Dallas Observer | The Leading Independent News Source in Dallas, Texas

30 State Fair Fried-Food Semifinalists: 6-Word Reviews for Each

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Jul 2, 2025

The menu planning has already begun for the State Fair of Texas. Here is a short description of each one of 'em.

Kaitlin Butts, Paul Wall, Joshua Ray Walker, Hoobastank and More Announced for State Fair of Texas

By Eric Diep

Jun 18, 2025

With 100 days left until the 2025 State Fair of Texas, this year's music lineup is stacked with more than 100 artists.

State Fair of Texas Announces Dating App, Fairmates, Plays with Our Hearts

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Apr 1, 2025

Dream of serving corn dogs and funnel cake at your wedding? We got news ... but check the date.

State Fair of Texas Sells Absurd Amount of Bacon, Corn Dogs. Here Are the Stats.

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Oct 21, 2024

The fair has completed its 24-day run, and the final corn dog tally is in.

Dallas Reddit Fumes Over 'Crazy' State Fair Pricing

By Patrick Williams

Oct 18, 2024

Redditors ask if the cost of going to the fair is worth it, but can you really put a price on seeing giant pig 'nads?

Dave Portnoy Learns What a Corn Dog Is; Also Reviews Thunderbird Pies and Fortunate Son

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Oct 16, 2024

Sports personality Dave Portnoy, who typically focuses on pizza, took a one-bite tour of the State Fair of Texas, starting with a Fletcher's Corny Dog.

State Fair Ends This Sunday: Here's Are Some Tips for Making the Most of It

By Lauren Drewes Daniels and Leslie Chatman

Oct 15, 2024

The 24-day run of the State Fair of Texas will end this Sunday, Oct. 20. Have you gotten your fill yet? Here's a guide.

The Midway sign at the State Fair of Texas.

10 State Fair Rides That Will Blow Your Mind

By Vanessa Quilantan

Oct 10, 2024

If you're the thrill-seeking type, here are the rides you won't want to miss at this year's State Fair of Texas.

Author Allyson Jannotta holds her first published book, children's story Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes.

Longtime State Fair Vendor Publishes a Funnel Cake-Inspired Children’s Book

By Desiree Gutierrez

Oct 7, 2024

Cosmo’s Flying Funnel Cakes is Funnel Cake Factory’s Allyson Jannotta’s mom fantasy.

Bacon-on-a-Stick Vendor at Fair Shops Local, Buys Champion Reserve Pig

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Oct 4, 2024

In the livestock world, they're not called "pigs," but "barrows." But at the fair they're called a snack.

Behind the Scenes of the Cirque du Soleil Show at the State Fair of Texas

By Mike Brooks

Oct 4, 2024

In a bit of pairing genius that may rival peanut butter and chocolate, Cirque du Soleil will set up shop in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Sorry Big Tex, Big Pig Is the Real Hero of the State Fair

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Oct 2, 2024

Every city needs a hero, a mascot. There's a gentle giant in Fair Park, snoozing the day away. Once seen, he's never forgotten.

Opening Day With the Fletchers: the State Fair's Iconic Corny Dog Family in Action

By Doyle Rader

Oct 1, 2024

What does it take to staff seven stands and make thousands of corny dogs in one day? We hang with the Fletchers to find out.

$big tex state fair of texas$

Newsy Phrases We Think Big Tex Should Utter in 2024

By Kelly Dearmore

Sep 30, 2024

The time to be silent is over. We need Big Tex speaking out on important issues.

UPDATE: Texas Supreme Court Also Denies Ken Paxton's Request To Block State Fair Gun Ban

By Kelly Dearmore

Sep 27, 2024

Attorney General Ken Paxton changed his mind about when city contractors can ban guns. Judge rules he was right the first time.

How To Do the State Fair on a Budget

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Sep 26, 2024

Want to hit the fair, but don't want it to hit back? Here's how to do it well.

Fueled by Cheetos and Coke, State Fair of Texas Vendors Share Their Daily Hustle

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Sep 25, 2024

The Nevins family celebrates 75 years at the fair this year. Three pairs of sneakers, Coke, Cheetos and showroom massage chairs keep them going.

A view of Big Tex's posterior, named "Mitch" after Mitch Glieber.

In a Tap-and-Pay Day and Age, Why Is the State Fair Still Using Coupons?

By Christian McPhate

Sep 24, 2024

In the age of tap and even thumbprint pay, the State Fair of Texas is holding on to a nearly archaic coupon system. The fair says it has its reasons.

Cotton Candy Bacon Beer? Mustard Beer for Your Corn Dog? Only at the State Fair of Texas.

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

Sep 23, 2024

Local craft breweries are getting in the State Fair of Texas game, pairing beer with food, like corny dogs and cotton candy bacon.

$Big Tex is erected and installed at the State Fair of Texas.$

Watch: Big Tex Goes Up at the State Fair

By Eva Raggio and Jordan Maddox

Sep 20, 2024

Texas' biggest icon is up and ready to watch you stuff your face at the state fair.

State Fair of Texas

The Big Tex Winners Are In

The 15 Fried Food Finalists at The State Fair

State Fair of Texas

The Big Tex Winners Are In

The 15 Fried Food Finalists at The State Fair

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