2 STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Attractions Hot
by Craig Hewitt
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TEXAS AUTO SHOW
For car enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, the Texas Auto Show is an attraction you won’t want to miss. Showcasing everything from beautifully restored classic muscle cars to the latest sports cars, visitors can marvel at models from major manufacturers, interact with expert staff, and even participate in thrilling test drives. It’s the perfect blend of automotive innovation and Texan pride.
THE MIDWAY
Looking for thrills? In the beating heart of the Fair lies the midway, a family-friendly haven filled with adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, challenging games, and irresistible carnival entertainment. With over 70 rides, including the 212-foot-tall Texas Star Ferris Wheel, you can immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the fairgrounds.
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CREATIVE ARTS PAVILION
This area displays handmade crafts, photography, woodworking, and more — highlighting the incredible talent of Texas artisans. Be sure to browse and, if you see something you really like, take home the perfect souvenir.
ALL-STAR STUNT DOG SHOW
Bring the whole family to the fair’s thrilling Dog Show. Watch as talented canines show off their skills and training as they perform impressive feats of agility and grace. A delightful experience filled with laughter and joy, these adorable pups steal the show and possibly your hearts.
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CHILDREN’S AREA
With fun activities tailored specifically for kids, the Children’s Area is a magical kingdom of exploration. From interactive games to a variety of rides designed just for little ones, parents can relax knowing there is a plethora of choices to keep the children entertained.
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BIG TEX
No visit to the State Fair is complete without stopping by the iconic Big Tex! Standing proudly at 55 feet tall, this towering cowboy has welcomed visitors since 1952. Don’t miss his signature, “Howdy, folks!” as he greets fairgoers, and be sure to catch the beloved tradition of Big Tex’s daily speeches that echo through the fairgrounds.
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LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
State Fair of Texas
Fair Park in Dallas (925 S. Haskell) Sept. 26 - Oct. 19, 2025
For details, visit BigTex.com.
LIVESTOCK EXHIBITS
Get a genuine feel for Texan culture at the livestock exhibits, where you’ll find everything from championship cattle to adorable goats. This attraction highlights the state’s agricultural roots and allows visitors to engage directly with these remarkable animals, providing educational and heartwarming fun for the whole family.
Pump up the volume by attending one of the many live music acts staged at the fair. From Texas country stars to lively mariachi performances, the fair is a vibrant venue, brimming with the state’s rich and diverse musical heritage. Check the schedule online and grab your concert tickets for unforgettable performances throughout your visit.
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THE GIANT SLIDE
Wrap up your fair experience with a ride down the Giant Slide. Its steep decline and exhilarating speed thrills visitors of all ages with plenty of laughter and excitement. Climb to the top, take in the fairgrounds from above, and finish it off with an exhilarating descent that caps off your day.
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FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
Move over corn dogs and cotton candy! If you want to indulge in world-renowned fair food, visit the annual Big Tex Choice Awards exhibit, where you can sample the best of the best. From savory options like deep fried deli tacos and wagyu bacon cheeseburger deviled egg sliders to sweet treats like Dubai chocolate cheesecake or Tex’s toast a la mode, your taste buds will take a rollercoaster ride of their own.
by Murray Media
This year, Halloween falls on a Friday. Translation — it’s about to be the most coveted party night of the season. The sooner you stake your claim, the better your odds of luring guests to your lair for a night of
Frightful fun.
Haunted Masquerade Ball
Imagine sweeping capes, feathered masks, and the kind of candlelight that makes everyone look mysteriously glamorous. Transform your space with black velvet tablecloths, gothic roses, and eerie classical music that swells at just the right moments.
Signature sip: A “Midnight Manhattan,” garnished with black cherries, or champagne with a splash of blackberry liqueur for a blood-red glow.
Zombie Prom
It’s prom night, but the corsages are wilted, and the dance floor is crawling with the undead. Think streamers and balloons splattered with “blood,” a disco ball over a haunted gym floor, and a cheesy photo booth with “Prom 1989” dripping in fake gore. Bonus points if you crown a Zombie Prom King and Queen.
Signature sip: A blood-red punch spiked with “eyeballs” (lychees stuffed with blueberries) served in glow-in-the-dark cups.
Haunted Hollywood
Roll out a blood-red carpet, sprinkle in golden “stars” with your guests’ names, and project classic horror flicks (Nosferatu, Psycho, Bride of Frankenstein) silently on a wall for instant atmosphere. Costumes range from ghostly starlets to gory directors fresh off set.
Signature sip: A “Psycho Spritz,” a twist on the Aperol spritz, topped with a gummy eyeball garnish.
Gothic Glam
For those who believe Halloween should be less “campy pumpkins” and more “dark couture.” Dress the space in black lace, silver skulls, and towering candelabras. Mirrors with crackled effects and chandeliers dripping in fake cobwebs set the mood. Guests in Victorian goth or vampire runway looks will feel right at home.
