Chrissy’s Comprehensive State Fair Guide: Hanging Out with Big Tex

Well, the summer came and went, and now there’s nothing to look forward to but schoolwork and deadlines, right?  Wrong!

The State Fair of Texas is rapidly approaching for another incredible three-week run with some of the most scrumptious dishes and exhilarating fair rides this side of the Mississippi.

So sit back, relax, and allow Chrissy the #DentonRealtor to walk you through how to get the most out of your upcoming trip to the longest-running state fair in the country!

Plan Ahead

The Fair is some of the most fun you can have with the whole family, but coming unprepared is not part of a recipe for success. The State Fair of Texas is a massive event, with over two million Texans visiting each year.

No that’s not a typo — I repeat, there are TWO MILLION annual visitors in the three-week run from the end of September to the middle of October.

Sure, you can just show up and experience everything all willy-nilly if you want, but if you have a family with you and a few hungry mouths to feed, it’s best to create a budget and plan ahead.

Prices to Be Aware of

  • Cost of parking: $20

  • Cost of premium parking: $40

  • Tickets

    • Depending on the day of the week, adults pay anywhere from $15-25

    • Children 2 and younger are free

    • Children under 4 feet tall are $10-18

    • Seniors age 60 and over will pay anywhere from $5 on Senior night to $18 on the weekend

  • Reduced admission of only $5 after 5 pm every day 

You can also save quite a bit if you’re going as a group (25+ people) or if you grab a season pass (which makes total sense if you go every year or you want to go more than once this year).

Parking gates and ticket booths open 1 hour before the Fair opens. You’ll be able to get tickets on site, but you should expect there to be a line for the ticket booth and then another line as you enter the fairgrounds. So it’s just a little easier to buy tickets online.

Once you’re inside, food, drinks, and rides are all paid for with coupons that you can purchase at a number of different kiosks spread all throughout the grounds. Coupons are $1 each.

Dress Comfortably

There are over 270 acres to explore at Fair Park, so make sure you have the outfit — and more importantly, the shoes — to keep up with your adventure. 

You know as well as anyone that Texas temps can be all over the place. The average high in October is supposed to be 79 and the average low is supposed to be 59.  But we all know how accurate that’s likely to be…

So, if possible, plan your trip to either be entirely during the day or just at night. That way, it’s much easier to dress for the weather, and you won’t be stuck carrying around a laundry-load of hoodies during the day or (freezing at night).

The Best of The State Fair

There are endless activities to keep you occupied at the State Fair of Texas. If you don’t have a plan, you may find yourself overwhelmed.

But don’t you worry — I’ve got you covered. Here is Chrissy the #DentonRealtor’s list of all the best that the Fair has to offer.

Fletcher’s Corny Dog

Fletcher's famous corny dogs are a State Fair staple. Your trip won’t be complete without at least one (or four).

If you see that the line is a little too long, don’t worry: Fletcher’s has 7 locations throughout the fairgrounds to make sure you can get your hands on one at any time. 

$50 Season Passes

For the price of just two regular tickets, you can have access to all 24 days of the Fair. This gives you the opportunity to see every nook and cranny of the fairgrounds and get the most out of the Fair this year.

The season pass also gives you free admittance for a friend, access to the Chevrolet Main Stage for the concerts, and a reusable State Fair tote bag, among many other perks.

Texas Star Ferris Wheel

Although not for the faint of heart, this 216-foot massive Ferris wheel will provide thrilling and unparalleled views of the park and DFW.

You may be a little intimidated standing next to it, but once you're on top, you can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Family Friendly Activities

Check out Kidway 

It’s an area with scaled-down rides for kids 3 and under. They have a number of fun, pint-sized adventures for the little ones, including slides and a smaller Ferris wheel to enjoy.

The Pee Wee Stampede and Rodeo

Here, kids can enjoy their own rodeo, where they ride broomstick horses and bulls in front of a raucous crowd cheering them on. This show has a number of events to participate in, all with the little ones as the stars.

The pig races are another huge hit for every age group. Catch the sprinting swine as they run the track Kentucky-Derby-style.

The Livestock Barns

Get your kids up close and personal with some adorable farm critters at the petting zoo. 

Featuring pigs, goats, cows, and a few other barnyard animals, this area is a great way to spend a few hours and get your kids acquainted with the rich farming heritage of the great state of Texas.

Fantastic Fun Fair Facts

The State Fair of Texas has a ton of history — here are just a few must-know facts about this Texas tradition:

  • The State Fair of Texas is the longest-running state fair in the country. The first Fair occurred in 1886 with a (relatively small) crowd of over 14,000 people. The only years missed were during WWII and the 2020 COVID pandemic.

  • Big Tex’s shirt was stolen prior to opening in 1970. The Lee company was tasked with making a new, size-90 shirt for Tex and completed it just a few hours before opening.

  • The State Fair bought Big Tex from the town of Kerens for just $750 back in 1951.

  • Big Tex started out as Santa Claus in Kerens but was quickly changed to a cowboy beginning in 1952 after being purchased by the fair.

  • Big Tex is constantly evolving. Over the years, his features have changed to become more friendly, and his hair was slightly grayed to commemorate his 50th birthday in 2002.

So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets today and get your fall season started right by making a trip to the historic Fair!

Get to Know Chrissy the #DentonRealtor

Chrissy Mallouf has lived in Denton community for over 32 years and has become an integral part of Denton’s fabric. Chrissy obtained her real estate license in 2008 after spending over 16 years in the banking industry in roles ranging from consumer, commercial banking, and director of sales.

She was recognized as the #1 buyer’s agent at Keller Williams Realty Denton in 2015, 2016, and 2017, has won the Denton Record Chronicles’ Best of Denton for the past 9 years and was awarded Best of Denton County since 2017. Chrissy is extremely passionate about mentoring and helping other achieve things they did not think were possible.

In 2001, she was voted one of Denton’s most influential people. Chrissy graduated from the Texas Association of Realtors Leadership Program and serves on the 2020 Greater Denton/Wise County Association of Realtors Board of Directors. 

She is married to John Mallouf and has two beautiful children, Madison and Holden. Chrissy loves to spend time traveling with her family and making memories, supporting her kiddos in their various activities, volunteering, and cheering on her favorite football teams.

When she’s not being a super mom or a top-producing realtor, you will find Chrissy giving back to the community by serving on several non-profit boards. She serves on the Denton Parks Foundation Board, is involved in Denton ISD, is a member of Denton Benefit League supports major community events like Denton Holiday Lighting, Kiwanis Fireworks Show and Arts & Jazz.

She is a member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Keller Williams Agent Leadership Council.

She is your #DentonRealtor!

Events, Local Happenings, Family FunRandi SkinnerComment