Fair Park is certainly showing its age in a lot of ways, but it remains a gem in Dallas. The area surrounding the park has been cleaned up a bit so it feels safe. I like that parking is ample, there is easy access in and out of the park, and the walking paths are wide and well maintained. The State Fair is obviously the best known activity at Fair Park, and second the OU-Texas football game at the Cotton Bowl, but beyond that there is actually a lot of other attractions. Our recent trip was to the aquarium but along the way we encountered the farmers' market which I did not even know about. There were maybe 20 vendors selling all sorts of canned, bottled, and packaged edible items, as well as non-food arts and crafts. It was not as extensive as some markets we have been to, but it was pleasant enough. Our destination was the aquarium where they were featuring dissection of squids for kids. It certainly is not the biggest we have visited, but it is still fun for kids. Favorites were feeding the sting rays ($5 for food) and having minnows eat the dead skin off your fingers. Other than that, it was fun just to stroll around and look at the people, plants, birds, and turtles. It is all very family friendly and a great way to spend some time on a nice weekend day. read more

This was my first time at the Dallas fair but it won't be my last. I can't wait to come again the future. I had a great time read more

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As a kid I knew Fair Park as the area that the State Fair of Texas came to every year in the Fall. As I have gotten older, I have come to realize Fair Park entertains Dallasites year around. Fair Park is a bit of a cultural hub... Inside of Fair Park is the African American Museum, The Children's Aquarium, The Hall of State, Texas Discovery Gardens, The Music Hall, The Cotton Bowl, The Coliseum; the Band Shell, and more. I have come to Fair Park over the years to see many of the greats, like The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top, Simon & Garfunkel, and a few others. It is probably safe to say, that like me, Fair Park, is a part of almost every person in Dallas' life! read more

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The Texas State Fair is held here yearly. I visited with my sister and was it fun. So many different foods to choose from fried Oreo, fried pickles, tacos, fries , footling corn dogs, funnel cakes with different toppings, fried cheesecake and more. There were different rides and many games. We saw a parade and they honored the Indigenous People with their culture. I will definitely come back. Also, if you go after 5:00, the tickets are $12.00. read more

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OU/Tx and the Fair. Yes please. Been coming here almost 50 years. Great people watching. Variety of Exhibit Halls. Lots of varied food choices, some reasonably priced and some priced way too high. And, of course, great UT victory this year ... read more

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great park with a little pond and a bunch of features. there is a floating bridge and fun interactive sculpture through the water. also gar. great sunset view read more

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Being a native Texan, of course, Fair Park gets 5 stars. Fair Park's grounds is something you just have to experience. There's so much you can do here, car shows, plays, museum, the Texas State Fair to name a few. Now, the parking here isn't too bad, but if you know your way around, you can always find parking less than a mile away at a church or near an apartment complex sidewalk area where you don't have to pay at all or pay very little. I could actully write a dissertation about the many activities offered at Fair Park and what to expect, but it's better experiecing it for yourself. read more

Fair Park is the home of the Texas state fair but it offers much more than that. Home of the cotton bowl and many cultural museums as well. The park is kept up fantastic and is very nice. There is also a DART stop that is convenient to get to. A landmark spot to go to while in Dallas. read more

Sooo much fun. Visiting the Texas state fair has become a tradition now for my partner and I. Fair Park is HUGE and has ample parking. It is also the location for the Mayor's back to school drive. Plenty of bathrooms, very open area. However, this is where tons of homeless people linger. Even during events they are front and center. I wanted to mention this so that no one is caught off guard. They are extremely friendly and helpful too. Some were so helpful I thought they were also working the events lol. read more

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Fair Park originated in 1886 when the Dallas State Fair Assoc was chartered by the State of Texas. 80 acres of cotton field was selected east of Dallas for the fair grounds. And so the beginning of a great place,great stories and great people was born. Little did those original founders realize almost 150 years later the site would be expanded and still enjoyed. In 1936 the Texas Centennial was celebrated here. Dozens of new Art Deco buildings were constructed to house the exposition. Today most of these buildings still stand,have been restored or refurbished and act as exhibit and activity locations throughout the year and during the Great State Fair of Texas every fall. In 1955 the Fair Park Coliseum was built to house the Dallas Black Hawks ice hockey team and Dallas Chaparrals basketball team. I attended several rock concerts in this 8500 seat venue in the 1970s. So,after a lifetime of memories out here,today I find myself attending a Monster Truck event. My first ever at something like this and I'll have to admit,exciting. Loud,crowded and fun! I encourage everyone new to Dallas to search Fair Park for activities to attend. Between the two music venues, football stadium, aquarium and other buildings... always something going on to interest everyone. read more

