State Fair of Texas

COME CELEBRATE ALL THINGS TEXAN Since its establishment in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has promoted Texas agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. As a nonprofit organization, the Fair advocates for the community and is committed to preserving Fair Park – building on its legacy as a National Historic Landmark. At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest. Through its rich and lengthy history, it remains evident that the State Fair serves not only as an annual celebration but as a unique destination that brings people from all walks of life together to create lifelong memories. CELEBRATE TRADITION Texas heritage is strong, and the State Fair embodies all aspects of Lone Star culture. Although much has changed since its humble beginnings, the State Fair of Texas still embraces its roots and preserves the traditions upon which it was built. After serving as the State Fair’s home for a whole century, Fair Park was officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 because of its historical significance. With 132 years of shared history, the State Fair has maintained a deep-rooted connection to Fair Park and continues to call it home. Year after year millions of Fair Park visitors come from far and wide to experience the State Fair of Texas and visit its beloved icon, Big Tex. CELEBRATE AGRICULTURE Agriculture serves not only as a pillar of this organization but as a fundamental feature of the Lone Star State and its history. The State Fair of Texas offers a variety of interactive exhibits focusing on agriculture and livestock – implementing hands-on activities that are both fun and informative. Activities range from feeding furry friends at the petting zoo, to learning about different livestock species during daily guided tours through the livestock barns. Each year approximately 5,200 students from around the state work diligently in preparation for the competitive livestock events and leadership contests at the State Fair. The largest of these events, the annual Youth Livestock Auction, celebrates the agricultural heritage of our great state while providing scholarships and prizes to students all over Texas. Through the State Fair of Texas Youth Livestock Auction and Scholarship Program, the Fair has awarded more than $24 million in auction awards and scholarships to date. CELEBRATE EDUCATION Home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco structures, Fair Park houses some of Dallas’ top museums and cultural centers. By offering fairgoers a wide variety of entertaining, educational exhibits throughout the grounds, the State Fair of Texas also supports the individual missions of its fellow Fair Park establishments – focusing on educating visitors about Texas history and agriculture. Thanks to the continued support of loyal fairgoers, the State Fair is able to provide a diverse assortment of educational programming for all ages. Fairgoers also have access to a number of science and nature discovery programs, Texas history exhibits, agricultural activities, Hispanic culture exhibits, and the African American Museum exhibits – one of the largest collections of African American folk art in the country. CELEBRATE COMMUNITY As a longstanding Dallas institution, the State Fair of Texas has a unique appreciation for the local support that makes such a big event possible every year. By offering affordable entertainment that is both fun and family-friendly, the Fair brings a one-of-a-kind experience to the community. As part of its mission to contribute on a local and state-wide level, The Fair gives back through its partnerships with charities like the North Texas Food Bank, provides 2.1 million free admission tickets for North Texas students and teachers, sponsors local community programs, gives college scholarships, hosts more than 1,100 creative competitions, provides 6,000 seasonal jobs, and adds hundreds of millions of dollars to the North Texas economy.