Signature sip: A “Vampire’s Kiss” martini — vodka, cranberry juice, and Chambord, with a sugared red rim.
Black & White Bash
For a sleek twist on Halloween, go full monochrome. Decorate with black-andwhite balloons, striped tablecloths, skeletons, and dramatic lighting. Guests show up in head-to-toe black or white for a chic Burton-esque vibe. It’s elegant, eerie, and just a little bit Tim Burton.
Signature sip: Charcoal margaritas paired with classic White Russians for a yin-yang drink menu.
Witches & Warlocks Night
Double, double, toil and trouble. Dust off the broomsticks and set the scene with glowing green uplights, bubbling cauldrons, and potion bottles labeled with mysterious names. Dry ice in the drinks adds theatrical fog. Encourage guests to arrive in cloaks, pointy hats, or robes.
Signature sip: “Witch’s Brew” punch, — vodka, pineapple juice, blue curaçao, and lemon-lime soda served straight from a bubbling cauldron.
’90s Horror Throwback
Okay, millennials, it’s time to relive your Goosebumps years. Cover your walls with Scream posters, break out the lava lamps, and queue up a soundtrack of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed. Encourage costumes that nod to cult ’90s horror characters or classic VHS villains — think Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, or Pinhead
Signature sip: “Slasher Shots.” Layered cranberry juice and melon liqueur for a gory-meets-neon effect.
Boos & Booze
PHANTOM PHOTO BOOTH
Hang a black sheet or sparkly curtain backdrop. Add props such as witch hats, fangs, plastic axes, feather boas. Bonus: make a custom hashtag for guests to share their spooky snaps.
CREEPY COSTUME CONTEST
Categories keep it lively — Scariest, Funniest, Most Glam, Best Couple/ Group, and Most Creative. Prizes don’t need to be big. Think gift cards, a silly crown, or themed trophies (tiny skeletons glued to spray-painted bases).
TERRIFYING TUNES
Mix bangers with classics“Thriller,” “Somebody’s Watching Me,” “Ghostbusters,” and a sprinkling of creepy ambient tracks between songs. Pro tip: layer in random sound effects (wolves howling, creaking doors, thunder) for a haunted-house vibe.
This one’s all about the drinks, so think of it as a haunted cocktail party. Create a DIY “potion bar” where guests can mix their own creations with syringes of grenadine, gummy worms, and edible glitter. Add neon lighting, glowing cups, and a bartop lined with cauldrons of mixers.
Signature sip: A “Bloody Margarita” with a spicy kick and a crimson salt rim.
SPOOKY SNACKS
Serve candy like you’re the coolest house on the block — big bowls, variety, and full-sized bars if you want instant legend status. Easy Halloween treats (like “mummy” hot dogs or spiderweb dip) add whimsy without too much prep.
DEVIOUS DECOR
A fog machine at the entrance. Glow sticks in pumpkins or drinks. Motion-activated scare props in the bathroom...yes, really.
AUTUMN
ESSENTIALS
Prep Tips to Protect, Pamper, and Perfect Your Space
Fall in Texas doesn’t always mean crisp, cool days and colorful leaves. Some years, it can feel like summer into November. Even if sweater weather comes late, autumn is the perfect time to prep your home for the months ahead.
CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Even if you don’t have a yard full of oaks, Texas trees shed plenty in the fall. Clear out leaves and debris, and make sure downspouts direct water away from your house.
PROTECT AGAINST PESTS
by Madison Reed
As the temperatures dip, critters go looking for warm places to hide. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and your foundation. Trim back trees and shrubs that touch your roofline, and consider a fall pest control treatment.
PREP YOUR YARD AND GARDEN
Fall is the ideal time to fertilize your lawn in Texas, giving grass roots the nutrients they need to stay strong through winter. Rake up leaves so they don’t smother your turf, and mulch garden beds to insulate plants. Drain and store hoses.
CLEAN THE FIREPLACE
If you plan on lighting some cozy fires this fall and winter, definitely make sure to clean the fireplace. Call a chimney sweep, or to DIY, lay down newspaper to protect the area, remove loose ashes and dust, use a wire brush to clean the brick, and finish by wiping away the remaining soot with warm water and baking soda.
CHECK SAFETY ESSENTIALS
With more time spent indoors, now’s the season to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. You should replace the batteries once a year — Fall Forward in Daylight Savings Time is a good time to remember – even for hardwired systems because they use a battery for backup.
SET THE ATMOSPHERE
There’s nothing more comforting than a candle glimmering next to you while spending a night in. Scents like cedarwood, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie are perfect choices to infuse your space with a warm and inviting fall vibe.
A LITTLE PREP GOES A LONG WAY
Taking care of these fall to-dos ensures your home is comfortable, safe, and ready for anything — whether it’s a warm Thanksgiving, an early freeze, or a house full of holiday guests.
