As a long-standing nonprofit organization and Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a unique appreciation for the local community that makes such a substantial event possible each year. Guided by our mission to have a positive community impact—not only through the annual Fair but also through year-round engagement—we are proud to collaborate with local organizations on initiatives that uplift, educate, and connect. Over the past year, these partnerships have supported a wide range of impactful events, from educational showcases and resource fairs to equity symposiums and public safety workshops. Each effort reflects our commitment to giving back and strengthening the fabric of the community we proudly serve. Read more below to see how our partners are making a difference beyond our signature State Fair of Texas events.
Ag Awareness Reading Day Paul L. Dunbar and Charles Rice
In collaboration with our partners at Dairy MAX, the State Fair of Texas proudly hosts Ag Awareness Day, a gathering of FCCLA, FFA, and 4-H student leaders from across the state to celebrate Texans and our state’s rich agricultural history. On October 9, 2024, the State Fair of Texas hosted an Ag Awareness Reading Day at Paul L. Dunbar and Charles Rice elementary schools. High school and college students read Right This Very Minute to third grade students, a wonderful story that highlights how food gets from farm to table in a fun and engaging way.
Big Tex Workplace Tours: Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Education Day at the Fair
As part of the State Fair of Texas’ commitment to education and community engagement, the Big Tex Workplace Tours offer students and community and industry partners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the vast array of initiatives, operations, and career opportunities involved in bringing the Fair to life. Participants gained unique insights into the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of professionals working in diverse areas not always visible to the public but crucial to the success of the Fair. By connecting education with real-world experience, the Big Tex Workplace Tours align with the State Fair’s broader mission of giving back to the community and promoting community involvement.
4th Annual Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair
In partnership with the DPD Community Engagement Bureau, DPD Unidos, Community Inspired Alliance for Women, Parkland Health, and SFOT, attendees explored a variety of vendors offering essential resources and had a chance to win door prizes, including diapers and essential supplies for both mothers and newborns.
DISD Middle School Career Exploration Showcase
In Partnership with the DISD Middle School Career Exploration Showcase, DISD invited 1200 seventh grade students who are enrolled in the path to college career courses to explore 30 different career clusters that could inspire their future career path.
43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Week Job Fair
6th Annual Equity Symposium
The State Fair of Texas proudly partnered with the City of Dallas for the sixth Annual Equity Symposium, where nearly 150 guests engaged with dynamic speakers on Environmental Justice and the Economic Case for Closing Disparities.
Student Workshops with Broadway Dallas: Back to the Future
As part of our ongoing partnership with Broadway Dallas, the State Fair of Texas joined forces to offer engaging workshops that enhance Dallas ISD students’ understanding of Broadway productions. Most recently, we welcomed students from Pace High School and Adamson High School to participate in an exclusive, co-hosted workshop, followed by a special opportunity to attend the Broadway musical Back to the Future at Broadway Dallas.
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy Library Transformation Reveal
The State Fair of Texas proudly supported the transformation of the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy Library. The initiative enhanced the space with new furniture, advanced technology, and valuable resources—creating a more functional, inspiring, and student-centered environment. The official reveal took place on January 31, 2025.
Student Workshops with Broadway Dallas: Back to the Future
As part of our ongoing partnership with Broadway Dallas, the State Fair of Texas joined forces to offer engaging workshops that enhance Dallas ISD students’ understanding of Broadway productions. Most recently, we welcomed students from Pace High School and Adamson High School to participate in an exclusive, co-hosted workshop, followed by a special opportunity to attend the Broadway musical Back to the Future at Broadway Dallas.
DISD Ready for Success
State Fair of Texas partnered with DISD for their Dallas ISD Career Institute Seniors Get ‘Ready 4 Success’. This amazing program provided over 500 students with information and training in key areas such as people management, resource utilization, time management, financial reporting and tax preparation, and networking.
DPD Robbery Symposium
In partnership with the Dallas Police Department for their 2nd Business Robbery Symposium, 60 attendees had the opportunity to hear from DPD subject matter experts and District Attorney’s Office to discuss investigative and prosecutorial procedures.
DISD Teacher Appreciation Night
State Fair of Texas was a proud partner of the DISD CTE Teacher Night, this event had over 200 attendees, where campus principals nominated outstanding educators in each career cluster for their dedication and contributions to the profession. Additionally, they also recognized Years of Service milestones, honoring educators who have reached 10, 15, 20, 25+ years in CTE.
DPD Women’s Symposium
State Fair of Texas was a proud partner of the DPD Women Symposium, where over 150 attendees had the opportunity to come together for their 4th annual 2-day event where they celebrated and supported women who are First Responders and women who are professional Staff employees with law enforcements and fire departments.
DPD Unidos & State Fair Soccer Camp at the Cotton Bowl
The State Fair of Texas was proud to partner with the Dallas Police Department and Pleasant Grove Soccer & Sports to host a free soccer camp at historic Cotton Bowl® Stadium, providing nearly 200 local DISD students with an exciting opportunity to learn, play, and grow through the game of soccer.
Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala
The State Fair of Texas was excited to partner with DISD for their Hilltop Entrepreneurship Gala, where they honored DISD career institute students that participated in the Hilltop Entrepreneurship Challenge.
This gala recognized the winners of the challenge and celebrated all of the students’ business ideas and achievements.