Located two miles east of downtown Dallas in Fair Park, the festival features an array of cooking, arts and crafts, livestock shows and auctions. Collegiate football games, headline concerts and the automobile show complete the three-week fair experience. There are two landmarks that underscore the grand scale of the fair: Big Tex and the Texas Star Ferris wheel.
Big Tex is a larger than life cowboy figure converted from the world’s tallest Santa Claus. Big Tex first appeared on the fair grounds in 1952 and continues to welcome visitors in his Texas attire and booming voice. The Texas Star Ferris wheel is the tallest Ferris wheel in North America at 212 feet. Most shows and attractions are free with general admission. Food, rides and drinks operate on a coupon system.