Fried Delights and Big Tex: A Guide to the 2023 Texas State Fair
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Welcome to the 2023 Texas State Fair: A Celebration of Texan Pride and Tradition! As the Lone Star State gears up for its 137th annual State Fair, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable journey filled with the heartwarming spirit, mouthwatering flavors, and thrilling entertainment that define this Texan tradition.
From September 29 to October 22, 2023, Fair Park in Dallas will come alive with the vibrant energy of the State Fair of Texas, a place where Texan pride runs deep and the fun knows no bounds.
The iconic 55-foot cowboy, Big Tex, will tip his hat to greet you with a hearty 'Howdy Folks!' as you embark on a 24-day adventure packed with exciting attractions, sensational shows, and, of course, an array of delicious fried delights.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through all the must-see attractions, the sizzling new additions, and the return of beloved classics. Get ready to be mesmerized by soap bubble circus acts, dazzled by street acrobatics, and transported to the prehistoric era at Dinosaurs at the Lagoon.
If music is your passion, don't miss our free live music festivals showcasing an array of Texan musical talent. And speaking of festivals, we're thrilled to bring the rodeo back to the historic Fair Park Coliseum, featuring an exciting lineup of events that celebrate diversity and tradition.
Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a first-time visitor, this guide will be your compass to navigate the 2023 Texas State Fair, ensuring you don't miss a moment of the fun, food, and festivities. So, put on your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and let's dive into this unforgettable Texan adventure!"
Get ready for 24 days of Texan pride and excitement at the 2023 Texas State Fair!
Find farm to table and local ingredients restaurants in the Dallas, Texas Area.
General Information:
Dates: The Texas State Fair is taking place from September 29 to October 22, 2023.
Location: The fair is held at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.
Ticketing: You can purchase tickets for admission to the fair, and there are also season passes available if you plan to attend multiple days.
Website: https://bigtex.com
Highlights and Attractions:
Soap Bubble Circus: A new and exciting attraction for 2023, the Soap Bubble Circus performs Guinness World Record-breaking feats of bubble-ology. Expect to see incredible bubble displays like a snowman dancing across a tightrope and an exploding volcano.
Street Circus: A husband and wife duo brings their acrobatic act to the fair for the first time, featuring hand-to-hand acrobatics, hula hoops, handstands, contortion, comedy, and more.
Dinosaurs at the Lagoon: This exhibit features 10 life-sized dinosaurs found in Texas, along with a kids' play area and educational content. Don't forget to get your photo with the 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus.
Acrobuffos: If you're looking to cool off in the Texas heat, don't miss the interactive and epic water balloon fight presented by Acrobuffos.
Holiday Experience: Get into the holiday spirit early with the "Home for the Holidays Experience." You can see beautifully decorated Texas Christmas trees on display.
Starlight Parade: The Kroger Starlight Parade is back with brand-new, over-the-top floats, life-size puppets, animated characters, and more. It's a colorful and bright procession that lights up the fairgrounds every night.
Rodeo: Dust off your boots and attend the State Fair of Texas Rodeo, featuring events like the State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo and the Mexican Rodeo Fiesta. This year also includes the Year-End Finale of the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA).
Mundo Latino: Explore the rich history and significance of the Day of the Dead with art installations and live painting in the "DÃa de Los Muertos" exhibit by Mundo Latino.
Showstoppers: Giant inflatable characters, including Little Big Tex and Champ, entertain guests with their antics at the Hall of State steps.
Mighty Mike Show: Watch strongman Mighty Mike perform feats like bending horseshoes, juggling bowling balls, and providing a humorous take on old-time strongman culture.
All-Star Stunt Dog Show: Enjoy amazing canine tricks performed by rescue dogs that have appeared on shows like Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey.
Pig Races: Witness the entertaining Pig Races in Marine Corp Square, where wiggly piglets dressed in racing silks compete.
Budweiser Clydesdales: The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales make their return to the fair, with appearances in the Kroger Starlight Parade and daily visits in Chevy Park Plaza.
Educational Attractions: Learn about agriculture and livestock's impact on our lives at various educational exhibits like the Livestock Birthing Barn, Oncor Petting Zoo, Livestock 101, and Innovations in Agriculture.
Ram TRX Thrill Ride: Experience the thrill of riding in a Ram TRX as it tests its performance capabilities on rolling hills and banked corners.
Midway Barker: Enjoy a humorous performance by the Midway Barker, who entertains the crowd with his antics.
Milking Parlor: Learn about modern milking procedures by watching cows from nearby farms in action.
World of Magic: Experience award-winning illusionists and futuristic elements in the "World of Magic" show, complete with neon lighting, lasers, and even a floating robot.
These are just some of the many attractions and activities you can enjoy at the 2023 Texas State Fair. Be sure to check the fair's schedule and map to plan your visit accordingly and make the most of this Texan tradition. Have a great time at the fair!
