9 Reasons The State Fair Of Texas Is The Blueribbon GOAT

Sept. 22 might technically mark the start of autumn, but fall doesn't begin in Texas until Big Tex booms his first, "Howdy Folks!" to mark the opening day of the State Fair of Texas. Running for 24 consecutive days from Sept. 30 to Oct. 23, it is not only the longest-running state fair in the country, but also the largest. Over 2 million people attended the fair in 2021, beckoned by midway games, rides, live entertainment, the promise of delicious food and an abundance of deep-fried goodies.

Located at Fair Park in Dallas, the State Fair of Texas is as big and diverse as the state itself. Since it began in 1886, the State Fair has been a rite of passage for not only those in the DFW area but for everyone across the state. From pig races and chainsaw carving to livestock tours, car shows and free concerts—it is a massive celebration of everything uniquely Texas.

If you've never made the pilgrimage, here are 9 great reasons to go to the State Fair of Texas this fall. 

Inspired by the cha-cha dance, the recipe starts with a triple-step of two kinds of milk and vanilla ice cream blended to perfection with the Garza family’s top-secret (but famously delicious) horchata recipe. The creamy drink is then poured into a cup rimmed with caramel and cinnamon and topped with a Texas-sized dollop of whipped topping. The Cha-Cha Chata is also dusted with crushed candy, a sprinkle of cinnamon galletas de gragega, and deep-fried arroz con leche bites. 

State Fair of Texas/Handout 1. You can try decadent new foods

There is so much to see and do at the State Fair of Texas, but—let's be honest—the food keeps people coming back year after year. The theme of this year's fair, Treats of Texas, is based on its delicious offerings. Concessionaires work hard to outdo one another and come up with new food concepts like Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Waffle Balls, a Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burger and, of course, the modern icon known as Deep-Fried Butter.

Each year, fairgoers can look forward to the winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards, categorized by the best savory, sweet and creative dishes. This year's award winners include all the elements of a charcuterie board deep-fried in a wonton wrapper, a deep-fried honey bun covered with several layers of peanut buttery toppings and a milkshake featuring two kinds of ice cream topped with cookies, candy and a churro straw.

Of course, all the old standbys remain and the lines are long but quick at two iconic fair staples: Fletcher's Corny Dogs and Jack's French Frys. Visitors have 24 days to sample the varied and vast menus, including Tex-Mex, bratwurst, sauerkraut, gyros and burgers. Craft beer and award-winning wine are also available at stalls throughout the venue.

Workers at Fletcher's Corny Dogs show off their deep-fried wares at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. The stall is one of the favorites of visitors to the fair.

Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas 2. You can score cheap eats on Thursdays

If you're looking to pig out and get the most for your money at the State Fair of Texas, you've got to visit on a Thursday. The fair's Thrifty Thursdays promotion sees more than 85 treats discounted across the fairgrounds, including classics like corn dogs, cotton candy, corn on the cob and turkey legs. The dates for Thrifty Thursdays in 2022 are Oct. 6, 13 and 20 and you can check the online map to see which eateries take part.

Winners for the 2022 Big Tex Choice Awards have been officially announced. 

Jeremy Woodhouse/Getty Images 3. You can see Big Tex up close

Although it is easy to stay busy with shows and activities, there are a few top attractions to seek out while visiting the fair. Visitors should get an obligatory selfie with Big Tex, the State Fair's official master of ceremonies and the "World's Tallest Cowboy" who towers over the festivities at 55 feet tall. For 12 hours a day, Big Tex greets visitors in his size-96 Lucchese boots and custom-made Dickies shirt.

Twelve-year-old Michael Richardson of Richardson, Texas, ends up with an unexpectedly close view of a baby goat in the Barnyards area at the State Fair of Texas on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2001, in Dallas. Michael was with his sixth-grade art class from St. Paul the Apostle school.

Rick Moon/AP 4. You can meet animals (and the Woofus)

Animals are of course a big part of the State Fair of Texas as agriculture has been one of the pillars of the entire event since it began in 1886. Livestock barns offer agricultural education, hands-on opportunities and an up-close look at animals, including the newest babies born in the birthing barn. Don't forget to snap a photo with the Woofus. This statue, a mythological mashup of all the livestock found at the fair, is tucked away in the agricultural area.

Alt-country icon Lucinda Williams performs at ACL Live on Aug. 7, 2021 in Austin, Texas. Williams will be one of the headline performers at the 2022 State Fair of Texas.

Erika Goldring/FilmMagic 5. You can hear world-class live music

Dozens of events happen daily at the fair, making it easy to plan a robust itinerary using the online calendar. Live music is a huge part of the fun, with local and national acts performing on several stages throughout the grounds, all included in your fair ticket. The 2022 State Fair's bill shows the wide breadth of genres the fair puts its spotlight on and includes Lucinda Williams, Trace Adkins, Fitz & The Tantrums and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

The Texas State Fair is back after a pandemic-ridden year. We dive into Big Tex's history. 

Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas 6. You can witness butter art

The Creative Arts Building, which houses award-winning arts, crafts and culinary creations from all over Texas, is also home to a 1,000-pound butter sculpture that must be seen to be believed. Each year, an artist creates a colossal statue that pays homage to the fair's theme.

Shyanne Reynolds, 15, and Jersey Proctor, 12, ride a carnival ride in the midway at the State Fair of Texas in October 2019 at Fair Park in Dallas.

Ashley Landis /Dallas Morning News 7. You can stroll the massive midway

No fair would be complete without a midway and the one at the State Fair of Texas is truly massive. Home to over 70 rides and games for kids and adults, there is no shortage of fun to explore. Take a relaxing ride on the Texas Star, the largest Ferris wheel in Texas and a favorite part of the State Fair's skyline. Riders on the Texas Star and the Top of Texas Tower, which soars 500 feet in the air, will be treated to sweeping views of the entire fair and the Dallas skyline.

An attendee at the Texas Auto Show takes a picture of luxury sports cars. The auto show takes place during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas 8. You can check out cool cars

In addition to music and games, one of the largest car shows in Texas is on stage for all 24 days of the fair, allowing visitors to see the newest and hottest cars in one location. The Texas Auto Show has been happening since 1913 and offers a great diversion for anyone attending the fair. Whether you want to look at dream sports cars, huge pickups or the next class of family rides, you can get an up-close look at them here.

A parade float passes by at night during the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas 9. You can watch the Starlight Parade

A returning favorite at the fair, the nightly Starlight Parade is a procession full of floats, life-size puppets and costumed characters. The parade is a great way to end any evening at Fair Park on a magical note.

Pig race at the fair.

fStop Images - Michael Wells/Getty Images

If you're looking for even more to do at the State Fair of Texas, root on your favorite team in the pig races and a pre-event rodeo each day, check out memorabilia from Dallas Mavericks history on display at the Mavs Vault inside the Hall of State and enjoy artwork inspired by the Mexican Day of the Dead at the Mundo Latino exhibit.

Epic rap battle Chris Rock VS. Supahot Fire!