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Fair Park is a great place with a long history and wonderful memories. Long ago I watched the Dallas Cowboys play and then the Texas Oklahoma game at the Cotton Bowl. Always love the art deco style! Great place for any event. read more

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I have such mixed feelings about Fair Park! Most people only think of Fair Park as the park that hosts the Texas State Fair each year. But the rest of the year? It's still there, folks. And it's architecturally one of the most interesting sites in the city! But just not taken care of or made a focus! Fair Park was opened in 1886 with the Dallas State Fair. Several buildings were built in the park between 1900 and 1930. But when Dallas hosted a world's fair commemorating the anniversary of the Texas Republic in 1936, architects and artists came to Dallas to add amazing Art Deco architecture and design elements to the park. Some of the buildings and murals have been restored, but mostly the site is as it was when created for the world's fair. In fact, it's the only intact and unaltered pre-1950s world fair site in the country.) I really wanted to take an architecture tour of Fair Park, but I couldn't find one offered for when I was visiting Dallas a few weeks ago. So my brother and I decided to make our own. We hopped on the DART, because there's a Fair Park station that drops you just in front of the park, and then we just wandered around the park, taking in the architecture and taking lots of photos! There is really incredible architecture, art, and history at Fair Park, but I just wish that the city or a nonprofit would invest in the park as more than the site of the fair. Most of the buildings are empty 11 months of the year, and the park feels like a creepy graveyard (no people around)! I wish that there an architecture museum in one of the buildings offering tours or an art museum or that the Women's Museum was still open! Maybe an Art Deco-themed restaurant!? There is so much wasted opportunity at this site. But all that being said, it is still worth a walk around if you're interesting in art, architecture, or Dallas history! Maybe one day it will be more! read more

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The park that surrounds the football stadium is something of a concrete jungle, with a variety of esoteric museums and event spaces and only moderate greenery or natural features. Its hours are also rather limited and structured around events. Sight unseen, I expected the park to be a bit more of an attraction unto itself, but while there were some interesting things there, it was not a particularly relaxing space. read more

Fair Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

We came for a visit to the Childrens's Aquarium and parking was free. We still had to go through the gate where they were taking money but once we told them our destination they pointed us to the correct lot. It was right across from the Texas Discovery Gardens. The Aquarium costed $40 for two adults and one child, so we weren't sure what to expect since that is half less than what the Dallas aquarium charges. We were actually really impressed! There was a pond of "doctor fish" who eat your dead skin and tickle while in the process! My little loved those the most. There was an alligator turtle which was HUGE, we didn't expect it to be so massive. Oh! There were moonjellies and seahorses, lionfish, eels, pufferfish, and stingrays! So many colorful and interesting sea life animals. When you enter the building and veer to the left, there is a coloring station for children to create their own sea animal. And when they finish they can scan it and have it virtually swim with other childrens' sea animals, it was so cool. The perfect touch to engage littles. We walked to the back of the building which lead outdoors to a stingray exhibit where there were also sharks swimming around! It was amazing to see these animals in person. We also got to pet the stingrays, they were like puppies just begging for a good petting. The most adorable thing I've experienced! There is a hand washing station to rinse before touching them. I noticed there is a birthday room if you want to host a party. And also a gift shop! We enjoyed our family outing together. read more

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We came for the food only and got to also enjoy the parade! The food was excellent. I had fried chicken and fries, Biscoff cheesecake, watermelon Agua Fresca, a pickle, chocolate covered strawberries, and lemonade! Everything was good not one thing was off! Loved the parade and all the lights. Super cool that I got to see big Tex, but hearing him talk and seeing him move definitely gave me nightmares. It was crowded and busy was hard to get inside and to find when we left. The food was worth it. read more

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Once again I am back at the State Fair of Texas stuck in traffic trying to get in to park. Luckily it was early and paid extra to valet park. This is definitely well worth it where it is near the entrance and has its own exit. Otherwise you are guided down to the end of the Fair Park to a large surface lot and have to take a shuttle back to the gate. This fair pretty much has everything from music, rides, stock show, food, shopping, and games. You can easily spend a day here and suggest arriving early. If there are any shows you like to see then plan your day otherwise can just explore by walking around the Cotton Bowl Stadium. You will need tickets to purchase food and drinks but usually not a problem buying them here. The carnival and rides use different tickets. I have noticed prices for food has increased since the last time I was here. The atmosphere is similar to a rodeo and if rainy then it may get a little muddy in some places. There is a huge car show inside two buildings which is a great way to escape the heat. The museums on the grounds are also open to the public. There are lots of rides and unique fried carnival food. Vendors selling practically everything from sheets to farm equipment are scattered everywhere. Stock show competitions and winners are on display. GO TEXAN exhibition showing of products grown and made in Texas. This area always has free samples where I saw ice cream, salsa, chips, and other snacks. There is also a store in here. And last a huge outdoor stage with big acts during the evening. There is also a light show at night at the fountains. If here during the Texas vs Oklahoma game then will experience the day with the highest attendance and gets should to shoulder in many places. But if never been here this it is a must to experience read more

