By Tricia White | Managing Editor
Big Tex is ready to emcee another fun year of corny dogs, rides, and all those things you can only get at the State Fair of Texas®. As always, DART is the best way to get there. No traffic snarls or parking expenses – just follow these simple steps and get your State Fair on.
Use GoPass
Avoid the lines at the ticket vending machine with DART’s free GoPass® app. You can even buy your fair admission through the app and save $2. There are a bunch of other cool features, too. Download GoPass from the App Store or Google Play.
A new option for this year is the GoPass® Tap card. You purchase and add value on the card at hundreds of retail locations, such as participating 7-Eleven and Tom Thumb stores. Then simply “tap and go” at card readers located on rail platforms and on buses. Find out more at gopass.org.
Pay the right fare
A Local Day Pass is $6, and an AM/PM Pass is $3. You can purchase your DART passes in advance on the GoPass app, but DON’T ACTIVATE them until the day you go to the Fair. For detailed fare information, visit DART.org/fares.
Park and ride
You can park at any of DART’s Park & Ride lots. To find the location closest to you, visit DART.org/parking or call DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111.
Get on the Green Line
Two stations serve Fair Park: Fair Park and MLK, Jr. stations – both on the Green Line.
If the station you park at isn’t on the Green Line, no worries. DART’s other three light rail lines have numerous points in and near downtown Dallas where you can transfer. And if you’re riding the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) or DCTA A-train, transfers are a snap – both connect directly to the Green Line.
Lots of new attractions like the World of Birds Show Presents: Soar! and the Kinsey African-American Art & History Collection, as well as great opportunities to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), such as ¡Fiestas de Marionetas! and Casa de Chocolate, “A Sweet Indulgent Affair,” await when you ride DART to the Fair! Learn more at DART.org/statefair.
Fried food, festivities, and family fun await when you ride DART to the Fair! Those are givens. And this year, you’ll find some special new treats that add to the experience.
New Attractions!
World of Birds returns from a six-year hiatus with a new show, Soar! Located at the Band Shell, the spectacular production includes bird releases, flyovers, and more.
Texas Cinema is all about filmmakers and performers who hail from the Lone Star State, as well as the cinematic depictions of Texas that helped make it a legend. Head to the Hall of State to check it out.
The Mighty Mike Show is an old-time carnival experience, showcasing feats of strength such as bending horseshoes and juggling bowling balls. You’re guaranteed to be amazed and entertained at the Coliseum Terrace.
Splashdance! is a State Fair of Texas exclusive taking place daily on the Esplanade. Festive music, high-energy dancers and acrobats, and the awesome fountains combine to make a dazzling spectacle.
The Kinsey African-American Art & History Collection celebrates the achievements of black Americans through more than 150 paintings, sculptures, photos, letters, and more. The exhibition at the African-American Museum runs through March 1, 2020.
It’s not the Fair without exhilarating rides. Now thrill-seekers have seven more reasons to hit the Midway: Dancing Clown, Tilt-a-Whirl and Satori Yachts are great new kiddie rides sure to give smaller attendees a kick.
Crazy Surf and Beach Party are new attractions guaranteed to satisfy thrill-seekers, while still being fun for the whole family.
Moon Raker gives fairgoers the adventure of space flight without ever leaving Earth. Once it reaches its full height, the top of the ride tilts and rotates, and the entire ride spins. Hang on to your hat!
Skyliner is a thrilling family swing ride that will take your breath away as you take to the skies in an awesome aerial experience.
Photo credit: Kevin Brown/State Fair of Texas®
For more information, visit DART.org/DARTable.