DALLAS – The State Fair of Texas is pleased to announce the free entertainment lineup for the 2024 State Fair. Hundreds of activities are spread throughout the fairgrounds during the 24 days of the State Fair, free with your admission ticket.
Celebrating all things Tejano is central to the State Fair’s nonprofit mission and providing entertainment that appeals to our diverse mix of fairgoers: for the music lovers who sing their hearts out at every concert, the enthusiastic of automobiles exploring the latest and greatest models at the Texas Auto Show. , families looking for the Fair’s fun-filled educational exhibits, and everyone in between. Below are highlights from this year’s lineup, and the full lineup is available on our website, BigTex.com/Attractions.
What’s new and what you can’t miss
Known for featuring body-bending acrobats, comedic strongman acts and more, the Fringe Stage is packed with all-new performances for this year’s Fair. Prepare to be dazzled and delighted at the Billy Kidd show, as she weaves magic up close and personal, leaving audiences spellbound with every sleight of hand and mind-blowing tricks. With her charismatic charm and infectious energy, she will make you believe in the impossible and want more. Don’t miss this captivating performance that will have you asking, “How did he do that?” Billy Kidd joins the line-up on the Fringe stage alongside returning fan favorites Mighty Mike, Sara Twister and Street Circus.
Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville are pleased to present “Songblazers.” Two steps into the fascinating world of Cirque du Soleil’s newest touring U.S. show in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville: a live musical and acrobatic performance showcasing the captivating artistry of Cirque du Soleil to the soulful melodies of beloved legends of the country and contemporary stars. .
Offering the perfect harmony of guitar rhythms and impressive moves, you will all kick your way through an unforgettable night of heartfelt stories, fast-paced rhythms and breathtaking aerial performances that capture the heart and soul of country music. . “Songblazers” will be presented in association with Broadway Dallas and the State Fair of Texas at the Music Hall at Fair Park for 33 performances only from September 25 to October 20. Each “Songblazers” ticket includes free admission to the fair. Visit www.broadwaydallas.org to purchase tickets and more information.
The State Hall is one of the most famous focal points of Fair Park in Dallas. Along with the Alamo and the state capital, the State Hall is one of the most historic buildings in the entire state of Texas. During the 2024 State Fair of Texas, enter the State Hall and witness an amazing spectacle as Guinness World Record holder Bryan Berg demonstrates his incredible card stacking skills. Watch in awe as Bryan Berg, the card stacker, meticulously balances and builds towering Texas icons using only a deck of cards, defying gravity with each delicate placement. Additionally, the Texan Collection: Selections from Precolonial Spanish Texas to the Revolution (1720-1836) will be displayed within the north wing. The south wing will display the Alamo diorama, which is the largest representation of its kind at 336 square feet. The east wing will display professionally framed and mounted flags from the Republic of Texas era (1836-1846) in the Vexillology of the Republic exhibit.
In addition to shows and exhibits, the State Fair’s live music program features more than 100 acts on three stages, performing throughout the 24 days of the Fair. The Chevrolet Main Stage will host headline performances by Jo Dee Messina, Bowling for Soup, Dasha, Jesse & Joy, the Commodores and more. Additionally, the fair is entering its sixth year of partnership with State Fair Records, the East Dallas-based label that programs and produces the Bud Light Stage and Yuengling Flight Stage. With strong ties to the local, regional and state music scene, State Fair Records continues to bring the best the Lone Star State has to offer to the State Fair of Texas. The Yuengling Flight Stage will also feature live stand-up as part of Deep Fried Comedy on Friday nights at 8:00 pm. You can find the full list of live music at the fair at BigTex.com/livemusic.
Dust off your boots and join us at the historic Fair Park Coliseum for the return of the State Fair of Texas Rodeo. Every State Fair weekend, Friday through Sunday, witness the best of the best in the ring, whether rounding up cattle as part of the State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo or celebrating the variety of culture at the rodeo as part of the Mexican Rodeo. Party. Returning for its third year, the State Fair of Texas is proud to welcome the United Professional Rodeo Association’s Year-End Finals to the Fair Park Coliseum this fall as part of the fair’s rodeo programming. Additionally, the State Fair of Texas is proud to partner with the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association for the new release of the Pro Rodeo Rough Stock.
Come watch Cowboy Trey share his knowledge about animals in barns, plus how our food production system works at Farm and Fork University. This daily talk show-style presentation is a fun and educational way to show how food appears in our supermarkets, plus information about livestock farming and your role in it all.
Big Tex Urban Farms operates and donates products to the local community year-round from the Errol McKoy Greenhouse in Midway, and this year, we’re introducing more opportunities to hear from the farmers themselves on a variety of topics. Start your week with Micro(Green) Mondays showcasing the growing system that produces thousands of microgreens. Play Greenhouse Trivia, watch a live cooking demonstration using ingredients grown in the greenhouse, or watch our team collect donations for our local community.
