Kick off the 2018 State Fair of Texas with us on Opening Day, Friday September 28th! The gates swing open at 10 a.m. Don’t miss all the fun Opening Day activities including the Opening Ceremony.
The Opening Day Ceremony is a State Fair tradition that celebrates the first day of the annual event on the Hall of State Steps. Held at 7 p.m., the ceremony includes special appearances, the presentation of awards, a performance by the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, Killgore Rangerettes, and more. Join us as we officially begin the celebration of all things Texan.
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 131 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.
Stop by our office for a FREE PARKING PASS from Bedrock Foundation while supplies last!
The site was established as an 80-acre fairground on the outskirts of East Dallas for the Dallas State Fair in 1886.
An important figure in Fair Park’s development was landscape architect and city planner George Kessler. In 1906, he was responsible for the first formal plan for the park influenced by the City Beautiful Movement. The City Beautiful Movement advocated well planned public spaces, tree-lined boulevards, monuments, public art, and fountains which would ‘beautify’ the city.
A milestone in Fair Park’s history was 1936, when the Texas Centennial Exposition was held there. In preparation for the six-month event, the appearance of the park was dramatically altered by architect George Dahl and consulting architect Paul Cret. The park was transformed from an early 20th-century fairground into an Art Deco showcase. While many of the exposition’s buildings were meant to be temporary, several have survived and have been restored to some extent. Over the years the park was expanded to its current 277 acres.
How to get discounted tickets to the State Fair of Texas
When: September 28 – October 21
Where: Fair Park – 3921 MLK Jr Blvd
Website : Buy Tickets
Price : $12.50+
