Keep these dos and don’ts in mind for a good time at the fair. | Photo by Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas
The State Fair of Texas will open its gates today through Sunday, Oct. 20, and navigating the fair can be overwhelming for anyone, especially those who are going for the first time.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before the big day.
Plan to arrive early, as parking and traffic can be difficult. Parking is $30 per space, or you can take either the DART or a rideshare.
Bring cash. While many vendors accept cards, some might only take cash.
Check out the food winners of the Big Tex Choice Awards.
City Editor Figi here — here’s one of my personal dos for you. I’m really excited to see some fellow Austinites bringing the Live Music Capital of the World to Dallas, so if you’re planning to make the trip, I’d recommend seeing these local musicians:
Croy and the Boys | Friday, Sept. 27 | Bud Light Stage
F Work Friday with WhenWhereWhatAustin | Friday, Sept. 27 | Times vary | Cabana Club | Cost of purchase | Take a personal day, then soak up the sun while listening to DJ Buck Rogers at east Austin’s new poolside lounge.
“Macbeth” | Now-Sunday, Sept. 29 | Times vary | Mary Moody Northen Theatre | $15+ | Experience St. Edward University’s rendition of Shakespeare’s classic tale about how ambition leads to tragedy.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Mississippi State vs. University of Texas | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 3:15 p.m. | Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium | $46+ | Wear your burnt orange to cheer on the Longhorns while they take on the Bulldogs.
Sunday, Sept. 29
Blanton Live: Conversations for Now with Jerry Saltz | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 2-3 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art | $30+ | The Pulitzer Prize winner and art critic will discuss the role of criticism in art live with Blanton Deputy Director Carter Foster.
Shayna Barksdale: “Pink Chaos” | Sunday, Sept. 29 | 4 p.m. | BookPeople | Free with RSVP | Learn about the relationship mothers and daughters have with each other at this reading + signing event.
Austin City Council approved $1.9 billion-worth of contract work for the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion. The approval includes the Concourse B and tunnel project — which will add 20 gates — and is expected to wrap in 2030. (KXAN)
Civic
Austinites will soon be required to microchip all pets older than four months. Austin City Council approved the ordinance in an effort to reduce overcrowding in shelters like the Austin Animal Center. (Austin American-Statesman)
Outdoors
Enjoy the park while you can — Zilker Park will close to the public on Monday, Sept. 30 as preparation for ACL Festival begins. After load-out and clean up, the park will reopen by Saturday, Oct. 19. (KXAN)
Biz
Austin billionaire John Paul DeJoria — who founded Patron Tequila and Paul Mitchell hair care — acquired Waterloo Gin Co. The brand is scheduled to enter 10 new states next year as part of the deal. (Austin Business Journal)
Opening
A second location of The Wheel, called Wheel Too, will open in the former Crow Bar space on South Congress Ave. The building had to be rebuilt after a fire in 2022, and Crow Bar’s lease was later terminated. (Eater Austin)
Award
Michael and Susan Dell will receive “History Making Texan” awards from the Texas State History Museum Foundation at the Texas Independence Day Dinner in March 2025. The Dells will be recognized in part for their work with the Rebuild Texas Fund and Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. (KVUE)
Ranked
But first, coffee. According to WalletHub’s list of Best Coffee Cities in America, Austin came in hot at No. 9. The study factored in key metrics like coffee houses and cafes per capita + the average price per pack of coffee. Explore our guide to great local coffee shops.
Job
Hiring? Our new community job board could help you find that perfect candidate. Bonus: For a limited time, you can post your listing for free. Give it a try.
Sports
Second baseman Marcus Semien could be on the path to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Experts say thousands of folks with credit card debt are flocking to this leading card, which now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2026. Pay down debts + avoid fees? Sounds like a fall must-do.*
Community
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Which of the following museums is home to a complete Gutenberg Bible (one of 20) as well as a writing desk used by Edgar Allen Poe?
Y’all put on your smarty pants with this one — 66% of readers correctly answered The Harry Ransom Center. Meanwhile, 14% guessed that it was the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
Howdy, Austinites. Morgan and I are reporting to you live from the State Fair of Texas in Dallas and I couldn’t be more excited as this is my first time. Follow us on Instagram if you haven’t already — that’s where we’re planning to share most of our experiences.
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