Plus, the dos and don'ts you need to visit the State Fair of Texas.
 
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🎡 Big Tex, big fun

State Fair of Texas dos and don’ts

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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.

Do...

  • Wear comfortable clothing and stay hydrated.
  • Check out our guide to the State Fair of Texas for the latest on performances, parking, hours, etc.
  • 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
  • Bidi Bidi Banda | Sunday, Sept. 29 | Bud Light Stage
  • Shakey Graves | Friday, Oct. 4 | Chevrolet Main Stage
  • Briscoe | Saturday, Oct. 12 | Chevrolet Main Stage
You can peruse the rest of the music lineup here.

The image shows the Cotton Bowl stadium at dusk with illuminated signage and a partially lit fairground in front. A line of swan-shaped paddle boats is docked along a small lake, with people gathered on the shoreline. The scene is framed by trees, and a few rides and attractions are visible in the background.

More than 2.3 million people attended the State Fair of Texas in 2023.

|

Photo by Kevin Brown via State Fair of Texas

Don’t...

  • Bring selfie sticks, tripods, monopods, and similar items. These items are not allowed on fairgrounds without a media pass.
  • Make large signs or props, they aren’t allowed on fairgrounds.
  • Overpack. Keep it light— you will be doing a lot of walking.
  • Bring your pet. Pets are not allowed on fairgrounds unless they are ADA-certified service animals.
Whew — and don’t forget to say hi to Big Tex for us.
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Events
Friday, Sept. 27
  • 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.
Monday, Sept. 30
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Development
  • 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
Job
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.*
     
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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?


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    Today’s edition by:
    Figi

    From the editor
    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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