Your Ultimate State Fair of Texas Guide — Food Picks, Must-Sees and Birds Mania

The State Fair of Texas is now in full swing until October 20. If you’ve been to the fair in the past 132 years, you know the drill, but there are some new attractions involved this year. We’ve also got some extra info for where to stay if you have visitors coming in to Dallas for the annual event.

To optimize your time at the fair, we’ve gathered everything that is worth seeing and worth eating at Fair Park this year.

Here’s your guide to the best of the State Fair of Texas:

Hotel Options for State Fair

The Canopy Hotel in Uptown is doing something festive this year. The Hilton Hotel is offering a State Fair of Texas package for two with rates starting at $219. Including two admission tickets to the fair, one night stay and breakfast at Canopy Central, the package is also great for a staycation. It’s less than a four mile drive to the fair grounds so you can have easy access to all of the fried foods and rides you want.

Another plus of the Canopy is the Upside West Village rooftop bar. One of the best rooftop bars in Dallas, it’s a must-visit on the eighth floor to try a Texas whiskey flight or cocktail while you’re there.

Must-See Attractions at State Fair

After a six-year hiatus, the World of Birds Show is back! Presented by Steve Martin, “SOAR” brings in an array of birds from around the world in one spectacular presentation of flight. They’ll be released from the ferris wheel and fly over guests’ heads.

Right near the entrance of the fair is the African American Museum, where they’re currently showing the highly-acclaimed Kinsey African American Art & History Collection. Absolutely groundbreaking, the exhibit includes artifacts from as early as 1595. Over five decades of marriage, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey have collected more than 150 art and historical pieces and shown their exhibit around the world.

Texas Discovery Garden’s Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House. This was always my favorite exhibit going to the fair as a youngster. Every day at noon they have a butterfly release and it’s a great way to learn a little about the beautiful winged insect.

In the Hall of State’s Great Hall, there is the Texas Cinema exhibition. Produced in partnership with the Dallas Historical Society, Texas Cinema focuses on the history and impact of film performers and creators from Texas. There will interactive opportunities and artifacts with tons of video and media incorporated.

Another new exhibit this year is the Casa de Chocolate, A Sweet Indulgent Affair at the Women’s Museum. It offers fairgoers a glimpse into the origin of chocolate through demos, tastings and classes.

Must-Eats at State Fair

Obviously, a Fletcher’s Corny Dog is number one. Winner of Big Tex Choice Awards “Best Taste- Savory” this year, Ruth’s Stuffed Fried Taco Cone is a must-try along with the Texas Fried Frito Pie, a classic.

If you still have room, make sure to try another winner for Most Creative, the Fla’Mango Tango. It’s a fried mango pastry, creamy, with a citrus glaze and topped with whipped cream. Strawberry-mango sorbet is on the side. And if you like to stick with the classics, the Fried Oreos never fail me.