Nothing says fall in North Texas quite like a corny dog in one hand and a view of Big Tex in the other. Every year from late September through mid-October, the State Fair of Texas turns Dallas's historic Fair Park into the biggest family outing in the state, with rides, fried-food creations, livestock shows, concerts and more.
The best part for UnionMain homeowners? Several of our DFW communities are an easy drive from the fairgrounds, so a full day of fair fun can end with a short ride home. Here's how to make the most of the season, and where you can put down roots nearby.
What Families Love at the State Fair of Texas
There's something for every age at Fair Park. A few can't-miss favorites:
- Say howdy to Big Tex. The fair's 55-foot cowboy greets visitors near the entrance and makes the perfect first family photo.
- Ride the Texas Star. One of the tallest Ferris wheels in North America, it gives kids (and grown-ups) a bird's-eye view of the Dallas skyline.
- Taste your way through the midway. Start with a classic Fletcher's Corny Dog, then try a few of the wild new fried creations from the annual Big Tex Choice Awards.
- Meet the animals. Livestock barns, petting areas and agricultural exhibits let little ones get up close with farm life.
- Explore the exhibits. The auto show, creative arts displays and free daily shows and concerts round out a full day without extra ticket costs.
- Catch a big game. The Cotton Bowl hosts the Red River Showdown each October, one of college football's most famous rivalries.
Tips for a Stress-Free Family Fair Day
- Buy tickets online ahead of time and check BigTex.com for discount days and weekday deals.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Crowds are lighter and lines for rides and food move faster.
- Skip the parking hunt by taking DART's Green Line straight to the Fair Park station.
- Pack smart: comfortable shoes, sunscreen, refillable water bottles and a stroller or wagon for little legs.
- Pick a meeting spot (Big Tex works great) in case anyone gets separated.
- Budget for food and ride coupons so the kids know the game plan before you arrive.
UnionMain Communities Near Fair Park
Love the energy of Dallas but want more space, quieter streets and a brand-new home? These UnionMain Homes communities put you close to big-city fun while giving your family room to grow.
| Community | City | Approx. Drive to Fair Park |
|---|---|---|
| Edgewater | Fate, TX | About 35 minutes via I-30 |
| Creekside | Royse City, TX | About 40 minutes via I-30 |
| Myrtle Creek | Waxahachie, TX | About 35 minutes via I-35E |
Edgewater in Fate offers a welcoming small-town feel in fast-growing Rockwall County, with quick access to I-30 for an easy trip into Dallas.
Creekside in Royse City combines open Texas skies with a strong sense of community, just a straight shot down I-30 to the fairgrounds.
Myrtle Creek in Waxahachie pairs historic charm and a beloved downtown with an easy I-35E commute north to Dallas.
Looking for a different part of the metroplex? Explore all the DFW-area cities where UnionMain builds to find the right fit for your family.
More Fall Family Fun Around DFW
The fair is just the start. Keep the season going with a few more local favorites:
- Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum: a pumpkin village filled with thousands of pumpkins, gourds and squash, a fall photo op favorite.
- Local pumpkin patches and corn mazes: farms across the metro open their fields for hayrides, mazes and pick-your-own pumpkins.
- Hometown fall festivals: many North Texas cities host fall fests, trunk-or-treats and holiday kickoffs in their downtown squares, a great way to meet your new neighbors.
Make This Fall the Start of Something New
Whether it's your family's first State Fair or your fifteenth, fall is the perfect time to explore everything North Texas has to offer, including a place to call home. Stop by one of our model homes on your way to or from Fair Park, or schedule a visit online to tour available homes and floor plans.
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