With 23 days until opening, the State Fair of Texas has announced changes to the Opening Day celebration, which is Friday, September 27. The State Fair of Texas is continuing the annual tradition of the Opening Day Parade; however, the parade will take place in Fair Park beginning this year to accommodate other events and activities planned as part of the start to the 24-day State Fair. Previously, the Opening Day Parade has taken place in Downtown Dallas.
The Opening Day celebration has grown substantially in the past few years and moving the parade inside the fairgrounds allows more people to join in the festivities and puts the focus on Fair Park.
“We think this is a change that a lot of fairgoers will enjoy, as they can focus their attention on events in Fair Park that day,” said Mitchell Glieber, president of the State Fair of Texas. “Since we will have two parades on Opening Day, there will be the opportunity for daytime and nighttime visitors to take part in the celebration.”
The State Fair will be taking certain popular elements that have participated in the downtown parade and will incorporate them into the noon parade on the fairgrounds. The State Fair will offer a unique experience from the nightly parade. The Fair believes this will be the next chapter of the State Fair’s Opening Day Parade tradition that will continue to grow in popularity over time.
Opening Day is also Military Appreciation Day at the State Fair of Texas. The traditional State Fair of Texas Opening Ceremony will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 27 in front of the Hall of State in Fair Park.
Special discounts for Opening Day – Friday, September 27, include:
- HALF-PRICE Admission – Bring a full 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water, or any 20 oz. Coca-Cola product, for donation to the North Texas Food Bank and pay HALF-PRICE general admission of only $9.
- Military Appreciation Day – all active military, retired military, and veterans receive FREE admission when they present valid documentation of military service at the gate. Spouses of service men and women with a valid Military Spouse ID and accompanying children under the age of 18 also receive FREE admission.
General admission ticket prices at the gate for the 2019 State Fair remain the same as last year. Priced at $18, general admission to the Fair includes more than 100 daily shows, concerts, activities, and exhibits, all at no extra cost. The Fair offers $14 admission for children ages 3 to 12 and seniors ages 60 and older, with free admission for children ages two and younger. For a list of all available discounts, visit BigTex.com/discounts. The 2019 exposition, themed “Celebrating Texas Creativity” runs September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
About the State Fair of Texas
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2019 exposition runs September 27 through October 20 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.