Friday, September 26
Opening Day Parade: This annual kickoff tradition starts downtown and ends in Deep Ellum, at the corner of Main and Good Latimer. Expect plenty of high kicks and Elvis impersonators. Note: There are about 35 different DART bus detours happening in the area as a result of the parade, and you can see the full list here. Noon, corner of Main and Houston Street.
The Swon Brothers. Among the 80 plus live music performances schedule to perform in a free concert series at the Chevy Main Stage are The Swon Brothers. You may recognize them as finalists on NBC’s The Voice. They will be headlining the first night of 24 days of free live music performances. 8:30 pm, Chevy Main Stage.
Glue-a-Show Contest. I’ve had a hard time explaining the fair to outsiders. This is not helping at all, but let’s see what we can do. In order to win this contest you must construct an art piece from a shoe. It sounds a little silly, but it makes perfect sense. Look to this 1938 number from Salvatore Ferragamo for inspiration. 11:30 am, Home Depot Competition Kitchen.
Saturday, September 27
Fantasia. She’s an American Idol and Grammy winner. In fact, she’s been nominated for eight Grammys altogether. Bring the family and experience what made her an American sweetheart. 2 pm, Chevy Main Stage.
Canstruction Exhibit. First shoes and now cans. This ambitious public art installation composed entirely from cans will be viewable daily at the Scicence Place. 10 am to 7 pm, daily. The Science Place.
Sunday, September 28
John Tesar, Celebrity Kitchen. Make sure and cover the kiddos’ ears if someone asks the Knife founding chef a question about dining critics during the Q&A. 2:30 pm, Creative Arts Competition Kitchen.
Lucy Hale. American Juniors winner and Pretty Little Liars star will belting out her particular brand of pop music. Expect to hear her single, “You Sound Good to Me.” 3:30 pm, Chevy Main Stage.
Play with your Food Contest. Bring your kids for this one and let them live out that childhood dream. 10:30 am, Creative Arts Competition Kitchen.
Monday, September 29
Pee Wee Stampede. This simply sounds like a stampede of cuteness. Go support these little buckaroos show off their roping and riding skills in a fun mock rodeo. Noon, 1:30 pm, 4 pm. Ranch Arena.
Live Milking Demo. As a part of Farm Day at the Fair, you can attend a milking demonstration and learn about nutritious and useful foods that come from milk and cattle. It’s probably for the best that the State Fair is perhaps not the event of choice for vegans. Hourly, from 1:30 pm through 5:30 pm. Southwest Dairy Farmers.
Futbol Soccer, A Look at the World’s Sport. On the heels of a summer in which a World Cup captivated the world, this year’s State Fair will include an exhibit on the history of the sport, its significance around the world, and how it has captivated children and adults alike. Entrance to the Women’s Museum and the Mundo Latino exhibit is free of charge 10 am-7 pm Women’s Museum.
Ostrich Races. I once had a nightmare where I was being chased by ostriches, so I may stay away from this one, but you should check it out. They run really, really fast. 6 pm, 6:45 pm, 7:45 pm. Pan Am Arena.
Tuesday, September 30
The Killdares. You don’t expect many Celtic rock bands to come from Dallas, but then again, you might be surprised at our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and wealth of Irish pubs. The local band will play multiple sets throughout the day, music fest style. Hourly, 2:30—6:30 pm, Dr. Pepper Stage.
Little Hands on the Farm. 10 am-7pm. Nimitz & M.L. King JR. Blvd.
Chris Vogli. The III Forks Chef will put on a demonstration featuring one of his personal favorites. 2:30 pm, Creative Arts Competition Kitchen.
Wednesday, October 1
Pig Races. My pig never wins, but I still go every year. Hourly, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm. Pan Am Arena.
Jolie Holliday. This Dallas country singer had her career-defining performance at Chris Kyle’s memorial at AT&T Stadium early last year. She may have a bigger following in Europe but will likely receive a warm welcome due to the aforementioned detail. Hourly, 3—8 pm. Dr. Pepper Stage.
Southern Comfort Food Contest. Having a comfort food-themed competition seems a little excessive, but this is the State Fair of Texas. Eat up. 10:30 am, Creative Arts Competition Kitchen.
Thursday, October 2
WRR Twilight Concert Series. Featuring the Dallas Winds Tuba Quartet. 6:30 pm, Under the shadow of the Texas Star Ferris Wheel.
Ice Cream Freeze-Off. The ice will be provided to the 18 contestants chosen over the summer for this cold but sugary competition. Ribbons are offered in categories including vanilla, chocolate, nuts, fruit, and marshmallows. Today I ate at a restaurant that ran out of the dessert I ordered, so this is actually killing me to type. 9:30 am, Creative Arts Competition Kitchen.
Kids’ Pedal Tracto Pull. Children between the ages of 4 and 12 compete against one another in what one hopes are toy tractors. 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, 5 pm. Ag-Power Plaza.
DAILY ATTRACTIONS
Starlight Parade. This nightly parade of floats begins at the Children’s Aquarium, which has me thinking about what a great float an albino alligator would make. Nightly, at 7:15 pm.
Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show. I thought this was a dog show set to the music of “Jump” by Van Halen, but was somewhat disappointed to learn that it is not. Still, there will be dogs. And frisbees. 11 am, Noon, 1 pm, 2 pm. Pan Am Pavilion.
Auto Show. The refuge of bored, grumpy dads from all over North Texas. 10 am-9 pm, Daily. Centennial & Automobile buildings.
Hog Heaven Stage. This is being listed mostly as an excuse to type the following location: Swine building. Daily, 10 am-9 pm. Swine Building.
DMagazine.com intern Eric Martinez contributed to these selections.