Went to The Rolling Stones concert I have never seen worse traffic planning. Took forever to get in, very disorganized. Like they want cars to stay away. Paid 40 to park and so did thousands of others, you would think the could hire people to actually direct traffic read more

It's cool enjoy fair it was a lot of walking need better security an staff know what they talking about

I love this place and always have. It is kind of divey and with some effort (and dollars), it could be a must go to place. My most recent trip was for a concert at the Starplex. The parking lots are large, pretty easy to get into and not too bad to get out of. If you get there early enough, there is room to tailgate and have a pre-event party. There are some large trees with shade, but not too many. The other areas of the park make for great events be it the state Fair, Irish Festival, numerous 5ks and runs, and the smaller museums and exhibits. The music hall is absolutely a great place as well (and get there early to feast in the buffet). I've been to a few very swanky events at the Hall of State building which has some amazing murals. The Old Mill Inn is another gem. The fountain at the Esplanade can be captivating and refreshing if you are down wind from it on a hot day. The park and most events within it are FANTASTIC for kids. I was one of those once (and still am when I'm out there). Fair Park is an heirloom to long time Dallasites that grow up and attend events within it. If you haven't been, go to a few events there and you'll see what I mean. read more

I have visited Fair Park under different situations. One of the first times I went there was a festival. It was partially indoor and it was nice. There were lot's of vendors and some entertainment. I have since returned to go to some of their museums. Unfortunately, one was closed due to no electricity. So, I will have to review their museums in a separate post. If you want to walk around try a cooler day. Dallas is really hot. The last time we went we needed umbrellas. Be sure to find out what's going on there. One time I was there and they had a set up for one of those extreme competition reality shows. They had a huge obstacle course set up outdoors. I'm sure it would have been fun to watch if I had known the schedule and bought tickets. read more

Went to the Coldplay concert last Friday. It was the biggest mess I've ever seen. We spent 1.5 hours waiting in traffic to even get in. I just had ACL reconstruction surgery and we had to walk 3 miles round trip. The trams were slow. We were told we could park in gate 2, 13 or 15 and 2 and 13 was closed. After leaving, we waited another 2 hours to get back to our car. The shuttle tram had gotten in an accident. There were little to none pedi cabs and Ubers couldn't enter the area either. I felt trapped. We ended up getting home at 1:45am read more

Fair Park is the original location of the State of Texas Centennial in 1936. Most of the buildings are from that era. A walk along the Esplanade is a lesson in the history of Texas and the six flags that have flown over the state, as well as an art deco architectural treasure. It's also the location of the annual State Fair of Texas, the largest state fair in the country. There are many other festivals and events there throughout the year. The neighborhood looks sketchy, but I've never had any problems there. read more

Fair Park - The fountains on the Esplanade at Fair Park, Dallas - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Once a year where you should feel guilty about spending $18 or worse $36 for two people to enter the fair and $15 to park And then pay $7 for a jalapeno cheese corndog $6 for a regular corndog $14 for a turkey leg $6 for lemonade $12 for roasted corns But you do it anyway No judgement at the fair lol See you next year so we can do it again! read more

Fair Park - Hey big Tex! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The park could be much better managed and utilized but every time I walk around or drive around it just reminds me how much lack of green space exist in the city. From the cotton bowl to the museums to general space the park is very under utilized. I hope in the city Of Dallas master plan there are ideas too repurpose this large swath of land in the heart of the city too better serve the community and neighborhood it sits in read more

My husband and I visited the Fair Park today for the first time. Yes, for the first time! We have lived here for almost ten years and really never had a good reason to head over there. Until today. We went to the Earth Day fair and had a great time. We were both a little frustrated at the beginning because finding the place is difficult because the GPS was taking us to dead ends and blocked roads. We could see the park but just couldn't reach it! Finally found the parking. $10 for parking, which I thought was a little steep, but entry to the park was free, so that helped. As soon as we entered the park, we were offered boxed water, which is much better for the environment. TONS of vendors and educational exhibits. We had planted basil in our backyard and some little varmint has been helping himself to the yummy leaves. Lo and behold, Master Gardeners had a booth! After explaining my predicament, they suggested I use either moth balls or cinnamon scented pine cones. And guess what, I just happened to have some of these pine cones in our home! There were lots of speakers to explain how important caring for our Earth really is. And lots of goodies getting passed out, from plants, veggie seeds, reusable totes, and the like. I highly recommend attending tomorrow, since it is the last day. Great for all ages! read more