Food:
The 2023 Texas State Fair is offering a diverse and exciting selection of new foods to try. Here's a recap of some of the innovative and delicious dishes you can look forward to:
Bao Bun Taco Trio: A trio of bao buns filled with fried chicken, pork belly (What wine goes well with pork belly?) burnt ends, and chopped brisket.
Big Texan: Your choice of Signature Fries or Crispy Tater Tots topped with cheese sauce, Texas smoked shredded brisket, bacon (how long does bacon last?), and signature barbecue sauce.
Blooming Onion: A colossal onion battered in Cajun seasonings, deep-fried, and served with a dipping sauce.
Boujee Grilled Cheese: A gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with arugula, thinly sliced green apples, turkey, cranberry mayo, Brie, Havarti cheese, and sourdough bread.
Butcher's Block: A bowl with three-cheese macaroni and cheese, topped with smoked brisket, fried chicken, candied bacon, jalapeños, and sausage, drizzled with brown sugar chipotle sauce.
Chicharron Loaded Nachos: Fr(how long does sugar last?) esh pork rinds seasoned with Cajun-style seasonings, topped with smoked beef fajita meat, freshly made queso, and savory chopped beef barbecue.
Churreos: Mini churros deep-fried and tossed in cinnamon and sugar, drizzled with chocolate syrup and cream cheese icing, and topped with crushed Oreos (how long do oreos last?).
Cornbread Sausage Bombs: Pecan-smoked Texas sausage slices topped with pimento cheese and jalapeño, dipped in fluffy cornbread batter, fried to golden brown, and served with jalapeño ranch dipping sauce.
Cotton Candyrita: A cotton candy-infused margarita with a cotton candy-pink sugar-rimmed cup.
Creole Etouffee Beignets: Beignets filled with etouffee sauce, shrimp, smoked sausage, and steamed rice, deep-fried and topped with powdered sugar.
Deep Fried Birria Bomb: Birria bombs stuffed with birria, Oaxaca cheese, and mashed potatoes, deep-fried and topped with fire-roasted poblano ranch dressing and cilantro.
Deep Fried Candy Pecan Bacon Bread Pudding: Deep-fried bread pudding bites tossed in cinnamon sugar and candy pecans (how long do pecans last?), topped with bacon and praline sauce.
Deep Fried Honey Butter Brisket Swirls: Butter dough layered with chopped brisket, deep-fried, and glazed with honey butter sauce.
Deep Fried Texas Oatmeal Pie: Oatmeal cream pie dipped in Dr. Pepper-flavored pancake batter, deep-fried, and drizzled with Big Red Soda reduction and marshmallow sauce.
Deep Fried Surf and Turf Empanada: Stuffed with pulled lobster (What wine goes well with lobster?), crab (What wine goes well with crab?) meat, Palacio Chorizo, sweet corn, and more, deep-fried and topped with fire-roasted poblano ranch dressing.
Deep Fried Sushi Bombs: Sushi (What wine goes well with sushi?) rice topped with imitation crab meat and seasoned salmon, rolled in panko breadcrumbs (how long do panko breadcrumbs last?), deep-fried, and served with seaweed and Yum Yum dipping sauce.
Deep Fried Vietnamese Coffee: Slow-brewed coffee-infused cake, battered and deep-fried, served with condensed milk.
Fried Cacio e Pepe: Pasta (how long does pasta last?)tossed with cacio e pepe sauce, deep-fried, and topped with Parmigiano Reggiano and marinara sauce (how long does marinara sauce last?).
Fried Fireball Shot: Angel food cake dipped in Fireball Cinnamon malt liquor, deep-fried, and served with a shot of Fireball Cinnamon.
Fried Monte Qristo: A twist on the classic Monte Cristo sandwich with brisket, cheese, and smoked turkey, deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
Fried Texas BBQ Shotgun Shells: A savory roll-on-a-stick made with shredded Texas BBQ beef brisket, (What wine goes well with beef brisket?) cheese, and bacon, wrapped in bacon and breadcrumbs.
The Fruity Pebble Pickle: A dill pickle wrapped in Fruit Roll-Up and Fruit by the Foot, (how long does fruit by the foot last?) coated in Fruity Pebbles (how long do fruity pebbles last?) and drizzled with strawberry snow cone syrup.
La Pitfina: A blue wine-based drink.
Monster Burrito: A massive burrito with spiced rice, black beans (how long do black beans last?), cheese, and your choice of filling.
Not'Cho Average Nachos: Wonton wrappers filled with cherry or apple filling, deep-fried, and topped with various sweet toppings.
Pineapple Dole Soft Serve: Smooth and tropical pineapple-flavored soft serve.
Raspberry Chipotle Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese: Grilled cheese with cream cheese and raspberry chipotle jam-filled jalapeños, wrapped in bacon.
