What to Do When You're in Dallas for the State Fair of Texas - Country Living Magazine
What to Do When You're in Dallas for the State Fair of Texas
Spend your time tailgating, line dancing, and luxury shopping.
For over a century, autumn in North Texas has meant one thing—the celebrated State Fair of Texas, the longest-running fair in the nation. This year, from September 27 through October 20, say howdy to a schedule packed with everything from a Cirque du Soleil show inspired by country music to the Texas Auto Show to themed weekend rodeos—all under the watchful eye of Big Tex, the iconic cowboy mascot who towers 50-plus feet above the midway. Daily admission tickets are available, or you can go all in with a $50 season pass.
Catch a Game
No trip to Dallas is complete without a stop by AT&T Stadium to cheer on the Dallas Cowboys and their famous cheerleaders. If you've never experienced a Texas tailgate before, leave plenty of time to have a beer, eat barbecue, and make new friends at the sprawling festivities that surround the arena.
If the NBA is more your speed, stay tuned for the upcoming Dallas Mavericks schedule for a chance to see the playoff regulars vie for another championship ring.
See Live Music
For a true Texas dive-bar experience, swing by the beloved Adair's Saloon in the hip Deep Ellum neighborhood. With a focus on shows by up-and-coming country and rock bands, it's a great place to grab a cheeseburger and have a low-key date night with honky-tonk, two-stepping flavor.
If you prefer jazz, don't miss The Balcony Club. Located above a historic theater in Lakewood, a short drive from Deep Ellum, this Dallas music institution is the best place to hear jazz, blues, and live R&B in the city over a craft cocktail—all the makings of a swanky night on the town.
Go Museum-Hopping
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science has something for everyone—awe-inspiring dinosaur fossils, an interactive bird-flight experience, sparkling stones in the gems-and-minerals exhibit, and a science-focused sports hall. It offers at least a full day of family-friendly fun that's educational, yet never boring.
Find a Truly Texas Souvenir
Cowboy boots are trending, so snag an authentic pair at Wild Bill's Western Store. The family-owned business is hard to miss—the entrance is marked by a larger-than-life longhorn and silver belt buckle. Hop onto a saddle-topped stool and watch their seasoned experts custom-size and shape a cowboy hat to your measurements.
Next, swing by Forty Five Ten, a multistory concept store that sells haute couture right in the heart of Texas. Even if you're not in the market for a new handbag, browsing the world-class selection of home goods, fashion, and art is a beautiful way to spend a few eye-catching hours.
Unwind
Schedule a bit of restorative fun after all the excitement. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden lies on the shores of peaceful White Rock Lake, a serene 66 acres of colorful flowers, historic buildings, and trickling water features. Check back for the fall schedule of concerts and special tours—or take a romantic cooking class using ingredients from its kitchen garden.
Indulge indoors at the luxurious Spa at the Joule in downtown Dallas. Though already a can't-miss, this wellness destination is currently going through an expansion, so it'll be even better by late September. Tucked away beneath the boutique hotel, the spa is known for its European-inspired treatment program, and also features a sauna, steam room, and soaking pool. It's the perfect end to a high-low week of all kinds of Texas thrills and deep-fried treats.