Fair Park - Beautiful cheetah! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Best known for the Texas State Fair, many fun events are actually held here. The grounds and pond always appear as though there is no city team that actually cares for this space. With a little upkeep, the Fair park grounds could be really beautiful, but of course you and everyone else is just here for some fun times, so you won't notice the unkempt grounds that much. It's a small "park" (when excluding the museums and other buildings), but hosts some huge events. The hubby and I literally got stuck in gigantic crowd during the State Fair one year. We eventually made it out alive, but a little wonky from almost being smashed to bits by a gigantic crowd. Event parking is always at least $10. When you have to park in a lot far away from an event, there is usually a little train/trolley to take you from the lot to the event gates. If you live in DTown, you'll eventually end up enjoying some local revelry here. read more

Happening right now at the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo. We got here early, to get seated, get our food, and be ready for the parade at 6:30. We'll, no parade happened. Not just that. the announcer got on the mic and said the show will start at 7:30 instead of 7:00, so the people who decided to come late can get here. SHM. Who can't tell time these days. It's on watch. Your phone. Tablet, car etc. SHM read more

Great place to spend a busy afternoon! They always have numerous events that I love to check out: - Texas State Fair - Taste of Dallas - Numerous Football games Definitely plan ahead because the parking is ridiculous. If you can take the metro, always preferable. They also have an incredibly beautiful park around the corner and it's an all around fun place to explore! read more

I visited this place during a visit to Dallas. Unfortunately, it was empty when I went as there were no events going on. It was still obvious to see that this is a great events space. In fact, this place was originally built in 1936 for a world's fair. Within the park are several very old and historical buildings that have been restored to their former glory. The Museum of Nature and Science and the African American Museum are located within as well. The massive 70 year old Cotton Bowl is here too, for college football games. And there is an amusement park inside too. read more

Fair Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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I love the fair!!! My husband and I go every year! You have to start early. Be there around 9:45am. They open at 10:00. Plus you have to find parking so come early!!! The crowds start at 12:00 and then the lines are really bad! We go to the fair just for the food!!! It's once a year and you have groups of people inventing food and drinks for one time a year! These people have such creative and flavorful items!!! We tried so many different things over the years that you cannot have anywhere else in the USA! Like brisket cupcake (yes it was amazing), bacon margarita, cookie fries, fried Frito pie, fried Texas sheet cake, tamale donut, funnel cake queso burger. You can not be afraid of the items at the fair!!!!! You only live once!!!! Now the shopping! Great shopping options. There is like 3 buildings you can shop at. There's everything to clothing to spices. I buy all my spices and honeys here for thanksgiving dinner. Plus there's a lot of cute gifts you can buy for everyone! The fair can be expensive but you can go on the fairs website and get some great deals! Plus if you get all your tickets before you go that would save you the trip to wait in line!! read more

Fair Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Only real down fall is parking. you can park for free in the gates ONLY if there are no major events taking place. otherwise it cost money or you have to find a place to park outside the park. pay whomever is there and hope your vehicle will be safe. then walk over through busy streets and traffic. the water gardens are gorgeous! the turtles are adorable! the museums are fantastic! the statues and sculptures are picture perfect. the cotton bowl is huge. lots to see and do. go visit at least once. read more

Fair Park is quite the place. It has gardens, museums, a stadium, a giant ferris wheel/midway...it's the most impressive fair grounds I've ever seen, by a long shot. I've attended several events here (not the least of which was the State Fair of Texas) and the only issues I've encountered are the crazy crowds, traffic and parking. If you can take the DART to any event you're attending here, definitely do it. You'll save yourself time and much heartache. On my most recent visit to Fair Park, my boyfriend and I went to the Leonhardt Lagoon to ride the swan paddle boats. According to their website, they're open 11:30 to 5:30 every Saturday and Sunday between March and late July, and they cost $10 for 10 minutes on the lagoon. It seemed pricey, but fun, and we were excited to give it a try. There was a note on their website that mentioned they were closed for maintenance for one weekend about a month ago, but other than that no indication of closure. There was no phone number to call to confirm. Unfortunately, after battling traffic and soccer crowds to get there, we arrived to find the paddle boats locked up with a sign that said "Closed for Maintenance". This was very disappointing, and I wish there had been a way for us to find this out before driving out there. Fair Park is beautiful and impressive, and they put on some really spectacular events. But it needs better management and communication with the public. read more