The Pint Size Parade is a must-see for families at the State Fair of Texas. Follow the charming Showstoppers characters along the parade route to the steps of the State Hall, where they will give a lively performance. This charming procession is filled with music, dancing and fun surprises, perfect for children and parents alike.
What’s back and better than ever
The wonders of the prehistoric era return to Fair Park for this year’s Dinosaurs at the Lagoon. Featuring 10 life-size dinosaurs found in Texas, a children’s play area, plenty of seating and dining options, and an expanded play area, the Dinosaurs at the Lagoon exhibit brings together the fun of the State Fair with bilingual (English) educational entertainment. /Spanish) for the whole family. Be sure to take a photo with the 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus.
Mattress Firm’s Illumination Sensation returns with new songs and attributes in its 25th year at the historic Esplanade. Located next to a picturesque reflecting pool, Mattress Firm Illumination Sensation combines fireworks and high-energy pop music with engaging performances by dancers and acrobats. This sensational production of synchronized pyrotechnics and special effects begins nightly at 8 p.m.
Step into the culinary spotlight at Creative Arts in the Kitchen Cooking Demonstrations with Cutco, where our new State Fair Resident Chef performs live demonstrations every day at the State Fair of Texas. Watch as they create delicious dishes, share expert tips, and invite the public to participate in an immersive gourmet experience like no other. From beginners to seasoned cooks, everyone can savor the excitement and culinary inspiration to take home.
With spectacular spectacular floats, the Kroger Starlight Parade will light up the Fair Park skyline. Created by Kern Studios of New Orleans, this nighttime parade tours the fairgrounds for all 24 nights of the Fair, featuring a colorful array of floats, life-size puppets, animated characters in ornate costumes, and more. This year, four new floats will glide around the fairgrounds, including a new coronation float.
Fan favorites return
A family experience presented by McDonald’s, “Puppet Parties,” is one of this year’s must-see shows. Surrounded by lights and beautiful landscapes, a small town of more than 85 hand-made puppets come to life to celebrate a festival of color, culture and creativity. Be sure to stay for the backstage tour and craft activity after the show. Come and see for yourself with daily performances at the McDonald’s Amphitheater on First Avenue.
Combining agricultural education with real-world demonstrations, The Majesty of the Horse returns with even more examples to showcase equine beauty. Join renowned equestrian Jerry Diaz and his family for an intimate performance showcasing the majesty and beauty of the horse. The exhibit includes multiple breeds of horses and showcases their unique color, size and purpose.
The Fringe Stage will bring back three fan-favorite acts. A horseshoe bender, bowling ball and mallet juggler, and all-around charmer, strongman Mighty Mike’s hilarious performance showcases strongman strength techniques dating back to the 1920s and, dare we say , questionable dance routines. Audience members will laugh throughout the show but will also leave motivated and inspired by the strongman culture of yesteryear. Next, world-renowned street performer Sara Twister brings her contortionist and archery skills to the Lone Star State. With mind- and body-altering archery and plenty of comedy, this show has something for everyone in the family. Sara Twister will perform a show in Spanish on Sundays at 2:45 pm Last but not least, this husband and wife duo bring their acrobatic act to the Fair for the first time this year. Featuring hand-to-hand acrobatics, hula hooping, handstands, contortions, comedy and more, you won’t want to miss Street Circus.
Hog racing returns to Chevy Park Plaza. Dressed in alluring racing silks, the wiggly piggies race the track four times a day. Don’t miss this fan favorite.
Two iconic football rivalries return to the field at Cotton Bowl Stadium this year. On Saturday, September 28, the Grambling State University Tigers and Prairie View A&M University Panthers will kick off at 6:00 pm for another wild game and an intense Battle of the Bands at halftime during the annual State Fair Classic. The Allstate Red River rivalry between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the University of Texas Longhorns returns for the 95th consecutive neutral ground matchup with a 2:30 pm kickoff at Cotton Bowl Stadium on Saturday the 12th October. However, as of 2024, the two esteemed schools now fall under the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference, making the matchup even more anticipated.
These are just the highlights of the more than 100 daily activities you and your family have free access to with admission to the 2024 State Fair of Texas. To start planning your visit and see the full list of entertainment, visit BigTex.com/Attractions. Season passes are now available for purchase at BigTex.com/SeasonPass. The 2024 State Fair of Texas will begin on Friday, September 27 and run through Sunday, October 20. Join us for “24 Days of Fun” in the most Texan place on earth.
Keynote USA
For the Latest Local News, Follow Keynote USA Local on Twitter.