Red, White, & Blue Crumble: Blue velvet, red velvet, and butter pound cake bites crumbled on top of vanilla ice cream.
Rest in Heavenly Peach: Grilled angel food cake topped with whipped cream and peach pie filling.
Steak Bowl: Made-to-order prime sirloin steak (What wine goes well with sirloin steak?) bites served with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, with your choice of sauce.
Strawberry Cream Sando: Strawberries and Chantilly cream between Japanese milk bread.
Strawberry Shortcake Sopapillas: Sopapillas coated in powdered sugar, topped with strawberry fixings.
Taki Ramen Tostada: A fusion dish with a ramen noodle cake, taco meat, Asian sesame seed slaw, and more.
The Texas State Fair is known for its diverse and innovative food offerings. From deep-fried creations to gourmet, regional, national, and international dishes with a Texan twist, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Don't forget to explore the winning creations from the Big Tex Choice Awards contest.
Music:
The music festival at the 2023 Texas State Fair sounds like a fantastic musical experience with a diverse lineup of Texan artists. Here's some information about the various stages and performances:
Chevrolet Main Stage:
This stage offers a wide range of musical genres, from country to Tejano, rock to hip-hop.
The concert series on the Chevrolet Main Stage is entirely FREE with the price of admission.
There will be different headliners and regional musicians performing live over the course of 24 days.
This stage is centrally located and offers great entertainment value.
Bud Light Stage (Cotton Bowl Plaza):
Conveniently located near all your favorite fair food options.
Features a variety of Texas acts.
Shows are scheduled at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
State Fair Beer and Wine Garden:
Offers an expansive wine selection.
A great place to relax and enjoy the music of talented Texas artists.
Most shows are scheduled at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Whether you're a fan of country, Tejano, rock, hip-hop, or any other genre, it seems like there's something for everyone to enjoy at the Texas State Fair's music festival. Don't forget that these performances are included in your admission ticket, making it an excellent value for music enthusiasts. Be sure to check the fair's schedule for specific artists and showtimes so you can plan your own personal Texas music festival experience. Enjoy the music and the fair!
Rodeo:
The rodeo events at the 2023 State Fair of Texas sound like an exciting and diverse experience for visitors. Here's some information about the rodeos and their dates:
United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) Big Tex Rodeo Series Championship:
Dates: Friday, September 29 – Saturday, September 30
Mexican Rodeo Fiesta:
Date: Sunday, October 1
Description: This rodeo will showcase Charro-style rodeo performances.
Texas vs. Oklahoma Rodeo Showdown:
Dates: Friday, October 6 – Saturday, October 7
State Fair of Texas Youth Rodeo Finals:
Date: Sunday, October 8
Cowboys of Color Rodeo:
Dates: Friday, October 13 – Saturday, October 14
Description: This rodeo spotlights cowboys and cowgirls from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and Latino riders. It promotes diversity in rodeo and features individuals from various communities, showcasing events like barrel racing and calf roping.
State Fair of Texas Ranch Rodeo:
Date: Sunday, October 15
Description: This rodeo features ranch-working cowboys and cowgirls, giving spectators an inside look at what it takes to work on a ranch. Events include wild cow milking, maverick branding, and bucking horses.
United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA) World Finals:
Dates: Thursday, October 19 – Sunday, October 22
Description: This event features professional cowboys and cowgirls competing in various rodeo disciplines. The UPRA Year-End Finale Rodeo culminates in a championship ceremony on the last Sunday of the Fair.
All of these rodeo events are FREE with your admission ticket to the State Fair of Texas. It's a great opportunity to experience the thrill and tradition of rodeo in the historic Fair Park Coliseum. Whether you're a rodeo enthusiast or just looking for some exciting entertainment, these rodeos offer something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to witness the action and skill of rodeo riders from diverse backgrounds.
Summary
The 2023 Texas State Fair, celebrating 137 years of Texan pride, promises 24 days of fun, entertainment, and tradition from September 29 to October 22. With iconic attractions like the 55-foot cowboy, Big Tex, and a range of exciting shows, rides, and mouth watering fried foods (What wine goes well with fried foods?), the Fair offers something for everyone.
New attractions this year include the Soap Bubble Circus, Dinos at the Lagoon, and Sarah Twister's contortionist and archery skills. The Fair also boasts returning favorites like the Starlight Parade, Pig Races, and the All-Star Stunt Dog Show.
For music enthusiasts, the Fair offers a diverse lineup of Texan musical artists across multiple stages. Don't forget to catch the rodeo action, with various rodeo events taking place throughout the Fair, all free with admission.
With this guide, you can plan your visit to the State Fair of Texas and make the most of this unforgettable Texan tradition. Enjoy the rides, savor the fried delights, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Texan atmosphere until we meet again next year!