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I love Fair Park for so many reasons. First and foremost, it is beautiful. The Art Deco architecture is possibly my favorite style, and the examples abound at Fair Park. Most of what you see now was built in 1936 for the Texas Centennial Exposition. Thankfully much of these historic buildings have been restored over the years. There is a lot of different reasons to go. I saw a number of World Cup games there when I was young. Been to the Cotton Bowl 5 or 6 times. And obviously we all love Texas-OU weekend, and the State Fair in general. Overall it is a giant facility, like almost 300 acres, and I am far from having seen all of it. But every time I go, for whatever reason, I really enjoy myself. Here's to hoping they can figure out a way to keep the shootout here in the future. Without it the State Fair nor the game will ever be the same. Also, now that the train drops you right at the entrance, you can avoid parking in some shady dudes front yard. That's a big plus. read more

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Jurassic Quest hosted an event here and our family had a wonderful time. :) We will visit again next year for sure! The dinosaurs move and make sounds and it was even entertaining for the adults :) read more

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This visit was for the Paws in the Park event on Dec 1st. Been to Fair Park many times before, so I knew the layout. Nice to see the fountains/buildings are in better shape than a few years ago. Easy to walk around, but the parking could have been organized a little better. I'll be back next time there is an event I want to see/visit. read more

Like others have said, well, what do you say BAD about Fair Park? It is what it is, a little old (OK, a LOT old), but it's decently maintained, and face it, you're not coming here for Fair Park, you're coming because something else is there. This has been a banner year for me, because I've been there three times (State Fair, Chinese Lantern Festival and North Texas Irish Festival). The walkways are very wide and smooth, suitable for walking, strollers, wheelchairs etc. There are good handicap accommodations as well, with ramps in most places. It's not the most well lit place at night (although, for things like the State Fair, the attractions have many lights), but it's OK. One rub for me is that they charged $10 for parking on the lightly attended opening night of the Irish Festival; seriously? Getting here by DART rail is easy and cheap as an alternative. Bottom line: there's a lot of history in this place, come here and enjoy it! read more

Parking $10 but cheaper if you park and take the train, half price at Kroger ahead of time, general adm. $15. Coupons cash or c. Card. Foot long corny dog 12 coupons. beer 12, bottled water 7, example of prices. Lots of shows, rides & games..you could do one day or see the whole thing over several days. They had the Landry display out with all of his memoribilia and the car show, dog show. Skipped the long lines for the latest deep fried whatever. read more

Fair Park - The weather is Great! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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I've been to the State Fair a number of times, Taste of Dallas twice, the Aquarium, Music Hall, and several other events at Fair Park. The only negative experience I ever had there was Taste of Dallas last year was WAY TOO HOT outside, but there were all of the buildings to escape into and they were filled with food, vendors, attractions, and air conditioning. I highly recommend taking part in any event or attraction that piques your interest. I would like to get to the Discovery Gardens. read more

Sights and sounds of EarthX. I was working so I took my break to look around. This was a great family friendly event. It started on Friday and ended Sunday. Free admission if you downloaded the app or $5.00. There were exhibits inside and outside of the park. So much to do and free plants, shoelaces made from recycled plastic, giveaways, beer and food. Vegans and Vegetarians were hopefully happy to have food options with no worries. Good Stuff. They also had live music rotating throughout the park. Saturday was a wash but Sunday... the day couldn't been better. I saw some high schoolers competing in a mock hacking competition. They were totally invested in the game. The biggest draw seemed to be the Tiny Houses. The lines stayed consistent and lots of folks were interested in taking that close peek in. That was a great Earth Day experience. read more

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Went to the fair Oct 6,19 and enjoyed myself all day with the family. It was our first time at the Texas State Fair. There is plenty of family fun to be had and plenty of attractions and food. It's a huge area and plenty to see and do no matter the difference in taste among family members. The grip I have is the need to use coupons and cards for food, rides & games. It is very inconvenient to have to get coupons every other booth you visit because you end up spending an average of 18-25 coupons per item. You also have to get a preloaded card to play games, which is just another added step and not to mention a waste of paper/plastic. It's just very annoying to carry sheets of coupons all day & keep track of how many you have and guesstimate how many your going to need. I was in the military and have been to the fairs in Des Moines Iowa (the best I've been to), San Diego CA, Minnesota MN, & Raleigh NC. None of them use coupons for food and rides. Needless to say I would probably be back again but I wouldn't go out of my way to get to Dallas to attend the fair. read more

Fair Park - Big Tex! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Dallas, Texas