightly Kroger Starlight Parade. More details about this year’s new Fair foods will be announced closer to the Fair.
Midway ride lovers can add seven new rides to their list for the 2019 State Fair of Texas: Dancing Clown, Tilt-a-Whirl, Satori Yachts, Crazy Surf, Beach Party, Moon Raker, and Skyliner. Dancing Clown, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Satori Yachts are all new rides sure to please any kiddo. Both Crazy Surf and Beach Party are new attractions guaranteed to satisfy thrill-seekers, while still being fun for the whole family. That’s not all we’ve got for our thrill-seekers though – Moon Raker gives fairgoers the adventure of space flight without ever leaving Earth, reaching its full height, the top of the ride tilts and rotates as the entire ride spins. Finally, Skyliner is a thrilling family swing ride providing passengers with a breathtaking aerial experience.
Back by popular demand, fairgoers can stop by the Midway to play Flip-a-Chick. Season Pass holders receive a buy-one-get-one deal for this game.
Ready, set, smile! The area around the historic Lagoon will be transformed into a walking selfie stroll called Contain Yourself(ie). Stop and pose by one of ten beautifully painted shipping containers. Aligning with our theme, “Celebrating Texas Creativity,” these shipping containers will feature one-of-a-kind artwork painted by participating Texas artists. Head on over to the lagoon to get the perfect shot during your visit to the Fair.
Fairgoers can also look forward to two inaugural livestock competitions this year. The new Youth Archery Contest takes place October 12 through 13 inside the Poultry Barn, where 4-H and FFA students from across Texas will test their aim in a bracket-style archery tournament. This will be a World Archery “18-meter indoor round,” consisting of 60 arrows shot at 40 cm targets. On October 17 inside the Livestock Judging Pavilion, the Fair will host a nationally sanctioned Sheep Dog Trial. Dogs with top genetics and sought-after athleticism will race the clock to herd sheep in a series of patterns. These are two new additions you do not want to miss.
Returning for the 56th year, the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corps will perform at the State Fair of Texas on 10 different days. Beginning September 27, they will perform every day with their final performance on Sunday, October 6.
Housed inside the Women’s Museum, Mundo Latino will present Casa de Chocolate, “A Sweet Indulgent Affair.” This exhibit offers fairgoers a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the origin and history of chocolate along with demos, classes, and loads of amazing chocolate.
The African American Museum, Dallas will present the widely acclaimed exhibition, The Kinsey African American Art & History Collection, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of black Americans from 1595 to present times. Considered one of the most comprehensive surveys of African American history and culture outside the Smithsonian Institution, the exhibition will feature over 150 of the shared treasures amassed by Shirley and Bernard Kinsey during their five decades of marriage. The collection includes masterful paintings and sculptures, photos, rare books, letters, manuscripts and more. Presented by Toyota Motor North America, the exhibition is on view Sept. 21, 2019 through March 1, 2020, with details and tickets at aamdallas.org.
Sports fans can prepare for another round of iconic football games inside the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium during the 2019 Fair. Returning on Saturday, September 28, the State Fair Classic brings its annual matchup between Grambling State University and Prairie View A&M University. The rivalry continues Saturday, October 12 when Cotton Bowl Stadium hosts the AT&T Red River Showdown, when the University of Texas Longhorns play the University of Oklahoma Sooners. Closing out the 2019 Fair on Saturday, October 19, Texas Southern University and Southern University will meet in the historic Cotton Bowl for the State Fair Showdown.
With just 100 days til the State Fair of Texas, Fair fanatics can now enter to win the “Mattress Firm 100 Days to the Fair” by simply texting “100DAYS” to 877-7-BIG-TEX (877-724-4839.) The winner will receive the ultimate State Fair experience pack valued at more than $900. This package includes tickets to every State Fair of Texas event leading up to the Fair including the Big Tex Choice Awards, Season Passes, food & ride coupons, parking passes, and a limited-edition State Fair bag filled with State Fair swag. Visit BigTex.com/100days for more details on the contest.
For more information on all things related to the State Fair of Texas, contact our public relations team here.