Editor’s note: We’re repeating some advice from last year’s State Fair of Texas, updated with new events.
Nothing spells out romance like the aroma of fried food and the effervescent shrieks of children on park rides. Throw in some livestock, an auto show, free concerts, and a mega-sized version of Big Tex greeting his visitors with a booming “Howdy!” for a well-rounded fair-going experience.
There’s no shortage of fun options for a date night at the State Fair of Texas, that’s for sure. But we kept it simple for your guide to a great couple’s night out. You can always throw in a few of your fair favorites (did someone say Truck Zone?), or stick to these for a less-is-more approach with our top five fair date recommendations.
4 p.m.
Drop By The Best Kind of Garden(s)
Start off the evening by kicking back with a bubbly drink at the State Fair Wine Garden or the Magnolia Beer Garden. (Yes, the fair has both.) Bask in the ambience of live jazz and blues on weekends at the former, or sample new craft and local brews at the latter.
4:45 p.m.
Make “Fried” Your Newest Food Group
It isn’t a successful trip to the fair without at least a meal and a half’s worth of fried foods. Two of the new offerings: Chocolate Tease Wine Cooler and the Lollipop Fried Bacon Wrapped Smoked Quail Breast on a Stick. If you’re looking for something just as crunchy with a bit more brevity in the naming department, look here for all the new fried offerings.
5:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Show Your Date Your Best Moves
Whether you’re there to two-step or bring back breakdancing, there’s music going on throughout the run of the fair. The Chevrolet Main-Stage hosts Cody Johnson at 8:30 p.m. Oct. 8 or Nelly at 8:30 p.m.Oct. 15. A full list of performers, dates, and times can be found here.
6:30 p.m.
Cozy Up On A Carnival Ride
This is your chance to make your move. Ferris wheels are basically giant wheels of love. Didn’t you know? The Dallas views. The whiff of fresh air. (By this point, your noses will almost be sick of funnel cakes and corndogs). The close quarters.
7:30 p.m.
Get Your Game On
Before taking off for the night, make sure you get in a little humble bragging about your hidden talent as “Fair Game Dominator.” Toss a few basketballs. Throw a couple darts. And win your date that giant stuffed animal that no one really knows what to do with when they get home but is really excited to get at the fair.
DMagazine.com intern Linda Smith contributed to this story.