The State Fair of Texas typically shines under the Texas sun, but even the occasional rain shower can’t dampen the mood at Fair Park.
Whether it be feasting on delicious delicacies inside the Tower Building, or catching a magic show, the Fair offers a variety of options to keep your belly full and stay entertained on a rainy day.
State Fair Fun Indoors
Food Indoors
Rainy day cravings are covered, too! Head inside or under a cover for plenty of Fair food favorites, from savory bites to sweet treats, all while staying dry.
- Tower Building
- Old Mill Inn
- The Dock (Inside the Embarcadero Building)
- Hans Mueller
- Chow (Inside the Briscoe Carpenter Livestock Center)
- Farm Pac
- Nevin’s Hamburger Grill
Indoor Shopping Areas
Shopping is bigger at the Fair! With indoor or covered shopping areas across the fairgrounds, there is something for everyone. Get a head start on your holiday shopping list or splurge on a gift for you and your family. Get a sneak peek at some of the items only available at the Fair here.
Big Tex Urban Farms at the Errol McKoy Greenhouse on the Midway
Experience an indoor urban agriculture system in the heart of the Midway, located near the Texas Star Ferris Wheel. Enjoy daily hydroponic farming demonstrations, chef demos using greenhouse produce, fungi growth tips, and fun trivia games.
Attractions Indoors or Covered
When the rain rolls in, the Fair fun keeps going. Explore indoor attractions, exhibits, entertainment, and covered experiences throughout the fairgrounds.
Fringe Stage in Little Lone Stars Land
- Mighty Mike
- Wacky Chad, Sept. 25–Oct. 6
- USA Breakdancers, Oct. 7–18
Creative Arts Building
- World of Magic
- Each day of the Fair brings a new contest or cook-off to the Fair’s culinary arena.
- Friday, October 2 – Speedy Dishes Contest | Retro Revival Contest
- Saturday, October 3 – Tex Mex Contest
- Sunday, October 4- Chicken or the Egg Contest
- Wednesday, October 7 – Charcuterie Board Contest | Fair Concoctions Contest
- Friday, October 9 – Soup or Salad Contest | Farm to Fork Contest
- Sunday, October 11 – International Contest
- Wednesday, October 14 – Ice Cream Cook Off Contest
- Friday, October 16 – Cooking with Cheese Contest
- Saturday, October 17 – Candy Contest
*Fairgoers who do not want to compete can experience Creative Arts Cooking Demonstrations, where resident chef Pete Nolasco performs live demos daily*
Agriculture & Livestock
- Oak Farms Dairy® Petting Zoo in Little Lone Stars Land
- Livestock Birthing Barn
- Farm and Fork University at the Ranch Arena
- Beyond the Saddle
- Texas in the Saddle in the Pan Am Arena
- Livestock barns and livestock shows
Chevrolet Main Stage
With live music as one of our cornerstones, the State Fair of Texas presents 24 days of free concerts on the Chevrolet Main Stage, featuring a variety of musical acts across all genres. The stage showcases national and regional talent.
More Indoor Fun at the Fairgrounds
D.A.R. House
This exhibit includes display panels and artifacts that tell the stories of service, rebellion, and hardship of the mostly overlooked roles of women and girls in the American Revolution. While you are there, visit the Membership Table of the Daughters of the American Revolution to see if they can help you find your own Revolutionary War patriot.
Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Opens at 12:00 p.m. on Sundays)
Hall of State
Unquiet Legacies: Dynamic Dallas Women
Unquiet Legacies is an exhibit that invites visitors to explore the dynamic lives of Dallas women whose impact endures. Discover the institutions they led, the movements they advanced, and the communities they strengthened.
Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University
Blazing New Trails: 125 Years of Texas Woman’s University marks the university’s quasquicentennial with a sweeping look at the founders, faculty, and students who have shaped the course of women’s education in Texas through vision and bold ambition. The exhibit invites visitors to walk alongside generations of Pioneers whose courage, determination, and service still light the way. Exhibits open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mundo Latino Presents: Dia de los Muertos
During the 2026 State Fair of Texas, step into the Hall of State and visit the new home of the fan-favorite, Mundo Latino: Día de los Muertos, presented by the Law Offices of Domingo Garcia. Mundo Latino showcases the awe-inspiring exhibit, “Día de los Muertos,” celebrating the rich history and significance of the Day of the Dead through art installations, shopping opportunities, face painting, and more. In addition, the Dallas International Coffee Art exhibit presented by Coffee News will be hosted in the Hall of State Gallery. More than 15 countries are participating in this creative caffeinated gallery.
Exhibits open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Whitman on Walls!
As part of the Fair’s activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, Broadway Dallas presents free daily screenings of Compagnia de’ Colombari’s Whitman on Walls! in the Music Hall, featuring 50 artists performing Walt Whitman’s iconic poem, “Song of Myself.” Guests can enjoy the films while relaxing indoors, with select days featuring live performances by Texan artists. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Auto Show
The Texas Auto Show is the only place that brings together a world-class auto show and the country’s largest fair in the same place for 24 days. Experience the latest vehicles from the brand you know and discover your next set of wheels. The Automobile Building and the Centennial building offer a dry way to check out this year’s stock of vehicles.
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters – “Eminence Rising: 150 Years of Prairie View A&M University”
The Black Academy of Arts and Letters host the “Eminence Rising: 150 Years of Prairie View A&M University” Traveling Exhibition, offering Prairie View A&M students, alumni, and fairgoers an inspiring opportunity to celebrate the rich legacy, achievements, and enduring impact of one of Texas’ most distinguished historically Black universities. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
African American Museum – Mandela: The Official Exhibition
Home to one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the United States, the museum also showcases African American fine art, traditional African art and historical artifacts dating back to the 1800s.
During the fair the African American Museum Dallas will continue to present Mandela: The Official Exhibition, a free, immersive journey through the life of the world’s most celebrated freedom fighter.
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
The Children’s Aquarium has been designed with kids in mind. With eye-level interactive zones and exhibits, everyone can enjoy and learn something new about our aquatic friends from around the world.
A few commonly asked questions about weather at the State Fair of Texas
Is the Fair open rain or shine?
Yes. The State Fair of Texas is open rain or shine. However, certain rides, attractions, shows, and activities may be temporarily delayed, closed, or canceled due to weather conditions.
What happens during severe weather?
The State Fair of Texas closely monitors weather conditions throughout the day. If severe weather develops, the Fair may adjust operations as necessary for the safety of fairgoers, employees, vendors, and participants. Guests should follow instructions from Fair staff and public safety personnel during severe weather.
Do rides close because of weather?
Rides may temporarily close due to rain, lightning, high winds, or other weather conditions.
Can concerts or outdoor shows be delayed or canceled?
Yes. Outdoor concerts, shows, and other entertainment may be delayed, modified, relocated, or canceled due to severe or unsafe weather conditions.
Are refunds or rain checks available?
The State Fair of Texas operates rain or shine.
Where should I look for weather-related updates?
For the latest updates during severe weather, follow the State Fair of Texas on social media and pay attention to announcements and instructions from Fair staff while on the fairgrounds.